s with the
boat floating away lakeward down the stream. At all cost, they must be
blocked in any purpose of pursuit. These were the thoughts that darted
through my brain like fire through stubble. How many opposed me, how
desperate would be the struggle, were matters of which I did not stop
to think. I could at least busy them until the fugitives were safe;
after that, it was God's affair, and theirs. My rifle was wet and
useless from my recent tumble; but before the group at the water's edge
even saw me I was fairly upon them, striking fiercely with my gunstock,
and two savages went down, shrieking from pain and surprise, before so
much as a return blow reached me.

It was not a noisy battle; from the outset it was too fierce and rapid
for any waste of breath. Never did I need my strength of body more,
nor did the long training of my father come in better play. I made
that long rifle-barrel both club and sword, knife and axe in one,
striking, thrusting, clubbing, in the mad fury with which desperation
bids a man battle for his life. I had no thought to live, but was
determined that if I went down to earth many a painted savage should
lie there with me. The enshrouding darkness proved a friendly help;
for as I backed in closer against the bank, I gained a fair view of my
opponents, while keeping myself more hidden. Again and again they
charged upon me, joined now by the others from above; but the circling
iron I swung with tireless arms formed a dead-line no leaping Indian
burst through alive.

Once a hurtling tomahawk half buried itself in my shoulder; a long
knife, thrown by a practised hand, pierced the muscles of my thigh, and
stuck there quivering, till I struck it loose; and twice they fired at
me, the second shot tearing the flesh of my side, searing it like fire.
Yet I scarcely realized I was touched, so fiercely was the battle-blood
now coursing through my veins, so intense the joy with which I crushed
them back. I grew delirious, feeling the rage to slay sweep over me as
never before, giving me the crazed strength of a dozen men, until I
lost all sense of defensive action, and sprang forth into their midst
as might an avenging thunderbolt from the black sky. Never had I swung
flail in peaceful border contest as I did that murderous iron bar in
the dark of the river-shore, driving them back foot by foot against the
high bank which held them helpless victims of my wrath. I struck again
and again,