The
Indian never flinched or groaned, although the pain must have been
very great while the operation was being performed. Mr. Hardy then
carefully bandaged the limb, and directed that cold water should be
poured over it from time to time, to allay the inflammation.
Another of the Indians had his ankle-joint broken: this was also
carefully bandaged. The third had a bullet wound near the hip, and
with this Mr. Hardy could do nothing. His recovery or death would
depend entirely upon nature.
It may here be mentioned at once that all three of the Indians
eventually recovered, although two of them were slightly lamed for
life. All that care and attention could do for them was done; and
when they were in a fit condition to travel their horses and a
supply of provisions were given to them. The Indians had maintained
during the whole time the stolid apathy of their race. They had
expressed no thanks for the kindness bestowed upon them. Only when
their horses were presented to them, and bows and arrows placed in
their hands, with an intimation that they were free to go, did
their countenances change.
Up to that time it is probable that they believed that they were
only being kept to be solemnly put to death. Their faces lit up,
and without a word they sprang on to the horses' backs, and dashed
over the plains.
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