j. m. bumsted, a specialist on the topic of the red river rebellion, also discusses many popular portrayals of thomas scott in his work, "thomas scott's body: and other essays on early manitoba history." it is important to note that even bumsted stresses that many stories may have been elaborated on. according to bumsted, louis riel explains scott's execution for two reasons. first, scott's negative behavior and actions while in prison, as described by many other historians. second, scott is portrayed simply as a pawn being played in a bigger political game. historians who expand on the behavioral issues claim that both the guards and other captors were aggravated by scott's words and actions. he is said to have been threatening towards riel and the guards and used constant obscene language. it is argued in some works that these behaviors are typical of captives who believe they are held unjustly, which scott certainty believed. also mentioned earlier, scott is reported to have suffered diarrhea. it is commonly said by historians that this would have caused him aggravation, resulting in his negative behavior. the diarrhea combined with the annoying behavior however, is argued to have been reason to execute scott as he was too much to deal with. bumsted also discusses scott's portrayal as a "ringleader" in a labour strike against dawson road superintendent john snow, leading to justification for execution. scott is also portrayed as a heavy drinker and a "barroom brawler." contradictory, scott is also portrayed in some works as being quiet and inoffensive, just powerful and determined. his execution in these stories is portrayed as being a factor of a personal animosity between him and riel. this animosity is depicted in many different versions ranging from scott offending riel by telling him to move out of his way on the street, to a rivalry over love for the same women. this version has scott rescuing a metisse named marie from a flood. scott subsequently protected marie from riel and his "clumsy" courtship of her. this led to a hatred of scott by riel, causing him to want him executed.