Chapter V.



"Are you so brave? I'll have you talked with anon."

Coriolanus.


The axe and the brand had been early and effectually used, immediately
around the dwelling of the Heathcotes. A double object had been gained by
removing most of the vestiges of the forest from the vicinity of the
buildings: the necessary improvements were executed with greater facility,
and, a consideration of no small importance, the cover, which the American
savage is known to seek in his attacks, was thrown to a distance that
greatly diminished the danger of a surprise.

Favored by the advantage which had been obtained by this foresight, and by
the brilliancy of a night that soon emulated the brightness of day, the
duty of Eben Dudley and of his associate on the watch was rendered easy of
accomplishment. Indeed, so secure did they become towards morning, chiefly
on account of the capture of the Indian lad, that more than once, eyes,
that should have been differently employed, yielded to the drowsiness of
the hour and to habit, or were only opened at intervals that left their
owners in some doubt as to the passage of the intermediate time. But no
sooner did the signs of day approach, than, agreeably to their
instructions, the watchers sought their beds, and for an hour or two, they
slept soundly and without fear.