Sullen resolution only gave way with life; and it
happened more than once, that fearful day, that the usual reeking token of
an Indian triumph was swung before the stern and still conscious eyes of
the mangled victim from whose head it had been torn.
In this frightful scene of slaughter and ferocity, the principal
personages of our legend were not idle. By a tacit but intelligent
understanding, the stranger with Content and his son placed themselves
back to back, and struggled manfully against their luckless fortune. The
former showed himself no soldier of parade; for, knowing the uselessness
of orders when each one fought for life, he dealt out powerful blows in
silence. His example was nobly emulated by Content; and young Mark moved
limb and muscle with the vigorous activity of his age. A first onset of
the enemy was repelled, and for a moment there was a faint prospect of
escape. At the suggestion of the stranger, the three moved, in their
order, towards the dwelling, with the intention of trusting to their
personal activity when released from the throng.
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