Wetzel

It seemed to Wetzel that he should be close to what he had thought was the Indian’s intended destination. He heard something that sounded like singing, a female voice. His eye then caught sight of his prey, kneeling behind a big maple and watching something intently. Wetzel dropped down behind some bushes and stared at the husky brave. What was he looking at? Lewis backed up a bit and shifted to his right where there was a small opening in the trees through which he could see to the riverbank. What he saw nearly took his breath away. A woman Wetzel 321 stood at the edge of the stream, splashing water on herself. She was completely naked, and she was singing softly. Wetzel knew immediately that it was Lydia, and he could not take his eyes off her. When she began to turn, Lewis was so enthralled that he nearly forgot his dusky friend who was sharing this view. Lydia stepped toward the canoe that was pulled up on the bank near where she stood and reached for the towel, slung over its side. In so doing, she exposed her front side to the two men watching her with avid attention. Lewis was conscious of the effects this sight was having on his body. Her breasts were as beautiful as he had imagined, and as his eye dropped down to the dark thatch between her legs, he could scarcely keep himself from crying out. He felt the desire well up within him, and he wanted to rush down and take her in his arms. Lydia casually lifted the towel and began to dry herself, completely unaware of the two men watching her from so nearby. Lewis, remembering finally the danger to Lydia crouching behind the big tree, looked to see what the warrior was doing. The Indian, as if mesmerized by the erotic show in front of him, had not moved. This couldn’t last much longer, and Wetzel eased back into the woods behind him and moved to a position advantageous for an attack. How should he do it without revealing to Lydia that the two of them had been peeping at her. He could not wait much longer, he knew. He dropped down to a prone position and raised his rifle, sighting through the opening at the Indian who stood next to the tree, still watching the girl. His face was painted and a stone hung from his right ear. Wetzel aimed just in front of the dangling gem and squeezed the trigger. The ball slammed into the unsuspecting brave in the right jaw, plowing through his mouth and out just under the left eye. He dropped instantly and without making a sound. Wetzel could hear the scream from Lydia, but he waited for a short while before moving. Richard Fleming 322 He was confident that the Indian was dead, but he made no move to go to the body and retrieve the scalp. He could not see Lydia now, but he figured that she was scrambling to get dressed and get the canoe out into the river. Waiting until he thought she was probably dressed, he then pushed through the trees, making as much noise as possible. Lydia was visible as Wetzel neared the edge of the woods, and he could see that she was no longer naked. She had put on the gown, but he could see that her petticoat was still in the canoe. She had crouched down by the side of the canoe that was nearest the river, and as he came into the clearing, she screamed again. “Lyddy, it’s me, Lew Wetzel,” he shouted, hoping to stop her screaming. It had just occurred to him that they might not be alone, even though he had seen no one else. “Who?” Lydia stopped screaming but remained half hidden by the canoe. “Lew Wetzel!” exclaimed Lew, louder this time. Now Lydia stood up and immediately recognized the young hunter. “Lew Wetzel, you fool. You look like an Indian. You scared me to death.” “That wasn’t my intent, Lyddy,” protested Lew. “Was that you shooting?” Lydia demanded, walking around the bow of the canoe and approaching Lew. Her expression had changed from one of fright to one of fury. “I reckon it was,” admitted Wetzel. “What were you shootin’ at then?” Lydia wanted to know. “I thought somebody was shootin’ at me.” “I was shootin’ at a rabbit, Lyddy. I missed him.” “I thought you was supposed to be a crack shot,” said Lydia, beginning to calm down. “Suppose to bein’ and bein’ are two different things, mebbe,” said Lew. He had decided it was better not to mention the Indian.