Графични страници
PDF файл
ePub

Judging it wise and well that some at least

were converted,

Rather than any were slain, for this was but

Christian behavior!

Then out spake Miles Standish, the stalwart Captain of Plymouth,

Muttering deep in his throat, for his voice was husky with anger,

[graphic]

"What! do you mean to make war with milk and the water of roses ?

Is it to shoot red squirrels you have your howitzer planted

There on the roof of the church, or is it to Truly the only tongue that is understood by

shoot red devils?

a savage

Must be the tongue of fire that speaks from the mouth of the cannon!"

Thereupon answered and said the excellent

Elder of Plymouth,

Somewhat amazed and alarmed at this irrev

erent language :

"Not so thought St. Paul, nor yet the other

Apostles;

Not from the cannon's mouth were the tongues of fire they spake with!"

But unheeded fell this mild rebuke on the

Captain,

Who had advanced to the table, and thus continued discoursing :

"Leave this matter to me, for to me by right

it pertaineth.

War is a terrible trade; but in the cause that

is righteous,

Sweet is the smell of powder; and thus I answer the challenge!"

Then from the rattlesnake's skin, with a sudden, contemptuous gesture,

Jerking the Indian arrows, he filled it with

powder and bullets

Full to the very jaws, and handed it back to

the savage,

Saying, in thundering tones: "Here, take

it! this is your answer!"

Silently out of the room then glided the glis

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][graphic]
[blocks in formation]
« ПредишнаНапред »