From this post I could overlook the road to some
distance, and, at the same time, be shaded from the observation of
others. My eye was now caught by movements which appeared like those of a beast. In different circumstances, I should have instantly supposed it to be a
wolf, or panther, or bear. Now my suspicions were alive on a different
account, and my startled fancy figured to itself nothing but a human
adversary. A thicket was on either side of the road. That opposite to my station
was discontinued at a small distance by the cultivated field. The road
continued along this field, bounded by the thicket on the one side and
the open space on the other. To this space the being who was now
described was cautiously approaching. He moved upon all fours, and presently came near enough to be
distinguished. His disfigured limbs, pendants from his ears and nose,
and his shorn locks, were indubitable indications of a savage,
Occasionally he reared himself above the bushes, and scanned, with
suspicious vigilance, the cottage and the space surrounding it. Then he
stooped, and crept along as before. I was at no loss to interpret these appearances. This was my surviving
enemy. He was unacquainted with the fate of his associates, and was now
approaching the theatre of carnage to ascertain their fate. Once more was the advantage afforded me. From this spot might unerring
aim be taken, and the last of this hostile troop be made to share the
fate of the rest. Should I fire, or suffer him to pass in safety? My abhorrence of bloodshed was not abated. But I had not foreseen this
occurrence. My success hitherto had seemed to depend upon a combination
of fortunate incidents, which could not be expected again to take place;
but now was I invested with the same power. The mark was near; nothing
obstructed or delayed; I incurred no danger, and the event was certain. Why should he be suffered to live? He came hither to murder and despoil
my friends; this work he has, no doubt, performed. Nay, has he not borne
his part in the destruction of my uncle and my sisters? He will live
only to pursue the same sanguinary trade; to drink the blood and exult
in the laments of his unhappy foes and of my own brethren. Fate has
reserved him for a bloody and violent death. For how long a time soever
it may be deferred, it is thus that his career will inevitably
terminate. Should he be spared, he will still roam in the wilderness, and I may
again be fated to encounter him. Then our mutual situation may be widely
different, and the advantage I now possess may be his. While hastily revolving these thoughts, I was thoroughly aware that one
event might take place which would render all deliberation useless. Should he spy me where I lay, my fluctuations must end. My safety would
indispensably require me to shoot. This persuasion made me keep a
steadfast eye upon his motions, and be prepared to anticipate his
assault. It now most seasonably occurred to me that one essential duty remained
to be performed. One operation, without which fire-arms are useless, had
been unaccountably omitted. My piece was uncocked. I did not reflect
that in moving the spring a sound would necessarily be produced
sufficient to alarm him. But I knew that the chances of escaping his
notice, should I be perfectly mute and still, were extremely slender,
and that, in such a case, his movements would be quicker than the light:
it behooved me, therefore, to repair my omission. The sound struck him with alarm. He turned and darted at me an inquiring
glance. I saw that forbearance was no longer in my power; but my heart
sunk while I complied with what may surely be deemed an indispensable
necessity. This faltering, perhaps, it was that made me swerve somewhat
from the fatal line. He was disabled by the wound, but not killed. He lost all power of resistance, and was, therefore, no longer to be
dreaded. He rolled upon the ground, uttering doleful shrieks, and
throwing his limbs into those contortions which bespeak the keenest
agonies to which ill-fated man is subject. Horror, and compassion, and
remorse, were mingled into one sentiment, and took possession of my
heart. To shut out this spectacle, I withdrew from the spot, but I
stopped before I had moved beyond hearing of his cries. The impulse that drove me from the scene was pusillanimous and cowardly. The past, however deplorable, could not be recalled; but could not I
afford some relief to this wretch? Could not I at least bring his pangs
to a speedy close? Thus he might continue, writhing and calling upon
death, for hours. Why should his miseries be uselessly prolonged? There was but one way to end them. To kill him outright was the dictate
of compassion and of duty. I hastily returned, and once more levelled my
piece at his head. It was a loathsome obligation, and was performed with
unconquerable reluctance. Thus to assault and to mangle the body of an
enemy, already prostrate and powerless, was an act worthy of abhorrence;
yet it was, in this case, prescribed by pity. My faltering hand rendered this second bullet ineffectual. One
expedient, still more detestable, remained. Having gone thus far, it
would have been inhuman to stop short. His heart might easily be pierced
by the bayonet, and his struggles would cease. This task of cruel lenity was at length finished. I dropped the weapon
and threw myself on the ground, overpowered by the horrors of this
scene. Such are the deeds which perverse nature compels thousands of
rational beings to perform and to witness! Such is the spectacle,
endlessly prolonged and diversified, which is exhibited in every field
of battle; of which habit and example, the temptations of gain, and the
illusions of honour, will make us, not reluctant or indifferent, but
zealous and delighted actors and beholders! Thus, by a series of events impossible to be computed or foreseen, was
the destruction of a band, selected from their fellows for an arduous
enterprise, distinguished by prowess and skill, and equally armed
against surprise and force, completed by the hand of a boy, uninured to
hostility, unprovided with arms, precipitate and timorous! I have noted
men who seemed born for no end but by their achievements to belie
experience, and baffle foresight, and outstrip belief. Would to God that
I had not deserved to be numbered among these! But what power was it
that called me from the sleep of death just in time to escape the
merciless knife of this enemy? Had my swoon continued till he had
reached the spot, he would have effectuated my death by new wounds and
torn away the skin from my brows. Such are the subtle threads on which
hang the fate of man and of the universe! While engaged in these reflections, I perceived that the moonlight had
begun to fade before that of the sun. A dusky and reddish hue spread
itself over the east. Cheered by this appearance, I once more resumed my
feet and the road. I left the savage where he lay, but made prize of
his tomahawk.