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Show THE CONFESSION. 301 way to the agency, subsisting the while on the roots and berries, and an occasional rabbit. Mr. Mears told Gen. Adams that this man Packer was looked upon with great suspicion. It was thought he had murdered his companions. The General, in a conversation with Packer, advised him to return to the agency and he would assist him in finding his comrades. Packer expressed serious fear of foul play. The General assured him of his protection, and he finally consented to go. Before starting he drank heavily and spent money very recklessly. There was something in his countenance that convinced me he was a murderer. So great was my mistrust of him, that I did not feel comfortable when he fell behind for fear of being shot. We stopped at Major Downey's cabin to lunch, where we met a number of men who said they were the last of the party from Ouray's camp. They immediately recognized Packer, who evinced considerable nervousness. After inquiring about the five missing comrades, they drew General Adams aside and asked him to keep an eye on that man; they intended to deal with him when they returned from Saguache. When we reached the agency the General took Packer into a private room and apprised him of the opinion of his companions. ' If you will make me an honest confession,' said he,' I will protect you from lynching.' CHAPTER LXIII. THE CONFESSION. "Packer said, substantially: 'A week or two after leaving Ouray's camp, we found ourselves on the point of starvation. Roots were dug out of the frozen ground, |
