Mass' George: A Boy's Adventures in the Old Savannah

by George Manville Fenn

  CHAPTER FIVE.

  I was brought to myself again by a hearty shout just as I was trying toget rid of a shuddering sensation of fear, and wanting to go to Morgan'shelp--asking myself what I ought to do to any one who had been bitten bya rattlesnake.

  "Brayvo! As they say, Master George. You did give it him well."

  "But--Morgan--arn't you stung--bitten, I mean?" I faltered.

  "Me? No, my lad. He gave me a flop on the cheek with the back of hishead as he shook himself loose, and I didn't stop to give him anotherchance. But you did bring that down smart, and no mistake. Let's lookat the end."

  He took hold of the pole and examined the place where the two nails hadbeen driven in to form the fork.

  "Yes," he said, thoughtfully. "I was beginning to be afraid of that--see here. This nail's regularly bent down, and it opened the fork outso that when he snapped himself like a cart-whip he shook himself clear.Know better next time. I'll get a bit of iron or an old pitchfork, andcut the tines down short on purpose for this sort of game, MasterGeorge. Ah, would you?" he shouted, as he made a dart for where thesnake was feebly writhing itself toward the undergrowth, and catching itby the tail snatched it back to lie all together, writhing slowly."Wait till I find my knife. Oh, here it is," he said. "No. Nevermind, give me yours. I'll look afterwards. Dropped it when I rolledover yonder."

  I took out my knife and opened it.

  "Oh, I say, my lad, don't look so white. Wern't 'fraid, were you?"

  "Yes," I said, huskily. "I could not help being frightened."

  "Not you," said Morgan, roughly; "you wasn't half frightened, or youwouldn't have done what you did. Now then, my gentleman, you're nevergoing to bite and kill any one, so--there--and there!"

  As he spoke he placed one foot a few inches from the rattlesnake's head,the creature opening its mouth and making a feeble attempt to bite, butthe next moment my keen knife had divided the neck, and Morgan picked upthe piece.

  "Now look ye here, Master George, I shouldn't wonder if this gentleman'sgot two sharp teeth at the top here like an adder has at home. They'rethe poison ones, and--yes, what did I tell you?"

  He laughed as he opened the creature's wide mouth with the blade of theknife, and drew forward two keen-looking fangs, to show me.

  "There you are," he said. "Just like adders', only theirs is littletiny things just like a sharp bit of glass, and they lay back in theroof of their mouths so that you have to look close to see 'em."

  "Throw the horrible poisonous thing away," I said.

  "Yes; we'll pitch it all together in the river. Some big alligator willthink it's a fine worm, and I hope he'll like it. One moment; I mustfind my knife."

  He threw down the rattlesnake's head, and then said thoughtfully--

  "No; let's take it up to the house, Master George, and let your fathersee the kind of game he's got on his property. I'll show it to my Sarahtoo, or she won't believe it was such a big one, or got such poisonfangs."

  "You'll have to carry it home," I said, with a shudder.

  "No, I shan't, Master George, and it's of no use for you to try to makeme believe you're afraid, because I shan't have it. You killed it, andI'll twist up a bit o' grass to make a rope, and you shall carry it hometo show master and our Sarah. I can tie it to the end of the pole.Stop a minute; where's my knife?--must be just here."

  He went straight for the low growth and bushes, and began peering aboutwhile I stood leaning on the pole and looking down at the slightlyheaving form of the serpent, when my attention was taken by a hoarse cryfrom Morgan.

  "What's the matter?" I said, as I saw that he was bending forwardstaring in among the bushes.

  He did not reply, and feeling certain that he had found anotherrattlesnake, I raised the pole once more, and went to where he stood,when my lips parted, and I turned to call for help, but stopped there,for I found myself face to face with a similar object to that which hadarrested Morgan. A tall, keen-faced, half-naked Indian stood before me,with his black hair gathered back and tied up so that a few eaglefeathers were stuck through it; a necklace or two was about his neck andhanging down upon his breast; a pair of fringed buckskin leggingscovered his legs; and he carried a tomahawk in one hand, and a bow inthe other.

  Almost before I could recover from my surprise, I saw that we werecompletely surrounded, for at least a dozen more were dotted about theclearing.

  At that moment Morgan seemed to get the better of his start, and backedto where I stood, with the Indian following him in a slow, statelymanner.

  "We're in for it, Master George," whispered Morgan. "What shall we do--run?"

  "It would be of no use to try," I whispered.

  "Not a bit, lad, they'd run us down directly. Hold up your head, lad;you arn't afraid of a rattlesnake, so you needn't be afraid of thesefurreners. What are they--Injuns?"

  "Yes," I answered; "Red Indians," though I had never seen one before.

  "Ah, well, look you, there's nothing to mind--they arn't poisonous. Ishall ask them what they want. I say, what are they all coming close upto us for?"

  "I don't know," I said, as I made a strong effort not to be afraid, andto keep from thinking about the stories I had heard of the Indians'cruelty, as the party came forward, evidently at a sign from the man whohad faced me, and who wore more feathers than the rest.

  "I say, Master George," whispered Morgan again, "hadn't I better ask 'emwhat they want?"

  "It's of no use. I don't think they would understand."

  "Well," said Morgan, coughing to clear his throat, "I'm a soldier, andI've been in a fight before now, so I know a little about it. We'resurprised, Master George, by the enemy, and without arms. First dootyis to retreat, and you being my officer, you says we can't."

  "I'm sure we can't," I said, talking to Morgan, but looking sharplyround at the Indians, who all stood gazing at us in the sternest andmost immovable way.

  "Quite right, lad. Madness to talk about running, but I'd give all thewage I've got to take dooring the next ten year, look you, to be able tolet the master know."

  "Shall I call to him?"

  "Only bring him up to be took prisoner too. Here, let's make the bestof it," cried Morgan, jauntily. "How are you, gentlemen?--strangers inthese parts, arn't you?"

  The only man to take any notice of this easy-going address was theIndian I imagined to be the chief, and he uttered a grunt.

  "Ah, I thought so. Nice country isn't it, only we've got some uglycustomers here.--Sure they can't understand, Master George?"

  "I feel nearly sure."

  "So do I, lad.--Ugly customers, snakes--see?--snakes."

  He took the pole quickly from my hand, and at the same moment I saw, asit were, a shock run through the group of Indians, each man takingtightly hold of the tomahawk he carried.

  But Morgan did not notice it, and thrusting the end of the pole underthe snake, he raised it up.

  "See?" he cried. "We just killed it--no, we didn't, for it isn't quitedead."

  The Indians looked at him and then at the snake, but in the most stolidway, and I stood wondering what was to come next.

  "Know what it is, I suppose?" continued Morgan, who kept on talking inan excited way, as if to gain time while he tried to think out someplan, as was really the case; but the audience merely looked onfrowningly, and I saw the chief draw back slightly as Morgan picked upthe head and pointed to its fangs with his finger.

  The thoughts of the risk he might be running made me forget for themoment any that was threatening us from the Indians, and I cried, inwarning tones--

  "Be careful; it may be dangerous though it's dead."

  "Yes; this seems to be dead," replied Morgan; "but I say, Master George,I don't know whatever to do."

  "Scrape a hole first, and bury that horrid thing," I said; "and thenperhaps we shall see what they are going to do."

  "Not to kill us, are they?" he whispered.

  I could not help giving a start of horror, and
looking wildly round atthe Indians, who stood like so many statues looking on, as, in a hasty,excited way, Morgan roughly kicked away some of the loose gravel, andthen with the rake-handle scraped out a good-sized hole, into which hethrew the snake's head and dragged the body, raking the loose gravelback over them and stamping it down.

  "Now then, Master George, what 'll us do next?"

  "I don't know; let them take us away as prisoners, I suppose. We mustnot try to run away, because they would follow, and we should lead themhome. Shall we run into the woods?"

  "Never get there, my lad," he replied, sadly. "They'd have us before wegot a hundred yards."

  All doubt as to our next proceedings were put an end to at once, for thechief laid his hand upon my shoulder, and said, in a deep voice,something which was quite unintelligible to us both.

  I shook my head, but he grasped my arm firmly, and pointed toward theforest.

  "He means us to go," I said; and in obedience I walked toward thedarkest part, but the chief checked me, and pointed toward the spotwhere our faint track lay which led toward the house; and feelingconstrained to obey, I gave Morgan a disconsolate look, and went slowlyon with the Indian walking by my side.

  "We can't help it, Master George," said Morgan. "Don't be down-hearted,lad. Perhaps they don't mean any harm, and let's hope your father or mySarah will see us in time to shut up the place, and get the guns downfrom the racks."

  The distance was very short, but it was the most painful walk I everhad, for I felt as if I was being the guide to take the enemy right tothe place my father had toiled so hard to win from the wilderness, andtwice over I tried to deviate from the path, and lead the party into theforest, so as to bear right away from the house.

  But it was of no use. A strong hand gripped my arm instantly; there wasa stern look, a low, deep utterance, and the chief pointed again to theright track.

  It was useless to try and misunderstand him, and at last, after two morefeints, I felt that there was nothing else to be done but to allowmyself to be forced onward.

  Just before we came in sight of the house, the chief said something, andtwo of the men pushed Morgan forward till he was close to me, and one ofthe men walked on his left and the other came behind.

  "See what that means, Master George?"

  "No; what does it mean?"

  "That Indians are clever as white men, and they've put us in the frontrank to keep any one from firing at them."

  I saw it plainly enough now, for as we advanced, my father appeared atthe window, and I saw a gun in his hand.

  He started as he caught sight of us two prisoners, but feeling, Isuppose, that any attempt at defence was useless under thecircumstances, he left the window for a moment or two, and I heard hisvoice speaking. Then he reappeared, and climbed out of the window, thedoor being closed and fastened.

  He stepped forward boldly with the firelock resting on his arm, andwalked to where the Indians had halted, holding out his hand in token offriendship, but it was not taken, the Indians' eyes running from him allover and about the place, as if they were astonished at what they saw.

  "Tell me quickly," said my father, "but be cool. Everything dependsupon our treating them in a friendly way, and not being afraid."

  I told him how we had been surprised, and his face looked very grave ashe listened.

  "Well," he said, "we are in their power. If I fired it might bringhelp, but it would be too late to benefit us; and for aught we know, therest of the tribe may already be up in the settlement. Stay with themand don't attempt to escape."

  The Indian chief watched us curiously as my father talked to me, and twoof his men half started forward as my father turned away to go back tothe house.

  But a word from the chief checked them, and every eye was fixed upon thereturning figure, as my father walked to the door, beat upon it, calledSarah to open, and then passed in.

  The faces of the Indians were a study, but they preserved their stolidlooks, and uttered a sigh of satisfaction as my father appeared againwith such provisions as the place afforded, and proceeded to offer themto our visitors.

  I watched everything attentively, and saw the men stand fast withoutlooking either at my father or the provisions which he placed beforethem, till the chief said a few words in a loud tone.

  Then with an eagerness in sharp contrast to their former apathy, theyseized the food and began to eat.

  My father spoke to the chief again and again, and the Indian saidsomething coldly in reply; but they were wasted words, and the roughmeal was partaken of in comparative silence.

  "They only mean to be friendly, father, do they?" I said at last.

  "It is impossible to say; they may prove treacherous," he replied. "Butdon't talk, and if you grasp anything they seem to want, tell me, sothat I can satisfy them. It would be terrible if they attempted todestroy all we have been at such pains to get together."

  "Couldn't we all make a dart for indoors, sir?" said Morgan, in awhisper. "We have got plenty of weepons there, sir, and might manage tokeep them off till help came."

  "The risk is too great," said my father. "These men are as active asleopards, and before we could get within doors we should each have anaxe in his brain."

  "But, begging your pardon, sir, we can all run."

  "As fast as a tomahawk can fly? No; they are peaceful now, andfriendly; let us treat them as friends, and hope that they will soongo."

  At that moment the chief made a sign with his hands to his lips, a signthat was unmistakable, and a large pail of water was fetched out byMorgan, and drunk from with avidity.

  This done, the Indians sat and stood about watching everything withinreach, while we were in the unpleasantly helpless state of being unableto speak, or to make them understand, and in the more unpleasant orperilous position of being unable to grasp their intentions.

  As the time went on my father appeared to grow more hopeful. He hadevidently come to the conclusion that it was useless to attemptresistance, and he seemed to think that our friendly treatment might winthe respect of these stern, morose-looking men. Then, all at once, Isaw that his hopes were dashed. He looked at me wildly, and I saw thefirelock he held tremble in his hand.

  "Try and be firm, George," he said, quietly, "and do not look as if I amsaying anything serious to you," he continued, laughing.

  "I understand, father," I said, cheerfully, though my heart kept givinggreat thumps against my ribs.

  "Can you hear what I am saying, Morgan?" continued my father,pleasantly, and not appearing to pay the slightest attention to theIndians.

  "Every word, sir; but it's hard work, for I want to run indoors to tryand comfort that poor woman who is trembling there."

  "So we all do," said my father, and he looked quite merry; "but don'tlook like that, man. It is inviting an attack if these men do meanevil."

  "Right, sir; I am quite laughing now," said Morgan.

  "Ah, that's worse," cried my father, "that ghastly grin will ruin us.There, listen to what I am saying. When these savages attack us, itwill be in some treacherous way, so as to get the advantage of uswithout injury to themselves. If they do attack, never mind who goesdown, the survivors must rush into the house and defend it to the last,for that poor woman's sake. Fight hopefully if I am not with you; foras soon as firing begins it may bring help from the settlement."

  "Then why not fire at once, sir?" cried Morgan, earnestly.

  "Because, as I intimated before, it would bring help, but help that cametoo late."

  The calm forced way in which my father spoke seemed to be the mostterrible part of the whole day's work. The inaction was bad enough, andto sit there expecting that at any moment the Indians might turn upon usand kill us with their axes, made it almost impossible to sit there asmy father wished; but sit there we did, and as my eyes wandered from oneto the other of the weird, fierce-looking Indians, who seemed to bedoing nothing but watch us for an excuse to make an attack, it made mybrain swim.

&nb
sp; How it was all burnt into my memory, and how I can picture it all now!The bright garden, the flowers, and the promise of fruit, and the housebeginning to look more lovely every month; and now in front of it RedIndians squatting about, or standing with their bows strung, arrows in acase behind them, and axes in hand, ready at the word from their chiefto spring upon us.

  All at once the chief uttered a peculiar sound, and the men who wereseated sprang to their feet, and stood watching the tall, fierce-lookingfellow.

  He spoke again, and without a word they all moved off quickly toward thesettlement, making straight for Colonel Preston's estate.

  I sat there watching them till the last man had disappeared. Then allthe bright sunshiny scene around began to swim, and wave, and growdistant, and all was blank.