a, scalping-knife. b, ditto, in sheath. c, d, war-clubs. e, e, tomahawks. g, whip.
Brian. I would not go among the Indians, with their clubs and tomahawks, for a thousand dollars.
Basil. Nor would I: they would be sure to kill me.
Hunter. The tomahawk is often carved in a strange manner; and some of the bows and arrows are admirable. The bow formed of bone and strong sinews is a deadly weapon; and some Indians have boasted of having sent an arrow from its strings right through the body of a buffalo.
Austin. What a strong arm that Indian must have had! Through a buffalo’s body!
Hunter. The quiver is made of the skin of the panther, or the otter; and some of the arrows it contains are usually poisoned.
Brian. Why, then, an arrow is sure to kill a person, if it hits him.
Hunter. It is not likely that an enemy, badly wounded with a poisoned arrow, will survive; for the head is set on loosely, in order that, when the arrow is withdrawn, the poisoned barb may remain in the wound. How opposed are these cruel stratagems of war to the precepts of the gospel of peace, which are “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you!”
Basil. What will you do, Austin, if you go among the Indians, and they shoot you with a poisoned arrow?