MDMD Dixon's act of nonviolence

[Doug Millison]

I don't think Dixon is that worried about being hurt himself in the moment
of the encounter.  The slaves urge him to leave ("but you'd better go,
right now") but Dixon stays:  "Despite this sound Counsel, Dixon still
greatly desires to kill the Driver, cringing there among the Waggon-Ruts.
What's a man of Conscience to do? It is frustrating.")

What's frustrating?  Having a conscience that won't let him kill the
driver. He does stay long enough to lecture the driver, however.

Dixon and Mason  take their time leaving, too, until they are out of sight
of the slave driver and people who have gathered to watch.



Scott Badger:
> In my opinion, Dixon's question, "What's a man of
>Conscience to do?", refers to his choosing to leave, to protect himself,
>rather than continuing his assault and risking his own safety and freedom to
>prevent the slave-driver from harming others in the future.