"It's fairly probable. The description doesn't tally with Girty's.
This renegade was short and heavy, and noted especially for his
strength. Of course, an Indian would first speak of some such
distinguishing feature. There are, however, ten or twelve renegades
on the border, and, excepting Jim Girty, one's as bad as another."
"Then it's a common occurrence, this abducting girls from the
settlements?"
"Yes, and the strange thing is that one never hears of such doings
until he gets out on the frontier."
"For that matter, you don't hear much of anything, except of the
wonderful richness and promise of the western country."
"You're right. Rumors of fat, fertile lands induce the colonist to
become a pioneer. He comes west with his family; two out of every
ten lose their scalps, and in some places the average is much
greater. The wives, daughters and children are carried off into
captivity. I have been on the border two years, and know that the
rescue of any captive, as Wetzel rescued your friend, is a
remarkable exception."
"If you have so little hope of recovering your sweetheart, what then
is your motive for accompanying this band of hunters?"
"Revenge!"
"And you are a preacher?" Jim's voice did not disguise his
astonishment.
"I was a preacher, and now I am thirsting for vengeance," answered
Christy, his face clouding darkly.
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