OCR Text |
Show 238 AUfOBIOGRAPHY OF the conditions of peace, smoked the calumet, and, after an exchange of presents, they returned to their horne. About this time a brave, named Big Rain, was elected chief of the village for the term of six moons. His duties were to superintend all the village removals, to select sites for camps, order surrounds; in short, he was a kind of mayor, and alone subject to the head chie£ Big Rain possessed the most beautiful squaw in the whole village; she was the admiration of every young brave, and all were plotting (myself among the rest) to win her away from her proud lord. I had spoken to her on several occasions, and, whenever opportunity offered, would tender her my most ceremonious obeisance; but she never favored me with any return. Not only was she beautiful, but she was very intelligent, and as proud as Lucifer; and the gorgeous dyes of the peacock were not more variegated or more showy than her attire. Since the elevation of her husband, I fancied that she assumed rather haughtier airs; and I determined to steal her from her lord, be the consequences what they might. I went one evening to her brother's lodge, and acquainted him that there was a woman in our village that I loved, and that I must have her at all hazards. "Well, warrior," said he, "if it is any of my relatives, I will assist you all in my power. You are a great brave, and have gained many victories for us, and it is but right that yo~u desires· should be gratifi~d." " Thank you," said I ; " but I will try alone first, and if I do not succeed, then I shall be very glad of your assistance." As an acknowledgment for the prompt tender of his services, I presented him with a quantity of tobacco. "Now," added I, "I want you to call in all your • . JAMES P. BECKWOURTH. 239 neighbors to-night, and let them smoke as long as they please. After they are assembled, bar the door of your lodge, and amuse them as long as you can with therehearsal of your ad ventures. In the mean time, I will be engaged." I then went to my bosom friend and brother, and made part to him of what I had in hand, which revelation greatly amused him. I requested him to act as sentry over the lodge where they were all smokingBig Rain with the rest, for I had seen him enter-an.d remain there until he was satisfied they had filled their pipes for the last time, and then to call out to me, ?ut to mislead them in the place where he was addressmg me. This he promised to perform, and we both started on our errands. I went to Big Rain's lodge, dressed and painted in the extreme of the fashion, and saw the lady reclining, half asleep, upon her couch, and several of her female relatives asleep about the room. Nothing daunted, I strode to the couch of Mrs. Big Rain, and laid my hand gently on her brow. She started up, saying, "Who is here?" "Hush!" I replied; "it is I." "What do you want_ here ?" "I have come to see you, because I love you." "Don't you know that I am the chief's wife?" "Yes, I know it ; but he does not love you as I do. He never goes to war, but stays idly in the village. I am a great brave, and always go to war. I can paint your face, and bring you fine horses ; but so _long as you are the wife of Big Rain,- he will never pamt your 1~a ce wi. th new coos. " "My husband will kill you." " Well, then the Crows will talk of you for many |