Much pleased with his success he shortly made another raid into the Indian country, this time with two companions.  They succeeded in driving off a whole band of one hundred and sixty horses, which they brought in safety to the banks of the Ohio.  But a strong wind was blowing, and the river was so rough that in spite of all their efforts they could not get the horses to cross; as soon as they were beyond their depth the beasts would turn round and swim back.  The reckless adventurers could not make up their minds to leave the booty; and stayed so long, waiting for a lull in the gale, and wasting their time in trying to get the horses to take to the water in spite of the waves, that the pursuing Indians came up and surprised them.  Their guns had become wet and useless; and no resistance could be made.  One of them was killed, another escaped, and Kenton himself was captured.

The Indians asked him if “Captain Boon” had sent him to steal horses; and when he answered frankly that the stealing was his own idea, they forthwith proceeded to beat him lustily with their ramrods, at the same time showering on him epithets that showed they had at least learned the profanity of the traders.  They staked him out at night, tied so that he could move neither hand nor foot; and during the day he was bound on an unbroken horse, with his hands tied behind him so that he could not protect his face from the trees and bushes.  This was repeated every day.  After three days he reached the town of Chillicothe, stiff, sore, and bleeding.

Next morning he was led out to run the gauntlet.  A row of men, women, and boys, a quarter of a mile long, was formed, each with a tomahawk, switch, or club; at the end of the line was an Indian with a big drum, and beyond this was the council-house, which, if he reached, would for the time being protect him.  The moment for starting arrived; the big drum was beaten; and Kenton sprang forward in the race. [Footnote:  For this part of Kenton’s adventures compare the “Last of the Mohicans.”] Keeping his wits about him he suddenly turned to one side and darted off with the whole tribe after him.  His wonderful speed and activity enabled him to keep ahead, and to dodge those who got in his way, and by a sudden double he rushed through an opening in the crowd, and reached the council-house, having been struck but three or four blows.

He was not further molested that evening.  Next morning a council was held to decide whether he should be immediately burnt at the stake, or should first be led round to the different villages.  The warriors sat in a ring to pass judgment, passing the war club from one to another; those who passed it in silence thereby voted in favor of sparing the prisoner for the moment, while those who struck it violently on the ground thus indicated their belief that he should be immediately put to death.  The former prevailed, and Kenton was led from town to town.  At each place he was tied to the stake, to be switched and beaten by the women and boys; or else was forced to run the gauntlet, while sand was thrown in his eyes and guns loaded with powder fired against his body to burn his flesh.