Cool story. Pansies today have no idea how hard life was back then. Probably me included. I can't imagine being in a wagon train with no air conditioning 😫
Having seen the results of even a pygmy rattler bite, he may have chosen the best course of action under those circumstances. Besides, a person can get by pretty well after losing a finger. I can say that based on personal experience. But, an index finger, that's tough.