7-12.
The last chapter we left the combatants breathing in their narrow
lists. Accustomed to the rude sports of wrestling and jumping,
then so common in America, more especially on the frontiers, Hurry
possessed an advantage, in addition to his prodigious strength,
that had rendered the struggle less unequal than it might otherwise
appear to be. This alone had enabled him to hold out so long,
against so many enemies, for the Indian is by no means remarkable
for his skill, or force, in athletic exercises. As yet, no one
had been seriously hurt, though several of the savages had received
severe falls, and he, in particular, who had been thrown bodily
upon the platform, might be said to be temporarily hors de combat.
Some of the rest were limping, and March himself had not entirely
escaped from bruises, though want of breath was the principal loss
that both sides wished to repair.
Under circumstances like those in which the parties were placed, a
truce, let it come from what cause it might, could not well be of
long continuance. The arena was too confined, and the distrust
of treachery too great, to admit of this. Contrary to what might
be expected in his situation, Hurry was the first to recommence
hostilities.
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