But the Yankee had no notion of parting with the former, even if he lost his hair, and drawing a pistol he endeavored to shoot down his opponent. But by some mischance it exploded, before he had taken aim, and throwing it to the earth he had recourse to his fist.
“Take that, you thieving varmint!” he cried, as he dealt him a blow between the eyes, that would have felled an ox; “I’ll l’arn ye how to hanker arter other people’s property.”
The savage went down like a log, but he had so good a hold in the hair of the Yankee that he took him along with him, and they both rolled upon the earth together.
Peleg struggled hard to rise; but before he could do so another savage was firmly planted upon his breast.
Meanwhile Sam Wilson had been assaulted by three or four of the enemy and was at last borne to the earth; and one of them, catching him by the hair, circled his scalping-knife above his head as though he would rob his victim of his scalp, even before he took his life.
But, with a cry for mercy, Ruth threw herself beside the savage, and implored him not to do the fatal deed.
“Take my life, if you will,” she cried, “but spare my father. He has never harmed a red-man, and do not have his blood upon your hands.”
It was Rushing Water himself to whom she appealed, though she did not recognize him in the darkness.
“And what will the white maiden give if no harm shall be done to her friends?” he said, in a low tone.
Ruth felt a ray of hope steal into her heart at these words.