" Another stroke for triumph. It goes well,
The foe gives back — he yields. Another hour
Beholds us on his neck."
HARRISON thus blessed with happiness, appropriated but little time, however, to its enjoyment. His mind was of that active sort, that even the sweets of love were to be enjoyed by him as a stimulant, rather than a clog to exertion. Conveying the little family to a recess in the woods, and out of sight of the craft of the pirate, he immediately proceeded — having first led the foresters aside — to explain his further desires to them in reference to their common duties.
" Joy, my brave fellows, and thanks to you, for this last night's good service. You have done well, and risked yourselves nobly. Grayson, give me your hand — you are a good soldier. Where's your brother? "
" Here! " was the single word of response spoken from the background by the lips of Hugh Grayson. The tone of the monosyllable was melancholy, but not sullen. Harrison advanced to him, and extended his hand.
" Master Grayson, to you we owe most of our safety to-day. But for you, the sun would have found few of us with a scalp on. Your activity in bringing up the men has saved us; for, though otherwise safe enough, the firing of the Block House must have been fatal to all within. For myself, I may freely acknowledge, my life, at this moment, is due to your timely appearance. Your command, too, was excellently managed for so young a soldier. Accept my thanks, sir, in behalf of the country not less than of myself. I shall speak to you again on this subject, and in regard to other services in which your aid will be required, after a while."
The youth looked upon Harrison with a degree of surprise, which prevented him from making any adequate answer. Whence came that air of conscious superiority in the speaker — that tone of command — of a power unquestionable, and held as if born with it in his possession? The manner of Harrison had all the ease and loftiness of a prince; and, scarcely less than the crowd around him,
-382-