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Show 174 FORTY YEARS AMONG THE INDIANS. Indians talked about me ; what their plans were for raid-ing, and gave me advice how to control their actions, by a little stratagem. The season was getting late. Coalville was selected as the place to raid. Yank had everything arranged but could not go without a saddle as his was about used up. Jim advised me to put him off, saying that if I could do so until snow fell that he would not go and perhaps by spring I could " make him good." There were a great many wanting saddles. More than I could possibly supply, so that it was easy to put Yank off. I allowed the idea to still prevail that I had to leave and would not sell any Indian a saddle without the understanding that I could remain long enough to make another. I was not in the least afraid, but this suited me for I had not yet made terms with the raiders. Finally snow fell in the mountains. Jim said. " Now you can let Yank have a saddle ; he will go with the rest on a hunt, and not go to Coalville." About this time the greater number of the Utes were starting on their fall hunt. Yank came in offering me some buckskins for a saddle. I told him I was going home ; that I was afraid when Tabby and the good Indians went away that he would kill me. He said I was a fool to think so ; that I was a good man and all the Indians liked me and none of them would kill me. I then sold him a saddle I had ready. The Indians explained many things to me about the management at the agency. Saying that the former agents stole most that the government sent them. They did not know how the new agent would be, but agreed if I would be their friend and tell " Washington" the truth, just how things were done it would be different. They believed " Washington" was honest, had a kind |
