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Show 340 AU'fOBIOGRAPHY OF his pursuer must overtake him, ~nd not relishing the idea of having her lance transfix his body-for she was preparing to hurl it-he sudde~ly s~opped and faced about at the same time throwing his bow down and holdi~g up both hands to beg for his life. She did what no other warrior in our party would have doneher woman's heart took pity on the poor fellow's pitiable condition-she spared his life, and marched him back captive. . . He being her prisoner, no one had authonty over his life but herself. He was a fine-looking young man, but when he was brought among the Crow warriors he trembled in every joint, expecting nothing less than to be killed. I thought this too good an opportunity for a joke not to make use of it. "I see," said I, addressing myself to Pine Leaf, "you have refused all our braves that you might win a husband from the enemy." All the warriors shouted at the sally; but the poor· girl was sorely perplexed, and knew not what to do or say. We rallied her so much on her conquest that she finally became quite spunky, and I did not know whether she would run her prize through with her lance or not. One day I told her I had talked with her prisoner about his capture. "Well," said she, "and what has he to say about it?" " Why," I answered, " he says he could have killed you as well as not, but that you promised to marry him if he would spare your life." She was fully practiced upon, and she flushed with anger. "He lies ! " she exclaimed. "You know I can not speak to these Black Feet, or I would make him tell a different tale. I have often told you, as well as JAMES P. BECKWOURTH. 341 other warriors, that I do. not wish to marry ; my tongue was straight_ when I said so. I have told you often, and I have told your sisters and your wives, that, if ever I <lid marry, I would have you, and none other. So why do you trifle with my feelings?" What she said was a genuine ebullition of feeling; for, although an Indian girl, her heart was as proud, as sensitive, and as delicate as ever beat in the breast of civilized_ woman. To soothe her ruffled temper, I told her I would intrust a secret to her. I had undertaken my prolonged journeying, when all supposed me dead, and she along with the rest, solely to search through the Rocky Mountains for a " red-headed Indian." I had been unsuccessful in my search, and had returned with spotted horses. She laughed immoderately at my invention. We now returned to the fort with our trophies, where we had a joyous time. My warriors gave a horse to each man at the fort, about fifty in number, and every woman staying there also received one. I selected the best one I had, and made Little Jim present it to Mr. Tulleck, with which delicate attention he was gre~tly delighted. My boy could now speak quite plain. The men at the fort had taught him to swear quite fluently both in French and English, much more to their satisfaction than to mine. But I trusted he would soon forget his schooling, as the Crows never drink whisky, nor use profane language. .. We left the fort, and reached our village without ac? Ident. On our arrival we found the people in mournIng for the loss of two warriors, killed in the village by an attack of the Cheyennes ; and, notwithstanding ~y rec~nt success, we had to take part in the crying, In obedience to their forms. |
