This was no time to risk such a disappointment.

Approaching, therefore, stealthily and silently, they came upon the savages by surprise, who fled in terror.

Five of their horses were eagerly seized, and one was despatched upon the spot.

The carcass was immediately cut up, and a part of it hastily cooked and ravenously devoured.

A man was now sent on horseback with a supply of the flesh to Mr.Crooks and his companions.
He reached them in the night; they were so famished that the supply sent them seemed but to aggravate their hunger, and they were almost tempted to kill and eat the horse that had brought the messenger.