o doing, I proved to the Indians
at once, that I was born and bred as fearless of death as any of
themselves.

"When we reached the camp, great rejoicings were exhibited. Two squaws,
and a few papooses, appeared particularly delighted at the sight of me,
and I was assured, by very unequivocal gestures and words, that, on the
morrow, the mortal enemy of the red-skins would cease to live. I never
opened my lips, but was busy contriving some scheme which might enable me
to give the rascals the slip before dawn. The women immediately fell a
searching about my hunting-shirt for whatever they might think valuable,
and fortunately for me, soon found my flask, filled with _Monongahela_
(that is, reader, strong whiskey). A terrific grin was exhibited on their
murderous countenances, while my heart throbbed with joy at the
anticipation of their intoxication. The crew immediately began to beat
their bellies and sing, as they passed the bottle from mouth to mouth.
How often did I wish the flask ten times its size, and filled with
aquafortis! I observed that the squaws drank more freely than the
warriors, and again my spirits were about to be depressed, when the
report of a gun was heard at a distance. The Indians all jumped on their
feet. The singing and drinking were both brought to a stand; and I saw
with inexpressible joy, the men walk off to some distance, and talk to
the squaws. I knew that they were consulting about me, and I foresaw,
that in a few moments the warriors would go to discover the cause of the
gun having been fired so near their camp. I expected the squaws would be
left to guard me. Well, sir, it was just so. They returned; the men took
up their guns and walked away. The squaws sat down again, and in less
than five minutes they had my bottle up to their dirty mouths, gurgling
down their throats the remains of the whiskey.

"With what pleasure did I see them becoming more and more drunk, until
the liquor took such hold of them that it was quite impossible for these
women to be of any service. They tumbled down, rolled about, and began to
snore; when I, having no other chance of freeing myself from the cords
that fastened me, rolled over and over toward the fire, and after a short
time burned them asunder. I rose on my feet; stretched my stiffened
sinews; snatched up my rifle, and, for once in my life, spared that of
Indians. I now recollect how desirous I once or twice felt to lay open
the sculls of the wretches