After several more tumbles, Hans Vanderbum reached his favorite log,
and crawled out like a huge turtle to the further extremity. The
exciting adventure which was before him occupied his thoughts so
constantly that the mischievous propensities of his children never once
entered his head, until the log suddenly snapped off at its trunk, and
left him struggling in the water. Reaching the land with considerable
difficulty after this second mishap, he concluded that Quanonshet and
Madokawandock were still living, and had lately visited that
neighborhood.
By noon, he had collected a goodly quantity of fish, and fearful that
if he delayed his return much longer, his wife would come in search of
him, he proceeded some distance down the bank, and concealed himself
beneath a large clump of bushes, continuing his piscatorial labors as
heretofore. His precaution proved timely and prudent, for he had
hardly ensconsed himself in his new position, when he caught a glimpse
of Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock through the branches, and shrunk
further out of sight. From his secure hiding-place, the valorous
husband watched her proceedings. He saw her brow "throned with
thunder," as she strode hastily forward, the blank, dismayed
expression, as she witnessed the destruction of his favorite perch, the
anxious haste with which she examined the shore to discover whether he
had emerged or not, the relief that lit up her countenance as she
learned the truth, and, at length, the first expression, so boding and
potent in its meaning, that he lay down on the ground and dare not look
at her again.
Pages:
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124