MIKE FINK, THE KEEL-BOATMAN. 171 
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 shrill, 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 
so 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, was as certain to send 
a messenger of death through one or more of his pursu- 
