_Bos_.--"He is fled--he is fled, and dare not sit it out.
_Bir_.--What! has he made an escape! which way? Follow, neighbor
Haggise."
JONSON.
When Ichabod recovered from his swoon, he found himself in the presence
of three Senecas, who had been attracted by the struggle between him and
Guthrie. It was their presence that saved him from immediate death; for
as Guthrie arose panting and struggling for breath, his first impulse
was to present his rifle at the motionless form of Ichabod: but it was
instantly pushed aside by one of the Senecas, who had reached the spot
before his companions, and the charge passed behind the tree to which
Ichabod was confined. When the latter regained his consciousness,
Guthrie was nowhere to be seen. The hands of Ichabod were again secured,
and a thong was now passed around his shoulders, so that he was bound in
an upright and a much easier position, to the tree.
The night was rapidly approaching, and by the time Ichabod had been
completely secured, it was almost impossible to discover surrounding
objects in the darkness. A fire was kindled near the centre of the space
around which the lodges had been erected, and it was consequently much
closer to the lodge occupied by Ruth and Singing-Bird, than either of
the others. An Indian had taken his position, as guard, within a few
feet of Ichabod, and between him and the fire; and this Indian, as
Ichabod discovered, was armed, besides his knife and tomahawk, with his
own _old_ familiar rifle. How earnestly he gazed upon it, as if almost
expecting and hoping to see it recognize its old master and owner!
It was at this time, and when silence throughout the Indian encampment
was so well preserved that Ichabod could plainly hear the crackling of
the boughs which were placed upon the fire, although he was at a
distance of eight or ten rods from it, that a wild yell, but one which
denoted exultation upon the part of the Seneca from whom it proceeded,
was heard to arise from the direction of the lodge in which Bagsley and
his companion were confined. He heard some words in the Seneca language,
pronounced, at which his guard arose erect, with an appearance of
excitement. In a few moments he discovered the cause of the exclamation
of the Seneca, and of the excitement under which his sentinel evidently
labored. An Indian came rapidly towards the fire, around which his
companions were gathered, with a bottle in his hand, of which he smelt
and tasted with gestures of extravagant joy.
It seemed that the lucky Seneca, while in the lodge occupied by Bagsley
and the bailiff, had been attracted by a peculiar odor which came from
the breath of the latter, and which his olfactories at once pronounced
"fire-water." Convinced that this odor must be caused by the presence of
the article itself, in some quantity, he commenced a search of the
unfortunate dignitary; and, hidden in a capacious pocket, wrapped in old
writs and executions, but which were unintelligible to the Indian, he
found the bottle which we have seen him carry towards his companions at
the fire. It was at the moment of finding it, that he had uttered the
loud exclamation of joy, which had fallen upon the ears of Ichabod.
Loud and frequent were the exclamations of "Ugh!" "ugh!" among the
Indians, when it was discovered that such a prize had been found.
Panther, who was attracted from his lodge by the noise, endeavored to
induce the Indians to surrender the pleasure of drinking the
"fire-water" on this occasion, for one more appropriate, and when less
watchfulness was necessary. But all his endeavors were vain; for the
authority of a chief, always precarious, cannot be enforced against the
wishes and demands of the tribe. Theirs was an arbitrary government, and
power was held only upon a feeble tenure, viz: the pleasure of the
people. When Panther found that he could not prevent the larger portion
of the Indians from indulging in the pleasant intoxication which would
result from imbibing the "fire-water," he took such means--with the
assistance of Deersfoot and a few others, who were determined to remain
sober--as would be most likely to promote their safety, should the
larger portion of the Senecas become unfit to discharge their duties.
The Indians who were about the fire, and among whom the whiskey bottle
circulated freely, soon began to give evidence of unwonted excitement.
Dancing, singing, shrieking, they appeared, to one at the distance from
them at which Ichabod was placed, more like fiends in Pandemonium, than
human beings, as the red light of the fire fell upon their distorted
figures. The rays of the fire, when burning brightest, fell distinctly
upon the form of Ichabod; but as the drunkenness increased, and the
light diminished, he was thrown into a shadow. His guard labored under a
strong desire to get a taste of the whiskey; for he would occasionally
walk at a distance of three or four rods from him, where he would stand,
looking towards the fire, until a fear for the security of his prisoner
would steal across his mind, when he would rapidly return; and,
perceiving by a glance that all was right, would, after a few moments,
again move slowly in the direction of the fire. His guard had thus left
him, for the second time, when, as he fancied, he heard his name faintly
whispered behind him. In a moment afterwards, the thongs that bound his
feet, hands and shoulders, were cut, leaving fastened, only that which
bound him by the waist. The friend, whoever it was, that had performed
this kindly act, doubtless knew that it would not do to unbind him
completely, at once, as the tightness of the ligatures, and the length
of the confinement, would be apt to deprive the prisoner, for a few
moments, of the free use of his limbs. The thongs that had been cut,
were so disposed that the guard, on his return, without a very close
observation, would not be able to discover the deception. The unknown
friend had evidently planted himself behind the tree to which Ichabod
was fastened, waiting for the proper moment to sever the remaining
thong.
"Know friend?" asked a voice, in a whisper, which Ichabod immediately
recognized.
"Ah! is it you, Eagle's-Wing? I might have known that, though. No one
else would have dared to do such a thing."
"This nothing, when Injins drunk. Poor Injin that get drunk. Say, when
ready to have other thong cut."
"Don't be in a hurry, Eagle's-Wing. You see that red devil, yonder,
that's been set here to guard me? He's got my rifle, and I want it. Wait
till he comes up here again, and when he has fairly got his back turned,
then cut the thong: or, if you've got a spare knife, just give me that,
and I'll cut it myself, while you get the rifle. Hush! he's coming."
The Seneca advanced rapidly, evidently fearful that some accident might
have happened during his long absence. At this moment, a large quantity
of brush was thrown upon the fire, which almost wholly--for a few
moments--obscured the light, and left them buried in thick darkness.
This might be a circumstance either favorable or unfavorable, depending,
however, upon the suspicious nature of the Indian. As it seemed, he was
more than usually suspicious; and Ichabod breathed shorter, and the
Tuscarora prepared for a sudden spring upon him, as the Seneca advanced
close to Ichabod; and, with the intention of ascertaining that his
prisoner was safe, he reached out his hand to feel of the thongs.
Fortunately, his hand fell upon that which remained uncut, about the
waist of Ichabod, which he slightly jerked; and feeling it secure, did
not examine any further, but turned as if to walk back towards the fire.
At this moment, a knife was passed to Ichabod by the Tuscarora, and at
the same instant, the latter darted upon the Seneca, and struck him
through the back with his knife. There was no struggle--no shriek, no
sound that could have been heard four rods distant, even; for the blade
had, doubtless, pierced the heart of the Seneca, and he fell with a
slight shudder, forwards, on his face. The Tuscarora seized the rifle of
Ichabod, and before the latter had fairly unfastened himself from the
tree, he had secured beneath his belt the scalp of the unfortunate
Seneca.
"Three scalp on war-path," said Eagle's-Wing. "That not bad."
"I am sorry that you should stick to that heathenish custom,
Eagle's-Wing," said Ichabod; "but there's no use talking about it. An
Injin's an Injin, and I suppose he must fight like an Injin."
Guided by the Tuscarora, Ichabod proceeded to the border of the
clearing--but beyond the circle of light thrown by the fire--to the
distance of eight or ten rods, where they found Ralph, anxiously waiting
the result of Eagle's-Wing's enterprise. From his position, while the
fire was burning, he was able to see both Ichabod and the Tuscarora,
until the moment when the guard had returned to the tree, when the
obscurity had withdrawn them from his sight. The sudden renewal of the
light, as the fire leaped and crackled among the dry branches, showed
him that they had escaped; and it was with no little pleasure that he
again grasped the honest hand of Ichabod.
But there was yet another undertaking to be performed--and that was, the
release of both Ruth and Singing-Bird. Ralph and Eagle's-Wing had hit
upon a plan by which they hoped to accomplish their purpose; and it was
rapidly communicated to Ichabod, who approved of it; when they
immediately set about putting it into execution.
The lodge occupied by the two prisoners whom they now sought to release,
was, as we have already mentioned, situated in the centre of a circle of
lodges. The fire which the savages had kindled, was near the centre of
the circle, and was in close proximity, therefore, to the lodge occupied
by Ruth and Singing-Bird: but the fire was on the south of it, so that
the north side of the lodge, as well as the lodges immediately in the
rear, were thrown into the shade. When the hurried communication was
made to Ichabod, of the plan proposed, they were standing directly in
the rear of the lodge, and at a distance of only ten or fifteen rods
from the outer lodges. It was necessary that their plan should be put in
execution at once, as at any moment the discovery of Ichabod's escape
might be made, when the Indians would set off in pursuit; and without
their present plan could, therefore, be executed before that event
should happen, it would be likely to fail altogether.
They advanced cautiously towards the lodges; and when they arrived at a
point where they had them in full view, as well as the Senecas, who were
yet dancing and screaming about the fire, they congratulated themselves
on the fact, that no Indian was to be discovered in the direction in
which they wished to proceed. They had reached within six rods of the
outer lodges, and Eagle's-Wing had already thrown himself upon the
ground, with the intention of creeping forward in the position, when
Guthrie was seen, accompanied by Panther, approaching the lodge occupied
by the two female prisoners. They came within a few feet of it, when
they sat down upon a log, engaged, apparently, in earnest conversation.
Their voices could be heard occasionally; and although their precise
conversation could not be ascertained, it was obvious that Guthrie was
warmly insisting upon some measure that was opposed to Panther. Once or
twice Ralph thought he detected the name of Ruth Barton, as Guthrie was
expostulating in a somewhat louder tone of voice than usual. Knowing the
unscrupulous nature of the villain, he felt, by a sort of instinct, that
Panther, in that conversation, for some reason of his own, was occupying
a position in accordance with his own sentiments and feelings.
The presence of these two individuals disconcerted the whole plan of
operations. It was a difficulty which had not been anticipated. After
waiting for a short time, and seeing that neither Guthrie nor Panther
showed any immediate intention of removing, they anxiously sought for
some other plan, by which to accomplish their purpose. But ere that was
done, Panther, to their great joy, arose and departed in the direction
of the fire. Guthrie now remained alone. The Tuscarora significantly
drew his knife, and pointed towards him; but Ichabod, at once, expressed
his dissent.
"That will never do, Eagle's-Wing. You can't do that twice in one hour,
and have it succeed; for if he makes the slightest noise, we shall be
obliged to take to our heels. No--that won't do. I have it," said he,
with a sudden idea, "and I'll do a little business of my own, at the
same time;" and, after whispering a few words to his companions, he
cautiously crept backwards into the wood, and then proceeded as
cautiously in a westward direction, until he had reached a point
sufficiently out of the course that it would be necessary for Ralph and
Eagle's-Wing to pursue in making their escape.
Guthrie, in the meantime, remained seated in the same position which he
had occupied during the conversation with Panther. He was evidently in a
better mood; for, with his cap slouched over his eyes, and his head
leaning upon his hand, he seemed to be muttering his grievances to
himself. All at once, his ears were saluted with the peculiar grunt or
growl of a bear. He raised his head, turned slowly round, and looked
backwards toward the forest; then, examining his rifle, raised himself
upon his feet. Now, a bear, in the days of which we are writing, was
not, by any means, a very uncommon object with the hunter in this
portion of the State; but those animals were sufficiently scarce, so
that the capture of one, while it added largely to one's stock of
provisions, also added very much to the reputation of the hunter.
Guthrie, notwithstanding the mood which seemed to be upon him, did not
choose to neglect so favorable an opportunity of, at the same time,
ministering to the appetites of his companions, and to his own
reputation as a skilful hunter. He again heard the growl of the bear,
and, looking cautiously about to see that no one else had noticed the
proximity of the favorite game, he moved slowly forward towards the
forest.
When he had advanced to a point where his back was turned towards the
position occupied by Ralph and Eagle's-Wing, the latter crept quickly
forward in the direction of the lodge; he passed the outer lodge, and
halting for a moment to see that he was not observed, moved again
rapidly towards the lodge where he expected to find Ruth and her
companion.
As Guthrie advanced into the forest, Ichabod, from whom the sounds had
proceeded that attracted his attention, moved as cautiously before him,
occasionally, however, imitating the growl of the animal he was
personating, so as to keep Guthrie from straying from the right
direction. In this manner, he had succeeded in leading Guthrie nearly
half a mile from the lodges of the Senecas, when, as he believed that
before that time, Ralph and Eagle's-Wing must have succeeded in their
efforts, as a failure on their part would have been signalled by the
cries of the enemy, he determined to end the hunt upon which Guthrie was
engaged, by letting him know the precise _game_ of which he had been in
pursuit. Secreting himself behind a tree, that he might not be too early
discovered by Guthrie, as it was not so dark but that objects at two or
three rods' distance might be discerned with tolerable accuracy, he
waited the coming of his enemy. As Guthrie was about passing him,
slightly bent forward, as in the attempt to pierce into the obscurity of
the forest, he leaped upon him and pinioned him in his muscular arms. In
a moment more, Guthrie was disarmed, and was lying helplessly upon the
ground, his hands being securely fastened by a cord which Ichabod had
drawn from his pocket. Guthrie, in his astonishment and fear, had not
yet recognized the person of his captor.
"Get up here, you infarnal villain!" cried Ichabod; "what's the use of
lying upon the ground, when you can just as well stand on your feet?"
and he caught hold of him to assist him in rising. Guthrie now saw that
he was in the power of Ichabod--and at once, with the characteristic
meanness and cowardice of a rascal, began to beg for life.
"You judge of me, I reckon," said Ichabod, with contempt, "by what you'd
do yourself, were you in my place, you white-livered Tory. Stop your
howling. I don't intend to kill you. I never do that kind of thing in
cold blood; and yet I don't know why a man's conscience should be
burdened any by smothering the venom of such a _reptile_ as this,
anywhere he can catch him."
Ichabod surveyed the miserable wretch for a few moments, with a mixture
of disgust, contempt, and pity. Fear seemed to deprive him of all
rational power of speech, and he testified his agony by sobs and
shrieks. Ichabod drew from his pocket another cord.
"I'll tell you what, you infarnal traitor, you shall have a touch of
the same fare you sarved up for me; only you won't have anybody to guard
you from the bears and wolves. You'll be tied up to this tree to-night;
and if your friends find you scattered round in pieces in the morning,
it will be the fault of the bears and wolves, and not mine."
With this, he fastened him securely to the tree. Then shouldering his
rifle, he exclaimed, amidst the shrieks of the miserable wretch for
help--
"You're a Tory, a traitor, and a liar; and there's no use in asking God
to have marcy on your soul, under any circumstances. All I've got to say
is, before bidding you good-night, that if you escape from here, and
your miserable carcass ever crosses my path, I'll shoot you as I would a
wolf."
So saying, he departed in a north-easterly direction, towards the clump
of willows where the canoe of Eagle's-Wing was concealed. This spot had
been agreed upon as the rendezvous; and Ichabod walked rapidly, spurred
on by the excitements of the day through which he had already passed,
and by the hope of meeting all his friends once more in safety. For
nearly a quarter of a mile, the shrieks of Guthrie could be heard,
mingled with oaths and cries for help; but soon these sounds failed to
reach his ears, and he was alone amidst the silence of the forest.