 Chapter 20 Part 2 of My Life on the Plains The Slibervox recording is in the public domain. If that is so, Colonel, there's a many one of them. Was the sober response of California Joe who wrote it aside. By this time the Indians could be plainly seen, although numbers of them continued to gallop up from the rear. It was evident from their movements that they had discovered Colonel Cook's party almost as soon as he had seen them, and that the entire body of Indians was directing its march toward the little eminence from which the white men were now watching their movements. What do you think about now, Colonel? Said California Joe, at last breaking the silence. Well, Joe, we must do the best we can. There's no use in running. Yo, right, replied Joe. An Indian will be the white men running every time, so I suspect our best hold is fitting. But Lord Amici, look at him, there ain't enough of us to go half-round. Getting his little party collected and in good order, and speaking words of encouragement to all, Colonel Cook quietly awaited further developments. His thoughts in the meanwhile must have been such as he probably never wishes to indulge in again. All sorts of terrible visions and ideas flashed through his mind, the most prominent and well as plausible being that the Indians had made away with my party, and from little robe and yellow bear had learned of the expected supplies with their small escort, and were now in search of the latter. Whatever varied thoughts of this character chased each other through his brain, it once came to the firm resolve that whatever fate was in store for him he would meet it like a soldier, and if the worse came he would fight to the last. But this time it was seen that a single Indian was galloping in advance of the rest as if hastening to reach the white men. That's a queer dodge, remarked California Joe, but the mystery was soon cleared away as the Indian began to draw near to the party without slacking his pace. Colonel Cook and California Joe instinctively advanced to meet him, when to their great joy and surprise it was proved to be none other than the faithful yellow bear who, realizing the situation, had ridden in advance of his people in order to assure the whites of their friendly character. His coming no doubt caused the hearts of Colonel Cook and his party to beat lighter, or as California Joe expressed it. When I'd seen it was yellow bear, I knowed we was all right. From yellow bear Colonel Cook learned where he might expect to find us, and thus another cause of anxiety was lifted from his mind. The morning after my party had been reinforced by the arrival just described, we set out under the guidance of Neva and the two young Arapaho warriors and followed the direction in which little robe had gone. It being one of the winter months the Indian ponies were still in unfit condition to make longer rapid marches. For this reason the two Arapaho's had left their ponies with the village and were accompanying, or rather proceeding, us on foot, an undertaking which they seemed to have had no difficulty in accomplishing. The grazing became more indifferent each day as we journeyed toward the west until finally we ceased to rely upon it. But as a substitute feed a horse is upon the bark of the young cottonwood trees which are generally found fringing the borders of the streams. In spite, however, our utmost care, our horses and pack-animals having exhausted their supply of forage, began to fail in strength and condition under their cottonwood bark diet. After reaching and crossing the Red River at point west of that at which the survey of Marcy and McClellan crossed it and failing to discover any indication of the recent occupation of the ground by Indians, I had fears that if I prolonged my journey much further our animals would not be able to reach the main camp. So famished had they become in the last few days I, therefore after consultation with Neva and the two Arapaho's, decided to recross to the north bank of the Red River and follow up its course until we should reach a small tributary coming in from the northwest at which Neva informed me would furnish a good campground. In the meantime Neva, who was well-mounted on a hearty act of mule, was to take with him the two young Arapaho's and push on in advance in search of the Cheyenne village, the understanding being that I should follow in his direction and till the stream referred to was reached, where I would await his return for three days. Could he fail to rejoin us in that time we would commence our return march to the main camp? When it was known that this plan had been definitely settled upon, young Brewster, who never for a moment had become discouraged as to his final success in discovering his lost sister, came to me and in the most earnest manner asked permission to accompany Neva in his search for the Cheyenne village. I did everything I could to dissuade him from his so dangerous a project. No arguments were of any avail. He felt satisfied that his sister was a prisoner in the Cheyenne village and that this is last and only opportunity to gain a knowledge of the fact and even with the chances of death or torture staring him in the face, he preferred to risk all and learn the truth rather than live longer in a state of horrible uncertainty. Against my better judgment in the matter, I was forced by his inopportune manner to grant him permission to accompany Neva. Taking on a suitable amount of supplies with them, the three Indians and young Brewster sat out, Neva, being the only one of the party mounted. After they had left us we moved in the same direction, with the intention of halting on the stream indicated by Neva, there to await their return. While the reader is also awaiting their return, I will refer to an incident which should have appeared in earlier part of this chapter. It was neither more or less than what might, among fashionable notice of the Indian press, provided they had one, have been termed an elopement in high life. One evening, after we had gone into the camp, many long weary miles from our point of starting, and when we supposed we had left all the Kayawas safely in camp awaiting the release of their two chiefs Lone Wolf and Satana, we were all surprised to see a young and handsome Kayawa warrior gallop into our midst, accompanied by a young squaw, who certainly could not have reached the age which distinguishes the woman from a girl. In a few moments our little party gathered about these two wayfarers, eager to learn the cause of their sudden and unexpected visit. The girl was possessed of almost marvelous beauty, a beauty so remarkable that my companions of that march refer to her this day as the most beautiful squaw they had ever seen. Her graceful and well-rounded form, her clearly cut features, her dark expressive eyes, fringed with long, silken lashes, cheeks rich with the color of young teeth, of pearly whiteness occasionally peeping from between her full rosy lips, added, with all, to a most bewitching manner, required not the romance of her story to make her an object of deep interest in the eyes of the gallants of our party, but to their story. She was the daughter of Black Eagle, at the time acting head chief of the Kayawas. The young warrior who wrote at her side was somewhat of a young luckenvar in disposition. It was the old, old story, only to be repeated again by these representatives of the red man, mutual and determined to love on the part of the youngsters, opposition equally determined upon the part of Black Eagle. Not that the young warrior was objectionable, but unfortunately, as is but too often the case, he was poor and could not offer in exchange for the hand of a chief's daughter the proper number of ponies. Black Eagle was inexorable, the lover's constancy itself. There was but one thing for them to do, and they did it. Aware of our proposed expedition in search of the Cheyenne and Arapahos, they timed their affairs accordingly, giving us time to get two days to start. They slipped away from their village at dusk the evening of the second day after our departure, and hastening unperceived to a thicket nearby where the lover had taken the precaution to conceal two of the fleetus ponies of the village already saddled. They soon were in their saddles and galloping for love and life away from the Kayawa village. I say galloping for life, or by the Indian law, if the father or relative of the girl could overtake the lovers within twenty-four hours, the life of the young woman would pay for the forefet. They followed our trail in order to avail themselves of our protection by traveling with us as far as our course might lead them in the direction of the staked plains, on the borders of which a straggling band of Kayawas under the chief woman-heart was supposed to be, and which the lovers intended to join, at least until the rage of Padafimilias should subside and they be invited to return. This in brief was their story. I need not add that they found a hearty welcome in our midst, and were assured that they need no longer fear-pursuit. That evening, after the campfires were lighted, the officers of our party with Romeo as interpreter gathered around the campfire of the bridal couple and passed a pleasant hour in conversation. Their happiness and exaltation at their success in escaping from their village was too powerful to be restrained, and in many delicate little ways the bride, for by Indian law, twenty-four hours' absence from the village with her lover, made her a bride, plainly betrayed her exceeding fondness for him who would risk all to claim her as his own. After my return to the main camp, I met Black Eagle and informed him that his daughter and her husband had been companions of our march. Yes, why did you not kill him? was his reply. Upon which inquiry he explained by saying that if some person had kindly put an end to the life of his son-in-law it would have benefited him to the value of several ponies. His difficulty seemed to be in overcoming the loss of the ponies which should have been paid for his daughter's hand. I afterwards learned, however, that the hauntee chief became reconciled to the willful lovers and invited them to return to his lodge, an invitation they were not tardy in accepting. We pitched our camp at the point to greet upon between Neva and myself and prepared to await the return of his party. Neva had been informed that our delay could not extend beyond three days as our store provisions and forage was almost exhausted, and this fact alone would force us to retrace our steps. I had hoped that during the time we were to spend in camp hunting parties might be able to bring in a sufficient amount of game to satisfy our wants, but although parties were dispatched in all directions, not an animal or bird could be found. So barren was this country as to offer no inducements that would attract game of any species. Our last ounce of meat had been eaten, and the men after one day's deprivation of this essential part of their rations were almost ravenous. Our horses had several days since eating their last ration of grain and the grass was so sparse and indifferent as to furnishing sufficient diet to sustain life. Resort was had to Cottonwood Bark, to obtain which we cut down large numbers of the trees and fed our horses upon the young bark of the branches. Knowing that an answer to my second request applies a provision both for men and horses might be on their way and probably near to us, I determined to begin our return march one day sooner than I had expected, when Neva and his companions left us, as they would be able to find our camp to follow our trail and overtake us. We moved only a few miles, but even this short distance was sufficient to demonstrate how weak and famished our horses had become, one of them dying from starvation before we reached camp, the first day of our return march. This circumstance, however, was turned our advantage. Much has been said and written in praise of the savouriness of horse flesh as a diet. Our necessities compelled us to put this question to practical test, and the animal had scarcely fallen unable to rise again when it was decided to prepare his carcass for food. That evening the men treated themselves to a bountiful repast made up of roast steaks and broils from all the flesh of the poor animal, whose death was attributable to starvation alone. Starting, however, from the jolly laughter which rang through the camp at supper time, the introduction of this new article of diet met with a cordial reception. Soon after finishing our supper we discovered in the distance and following in our trail a horseman. We had once concluded this must be Neva, a fact rendered conclusive by the aid of a field-glass. Various were the surmises indulged in by the different members of our party as to the success of Neva's mission. What had become of his companions, particularly young Brewster? These, and many other inquiries, suggested themselves as we watched his approach. We could almost read the answer on Neva's face when he reached us as to the success of his search for the Cheyennes. Disappointment, hunger, and fatigue were plainly marked in his features as he dismounted and shook hands with us. Knowing that one of the characteristics of the Indian is to talk but little until the wants of the inner man has been fully attended to, I had once ordered him a steak. One of the party, however, fearing that if he knew the exact character of the diet offered him he might, from some superstitious cause, decline it, suggested that Neva be asked if he would like a nice buffalo steak, a deception which seemed somewhat justifiable under the circumstances. To this Neva returned a hearty affirmative, went one of the men placed before him a raw steak whose dimensions would have amply gratified the appetites of an ordinary family of a half a dozen. Having held the steak over the blazing fire until sufficiently done to suit his taste, Neva seated himself on the ground nearby and began helping himself liberally to the dripping morsel. After he had indulged for some time in this pleasing entertainment and having made no remark, one of the officers inquired of him if he was hungry. Yes, was his reply, but added in his very indifferent English, po bavano, po bavano. None of us ever informed him of the little deception which had been practiced upon him. His account of his journey was brief. He had traveled nearly due west, accompanied by Brewster and the two young Arapahos, and had discovered the trail of the Cheyenne village some two weeks old, leading still further to the west, and under circumstances which induced him to believe the village had moved far away. Under these circumstances there was no course left to him but to return. The Arapahos decided to follow on and join the Cheyenne village. Neva and young Brewster began their return together, but the latter being unable to travel as fast as Neva fell behind. Neva, anxious to keep his promise and rejoin us at the time and place indicated, pushed forward as rapidly as possible. Young Brewster, however, manfully struggled along and reached our camp a few hours after Neva's arrival. The next morning we set out on our homeward or return march. During the night one of our horses strayed away from the camp and as one of the men thought he could find it before we made our start in the morning he left camp with that purpose. Failing to rejoin us at the proper time I sent parties and searched for him, but they returned unsuccessful. We were compelled by our necessities to move without further delay. Weeks and months elapsed and no tidings of the lost trooper reached us when one day, while in camp near Fort Hayes, Kansas, hundreds of miles from the locality of which I am now riding, who should step up to my tent, but the man who was lost from us in northwestern Texas, he had become bewildered after losing sight of our camp, took the wrong direction and was never able thereafter during his wanderings to determine his course. Eventually he took a southern route and after nearly two months of solitary roaming over the plains of northern Texas he arrived at a military post south of Red River in Texas and by way of Galveston, Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi and Missouri rivers rejoined as regiment in Kansas. As we gained the crest of the hill from which we obtained a view of the white tents which formed our camp there was no one of our little party who did not enjoy a deep feeling of gratitude and thankfulness that our long and trying journey was about to end under happier auspices than might have been supposed when we began it. We had found the Arapahos and succeeded in placing them on their reservation where from that date to the present time they have remained, never engaging as a tribe in making war, committing depredations on the whites so far as my knowledge extends. We did not succeed so well with the Cheyennes but we established facts regarding their location, disposition, and intentions as to peace which were of invaluable service to us in determining future operations looking to the establishment of peace with them. Our arrival in camp created a sensation among our comrades who had seen us depart upon what they might well have considered an errand of questionable prudence. Leaving my companions of the march to answer the many queries of those who had not accompanied us, I galloped across the narrow plain which separated General Sheridan's tents from my camp and was soon greeted by the general and staff in terms of a hearty welcome. Repairing to the general's tent I soon recounted the principal incidents of my expedition, with most of which the reader has already made acquaintance. I found that the Arapahos had kept their promise made to me while I was in their village and that the village was then located near our main camp. It might be proper here to remark that although a period of several years has elapsed since the Arapahos were induced to accept the offer of peace made to them and promised to relinquish in the future their predatory mode of life, yet to this day, so far as I know, they as a tribe have remained at peace with the white man. This remark may not, and probably does not, apply to particular individuals of the tribe, but it is due to the tribe to state that their conduct since the events related to the preceding chapter have been greatly to their credit, as well as to the peace and comfort of the settlers of the frontier results wholly due to the wash-a-talk campaign and the subsequent events which the reader of those articles is familiar. The conduct of the Cheyennes, however, in declining our proffers of peace, left the Indian question in that section of the country still unsettled, but this only rendered new plans necessary, plans which were quickly determined upon. Other events of great public importance rendered General Sheridan's presence necessary elsewhere, in an early day. It was therefore decided that he, accompanied by his escort of scouts under Lieutenant Pepin, should proceed northward toward camp supply, while I, with the Seventh Regulars and the 19th Kansas Cavalry and Mayo's Sage scouts, a force numbering about 1,500 men, should move westward in quest of the recalcitrant Cheyennes and administer to them such treatment as their past conduct might merit, in existing circumstances demanded. Satan and Lone Wolf were still prisoners in our hands, a portion of their tribe having failed thus far to comply with the terms of the agreement by which they were to settle down peaceably on their reservation. As the greater portion of the tribe, however, was then in camp near us, and as both Satan and Lone Wolf were loud in their protestations of peace, it was decided to release them. Accordingly, after a conference with General Sheridan, I went to the lodge in which I kept the two chiefs closely guarded as prisoners and informed them of the decision which had been arrived at in their behalf, the only response being a most hearty and emphatic howl from the two robust chieftains. General Sheridan had up to this time declined all their requests for an interview, but now deemed it best to see them and speak a few words of warning and caution as to their future conduct. No peace commissioners were ever entertained by promises of good behavior, peaceable intentions, and regrets for past offenses which smacked a greater earnestness and sincerity than those volunteered by Lone Wolf and Satan, when informed that they were free to rejoin their people. According to their voluntary representations, their love for it, their white brother was unbounded, their desire for peace, their hatred of war, ungovernable, and nothing would satisfy them in future but to be permitted to lead their people, the white man's road, by cultivating the soil, building schoolhouses and churches, and forever ensuing a predatory or warlike life, alas, the instability of human resolutions, particularly of the humans in an Indian, and the resolutions are expressed not formed simply to obtain a certain advantage or, as is most usually the case, to tickle fanciful imagination of some thoroughly well-meaning but utterly impractical peace commissioner, whose favorable influence is believed by the Indians to be all potent in securing fresh invoices of new blankets, breech-loading arms, and provisions. Neither blankets, breech-loading arms, or an unnecessary amount of provisions were distributed by the military among the adherents of Satan and Lone Wolf. Scarcely one year had elapsed, however, before Satan had defiantly informed the general of the army then on a visit to Fort Sill, that he had just returned from an expedition to Texas, during which he and his party had murdered and robbed several white men. It was this confession which led to Satan's trial, conviction, and sentence to death by the civil authorities of Texas. Through the intercession of the general government the executive of Texas was induced to commute the punishment of Satan from hanging to imprisonment for life, a step which all familiar with Indians and Indian management knew would result sooner or later in his release, and that of his confederate, Big Tree. Importooned constantly by the tender-hearted representatives of the peace commissioners, who could not be induced to look upon Satan and Big Tree as murderers, the governor of Texas very unwisely yielded to their persistent appeals, and upon the strength of promises solemnly made by the peace commissioners according to which not only Satan and Big Tree were to abstain from acts of bloodshed and murder in the future, but their entire tribe was also to remain at peace and within their reservation limits. The two chiefs who had unfortunately escaped the halter were again turned loose to engage in acts of hostility against the whites. An opportunity they and their treacherous people have not been slow to improve from that day to this. The winter of 1868 through 69 was rapidly terminating, acting as a forcible reminder to us that if we hope to operate in the field with any advantage over the Cheyennes, the movement must be made before the spring grass should make its appearance for the benefit of the Indian ponies. Accordingly, as soon as our arrangements were perfected, our camp at the present site of Fort Sill, Indian territory, was broken up, and General Sheridan, accompanied by his staff and escort, set out for camp supply in the north, while my command faced westward and began its search for the Cheyennes passing along the southern base of the Wichita Mountains on the afternoon of Inauguration Day at Old Camp Radziminski, a station which had been occupied by our troops prior to the war between the northern and southern states, and whose name, no doubt, will recall pleasant reminisces to many who afterwards wore the blue or the gray. On the morning of the first day, after leaving the Wichita Mountains behind us, no little excitement was created throughout the command by the discovery of a column of smoke directly on our course, and apparently about 15 or 20 miles in front of us. That Indians had originated the fire was beyond a doubt, as we all knew that beyond us, in the direction of the smoke, the country was inhabited by no human being save hostile Indians. I had once decided to push on with the command to the point from which the smoke was ascending, and discover, if possible, some traces of the Indians. Be it understood, that neither I nor any members of my command supposed for one moment that when we arrived at the desired point we would find the Indians there awaiting our arrival, but we did hope to discover their trail. Of the many experience frontiersmen embraced in the command, including, of course, California Joe, there were none who judged the distance which separated us from the smoke as greater than could easily be passed over by us before three or four o'clock that afternoon. It was evidently not a signal smoke ascending from a single point and regulated by human control, but appeared from our standpoint more like a fire communicated to the prairie grass from an abandoned or neglected campfire. Pushing on as rapidly as our horses could travel, we were again reminded from time to time of the deceptive character of the plains as regards to distances. When three o'clock arrived and we had been marching steadily for nine hours, the dense and changing columns of deep gray smoke, which had been our guiding point all day, seemed as far distant as when our march began in the morning. Except to water our animals and once to enable the men to prepare a cup of coffee, no halts were made from six o'clock in the morning until we finally reached the desired locality, not at three or four o'clock in the afternoon, but at two o'clock that night. Our surmises proved correct. The fire had evidently been communicated to the dry winter grass from some Indian campfire. The Indians, of course, had gone. But where? As this was a question that could not be solved until daylight, and as all of us were glad enough for an opportunity to get a few hours repose, the troops bivouacked in promiscuous order as they arrived. Only those who have enjoyed similar experiences know how brief the preparation required for sleep. As for myself, as soon as the necessary directions had been given related to the command, I unsettled my horse, arranged my saddle for my pillow, tethered my horse with an easy reach and in less time than has been required to write these few lines. I was enjoying one of those slumbers which only come as the reward of a day of earnest activity in the saddle. As soon as it was light enough for our purpose, we were in the saddle and searching in all directions for the trail left by the Indians who had fired the prairie. Our Osage scouts were not long in making the desired discovery. The trail led westward, following the general course of a small valley in which it was first discovered. The party was evidently a small one, numbering not more than fifteen persons, but the direction in which they were moving led me to hope that by following them carefully and with due caution to prevent a discovery of our pursuit we might be led to the main village. All that day our Osage scouts clung to the trail with the pertenacity of sleuth-hounds. The course led us up and across several different streams of beautiful clear water, but to our great disappointment and to that of our horses as well, upon attempting to quench our thirst at different times that every stream was impregnated to the fullest degree with salt. Later in the day this became a serious matter, and had we not been on an Indian trail I should have entertained earnest apprehensions as to whether or not we were destined to find pure water by continuing further in the direction we were moving. But I felt confident that the Indians we were pursuing were familiar with the country and would no doubt lead us, unintentionally of course, to streams of fresh water. One of the streams we crossed was so strongly impregnated with salt that the edges near the banks were covered with a border of pure white salt resembling the borders of ice often seen along rivulets in winter. This border was from one to three feet in width and sufficiently thick to support the weight of a horse. Fortunately the Indian trail, as I had anticipated, led us to a refreshing spring of pure cold water nearby. Here we halted to prepare a cup of coffee before continuing the pursuit. While halted at this point I observed a trooper approaching with an armful of huge cakes of pure white salt gathered from the salt stream just described, and which flowered at the foot of the hill from which also bubbled forth the spring of fresh water to which we were indebted for the means of preparing our first meal on that day. Salt was not an abundant article with us at that time, and the trooper referred to, aware of this fact, had in behalf of himself and comrades collected from the literal salt of the earth, a quantity ample for all present need. After conveying his valuable load to the vicinity of the cookfire, he broke the cakes of salt into small particles with an axe, and then passing the fragments through a coffee mill, he was in possession of table salt, whose quality would have satisfied a more exacting epicure than a hungry cavalryman. Finishing our meal, which not only was our breakfast for that day but a late dinner as well, we resumed the pursuit, observing, before doing so, that the Indians had also made a brief halt at the same point, and had built a fire and prepared their meal, as we had done after them. Crossing a high ridge or divide, the trail led us down into a beautiful open valley. After following up the course of the latter several miles, the freshness of the trail indicated that the Indians had passed over at the same day, as it was not our purpose to overtake them, but to follow as closely as prudence would allow, I determined to go into the camp until the following morning. Soon after resuming the pursuit next day, rain began to fall, at first slowly, but later in the day in copious showers. I knew the Indians would not travel in the rain if they could avoid it, unless they knew they were being pursued, and of this fact I had reason to believe they were still ignorant, as evidence found all along the trail indicated that they were moving very leisurely. To avoid placing ourselves too close proximity to them, I ordered a halt about noon, and began preparing for camping for the night. Our wagons were still in the rear. In the meantime, the horses were all unsettled and picketed out in the usual manner to graze. As was my usual custom upon halting for the night, I had directed the Osage Scouts, instead of halting and unsettling, to advance in the direction we were to follow the next day, and examine the country for a distance of a few miles. We had barely completed the unsettling of a horses and disposed of them over the grazing ground, when I discovered the Osage Scouts returning over the ridge in front of us as fast as their ponies could carry them. Their story was soon told. Disliking to travel in the rain, the Indians whom we were pursuing had gone into camp also, and the Osage Scouts had discovered them not more than a mile from us, the ridge referring to preventing the Indians from seeing us or being seen by us. Quickly the word saddle up flew from mouth to mouth, and in a marvelously brief time officers and men were in the saddle, and under the guidance of the Osage Scouts were moving stealthily to surprise the Indian camp. Passing around a little spur of the dividing ridge, there before us, at a distance of but a few hundred yards, stood the half erected lodge of the Indians, while scattered here and there in the immediate vicinity were to be seen the Indian ponies and pack animals grazing an apparent unconsciousness of the close proximity of an enemy. At a given signal the cavalry put the spurs to their steeds, drew their revolvers, and in a few moments were in the possession of the Indian camp, ponies and all. No, not all, for not a single Indian could be discovered. The troops were deployed at a gallop in all directions, but failed to find the trace of an Indian. Our capture was apparently an empty one. How the occupants of the Indian camp had first discovered our presence and afterwards contrived to elude us was a mystery which even puzzled our Osage Scouts. This mystery was afterwards explained, and in order to avoid detaining the reader, I will anticipate sufficiently to state that in the course of subsequent events which came face to face under a flag of truce with the late occupants of the Indian camp and learn from them that in this instance history had reproduced itself. Rome was saved by the cackling of geese. The Indians owed their safety to the barking of dogs. Not the barking of dogs belonging to their own camp, but to ours. It seemed that during the haste and excitement attended upon the discovery of the close proximity of the Indian camp to ours, two of our dogs, whether or not sharing in the bellicose humor of their masters, engaged in a quarrel, the noise of which reached the quick years of the Indians nearly one mile distant. Comprehending the situation at once, the Indians realizing the danger of delay abandoned their camp and ponies and fled on foot, the better to effect concealment and elude pursuit. On the following day we resumed the march, there being no longer any trail for us to follow, we continued in the same direction, believing that the small party we had been pursuing had been directing their course toward the location of the main village, which was somewhere to the westward of us. Day after day we traveled in this direction, hoping to discover some sign or trail which might give us a clue to the whereabouts of the Cheyenne village. We had left the Indian territory far behind us and had advanced into Texas, well toward the 102nd degree meridian of longitude. Nearly all hope of discovering the Indians had vanished from the minds of the officers and men, when late in the afternoon the trail of a single lodge was discovered, leading in a southwesternly direction. The trail was nearly, if not quite, one month old, hence it did not give great encouragement. To the surprise of most of the command, I changed the direction of our march at once and put the Osages on the trail having decided to follow it. This may seem to the reader an ill-advised move, but the idea under which the decision was made was that the owner of the lodge, the trail of which we had discovered, had probably been absent from the main village in search of game, as is customary for small parties of Indians at that season of the year. In the spring however the entire tribe assembles at one point and determines its plans and movements for the summer, whether related to war or hunting. There was a chance, a slight one. It is true, that the trail of a single lodge just discovered might lead us to the rendezvous of the tribe. I deemed it worthy of our attention and a pursuit of a few days at furthest would determine the matter. Following our faithful Osages, who experienced no difficulty in keeping the trail, we marched until near sundown, when we arrived at the banks of a small stream, upon which, and near a cool bubbling spring, we discovered the evidences of an Indian camp, which must have been not only included in the lodge whose trail we had been following, but about a dozen others. Here was a speedier confirmation of my hopes than I had anticipated. Here I determined to encamp until morning, and while the cavalry were unsettling and pitching their tents, I asked Monicita to examine the Indian camp minutely, and to tell me how long, time had elapsed since its occupation by the Indians, how many constituted the party, and the character and probable indications of the latter. No detective could have set about the proposed examination with greater thoroughness than did this Indian girl. The ashes of the campfire were rate carefully away and examined with all the scrutiny of a chemical analysis. Bits of cloth or fragments of the skins of animals found within the limits of the camp were lifted from their resting places as tenderly as if they were articles of greatest value. Here and there were to be seen the bones of deer or antelope, which had been obtained by the Indians as food. End of Chapter 20, Part 2 Chapter 20, Part 3 of My Life on the Plains Dislobervox Recording is in the Public Domain These Mesita examined carefully, then shattering them between two stones the condition of the marrow seemed to point to a particular importance to her as tending to determine the length of time the bones had been lying on the camp. After many minutes spent in this examination, during which I accompanied her, a silent but far from disinterested spectator, she apparently like a judge who had been carefully reviewing all the evidence, gave me her conclusions, communicating with me through the medium of the sign language with a grace characteristic of the Indian race and which added to the interest of her statements. Briefly summed up her conclusions were as follows. Twelve lodges had encamped at that point, probably constituting the band of some petty chief, the different members of which, like the ones whose trail we had that day discovered, had been separated for the purpose of hunting, but had been called together at that point preparatory to joining the main village. The lodges had left this camp not to exceed two weeks previous to that date, and an all probability had moved to the rendezvous appointed for the main tribe, which would without doubt be found by other small bands from time to time until the village would all be assembled at one point. Moving in this manner, and at this early season of the year, when the grass was scarce and no enemy known to be in the country, the Indians would make very short moves each day, passing merely from one stream to another, not accomplishing in one day a greater distance, probably than the cavalry would in two or three hours. This intelligence, of course, was most gratifying, and for encouragement, was soon communicated to the individual members of the command. The trail was found to lead almost in a northerly direction, slightly inclining to the east. Perhaps no one of the command experienced such a feeling of hope and anxious suspense as the new discoveries gave rise to in the breast of young Brewster, who now more than ever believed that with reason too, that he was soon to unravel or forever seal the fate of his lost sister, whose discovery and release had been the governing impulses of his life for months past. With renewed interest the cavalry resumed the pursuit at daylight the following morning. We had marched but a few miles before we reached a second camping ground, which had been occupied not only by those whose trail we were then following, but the number of fires showed that the strength of the Indians had been increased by about twenty-five lodges, thus verifying the correctness of the surmises advanced by Mona Sita. Continuing our progress we had the satisfaction of seeing still further sessions to the trail until it was evident that at least one hundred lodges had united and passed in one body on the trail. As we marched in one day over the distance passed over in three by the Indians, and as the latter were moving unsuspicious of the presence of an enemy in that section of the country, the trail was becoming freshened as we advanced. That night we encamped with every precaution calculated to conceal our presence from the Indians. No fires were permitted until after dark, and then, but small ones, for fear the quick and watchful eye of the Indian might detect the ascending columns of smoke. As soon as the men had prepared their suppers the fires were put out. In the morning breakfast was prepared before daylight, and the fires had once smothered by heaping damp earth over them, resuming the pursuit as soon as it was sufficiently light to follow the trail we soon arrived at the camp vacated by the Indians the previous day, the extent of which showed that from three to four hundred lodges of Indians had occupied the ground. In many places the decayed embers of the lodge fires were still glowing, while the immense quantity of young cottonwood timber found cut and lying throughout the camp stripped of its young bark showed that the Indian ponies were being mainly subsisted on cottonwood bark, the spring grass not being sufficient to advance to answer that purpose. Nothing indicated that the Indians had departed in a precipitate manner, or that they had discovered our approach. It was reasonable, therefore, to suppose that we would come in contact with them that day, if not actually reach the village. All of our plans were made accordingly. The Osages, as usual, were kept in the advance at their quick eyes might the sooner discover the Indian should they appear in our front. In order to avail myself of the earliest information I, with Colonel Cook, accompanied the Osages. Two of the latter kept in advance of all, and as they neared the ridge or commanding piece of ground they would cautiously approach the crest on foot and pure beyond to ascertain whether an enemy was in sight before exposing our party to discovery. This proceeding, a customary one with the Indians, did not excite unusual attention upon the part of Colonel Cook or myself, until once we saw hard rope, the head warrior who was in advance slowly ascend a slight eminence in our front, and after casting one glimpse beyond descend the hill and return to us as rapidly as as Pony could carry him. We almost anticipated his report, so confident was everyone in the command that we were going to overtake the village. In a few words hard rope informed us that less than a mile beyond the hill from which we had obtained a view there was in plain sight a large herd of Indian ponies grazing, being herded and driven by a few Indian boys. As yet they had not seen us, but were liable to discover the column of troops further to the rear. To judge of the situation I dismounted and conducted by hard rope advance to the crest of the hill, in front and look beyond. There I saw in plain sight a herd of ponies numbering perhaps two hundred and being driven in the opposite direction toward what seemed the valley of the stream, as I could see the tops of the forest trees which usually border the water-courses. The ponies and their protectors soon disappeared from view, but whether they had discovered us yet or not I was unable to determine. Signing a messenger back as rapidly as his horse could carry him, I directed the troops to push to the front and to come prepared for action. I knew the village must be near at hand, probably in the vicinity of the trees seen in the distance. As a country was perfectly open, free from either ravines or timber capable of affording concealment to Indians, I took my orderly with me and galloped in advance in the direction taken by the Indians, leaving Colonel Cook to hasten and direct the troops as the latter should arrive. After advancing about half way to the bluff overlooking the valley, I saw about a half a dozen Indian heads peering over the crest, evidently watching my movements. This number was soon increased to upwards of fifty. I was extremely anxious to satisfy myself as to the tribe whose village was evidently near at hand. There was but little doubt that it was the Cheyennes from whom we had been searching. If this should prove true, the two white girls whose discovery and release from captivity had been one of the objects of the expedition must be held prisoners in the village which we were approaching, and to affect their release unharmed then became my study. For I remembered the fate of the white woman and child held captive by a band of the same tribe in the Battle of the Washita. I knew that the first shot fired on either side would be the signal for the murder of the two white girls. While knowing the Cheyennes to be deserving of castigation and feeling assured that they were almost in our power, I did not dare to imperil the lives of the two white captives by making an attack on the village, although never before or since have we seen so favorable an opportunity for administering well-merited punishment to one of the strongest and most troublesome of the hostile tribes. Desiring to establish a truce with the Indians before the troops should arrive, I began making signals inviting a conference. This was done by simply riding in a circle and occasionally advancing toward the Indians on the bluff in a zigzag manner. Immediately there appeared on the bluffs about twenty mounted Indians. From this group three advanced toward me at a gallop, soon followed by the others of the party. I cast my eyes behind me to see if the troops were near, but the head of the column was still a mile or more in the rear. My orderly was near me, and I could see Colonel Cook rapidly approaching about midway between the column and my position. Directing the orderly to remain stationary, I advanced toward the Indians a few paces, and as soon as they were sufficiently near, made signs to them to halt, and then for but one of their number to advance midway to meet me. This was assented to, and I advanced with my revolver in my left hand while my right hand was left aloft, as a token that I was inclined to be friendly. The Indian met me, as agreed upon, and in response to my offer exchanged friendly greetings and chakans. From him I learned that the village of the entire Cheyenne Trim was located on the stream in front of us, and that met a scenario the head chief of the Cheyennes was in the group of Indians then in view from where we stood. Little robe, with his band numbering about 40 lodges, was a short distance further down the stream. I asked the Indian to send for a medicine arrow, as I desired to talk with the head chief. Calling to one of his companions who had halted with inhaling distance, the latter was directed to convey to medicine arrow my message to do which he set off at a gallop. At this juncture I perceived that the Indians, to the number of twenty or more, had approached quite near, while some of the parties seemed disposed to advance to where I was. To this I had decided objections, and so indicated to the Indian who was with me. He complied with my wishes and directed his companions to remain where they were. As a precaution of safety I took good care to keep the person of the Indian between me and his friends. Medicine arrow soon came galloping up accompanied by a chief. While engaging and shaking hands with him and his companions and exchanging the usual salutation, how, with the new arrivals, I observed that the Indians who had been occupying a retired position had joined the group, and I found myself in the midst of about twenty chiefs and warriors. Medicine arrow exhibited the most earnest desire to learn from me the number of troops following me. Whether this question was prompted by any contemplated act of treachery, in case my followers were few in number or not, I do not know. But if treachery was thought of, the idea was abandoned when I informed him that my followers numbered fifteen hundred men, the advance guard being in their sight. Medicine arrow then informed me that his village was nearby and that the women and children would be greatly excited and alarmed by the approach of so large a body of troops. To give assurances to them he urged me to accompany him to his village in advance of the troops, and by my presence satisfy his people that no attack upon them would be made. This I consented to do. By this time Colonel Cook had again joined me, also Dr. Lippincott. Leaving the doctor with directions for the troops and taking Colonel Cook with me, I started with Medicine Arrow and a considerable party of his warriors to the village. Medicine arrow urging us to put our horses to the gallop. The reader may regard this movement on my part as having been anything but prudent, and I will admit that viewed in the ordinary light that it might seem to partake somewhat of a foolhardy errand, but I can assure them that no one could be more thoroughly convinced of the treachery and bloodthirsty disposition of the Indian than I am, nor would I ever trust life in their hands except it was to their interest to preserve that life, for no class of beings act so much from self-interest as the Indian, and on this occasion I knew before accepting the proposal of the Chief to enter his village, that he and every member of his band felt it would be to their greatest interest not only to protect me from harm, but treat me with every consideration, as the near approach of the troops and the formidable number of the latter would deter the Indians from any act of hostility, knowing as they did that in case of an outbreak of any kind it would be impossible for a great portion of the village, particularly the women and children, to escape. I considered all this before proceeding to the village. As we turned our horses' heads in the direction of the village, I caught sight of a familiar face in the group of Indians about me. It was that of Mawissa, the squaw whom I had sent as a peace-commissioner from our camp near Fort Sill, and who failed to return. She recognized me at once and laughed when I uttered the word Moutaka, referring to the hunting knife I had loaned her as she was about to depart on her errand of peace. A brisk gallop soon brought us to the village, which was located beneath the trees on the bank of a beautiful stream of clear running water. The name of the latter I found to be the Sweetwater. It is one of the tributaries of the Red River and is indicated on the map as crossing the 100th Meridian, not far south of the Canadian River. Medicine Arrow hurried me to his lodge which was located almost in the center of the village, the latter being the most extensive I had ever seen. As soon as I had entered the lodge I was invited to a seat on one of the many buffalo robes spread on the ground about the inner circumference of the lodge. By Medicine Arrow's direction the village crier in a loud tone of voice began calling the chiefs together in council. No delay occurred in their assembling. One by one they approached and entered the lodge until fifteen of the leading chiefs had taken their seats in the circle within the lodge, in the order of their rank. I was assigned the post of honor, being seated on the right of Medicine Arrow while on my immediate right sat the Medicine Man of the tribe, an official, scarcely second in influence to the head chief. The squab Medicine Arrow built a huge fire in the center of the lodge. As soon as all the chiefs had assembled, the ceremonies which were different from any I had ever witnessed before or since began. The chiefs sat in silence while the Medicine Man drew forth from a capricious buckskin tobacco pouch profusely ornamented with beads and porcupine quills a large red clay pipe with a stem about the size of an ordinary walking stick. From another buckskin pouch which hung at his girdle he drew forth a handful of kinekinek and placed it on a cloth spread on the ground before him. To this he added in various amounts dried leaves and herbs with which he seemed well supplied. After thoroughly mixing these ingredients he proceeded with solemn ceremony to fill the pipe with the mixture, muttering at times certain incantations, by which no doubt it was intended to neutralize any power or proclivity for harm I may have been supposed to possess. To all this I was as silent but far from disinterested spectator. My interest perceptibility increased when the Medicine Man who was sitting close to me extended his left hand and grasped my right, pressing it strongly against his body over the region of his heart at the same time and with complete devoutness of manner engaged in what seemed to me a petition of prayer to the Great Spirit. The other chiefs from time to time ejaculating in the most earnest manner their responses, the latter being made simultaneously. To the Indians it was a most solemn occasion and scarcely less impressive to me, who could only judge of what was transpiring by catching an occasional word and by closely following their signs. After the conclusion of the address or prayer by the Medicine Man the latter released my hand which up to this time had been tightly grasped in his and, taking the long clay pipe in both hands, it likewise was apparently placed under an imaginary potent spell by a ceremony almost as long as that which I have just described. This, being ended, the Medicine Man first pointing slowly with the stem of the pipe to each of the four points of the compass, turned to me, and without even so much as saying smoke, sir, placed the mouthpiece of the long stem in my mouth still holding the bowl of the pipe in his hand. Again, taking my right hand in his left, the favor of protecting influence of the Great Spirit was again invoked in the most earnest and solemn manner the other chiefs joining at regular intervals with their responses. Finally, releasing my hand the Medicine Man lighted a match and applied it to the pipe, made signs to me to smoke. A desire to conform as far as practicable to the wishes of the Indians, and a curiosity to study a new and interesting phase of an Indian character, prompted me to obey the direction of the Medicine Man, and accordingly I began puffing away with a greater degree of nonchalance as a man unaccustomed to smoking could well assume. Now, being as I have just stated, one of the class which does not number smoking among its accomplishments, I took the first few whiffs with a degree of confidence which I felt justify in assuming. As I imagined the smoking portion of the ceremony was to be the same as usually observed among Indians so devoted to the practice, in which each individual takes the pipe, enjoys half a dozen whiffs and passes it to his next neighbor on the left. That much I felt equal too, but when, after blowing away the first half dozen puffs of smoke from my face, the Medicine Man still retained his hold of the pipe with an evident desire that I should continue the enjoyment of this Indian luxury, I proceeded more deliberately, although no such rule of restraint seemed to govern the volubility of the Medicine Man, whose invocation and chance continued with unabated vigor and rapidity. When the first minute had added itself to four more, I still was expected to make a miniature volcano of myself, minus the ashes. I began to grow solicitous as to what might be the effect I was subjected to in this course of treatment. I pictured myself as the commander of an important expedition seated in a solemn council, with a score and a half of dusky chieftains, the pipe of peace being passed and before it had left the hands of the aforesaid commander, he became deathly sick, owing to the lack of familiarity with the noxious weed or its substitutes. I imagined the sudden termination of the council, the absurdity of the figure-cut, and the contempt of the chiefs for one who must, under the circumstances, appear so deficient in manly accomplishments. These and a hundred similar ideas flashed through my mind as I kept pulling vigorously at the pipe and wondering when this thing would terminate. Fortunately for my peace of body as well as mind after a period which seemed to me to equal a quarter of an hour at least, I felt relieved by the medicine man taking the pipe from my mouth and after refilling it, handed it to the head chief, sitting on my left, who was drawing three or four long, silent whiffs, passed it to his next neighbor on his left, and in similar manner it made the circle of the chiefs until it finally returned to the medicine man who, after taking a few final whiffs, laid it aside, much to my relief, as I feared the consequences of a repetition of my former effort. Romeo the interpreter, having been mounted upon an indifferent animal, had fallen to the rear of the column during the march that day, and I was deprived of his services during my interview with the chief. Colonel Cook during this time was in an adjoining lodge, each moment naturally becoming more solicitous, lest upon the arrival of the troops there should be a collision between the Indians and the excited volunteers. To the inquiries of the chiefs I explained the object of our march without alluding to the two captive girls, the time not having arrived for discussing that subject. Having resolved to obtain the release of the captives, all other purposes were necessarily laid aside, and as I knew that the captives could not be released should hostilities once occur between the troops and Indians, I became, for the time, being an ardent advocate of peace measures, and informed the chiefs that such was my purpose at the time. I also requested them to inform me where I would find the most suitable camping ground in the vicinity of the village, to which, request, Medicine Arrow replied that he would accompany me in person and point out the desired ground. When this offer was made I accepted it as a kindness, but when the chief conducted me to a campground separated from the village and from all view of the latter, I had reason to modify my opinion of his pretended kindness, particularly when it coupled with his subsequent conduct. My command soon came up and was conducted to the campground indicated by Medicine Arrow, the distance between the camp and the village, not exceeding three-fourths of a mile. I was still uncertain as to whether there were any grounds to doubt that the two white girls were captives in Medicine Arrow's village. I anxiously awaited the arrival of Monicita, who could and would solve this question. She came with the main body of the troops, and I had once informed her whose village it was alongside of which we were located. To my inquiry, as whether the two white girls were prisoners in Medicine Arrow's village, she promptly replied in the affirmative, and at the same time exhibited a desire to aid as far as possible in affecting their release. It was still early in the afternoon, and I did not deem it necessary, or even advisable, to proceed with undue haste in the negotiations by which I expected to bring about the release of the two captives. Although our camp, as already explained, was cut off from a view of the village, yet I had provided against either surprise or stratagem by posting some of my men on prominent points nearby, from which they obtained a full view of both our camp and the village, and thus rendered it impossible for any important movement to take place in the latter without being seen. I felt confident that as soon as it was dark the entire village would probably steal away and leave us in the lurch. But I proposed to make my demand for the surrender of the captives long before darkness should aid the Indians in eluding us. From fifty to one hundred chiefs, warriors, and young men were assembled at my headquarters, and about campfire built in front of headquarters. Apparently they were there from motives of mere curiosity, but later developments proved that they had another object in view. Finally, Madison Arrow came to my camp accompanied by some of his headmen, and after shaking hands with the parent cordiality, stated that some of his young men, desirous of manifesting their friendships for us, would visit our camp in a few minutes and entertain us by serenade. This idea was a novel one to me, and I awaited the arrival of the serenaders with no little curiosity. Before their arrival, however, my lookouts reported unusual commotion and activity in the Indian village. The herd of the latter had been called in, and officers sent by me to investigate this matter confirmed the report, and added that everything indicated a contemplated flight on the part of the Indians. I began then to comprehend the object of the proposed serenade. It was to occupy our attention while the village could pack up and take flight. Pretending ignorance of what was transpiring in the village, I continued to converse through Romeo with the chiefs until the arrival of the Indian musicians. These numbering about a dozen young men were mounted on ponies which, like themselves, were ornamented in the highest degree according to Indian fashion. The musicians were feathered and painted in the most horrible as well as fantastic manner. Their instruments consisted of reeds, the sound from which more nearly resembled those of the fife than any other, although there was a total lack of harmony between the various pieces. As soon as the musicians arrived, they began riding in a gallop in a small circle of which circle our little group, composed of a few officers and the chiefs, composed the center. The display of horsemanship was superb and made amends for the discordant sounds given forth as the music. During all times reports continued to come in, leaving no room to doubt that the entire village was preparing to decamp. To have opposed this movement by a display of force of the part of the troops would have only precipitated a terrible conflict, from which I was not yet prepared, keeping in mind the rescue of the white girls. I did not propose, however, to relinquish the advantage we then had by our close proximity to the village and permit the latter to place several miles between us. Knowing that the musicians would soon depart and with them perhaps the chiefs and warriors, then grouped about my campfire, I determined to seize the principal chiefs, then present, permit the village to depart if necessary, and hold the captive chiefs as hostages for the surrender of the white girls and the future good behavior of the tribe. This was a move requiring not only promptness, but the most delicate and careful handling in order to avoid bloodshed. Quietly passing the word to a few of the officers who sat near me around the campfire, I directed them to leave the group one by one, and in such manner as not to attract the attention of the Indians, proceed to their companies and select quickly some of their most reliable men, instructing the latter to assemble around and near my campfire, while armed as if merely attracted there by the Indian serenade. The men thus selected were to come singly, appear to be unconcerned as possible, and be in readiness to act promptly, but to do nothing without orders from me. In this manner about one hundred of my men were in an unconceivably short space of time mingling with the Indians, who, to that number of forty or more, sat or stood about my campfire, laughing in their sleeves. Had they not been minus these appendages, no doubt at the clever dodge by which they were entertaining the white men while their village was hastening preparations for a speedy flight. When the musicians had apparently exhausted their program, they took their departure informing us that later in the evening they would return and repeat the performance they might have added with an entire change of program. After their departure the conversation continued with the chiefs until by glancing about me I saw that a significant number of my men had mingled with the Indians to answer my purpose. Of the forty or more Indians in the group there were but few chiefs, the majority being young men or boys. My attention was devoted to the chiefs, and acting upon the principle that for the purposes desired half a dozen would be as valuable as a half a hundred, I determined to seize the principal chiefs, then present and permit the others to depart. To do this without taking or losing life now became the problem, indicating in a quiet manner to some of my men who were nearest to me to be ready to prevent the escape of three or four of the Indians, whom I pointed out, I then directed Romeo to command silence on the part of the Indians and to inform them that I was about to communicate something of great importance to them. This was sufficient to attract their undivided attention. I then rose from my seat near the fire and unbuckling my revolver from my waist, asked the Indians to observe that I threw my weapons upon the ground as in evidence that in what I was about to do I did not desire or propose to shed blood unless forced to do so. I then asked the chiefs to look about them and count the armed men who I had posted among and around them, completely cutting off every avenue of escape. They had attempted, under the pretense of a friendly visit to my camp, to deceive me in order that their village might elude us, but their designs had been frustrated and they were now in our power. I asked them to quietly submit to what was now inevitable and promised them that if they and their people responded in the proper manner to the reasonable demands which I intended to make, all would be well and they would be restored to their people. The reader must not imagine that this was listened to in tame silence by the thoroughly excited Indians, old and young. Upon the first intimation from me regarding the armed men and before I could explain their purpose, every Indian who was dismounted sprang instantly to his feet, while those who were mounted gathered the reins of their ponies, all drew their revolvers or strung their bows and for a few moments it seemed as if nothing could avert the collision, which could only terminate in the annihilation of the Indians and an equal or perhaps greater loss on our part. A single shot fired, an indiscreet word uttered, would have been the signal to commence. My men behaved admirably, taking their positions in such a manner that each Indian was confronted by at least two white men. All this time the Indians were gesticulating and talking in the most excited manner. The boys and young men counseling resistance, the older men and chiefs urging prudence until an understanding could be had. The powers of Romeo as an interpreter were employed without stint. In repeating to the chiefs my urgent appeals to restrain their young men and avoid bloodshed. Even at this date I recall no more exciting experience with Indians than the occasion of which I now write. Near me stood a tall grey-haired chief who, while entreating his people to be discreet, kept his cocked revolver in his hand ready for use should the emergency demand it. He was one of the few whom I had determined to hold. Near him stood another, a most powerful and forbidding-looking warrior who was without firearms, but who was armed with a bow already strung in a quiver full of iron-pointed arrows. His coolness during this scene of danger and excitement was often a subject of remark afterward between the officers whose attention had been drawn to him. He stood apparently unaffected by the excitement about him, but not unmindful of the surrounding danger. Holding his bow in one hand with the other, he continued to draw from his quiver arrow after arrow. Each one he would examine as coolly as if he expected to engage it in target practice. First he would cast his eye along the shaft of the arrow to see if it was perfectly straight and true. Then he would with thumb and finger gently feel the point of the edge of the barbed head, returning to the quiver, each one whose condition did not satisfy him. In this manner he continued until he had selected perhaps half a dozen arrows with which he seemed satisfied and which he retained in his hand, while his quick eye did not permit a single incident about him to escape unnoticed. The noise of voices and the excitement increased until a movement began on the part of the Indians who were mounted, principally the young men and boys. If the latter could be allowed to escape and the chiefs be retained, the desired object would be gained. Suddenly a rush was made. But for the fact that my men were ordered not to fire, the attempt of the Indians would not have been successful. I, as well as the other officers near me, called upon the men not to fire. The result was that all but four broke through the lines and made their escape. The four detained, however, were those desired, being chiefs and warriors of prominence. Forming my men about them in such impassable ranks that a glance was sufficient to show how futile all further efforts to escape would prove, I then explained to the four captive Indians that I knew the design under which they had visited our camp, and I also knew that in their villages were held as captive to white girls, whose release the troops were there to enforce and to affect their release as well as to compel the Cheyennes to abandon the warpath and return to their reservation. I had seized the four Indians as hostages, to prove my sincerity and earnest desire to arrange these matters amicably and without resort to force. The Indians were told that they might select one of their number, whom I would release and send as a messenger of peace to the village, a latter having left in indiscriminate flight as soon as a seizure of the chiefs was made. It became a matter of great difficulty without the employment of forces to induce the four Indians to give up their arms. I explained to them that they were prisoners, and it was one of our customs to disarm all men held as prisoners. Should they be released, however, I assured them their arms would be restored to them. No argument could prevail upon them to relinquish their arms until I stated to them that a persistence in their refusal would compel me to summon a sufficient number of men to take the arms by force, and it was even necessary to parade the men in front of them before the arms were finally given up. After a lengthy conference with each other, they announced that they had agreed upon one of their number, who, in accordance with my promise, should be released and sent to the tribe as bearer of my demands, and of any messages they might desire to send to their people. I accordingly caused bountiful presence of coffee and sugar to be given to the one so chosen, returned to him as pony and arms and entrusted him with verbal messages to his tribe, the substance of which was as follows. First, I demanded the unconditional surrender of the two white girls held captive in the village, if their two surrenders of white captives by Indians had only been made on payment of heavy ransom. Second, I required the Cheyenne village as an evidence of peaceable intentions and good faith on their part to proceed at once to their reservation and to locate near Camp Supply, reporting to the military commander of that station. Third, I sent a friendly message to Little Robe, inviting him to visit me with a view to the speedy settlement of questions at issue, promising him on molested transit coming and returning for him as many of his people he chose to visit me. In case of failure to comply with the first two of my demands, hostilities would be continued and my command would at once commence the pursuit of the village which, considering its size and the poor condition of the ponies at that early season of the year, would be unable to escape from the Calvary. The Indian who was to go as bearer of these demands was also invited to return assured that whether the response of his people should prove favorable or not, he should be granted a safe conduct between the camp and the village. Inwardly congratulating himself no doubt upon the good fortune which gave him his liberty. The messenger of peace or war as his tribe might elect took his departure for his village. With him went the earnest wishes for success of every inmate to the camp, but if this was a feeling of the command generally, who can realize the intense interest and anxiety with which young Brewster now awaited the result of this effort to secure the freedom of his sister, and if the two forlorn helpless girls knew of the presence of troops of their own race, what must have been the bitter despondency, the painful relinquishment of all hopes as they saw the village and its occupants commencing a hasty flight and no apparent effort upon the part of the troops to affect their release? What comfort it would have been to these ill fated maidens could they have known before being hurried from the village of the steps already taken to restore them to home and friends, or better still, if one of them could have known that almost within the sound of her voice a brother was patiently but determinately biting the time that should restore his sister to his arms. Relying on the influence which I believe little robe would exert upon his people, and knowing the pressure we were able to bring to bear through the three chiefs who were held hostage, I felt confident that sooner or later the Cheyennes would be forced to release the two white girls from their captivity. Placing a strong guard over the three chiefs and warning them not to attempt to escape if they valued their lives, I returned to my tent after having ordered every comfort possible to be provided for our prisoners consistent with their position. It was perhaps an hour or more after dark when an Indian voice was heard calling from one of the hillcocks overlooking the camp.