Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/108

 84 HISTORY OF imagination, with its long files of hideously painted Indians ranged on either side, through which the life-race lay. Death seemed preferable to such a scene, and they mentally resolved to make one bold effort to escape, or die in the attempt. On the eventful night of the eleventh day's captivity, the party encamped near Tioga Point. The captives, on such oc- casions were ordered to make the preparations for building a large fire, (which they ignited in those matchless days by the aid of a large tinder-box,) and also to cut and carry to the encampment a supply of fuel for the night. As they had only one axe, which had been taken from Cowley's at the time of the capture, one would cut, while the other carried it to the spot where it was to be used. While Cowley was cut- ting and Sawyer waiting for an armful, the latter took from his pocket a newspaper and pretended to be reading its con- tents to his fellow, instead of which, however, he was pro- posing a plan for regaining their liberty.'' — Simms^ History of Schoharie. A quarter of venison that had been shot that afternoon was rudely roasted, and eaten without the wholesome seasoning of salt and pepper, when they all laid down to sleep — a prisoner between two Indians ; and the latter of whom were soon wrapped in deep slumber. After waiting till near midnight the mutual signal was given, when the two friends cautiously arose. They shook the priming from the guns of their cap- tors, and removed the remaining implements of death beyond the observation of the savages, then returning, Sawyer, with the tomahawk of Ham Henry — who was thought the most desperate of the four — took his station beside its owner, while Cowley with an axe, placed himself beside another sleeping Indian. The fire afforded sufficient light for the captives to make sure of their victims. At a given signal the blows fell fatal upon two — the tomahawk sank deep into the brain of its owner, but unfortunately, Sawyer drew the handle from the