[Martin Rattler by Robert Michael Ballantyne]@TWC D-Link bookMartin Rattler CHAPTER XX 1/8
MARTIN REFLECTS MUCH, AND FORMS A FIRM RESOLVE--THE INDIAN VILLAGE When the mind has been overwhelmed by some sudden and terrible calamity, it is long ere it again recovers its wonted elasticity.
An aching void seems to exist in the heart, and a dead weight appears to press upon the brain, so that ordinary objects make but little impression, and the soul seems to turn inwards and brood drearily upon itself.
The spirit of fun arid frolick, that had filled Martin Rattler's heart ever since he landed in Brazil, was now so thoroughly and rudely crushed, that he felt as if it were utterly impossible that he should ever smile again. He had no conception of the strength of his affection for the rough, hearty sailor, who had until now been the faithful and good-humoured companion of his wanderings.
As Barney had himself said on a former occasion, his life up till this period had been a pleasant and exciting dream.
But he was now awakened rudely to the terrible reality of his forlorn position; and the more he thought of it the more hopeless and terrible it appeared to be. He knew not in what part of Brazil he was; he was being hurried apparently deeper into these vast solitudes by savages who were certainly not friendly, and of whose language he knew not a word; and worst of all, he was separated perhaps for ever from the friend on whom, all unconsciously to himself, he had so long leaned for support in all their difficulties and dangers.
<<Back Index Next>> D-Link book Top TWC mobile books
|