the scouts of the valley-第66节
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ain the valley; the river; and the village in which their people had made their home; and they ;wished yet more to look upon the faces of these people。
They left the army; went southward with Heemskerk and some others of the riflemen; but at the Susquehanna parted with the gallant Dutchman and his comrades。
〃It is good to me to have known you; my brave friends;〃 said Heemskerk; 〃and I say good…by with sorrow to you; Mynheer Henry; to you; Mynheer Paul; to you; Mynheer Sol; to you; Mynheer Tom; and to you; Mynheer Jim。〃
He wrung their hands one by one; and then revolved swiftly away to hide his emotion。
The five; rifles on their shoulders; started through the forest。 When they looked back they saw Cornelius Heemskerk waving his hand to them。 They waved in return; and then disappeared in the forest。 It was a long journey to Pittsburgh; but they found it a pleasant one。 It was yet deep autumn on the Pennsylvania hills; and the forest was glowing with scarlet and gold。 The air was the very wine of life; and when they needed game it was there to be shot。 As the cold weather hung off; they did not hurry; and they enjoyed the peace of the forest。 They realized now that after their vast labors; hardships; and dangers; they needed a great rest; and they took it。 It was singular; and perhaps not so singular; how their minds turned from battle; pursuit; and escape; to gentle things。 A little brook or fountain pleased them。 They admired the magnificent colors of the foliage; and lingered over the views from the low mountains。 Doe and fawn fled from them; but without cause。 At night they built splendid fires; and sat before them; while everyone in his turn told tales according to his nature or experience。
They bought at Pittsburgh a strong boat partly covered; and at the point where the Allegheny and the Monongahela unite they set sail down the Ohio。 It was winter now; but in their stout caravel they did not care。 They had ample supplies of all kinds; including ammunition; and their hearts were light when they swung into the middle of the Ohio and moved with its current。
〃Now for a great voyage;〃 said Paul; looking at the clear stream with sparkling eyes。
〃I wonder what it will bring to us;〃 said Shif'less Sol。
〃We shall see;〃 said Henry。
End