Controversial Fiction and an Unlikely Hero, from 1874

The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, New South Wales, 25 July 1874.

From "Annabel; or The Temptation", 1874

Shocking ethnocentric nineteenth century attitudes and an unlikely hero; see more at

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/18786309?searchTerm=Jim%20Potts&searchLimits=


From CHAPTER XXVIII:

WHAT BEFEL JIM POTTS

We return to Jim Potts, whom we left in a situation sufficient to call forth the deepest sympathy of every heart. Having exerted that huge effort of strength which floated the canoe and propelled it far enough into the river to enable Steive to ply the paddles and carry it swiftly from the shore, Jim was the next moment surrounded by the Indians, and hopelessly in their power. Grasped on every side with a violence which nearly prostrated him in the water, he was yet able to complete the noble sacrifice he had made by adjuring his companions not to bring destruction on themselves by seeking to help him, but to make good their escape; and, desperate though the position was in which he was left, his faithful, honest nature felt a thrill of satisfaction when he saw the canoe bear them away unharmed. The same sight, however, increased the fury of the savages to an ungovernable pitch, and he was conscious that now all their rage and cruelty would be spent on him.

What that cruelty might consist of he did not know; he was only certain that it would result in his death. Yet, terrible as was the prospect, he was strongly and loftily supported by the knowledge that he had been the means of saving his companions, that he had done his duty, and done it with success, and that should Master Philip return to England with his mission accomplished, his name would be spoken at Rockstone with kindness and his memory cherished there with affectionate regard. Thus resigned to his fate and nerved to endure it, he passively submitted to be dragged ashore by the yelling redskins, whose infuriated gestures made him suppose for a moment that they meant to despatch him on the spot...

" Dang it," said Jim to himself, " I'm not a going to show the white feather- that I'm resolved on. A free-born Englishman what has been taught religion ought to be as good at bearing suffering as them poor ignorant heathens, and, since I am to die, God helping me, I'll die game."