Page:Famous Negro robber, and terror of Jamaica, or, The history and adventures of Jack Mansong.pdf/24

 after them as quickly as possible, and also lost his cutlass among the bushes in getting down.

He came up just in time to save Reeder; for though they were without weapons, and their wounds were deep and desperate, they were not idle. Jack had caught his antagonist by the throat with his giant's grasp.

In this state of the battle, Tuckey, the little boy, who was armed with a pistol and cutlass, just came up; he snapped his pistol at Jack, but it missed fire. Sam, however, was umpire, and decided the fate of the day. He struck Jack on the head with a piece of rock. Stunned with the blow, he let go his hold, and fell senseless.

The three then rushed upon Jack; with the cutlass they cut off his head and three-fingered hand, and carried them in triumph to Morant Bay. Here they put their trophies in a pail of rum, and followed by a vast concourse of negroes, now no longer afraid of Jack's obi, blowing their shells and horns, and firing their guns in their rude manner, they proceeded to Kingston and Spanish Town, and claimed the rewards promised by the king's proclamation, and House of Assembly.

The victorious Reeder was soon cured of his wounds, and he and Sam having procured their freedom, and the promised reward, live happy; and annually celebrate the joyful event.

Thus fell Three-Fingered Jack, a man perhaps of as genuine courage as ever existed. His head and three-fingered hand are now preserved in spirits for the satisfaction of the curious.