Volume 1

1
VENGEANCE IS MINE, SAITH THE LORD. 38
uses them more like slaves than wives. They appeared to
be in continual dread of him, and not without cause, as he
has butchered some of them with his
own hands and with
the greatest composure imaginable. Although he is not of
a jealous disposition, still he does not approve of his women
disposing of their persons without his knowledge. A striking
instance of this happened not very long ago at his own
residence whilst he was absent on a hunting-party.
One of
his wives had formed an attachment with a young man of
the same village. About the time her husband was expected
to return, she, dreading his anger, left her hut and took up
her abode with her paramour. Soon after this Le Borgne
arrived, and presently inquired where she was. Being
informed of the affair,
without saying one word he took his
battle-ax and went directly to the hut where he supposed
she was. He raised up the door and saw her sitting upon
the young man's bed. He desired her to come forth, but
she hesitated and dared not stir; he rushed in and dragged
her by the hair through the door to the porch, where he
dispatched her with his ax, without speaking to the young
man, who was sitting by the fire." It is extraordinary that
he could with impunity resent an affront of this kind in such
a harsh manner, as he has often been guilty of debauching
young women, both maidens and wives. Some he has kept
for his own use, and others he has returned to their friends
or husbands when tired of their company ; and still none
have dared to avenge the affront. When any female strikes
his fancy he makes no ceremony, but uses her as if
she was
his own.
The Schian camp is situated in a delightful spot, on a
level, elevated plain ; in the rear, on the S. runs a rivulet,
beyond which the river is bounded by high, barren hills,
partly covered with large round stones. On the front or
N. side runs the rivulet we crossed, and there the view
extends no further than the hill we passed over. On the
W., within about one-quarter of a mile, a range of high
* This relation is also given by L. and C. ,
p. 244.