The youth was awakened to consciousness. His mind was one of that cast
with which to know, to think, and to act, are simultaneous. Of ready
decision, he was never at a loss, and seldom surprised into even
momentary incertitude. With the first intimation of the attack upon
himself, his pistol had been drawn, and while the prostrate ruffian was
endeavoring to rise, and before he had well regained his feet, the
unerring ball was driven through his head, and without word or effort he
fell back among his fellows, the blood gushing from his mouth and
nostrils in unrestrained torrents.
The whole transaction was the work of a single instant; and before the
squatters, who came with their slain leader, could sufficiently recover
from the panic produced by the event to revenge his death, the youth was
beyond their reach; and the assailing party of the guard, in front of
the post, apprized of the sally by the discharge of the pistol, made
fearful work among them by a general fire, while obliquing to the
entrance of the pass just in time to behold the catastrophe, now
somewhat precipitated by the event which had occurred below.
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