Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/202

 178 HISTORY OP with what Haines had said— the Indians came back into the house, and all sat down and ate a hearty breakfast. Tom and Haines seemed to be perfectly at ease all the time, as if nothing more than usual was on their minds, while Cobe appeared to be somewhat disconcerted. After breakfast, the new comers apparently renewed their journey up the river. They were soon in ambush, however, near the place where Ben said he would entice his proteges. It was not long after, that Huycon, Canope, and Haines, and a little son of the latter, came to the rocks,'' and began to fish. Before Tom and his companion fired, it occurred to Haines that his son might be injured in the affray, and he ordered him to go home. Something in the manner of Haines caused the Indians to suspect his fidelity; but he quickly quieted their suspicions, and they then continued to fish as before. Canope, having broken his hook, and none of the party being in possession of one to give him, laid down on the rocks near Shanks, with his head resting upon his hand and elbow. This was considered a favorable opportunity by Tom and Shimer, and they " took aim.'' Cobe, who was not used to such business, was greatly excited, and Tom declared after- wards, that his (Cobe's) hand trembled so, that he heard the barrel of his gun rattle against the log on which it rested. They fired : Tom's ball passed through the hand and lower part of the head of Canope, wounding him dangerously. Shi- mer, as might have been safely predicted, did not hit Shanks. The wounded man ran to Haines and claimed the protection which had been promised ] but instead of granting it, the wretch seized a pine-knot, shouting, Tink ! tink ! how you used to kill the white folks. 'Pent ! 'pent ! I'll send your soul to hell in a moment !" and then dispatched him by beating him on the brain. Even Tom, familiar as he was with scenes of blood, was shocked at the perfidy of Haines. He came up as the latter