Not another human being was to be seen in the
clearing at that moment; for all the savages, including
even the women assembled outside, were now within the
fort assisting in the complex horrors of murder, fire,
and spoliation. In the wild energy of returning reason
and despair, the wretched girl struggled violently to
free herself; and so far with success, that the Indian,
whose strength was evidently fast failing him, was
compelled to quit his hold, and suffer her to walk. No
sooner did Miss de Haldimar feel her feet touching the
ground, when she again renewed her exertions to free
herself, and return to the fort; but the Indian held her
firmly secured by a leathern thong he now attached to
her waist, and every attempt proved abortive. He was
evidently much disconcerted at her resistance; and more
than once she expected, and almost hoped, the tomahawk
at his side would be made to revenge him for the test to
which his patience was subjected; but Miss de Haldimar
looked in vain for the expression of ferocity and impatience
that might have been expected from him at such a moment.
There was an air of mournfulness, and even kindness,
mingled with severity, on his smooth brow that harmonised
ill with the horrible atrocities in which he had, to all
appearance, covered as he was with blood, been so recent
and prominent an actor.
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