There was little fear indeed that Linna
would not do her part as well as the older ones. Young as she was
in years, she had been trained to hardship from the time she could
walk. Not only that, but, like all her race, she had learned to
bear suffering in silence and without sign of pain.
She would have to become very tired before her companions would
know it.
By and by the ground was found to be rising, and in the course of
an hour they gained an elevation which, having few trees, gave them
an extended view of the surrounding country.
Looking back in the direction of Wyoming, the sky was seen to be
soiled by the heavy smoke not only from the burned Fort Wintermoot,
but from other buildings that had been fired by the Tories and Indians.
The sight was a sorrowful one, and caused the mother and son some
uneasiness. They seemed nearer to the scene of the conflict than
they had supposed, and--since the people had been continually
swimming the river, and taking flight in the woods for the same
point that was the destination of the Ripleys--it was quite
certain that some of the pursuers were not far off.
"We must make as little noise as we can," said Ben, when the party
were about to start forward again: "for there can be no telling
how close we are to Indians that are looking for us.
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