his house, dressed in a green
hunting-frock and cap with a green plume shading his forehead, a
double-barreled carbine in his hand, with a tomahawk and hunting-knife
sheathed in his belt, which was the favorite dress of a hunter when
rambling through the green, overgrown forests of the Valley of the
Mohawk, to prevent being noticed by wild game or Indians.

Fearing he might have some message for his daughter, whom he did not
intend he should see, he started hastily towards him, to intercept him
and turn him back before he reached his house. He met Mayall some
distance from his house, and forbid his nearer approach.

"I have a message for you and your daughter, which will freeze her young
blood and wring her heart with pain, and make your eyes start like stars
from their spheres, whilst each hair upon your head will stand erect
like the quills of the affrighted porcupine."

The farmer's courage failed, and his knees began to tremble and smite
each other like Belshazzar's; for he had heard of the undaunted courage
and manly bearing of young Mayall in times of danger.

"Look yonder," said Mayall, as he pointed his carbine up the Valley of
the Mohawk. "Do you see the smoke and flames that light up the concave
of the skies? That is the funeral pile of your friend and neighbor.
Around that fire stands the savage band that have come to plunder and
burn your houses and barns, lay waste your fields, and murder and scalp
your wife and daughter, Nelly G.; and now where can I find her?"

"She is at the house," said the farmer, "and her horse is in the
stable."

"Then come with me," said Mayall; "there is not a moment to lose; flee
for your life, and the life of your wife and daughter. I will guard and
defend your property."

Mayall ran to the stable, and in a few moments appeared before the
farmer's house with Nelly's horse, saddled and bridled, and called for
Nelly, who quickly appeared at the door in a plain homespun dress.

"Mount this horse," said Mayall, "and flee for your life to the fort, a
place of safety."

"Wait a moment," said Nelly, "until I change my dress."

"No," said Mayall, "your retreat may be intercepted; there is death in
delay. The Indians are near, your father and mother will soon follow you
to the fort. Tell the commander to fire the alarm-gun, for the valley is
swarming with Indians."

Mayall kissed Nelly's hand and said, "My prayer is that Heaven may
protect you. There is no time to lose in use