to receive a wound, or be killed, his executioner would stop into his position. Matoka having therefore committed such a heinous offence, and being the rightful successor to the chieftainship, his punishment was to be more severe, which was that fifty spears should be thrown at him by picked men.
The idea of escaping was almost hopeless, as the tempting reward was sufficient to bring out the executioner's skill. The victim was accordingly brought forth, and placed on the spot chosen in the presence of the whole tribe. The chosen warriors were ranged before him with their terrible spears, each eager to be the fortunate victor.
Lindigo, in a flood of tears, endeavoured to arrest them in their intentions, but it was of no avail. The brave youth took his stand with a cool and determined air, without the slightest manifestation of fear in his manly and open countenance. His bold and confident attitude was the admiration of all, and not a little aggravated his executioners' thirst for his life.
Lindigo wrung her hands in despair, blaming herself for being the cause of the noble youth's untimely fate, and she prayed that he might be spared.
Divesting himself of all covering except a fur kilt, Matoka awaited the coming storm. Looking all round, as if taking a last farewell of all, and giving one affectionate glance at Lindigo, who returned it encouragingly, he placed his right foot before him, and raised his shield.
It would be superfluous to detail each aim, and the determination exhibited to accomplish the object by the executioners, or the extraordinary agility and expertness with which their intended victim evaded and parried each spear as it was darted with precision at his heart. Not being at liberty to shift his position, which was prescribed by a small circle, just sufficient to stand in, nevertheless when a spear threatened his head, he ducked down, and when one threatened his lower extremities, he sprung up, so that the spears, one after the other, fell harmless in his rear, and stuck in the ground.
Those spears, however, which threatened his heart,
