A PASTEL.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 238, 22 January 1898, Page 2 (Supplement)

A PASTEL.

A long life in the woods had imparted to Simpson the stoicism of silence. He knew that escape was impossible, but he faca showed neither fear nor supplication. Expression was gone from it. He looked over the beads of his captors like one who knew nothing of their presence, aud had no care for the future. It was this serenity in the faco of disaster or death that men of bis class sought most tj acquire, and Simpson felt a pride that he had never been found wanting. Of death itself Simpson had not any great fear. It had been his constant companion in a life that had been of his own choosing, and always he had considered it among the thing's most to bo expected. He had enjoyed many years according to his nature and it was not for him to complain. He wt's glad that Berry, his comrade, had escaped. Berry was younger, much younger, and had more before him. Doubtleea it was the wisdom of Providence that the one who had the least to lose should lose it. Ho hoped Benv would remember him, for they had been good comrades. Simpson turned his eyes indifferently upon his captors like one who was watching people with whom he had no concern, merely because there was nothing else to do. The sun ehono upon the copper of their fhouldera and arms, and sifted through the gay feathers iu their hair. The crisp October air felt very pleasant t 9 Simpson. He had never seen the woods look more brilliant. The broad river beside them, with the HunleHins dancing on it, flashed in alternate streaks of silver and gold. The forest on the further shore, so thick the eye could not enter it, was painted brilliant yellows and reda and browns by the brush of late autumn. The far hills came nearer in the clear air,

Simpson's eye which had wandered away for a moment to the woods and the river, came back to his captors. They seemed to pay little attention to him. There was slight need of watching, for he was too tightly bound to move. He had wondered under his impassive face what they would do with him for the present, but their movements now permitted no doubt. In spite of his courage and his long years of"eelf=control he shuddered a little. He had scarcely expected that fo soon. He set his teeth hard and resolved that no cry should e*cape him. Yet he was sorry that he had not fallen in the encounter.

The chief sat on a log and directed the work of the others. Much dry bm-h, fallen the winter before, was tcattered about, and the warriors gathered the lightest and dryest of it, looking at eaoh piece to see whether it wouldburn, Simpson watched them with tho eye of a woodsman. It grated on him when a younger warrior brought a green stick, and the chief's judgment pleased him when he reproved the man and made him take it away. It occured to him that they might think he was afraid if they saw him watching them. He turned bis eyes away to the water. The river made him think of Berry again. His good and loyal comrade was eafo on the other aide now. It was better that one and not both should suffer. Two of the strongest warriors lifted him to his feet and carried him to a tree. They bound him to a trunk in an upright position. Simpson did not seek to resist. It was the codo of his class to die as the old Pomacs would die, with dignity and without protest, He was glad they turned his face . towards the river. Its shining wr-ters and the spangled woods beyond were the last objects that he would see. They began to heap the dry wood about his feet. At the touch of it tho shudder seized bis nerves, but he resolved again that he would neitlu r cry out nor struggle. Yet it would be hard to endure. The pyre grew until it reached his knees, then its builders stopped to taunt him, to tell him of his coming tortures and their delight in them. Such was the custom, and had expected it He understood their language, and ho list-ncd while they told him hp would shriek and pray to them for mercy, But he appeared not to listen, his gaze wandering listlessly. He saw the anticipation in their eyes, but. ho would not gratify it by word or movement p.f his, Ho looked over their heads and toward tho woods on the far t-hore of the river,

The pyre was finished and the warriors ceasecl for a time to taunt him. Tbe chief signed to one of his men, who bent down and began to strike sparks of fire from flint and steel. Simpson heard the rasping sound, but he did not take his gaze from across the rwer. Just beside the rock where the reds and yellow blazed thj leaves were shaking, There was no wind, The fire flashed from the flint and steel and the dry wood began t.j burn. Across tbe river came the report of a riflo shot, and a ruff of smoke rose where thcleives hac] been shaking, A fairt gleam of triumph passed over the face of Simpson. His head fell forward a little, a dai & staiu