A Messenger
A young officer, Lieutenant Morgan, is tasked with a dangerous mission to warn Captain Thornton of an impending attack by a hostile band led by Black Wolf. The narrative unfolds in a military camp where Colonel Wilson and the General discuss the urgency of the situation. Morgan, described as slight and blond, is chosen for his courage and resourcefulness, despite his youthful appearance. He sets off alone after sending his sergeant back due to the latter's horse being unfit for the journey. As Morgan rides through the wilderness, he reflects on his home and family, feeling a deep sense of homesickness. He sings a hymn that resonates with his situation, believing in divine protection as he navigates the treacherous terrain. Upon reaching Massacre Mountain, he stops to rest but is soon awakened by a sense of danger. A mysterious stranger appears, claiming to be a friend and warning him of the approaching Indians. This stranger inspires confidence in Morgan, who shares his feelings of longing for home and family. The stranger sings the same hymn Morgan had been thinking of, deepening their bond. As dawn breaks, they prepare to leave, but Morgan realizes they are surrounded by Indian scouts. He feels a surge of determination and courage, ready to fight. However, the Indians suddenly retreat, startled by the sight of an unseen army on the ridge, which Morgan perceives as a divine intervention. The stranger vanishes, leaving Morgan to join the cavalry that arrives to assist Captain Thornton. The officer he meets is unaware of the supernatural events that transpired, attributing the Indians' retreat to the cavalry's presence. Morgan, now a seasoned officer, reflects on the night and believes he will one day reunite with the messenger who guided him through that perilous moment. The story explores themes of faith, courage, and the unseen forces that protect and guide individuals in times of crisis.
By Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews · First published 1910 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 7,707 words
First lines
How oft do they their silver bowers leave, To come to succour us that succour want! How oft do they with golden pineons cleave The flitting skyes, like flying Pursuivant, Against fowle feendes to ayd us militant! They for us fight, they watch and dewly ward, And their bright Squadrons round about us plant; And all for love, and nothing for reward. O! Why should heavenly God to men have such regard? -- _Spenser's "Faerie Queene. "_
What this Textopian page supports
A Messenger is listed on Textopian as a novella by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Literary Fiction, War Fiction
- Length: 7,707 words
- Structure: 1 section, 93 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Messenger by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Messenger?
- How does this novella by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The story is set against a historical backdrop involving military conflict and Native American interactions, focusing on the character's experiences during a specific time period.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a dangerous mission undertaken by the protagonist, involving themes of bravery and survival in a hostile environment.
- Fantasy — Elements of mysticism and the presence of a mysterious figure suggest a blend of fantasy, particularly in the portrayal of divine intervention.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and rich in character development, exploring themes of courage, faith, and the human condition.
Tags
War · Fiction · Novel · American Literature · 20th Century Literature · Classic Novel · Historical Fiction · World War I · Soldier's Story · Love Story · Romance · Tragedy