MIKi: 1 INK, THC KEEL-BOATMAN. 17 1 



was below him, his head and the upper part of his body 

 were relieved boldly against the sky, and in one of his 

 movements, he brought his profile face to view. The 

 prominent scalp-lock and its adornments seemed to be 

 more striking than ever, and again roused the pugnacity 

 of Mike Fink; in an instant he raised his rifle, always 

 loaded and at command, brought it to his eye. and, be- 

 fore he could be prevented, drew sight upon Proud Joe, 

 and fired. The ball whistled loud and slirill, and Joe, 

 springing his whole length into the air, fell upon the 

 ground. 



The cold-blooded murder was noticed by fifty per- 

 sons at least, and there arose from the crowd a univer- 

 sal cry of horror and indignation at the bloody deed 

 Mike, himself, seemed to be much astonished, and in an 

 instant reloaded his rifle, and as a number of white per- 

 sons rushed towards the boat, Mike threw aside his coat, 

 and, taking his powder-horn between his teeth, leaped, 

 rifle in hand, into the Ohio, and commenced swimming 

 for the opposite shore. 



Some bold spirits determined that Mike should not 

 80 easily escape, and jumping into the only skiff at com- 

 mand, pulled swiftly after him. Mike watched their 

 movements until they came within a hundred yards of 

 him, then turning in the water, he supported himself by 

 his feet alone, and raised his deadly rifle to his eye. 

 Its muzzle, if it spoke hostilely, wa.s as certain to send 

 a messenger of death througli on.- or nmre of his pursu- 



