Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/212

188 HISTORY OP torn of the Indians. In a minute or two, no less than six Indians rushed from the woods with drawn knives, and leap- ing into the water, which was not more than waist deep, nor that in many places, came wading toward the boat. At this occurrence, the guide pretended to be much fright- ened, and urged Beach to take up his gun and fire among them, well knowing that one shot would not kill them all, and that the survivors would make short work of him, when the money would sooner or later be obtained by himself, as he had not acquainted the Indians with this part of the booty. But there was his horse, his gun, ammunition, his clothes, and a keg of rum they had purchased of Herrick with the boat. These were inducements of sufficient magnitude to persuade the Indians to commit the robbery, and, if necessary, a murder, while the guide had his eye upon the money alone. But Beach perceiving all this at a glance, instead of firing at them, met them at the side of the boat with a bottle of rum in his hand, saying in the most conciliating manner he could assume, The war is now over — we will all be brothers — we will not fight, but be friends.'^ " So we will,'^ shouted one of tlieir number, while the others appeared bent on mischief. He now instantly proposed that they should help push the boat up the swift current, without getting into it, then he would go on shore with them and have a good frolic all night. He, how- ever, was inwardly much terrified, not knowing how to escape. He tied the batteau to a convenient spot, filled a tin tea-kettle with rum and gave it to one of the Indians to carry, who marched off toward the spot selected for an encampment, fol- lowed by the rest of the Indians, guide and all, the boy ex- cepted, who curled down in the boat and kept himself still, and as much as possible out of sight. The guide now, no doubt, considered his prize perfectly safe, as during the night his purpose could easily be efi"ected, either by himself or some of the others. They now sat down in a