COMPANIONS IN CAPTIVITY.
With his usual recklessness, Pat Mulroony, after arriving upon the hulk
of the flat-boat, descended into the cabin. He had just reached the
base, when he espied several Indians, and he immediately retreated to
the deck again.
Knowing that he was "in for it," he turned, and catching the foremost
Indian in his arms, threw him bodily into the water. The second he
served in the same manner, when he found the redskins were coming
up rather too fast for convenience. However, he gave the third a
tremendous blow in the face, and commenced laying about him in regular
Donnybrook style, when his foot slipped, and ere he could rise he was
seized and bound.
"Trate me gintlemanly," said he, "for yese can't deny but what I sarved
yese in the same manner."
The Indians could but respect the bravery he had shown, and they
offered him no violence. He was then passed over the side into the
canoe, and transported to the shore. Shortly after, his captors joined
the main body, where he met Virginia Lander, in the same helpless
situation as himself.
The Shawanoes were gathered in an irregular circle around the fire,
some smoking, others chatting, and others apparently asleep.
The savages had thrown a brilliant crimson shawl over her shoulders,
and her hair being as jetty black as theirs, and her head bowed, he
had taken her for one of their number when he first looked upon them.
Virginia sat with her head bowed, for her heart was stricken with
grief. The picture of her cherished father springing up with his wild
look, and running through the trees, pursued by his merciless enemies,
was ever before her. She could not drive it from her, and shudder after
shudder ran through her frame, and the tears trickled thick and fast
between her fingers.
How changed since yesterday! Suffering, misfortune, and death, had
come upon them--had swept her only relative upon earth from her, and
separated her from him who was dearer than any relative could be! All
alone--alone!
No, she was not all alone! There was One who was ever nigh her--who
never lost sight of his stricken ones, and who only could comfort her
in this dark hour which had come upon her. To Him she turned, as the
human heart will turn, when bleeding and lacerated, and refusing to be
comforted by any sympathy the world can give.
But it was hard to be separated from all kindred. The thought was
loathsome and full of abhorrence that she, an unprotected woman, was
alone among a party of blood-thirsty savages. She hardly dare look upon
them, and yet looking through her tears she ventured to steal a glance
at them. How her heart leaped, as her gaze rested upon the broad,
jovial face of Pat Mulroony, his pitying blue eyes fixed upon herself.
Removing her hands, she looked up, and with a mournful smile returned
his nod of recognition. Comprehending the question her very looks
formed, the quick-witted Irishman replied:
"Yes, I'm the only one beside yerself that the haythen have, and they
wouldn't have got me if I hadn't struck at 'em too hard, and missed
'em. Ye jist keep quiet, my jewel, and ye'll hear of Pat Mulroony agin."
A sort of consultation was now held among the Shawanoes, relating not
to the prisoners, but to those who were not, the debate being as to
what means should be employed to capture them also. After a protracted
discussion it was decided that the whole party, with the exception of
enough to guard the prisoners, should cross over to the island and
boldly attack them.
This decided upon, the preparations were instantly completed, and
the warriors moved down to the bank, leaving Virginia and Pat to the
guardianship of two of their number. At the very moment of reaching the
river they descried the two whites as they climbed upon the flat-boat.
This caused a halt and a further debate. Large as was the Indian party,
a majority were opposed to assaulting the whites in their stronghold.
They had already learned enough of their mettle to understand that this
would be a most dangerous undertaking upon their part, and many more
were convinced that there was no hope at all of success, even with the
loss of two-thirds of their number.
It was actually decided to give up the hope of securing the two
remaining whites by this means. The sagacious Indians suspecting the
relation which existed between one of them and one of the captives
already in their possession, believed a much better opportunity would
be offered. Love will play the _wild_ with any man, and lead him to
attempt deeds which in his cooler moments he would pronounce madness.
So they were content to bide their time.