Death in the forest seemed
preferable. They turned and fled back upon their track, expecting every
moment to hear the yells of pursuers. The morning found them seated on
the bank of a small stream, their feet torn and bleeding, and their
bodies emaciated. The elder, as a last effort, made search for roots,
and fortunately discovered a few ground-nuts, (glicine apios) which
served to refresh in some degree himself and his still weaker companion.
As they stood together by the stream, hesitating and almost despairing,
it occurred to Isaac that the rivulet might lead to a larger stream of
water, and that to the sea and the white settlements near it; and he
resolved to follow it. They again began their painful march; the day
passed, and the night once more overtook them. When the eighth morning
dawned, the younger of the boys found himself unable to rise from his bed
of leaves. Isaac endeavored to encourage him, dug roots, and procured
water for him; but the poor lad was utterly exhausted. He had no longer
heart or hope.
Pages:
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121