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Jacob Hamblin, a narrative of his personal experience, as a frontiersman, missionary to the Indians and explorer, [microform] disclosing interpositions of Providence, severe privations, perilous situations and remarkable escapes. Fifth book of the faith-p - Page 119 |
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Show ASSURE THEM I AM NOT AFRAID. 117 Here the new Piute interpreter would not say anything more. A Piute chief standing in the door of the lodge, spoke to him in an angry tone, and accused him of having a very small heart and little courage. The chief then asked if I was not scared. I asked, " What is there to scare me?" He replied, " The Navajoes." I told him I was not afraid of my friends. " Friends!" said he, " You have not a friend in the Navajoe nation. Navajoe blood has been spilled on your land. You have caused a whole nation to mourn. Your friend Ketch-e- ne, that used to give you meat when you were hungry, and blankets when you were cold, has gone to mourn for his mur-dered sons. You have caused the bread he eats to be like coals of fire in his mouth, and the water he drinks like hot ashes. Are you not afraid?" " No;" I replied, " my heart never knew fear." The Navajoes wished to know what the Piute chief and myself were talking about. The Piute repeated the conver-sation in their language. They then conversed among them-selves; at times they manifested considerable warmth. 1 was asked if I knew Hastele. Replying in the affirmative, they asked, " What do you know about him?" I answered, " I know that Barben- ce- ta and others of your leading men said, at the great peace talk, that he was an honest man, and that all important difficulties between you and our people should be settled before him. I knew this affair should be settled before him, and have known it all the time we have been talking. I came here on a peace mission. If you will send Hastele into our country to learn the truth concerning what I have told you, let as many more come along as you like. I wish you would send the best interpreter you have along with him. ' ' ' ; It is no use to ask me about pay. In the meantime your people can trade among the " Mormons" in safety. They will be glad to see you if you will come in the daytime, as our people come into your country not to prowl around your |