Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860 edition. Excerpt: ...wind; But she has heard their coming feet, And rises with a step more fleet, For 'twas not Death's, but Terror's dart, That had transfixed her bursting heart; And, once recovered from the shock, She glides again from rock to rock, And, with one effort made to reach, Sinks breathless, senseless, on the beach. From out the boat the steersman sprung, A man of noble mien and young, And one impatient, rapid stride, Brought him to the maiden's side. Her face, her form, her sacred dress, Her flight, and her unconsciousness, With the pursuing gang behind, A moment's doubt threw o'er his mind. 'Twas plain some mystery was here--Could he, a stranger, interfere? But he recalled her signal made, As, kneeling, she invoked his aid, The volley fired, with deadly aim, As down the rugged steeps she came; And now before him, in full cry, He saw her enemies draw nigh: He scanned her youthful, pallid face, And not a shade of guilt could trace, But plainly, though no blush of youth, The spiritual hues of truth--Presented, with vraisemblance rare, Sweet innocence, a portrait, there. And, last, what needs must win the brave, A woman claimed his arm to save, And, while seemed fate and life to pause, To his decision left her cause. As might a parent some fond child, He gently raised her from the ground, Regardless of the din around, And the gesticulations wild, The menaces that loud resound, As her pursuers downward bound: And swift he bears her to the boat, "Give way! give way!"--they are afloat: Again there is a volley's crash, The bullets in the water splash, But only by their range to show They're 'yond the malice of their foe: And o'er the sea's calm breast they glide, Just like a ripple of its tide. Restored by the inspiring air, Her senses came...
