"I'm willing!"
In fact, every man upon the ground seems eager to take part in a duty
which, under other circumstances, would be not only disagreeable, but
disgusting to them. Rough, rude men as most of the Rangers are, little
prone to delicate sentimentalism, they are, nevertheless, true to the
ordinary instincts of humanity. Accustomed to seeing blood spilled, and
not squeamish about spilling it if it be that of a red-skinned foe, it
is different when the complexion is white.
In the present case they have no scruples on the score of colour. What
has been told them about their two prisoners--the atrocities these have
committed--puts all this aside. The tale has made a profound impression
upon their minds; and, beyond any motive of mere revenge, they are
stirred by a sense of just retribution. Every man of them feels as if
it were his sacred duty to deal out justice, and administer the
punishment of death to criminals so surely deserving it.