Page:Surprising life and sufferings of Peter Williamson.pdf/20

 masters, but was left behind on the mountains with ten Indians to stay until the rest should return; not thinking it proper to carry me nearer the Cannocojigge, or the other plantations.

Here being left, I began to meditate my escape; and though I knew the country round very well, having been often thereabouts with my companions, hunting deer and other beasts, yet was I very cautious of giving the least suspicion of my intention. However, the third day after the grand body left us, my companions, or keepers, thought proper to visit the mountains in search of game for their subsistence, leaving me bound in such a manner that I could not escape. At night, when they returned, having unbound me, we all sat down together to supper on two pole-cats, being what they had killed, and soon after, (being greatly fatigued with their days excursion) they composed themselves to rest, as usual. Observing them to be in that somniferous state, I tried various ways to see whether it was a scheme favourable to my intententions or not. After making a noise, and walking about, sometimes touching them with my feet, I found it a fit opportunity to make the attempt.

I resolved if possible. to get one of their guns, and if discovered to die in my defence, rather than be taken; for that purpose, I made various attempts to get one from under their heads (where they always secured them) but in vain. Frustrated in this my first essay towards regaining my liberty. I dreaded the thoughts of carrying my design unto execution; yet after a little consideration and trusting