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Show . . I JAMES P. BECKWOURTH. 193 brunt of this encounter, and not expose our lives in a 'Cause that we have no concern in? How do you intend t0 act?" " As for me," said Mil drum, " I must be in the fray. If we are to see any fun, I want my share of the entertainment." "Well," said I, "I shall endeavor to keep by you." The Indians had by this time assembled to the number of from five to seven hundred, and were watching the fort indecisively, awaiting instructions from the ·chief. Many had succeeded in running and sheltering under the wall, while several had been shot in making the attempt. I ran to the wall to reconnoitre it, and soon saw there were two ways in which it could be taken; one was by bombardment, and the other was by storm. Bombardment was out of the question, as ·uur heaviest calibre was a rifle-bore. I waited to see what steps would be taken. · Long Hair, the hBad chief of the nation, said, "WarJ: iors, listen! ·Our marrow-bones are broken; the en- emy has chosen a strong fort; we can not drive them 'from it without s::tcrificing too many men. Warriors, .. retreat ! " I replied, '' No ; hold ! W a.rriors, listen ! If these -old men can not fight, let them retire with the women -and children. We can kill every one of these Black Feet : then let us do it. If we attempt to run from here, we shall be shot in the back, and lose more war- riors than to fight and kill them all. If we get killed, our friends who love us here will mourn our loss, while those in the spirit land will sing and rejoice to welcome us there, if we ascend to them dying like braves. The Great Spirit has sent these enemies here for us to slay; if we do not slay them, he will be angry with us, and J • |
