“Tolerable only. Had quite a scrimmage here, from the look of things.”
“Yes; this is bad business—though kind Providence has watched over us thus far. His great name be praised for it.”
“How many killed?”
“Three only. This is a severe loss; but it’s nothing to that which we were compelled to inflict upon these heathens who so wantonly assail us. It seems that they should learn wisdom by their sad experience.”
“Any other of the varmint would, except them Shawnees. They kill and hack so much they’re willing to stand it just for the fun.”
“It seems that you have been indulging in some of their savage practices,” remarked Edwards, in a tone of quiet rebuke, as he glanced at the scalps at the hunter’s waist.
“Yas,” he returned, looking complacently down at them, “I sometimes indulge. There was such a smart chance of ha’r lifting that I had to walk into the business.”
“It is strange to me that any man professing to be civilized can cammit such revolting crimes that these North American Indians alone have the credit for.”
“All edycation—all edycation, George. It went kindly against the grain the first time I tried it, but I soon got my hand in; and, sir, there ain’t nothing like it. I tell you it’s high, George, to serve a Shawnee that way.”
“It is horrible, Thomas, and I would that you could be induced to cease it.”