第 66 节
作者:打倒一切      更新:2022-08-26 22:14      字数:2324
  ain the valley; the river; and the village in which their people had made their home; and they ;wished yet more to look upon the faces of these people。
  They left the army; went southward with Heemskerk and some others of the riflemen; but at the Susquehanna parted with the gallant Dutchman and his comrades。
  〃It is good to me to have known you; my brave friends;〃 said Heemskerk; 〃and I say good…by with sorrow to you; Mynheer Henry; to you; Mynheer Paul; to you; Mynheer Sol; to you; Mynheer Tom; and to you; Mynheer Jim。〃
  He wrung their hands one by one; and then revolved swiftly away to hide his emotion。
  The five; rifles on their shoulders; started through the forest。  When they looked back they saw Cornelius Heemskerk waving his hand to them。  They waved in return; and then disappeared in the forest。  It was a long journey to Pittsburgh; but they found it a pleasant one。  It was yet deep autumn on the Pennsylvania hills; and the forest was glowing with scarlet and gold。  The air was the very wine of life; and when they needed game it was there to be shot。  As the cold weather hung off; they did not hurry; and they enjoyed the peace of the forest。  They realized now that after their vast labors; hardships; and dangers; they needed a great rest; and they took it。  It was singular; and perhaps not so singular; how their minds turned from battle; pursuit; and escape; to gentle things。  A little brook or fountain pleased them。  They admired the magnificent colors of the foliage; and lingered over the views from the low mountains。  Doe and fawn fled from them; but without cause。  At night they built splendid fires; and sat before them; while everyone in his turn told tales according to his nature or experience。
  They bought at Pittsburgh a strong boat partly covered; and at the point where the Allegheny and the Monongahela unite they set sail down the Ohio。  It was winter now; but in their stout caravel they did not care。  They had ample supplies of all kinds; including ammunition; and their hearts were light when they swung into the middle of the Ohio and moved with its current。
  〃Now for a great voyage;〃 said Paul; looking at the clear stream with sparkling eyes。
  〃I wonder what it will bring to us;〃 said Shif'less Sol。
  〃We shall see;〃 said Henry。
  End