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Show THE RESCUE. 151 was passed around, but Adams refused to smoke with them until they should agree to his request. Sapavanaro also refused to smoke. Shavano became angry and withdrew from the council. At this Sapavanaro strode resolutely into the circle and made a powerful speech. He told them he bore the mandate of Ouray; that unless the Indians surrendered the captives to General Adams they would be cut off from all communication with their head chief, who would join with the whites in forcing them to terms. During the speech there was a great pow-wow and considerable excitement in the council, but it had the desired effect. Douglass again endeavored to induce Adams to visit the troops and then return for the prisoners. He received as before, a positive refusal. Finding the General firm, he at last, with evident reluctance, yielded assent, which was followed by one after another of the opposing chiefs until the agreement became nearly unanimous, and the stormy council ended. The long pipe was passed around, and after smoking with them the General returned to his company and reported his success. Soon afterward they saw coming toward them a feeble old lady leaning on a stick, whom they knew at once to be Mrs. Meeker. Mrs. Price followed, carrying her little boy on her back, Indian fashion. ' " We are so thankful you have come," they said. The Indians had told them the day before that Washington was coming, but they had been so frequently tormented with similar reports, no confidence was placed in the statement. Twenty-three days had elapsed since they were made captives; they had borne insults and threats of |
