"`The settlement has been surprised by Indians!' he exclaimed, as soon as he could find words to speak.  `I know the bloodthirsty nature of the savages.  They don't do things by halves, or allow a single human being to escape, if they can help it.  Lads, you will stick by me; though we can do nothing, I fear, but be revenged on the Redskins.  I left my wife and children down there, and I know that I shall never see them alive again.'