He instantly slipped behind a tree to watch.

There were only two Indians in camp; the rest he supposed were hunting at a distance.
Just as he was about to retire, one of the Indians took up a tomahawk and strolled off in the opposite direction; while the other picked up his gun, put it on his shoulder, and walked directly towards Mansker's hiding-place.

Mansker lay close, hoping that he would not be noticed; but the Indian advanced directly towards him until not fifteen paces off.

There being no alternative, Mansker cocked his piece, and shot the Indian through the body.

The Indian screamed, threw down his gun, and ran towards camp; passing it he pitched headlong down the bluff, dead, into the river.