As the unhappy lad pursued his solitary way down the river, neither
knowing nor caring where he was going, so long as he placed distance
between himself and those whom he knew would shortly search for him,
his mind was filled with bitter reflections. He felt as though he
hated all men, but especially Has-se and the white lad, who, he felt
certain, had taught the former the trick of wrestling, by means of
which the games had been won.
In destroying the great storehouse, with its winter's supply of
provisions of his tribe, his desire had not been so much to injure his
own people as the white men, whom he knew were also dependent upon it
for food, and of whom Has-se's friend was one who would thus suffer.
He had thought to escape detection after committing this wicked act,
and that the fire would be supposed to be the result of an accident.
This hope had been dashed by the unexpected appearance of Has-se, who
had overheard his muttered threats; and now he knew that he must be an
outlaw from his tribe forever, and that he would meet with a terrible
punishment if he ever fell into their hands.
Of all his bitter thoughts the one uppermost in his mind was the desire
for revenge upon the gentle but high-spirited Has-se, who had not only
won from him his coveted position, but against whom he had just struck
such a cruel and cowardly blow.
This is the way of the world, with white as well as with red men, and
with boys and girls as well as with grown people.
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