Robert Michael Ballantyne

The Red Man's Revenge Robert Michael Ballantyne

Book Excerpt: ...every--""Yes, yes. I know that well. Good-bye." They shook hands again, and were soon striding over the snow to their respective homes. CHAPTER TWO. CONFLICTING ELEMENTS AND A CATASTROPHE. Hoary winter passed away, and genial spring returned to rejoice the land. In a particularly amiable frame of mind, old Ravenshaw went out one morning to smoke. Everything had gone well that morning. Breakfast had been punctual; appetite good; rheumatics in abeyance; the girls lively; and Miss Trim less of a torrent than was her wont. Mrs Ravenshaw's intellect had more than once almost risen to the ordinary human average, and Master Tony had been better--perhaps it were more correct to say less wicked-- than usual. Old Ravenshaw was what his friends styled a heavy smoker, so was his kitchen chimney; but then the chimney had the excuse of being compelled to smoke, whereas its owner's insane act was voluntary. Be not afraid, .