What troubled him most, therefore, was a conviction that the savage's revenge, though delayed for ten years, for want of the convenient opportunity, was sure to be accomplished.

He might have gone immediately to the north or east, there to remain with his own tribe until convinced that the moment had come to strike the blow--a blow, which no human influence, no personal danger, no suffering, could persuade him from inflicting upon the offending white man.
But there was no certainty even of delay.

Did the savage believe the moment to strike propitious, he would be ready for the trial.

Even then, he might be skulking in the woods, with his black eyes fixed upon the cabin.

It will be perceived, that, did he contemplate the death of either of the parties concerned, he could have compassed it without difficulty.