But to distant portions of the
province this thriving village came to be known rather through the
terrible reputation of the adjacent swamp than through the thrift,
comfort and progress of the people. So much then for the 'dry' but
essential facts of this narrative.
On the following morning the chief and Murfrey went away again; and
in obedience to the command of the hag our hero, accompanied by The
Lifter, who had instructions to shoot him if he attempted to escape,
proceeded to a portion of the bush not far distant to cut firewood.
Although he had 'roughed it' for many a season in the woods, Roland
was clumsy enough at the regular work of woodcutting. But taking off
his coat he began bravely, and The Lifter swung his axe with a will a
short way distant. After they had cut what would make about a horse
load, they carried the billets upon their shoulders and threw them
into a hole about thirty paces distant from that by which they
descended to the subterranean abode. The pieces struck with a dull
sound a considerable distance down; and The Lifter informed Roland
that 'down there' was the wood-shed.
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