came my
turn; I was unbound and led forward and stood awaiting the signal to
begin the terrible race. Within a few moments a wild scheme had formed
itself in my mind, and although fully realizing its desperate nature, I
had determined to make the effort, even if I perished in the attempt. I
had noticed that, with the exception of those forming the lines between
which I was to run, the Indians all stood _behind_ me; and for a
considerable space around me the ground was entirely clear. My plan was
to start as if with the intention of entering the lane of savages, but
to suddenly diverge to the right or left, as might seem most expedient,
and run directly down the valley, with the hope that I might be able to
reach the dense and tangled forest which fringed it, and conceal myself
in its recesses until I could find some way out of my rock-environed
prison. As I look back at it _now_, I can only wonder that I should have
had the hardihood to attempt it. Not an Indian among the hundreds around
but knew well all the paths and windings of the wooded borders of the
valley, even supposing that I were fortunate enough to reach it; but
that was improbable. Among so many it was likely there would be several
able to outstrip me in speed, fast runner as I deemed myself; and if
overtaken, I could expect nothing but more cruel treatment than I had
yet experienced. Besides, although I did not know it at the time, the
valley had but two entrances, and these were constantly guarded by a
watchful picket. But at the time I thought of none of these
things--"drowning men will catch at straws," says the old adage--and my
hastily formed plan seemed to me to promise success. Having formed my
resolution I was necessitated to put it in practice at once. The Indians
were already impatient for another victim, and the signal being given I
started on my race for life at the top of my speed. At first I ran
directly for the living lane, where my enemies waited with poised clubs
each eager to strike the first blow, but as I neared it I made a sudden
break to the right, and gathering all my energies for one mighty effort,
I broke through a group of old men and idlers who were watching the
sport. Despite their efforts to intercept me I cleared them in an
instant, and ran down the valley with the whole yelling mob at my heels.
Some half dozen of my pursuers being swifter of foot forged ahead of
their comrades, but they did not seem to gain upon me, and for a t