Capt. John Smith; A Biography (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1858 Excerpt: ...three or four of the Indian multitude already with his murderous weapons. He was exploring and spying about the countr-, searching for secrets among the savage tribes, and probably concocting some terrible mischief with which ere long to visit them. If he was but out of the way, all further fear of harm from the colonists would be at an end. It was, therefore, best that he bo brought at once to his doom, antl the region thus be freed from the presence of an arch-enemy, and a power superior to their own. Accordingly, he received his sentence in the presence of the multitude, all listening and looking on with savage intensity. The decree was, that he be carried forth to die without further N delay. Within the circle described by the gathering of the dusky multitude, two huge stones were brought, and placed immediately before Powhatan. An eager and excited crowd then laid violent hold on him, and forthwith dragged him to the spot. Across one of the stones they laid his head. A few stalwart savages, with huge clubs, then took their stations silently near their victim, ready to obey the imperial nod that would have dashed out his brains before the whole assembly. Smith lay perfectly calm upon the ground, having given over every hope of his safety now, and feeling altogether resigned to his dreadful fate. It was certainly a moment of the most intense anguish even for his brave soul, lie was only awaiting the fall of the fatal club on his head, yet was ignorant when the silent order might be given, and the deadening blow be struck. In that single moment he must have lived a hundred common lives, by the crowded intensity of his feelings. Powhatan was just ready to make the fatal sign of death, when out from the silent group of females ran the figure of a little gir...