Esperanza; Or, the Home of the Wanderers Paperback - 1987

From the publisher

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1855. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXIV. The Effects of the Indian Visit. Projects for Repairs. The Young Indian Chief. The First Convert. Alarm. Jack's Grand Discovery. The Indian Encampment. The Fugitive Family, and their Retreat in the Cave. The morning revealed a scene of distressing desolation. About twenty yards of the thick impervious fence was completely destroyed; the hut was nearly burnt to the ground, with everything it contained, which they had not had time to remove. It was only by slow degrees that they discovered the full amount of their loss; but the disappearance of many useful articles was soon manifest. In the small yard behind the hut the stack of fuel, built up for the winter, was burnt; and, still more distressing, the two pet ostriches, which were always confined in this inclosure at night, were found lying dead: they had been suffocated by the smoke. Mary wept over the fate of her favourites, more even than for the loss of her guitar; for the flames had devoured the greatest part of Mrs. Douglas's pretty gifts, andwork-boxes, drawing-boxes, and writingdesks were nearly all gone. The tables, seats, and beds, the work of their own hands, and too heavy to be easily removed, were lost; and by some mischance the pretty wardrobe of the baby was all burnt; but, except a considerable quantity of charqui, all the provision was happily saved. "These Indians will certainly come again," said Jack, "encouraged by the destruction of the fortress. We must consider now, how we can defend it." "We must go to the woods immediately for the cactus," said Lewis. "Not only must we bring branches to fill up the breach in a temporary manner, but we must also procure a number of young trees to plant in the place of those which are destroyed. I scarcely expect the defeated men will ret...