They had not, however, gone far, before they were brought back by a very disagreeable event.

One of the Indians, who remained about the tent after the lieutenant and his friends had left it, watched an opportunity of taking the sentry at unawares, and snatched away his musket.

Upon this, the petty officer who commanded the party, and who was a midshipman, ordered the marines to fire.

With equal want of consideration, and, perhaps with equal inhumanity, the men immediately discharged their pieces among the thickest of the flying crowd, who consisted of more than a hundred.

It being observed, that the thief did not fall, he was pursued, and shot dead.