The Indian's Hand 1892

"The Indian's Hand" by Lorimer Stoddard is a compelling story set in the American frontier, where tensions between settlers and Native Americans run high. It illustrates the profound effects of loss and revenge. The narrative revolves around a woman cloaked in black, haunted by the memory of her son's abduction during an Indian raid. As her fellow settlers downplay the danger, she remains consumed by her personal tragedy. As the story progresses, a sense of quiet urgency grows, leading to a confrontation with a group of Native Americans. In a moment of fierce retribution, she cuts off one of their hands. The tragic irony is revealed when she learns that the hand belongs to her long-lost son, the consequences of which are that the act of revenge has led to a devastating price, burdening the woman with further grief and the knowledge of her own actions.