rit on wings of cherubim and seraphim above "the mists of
this dim spot which men call earth" and recall its contemplations to
its heavenly origin, so these sights and sounds, playing through
the soul of the Solitary, chased away whatever would clog its upward
flight, soothing while they elevated, and bridging over the chasm that
separates the lower from the upper spheres. This habit of Holden was
well known to the Indian, for he had often seen the Solitary musing on
a rock that overhung the falls. The retirement of the place, likewise,
was favorable to the purpose of an assassin. It was seldom in those
days, except tempted by its romance, that a person visited the
spot. There were other reasons, also, that had an influence over the
superstitious mind of the Indian, in determining his choice.

A child of nature, cradled in her wild bosom and reared in her arms,
he, too, felt her awful charms. He could not listen to the voice of
the majestic torrent, or gaze upon the grey rocks without a reverent
admiration. And in proportion to this feeling was his awe of the
Manito who presided over the scene. How prodigious must be His power!
The irresistible sweep of the cataract resembled his strength; its
roar, his voice; and the hoary rocks were indicative of his age. Could
he obtain the favor of so mighty a Being--could he induce him to aid
his design, it could be easy of execution. He would make the trial. He
would approach him with offerings, and acquaint him with his wishes.
The Genius of the Fall ought not to love the white man. The pale faces
never offered him gifts, while the red men, long before the arrival of
the fatal stranger and since, had covered the shores with presents.
He would not be disregardful or turn a deaf ear to one of his children
who sought a just revenge.

Animated by these considerations and such hopes, Ohquamehud left the
hut of Esther on the afternoon of the following day, to propitiate the
Manito of the Falls. His way led through the wood, along the margin
of the Severn for a few miles and then crossed the high-road and some
open fields and another belt of woods, before he reached the Yaupaae.
Arrived at his destination, he looked with a solemn air around as if
half expecting to see the Genius of the place. But he beheld nothing,
save the wild features of nature, and the moss-grown roof of the old
mill, almost hid by the intervening trees: he heard no sound except
the uninterrupted roaring of the tor