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Show IO8 FORTY YEARS AMONG THE INDIANS. company. The company that came to strengthen us working together under their leader. Soon we saw Tom Williams approaching with his backers. As he supposed double our number, but in reality near the same. I did not wish blood shed, and fully believed that Tom was playing a " bluff," so concluded to try and beat him at the game. I instructed some of the best marksmen what to do in case shooting had to be done. As Williams approached I went out alone and stood about thirty yards from the fort, having only my pistol. As the company came up near me I placed my hand on my pistol and told them to halt. They halted but com-menced to threaten and abuse the whole fraternity sparing none. I explained our situation, being simply custodians of the goods, not knowing whose they were ; but only knew who left us there, and we could not consistently recognize any orders except from those under whose instructions we were acting. My reason-ing had no effect whatever, but Tom called on his crowd to say if the goods should be taken. The vote was to take them. Now that no one may suppose that I wish to appear brave, I will say that the way I had my men placed, and the instructions given, if a weapon had been drawn on me, half Williams' company would have been shot dead before I could have been harmed. I said to Williams just hold on one. minute and hear what I have to say: " We have been here all winter eating poor beef and raw hide to take care of these goods. We have had but little fun, and would just as soon have some now as not ; in fact would like a little row. If you think you can take the fort just try it. But I don't think you can take me to commence with ; and the first one that offers any violence to me is a dead man. Now I |
