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Show 26 FORTY YEARS AMONG THE INDIANS. betray, the word of an Indian was sacred. Not so now. The moment the captain spoke telling us all was right, there was a general hand- shaking, and what time was left before night was spent in trading and no uneasi-ness was felt by any of the company, for all had perfect confidence in the word of the Indians ; neither were we deceived. During the parley, when the Indians found they could not obtain a man, the next thing they wanted was flour. They were told we had none to spare, but would give them such presents as have already been mentioned. They persisted in wanting flour. We were getting short and so could not spare any. While the debate was going on an Indian went and got his blanket full of good dried meat, rode up near the captain, who was sitting down, and threw the meat on to him, saying, " You poor, hungry dog, if you have nothing for us we can give you something." The captain took it coolly and thanked him for it. When they found they could get nothing more they accepted the presents offered. Some may ask, " What of all this? There was no one killed ; nothing of a blood and thunder character to admire." I will say to such: Just stop reading this book, for it is not of the blood and thunder style, such are written by authors who have never seen what they write about. I am simply telling that which I have seen, known of and taken part in. I cannot help whether it pleases or not. I can only tell it as it occurred, or appeared to me at the time ; neither do I make any allowance for lack of memory. Anything that was not impressed suf-ficiently upon my mind at the time of its occurrence so as to remember the same, I consider not worth relating. I have had some close calls in my life ; but those |
