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Show FORTY YEARS AMONG THE INDIANS. 25 somewhat protected by the bank and width of the stream. ( In those days nothing but old fashioned Ken-tucky rifles were in use.) Others followed till they were several files deep. There were not less than five hun-dred, and all had their arms ready in a threatening atti-tude. After approaching to within some fifty yards of camp, where we had got behind logs and piled up our packs in the best way possible for defense. The chief, with a few others, rode a little forward and in a loud voice made known his wants, showing us his warriors with arms ready, demanding that we at once should sub-mit. This was interpreted to the captain by the guide. The captain and most of the company understood Span-ish. I thought surely our day had come, and so did many others, but all felt they would rather die fighting than to cowardly submit to such an arrogant and unrea-sonable demand. The captain requested the chief to approach nearer, saying that he did not wish any trouble and desired to pass through the country in peace, and was willing to respect all his rights. At this the chief approached and finally, by much persuasion, he got off his horse, followed by a few others, the main body keeping, their places in stolid silence. The captain carefully passed the word so that it went through camp, that if shooting had to be done, he would " open the ball." He did not expect them to attack us in our present position, but if peace could not be made he intended to shoot the chief down. It was about two o'clock when this commenced. The par-ley continued until near sundown before peace was decided upon, but it was finally concluded after agreeing to let the chief have some beads, paints, tobacco, etc., articles we had for the purpose of making treaties. In those days, before the white men taught them to lie and |