a 
*u1~o    UT U1Lll~-   -,iW
ip
_u 
.-3   -  ~,,~, a   
AMONG THE
~AMANCHES AlqD PAC~HES.
. N ~UTOBIOGRAPHY.
JERSEY CITY, N. J.
PUBLISHED BY CLARK JOHNSON, M.D.
1874.
-, (.  I  - -.
d    9 le
e-veiq
Ye-'a
I
I
z
0
0 
I~atered neCCdIg to Act of C-angreaN in tb6 ye.-t 1878, by
CLAR  JoB.-.sow M.D, JIRz           Crzy, N. J,
In tihe Offic.9 of the Librarlu of Congrt,, nt Waaington.
a
1..
4
w 
Li-(. --
3Ao OA (
CONTENTS.
I. INTRODUCTORY...............................
II. T:R C~rUR,...............................
III. A STNGo ADvNTUR................ 
IV. AGArI A PRiom...........................
V. THE INDmA Tow......................... 
VI. TE TORTURE...............................
VII. WA-YO-MET-K LA.................................
VIII. A NEW VOCATION......................;
IX. TE " MYSTERY BAG".......................
X. IND   LE...................................
XI. MRS. M EA8sTA's STORY.......................
XII. MRS. EASTA'S SORY COigUD..........
XIII. Mu. FasTMAl' STORY COirURD...........
XIV. HoPas AND  ARS-AL ADv...........
XV. TREBED BY A GIBTZL,Y.........................
XVI. SoME  CUxRIOUS (;CUSTOMS......................
XVII. THE BuFALo, DACE.........................
XVII. A STRANG HISTORY...........................
XlX. A STRANGE HISTORY CO  rD..............
XX. Ti BUFALO Huw.........................
a
5 
18
22
80
39
47
57
63
86
95
103
111
11.9
1259
184
.150
159
171
-.
-1,
. 
XTX. COmCLUIO................................... M
e
!.
lb
a 
SEVEN AND NINE YEARS
AMONG THE CAMANCHES AND APACHES.
OJIAPTER I.
LINTO DUCRORY.
,N making my  bow to the public as an author, I
feel it incumbent upon me to make a brief ex    planation of the motives that induced me to at    tempt this autobio,graphical sketch of nine years
of my life. At intervals during the past decade, the
country has been electrified by the recital of some
horror perpetrated by Indians on white travelers,
and those, who, having journeyed to the Far West,
a
op
:m 
6
had settled, intending to make the wilderness blossom
like the rose.  Through the medium of the prea the
details of these heartrending cruelties were widely disseminated, and aroused the just indignation of all
peaceful and order-loving citizens.  To such an extent
did popular feeling rise at tnmes, that farmers an&
drovers on the border, organized themselves into
bands, and on the report of some fresh outrage hastened to the scene, pursued the pepetrators of the deed,
and not unfrequently visited upon the Indians a
vengeance ofttimes of a very sanguinary character.
In these forays of the savages, they frequently carried off to their mountain fastnesses women and clidren, who were never heard of more. Thus, when
our feelings were harrowed up by the report of
butcheries, the tales of life-long suffering of the for
lorn captives were scarcely ever known.s Snatched
ratlllessly from the- bosom of their families, they were
mourned for a time and then they, by slow degrees,
faded from the memory of their friends and relatives,
and when thought of at all, it was as of those dead.
In these chapters I will detail the trials and suffer
ings of such as these, believing that the experiences
of my wife and myself, during our captivity among
the (amanches and Apaches  will serve as a prototype
of many similar cases.
It was some time, and with not a little persuasion
before I could be induced to overcome the diffidenee
I felt about making my private history public, and ap
e
O 
*
7
pearing in print. By those who have become authors,
my feelings will be iUnderstood and appreciated; but
to others who constitute the reading public it would
be impossible to describe the trepidation with which
the tyro puts forth his first literary venture, and had
it not bee for the earnest entreaties of my esteemed
fhiend,Dr. Clark Johnson, who used naively to say
that what was a source of such pleasure to him must
be entertaining to the public, I doubt very much  if I
shlould have ever put pen to paper in the capacity of
an author.
With thii introduction, I will, as briefly as may be,
relate my experiences, nothing extenuating, and sotting down naught in malice.
My family were ori ginally from Massachtsetts, my
father being a descendant of the Puritans, he  inherited many of the qualities of his ancestors, and,
joined to a high integrity, he possessed a dogged
will that at times amounted to stubbornness.  From
hildhood he had led the life of a farmer, and my
earliest reclections are associated with country life.
My father's disposition might be characterized as
restless; and after sojourning for a time in one
place, he would evince symptoms of uneasiness which
would result in the family moving to some new spot,
and breaking ground in yvirgin soil on the confines
of civilization.   By these successive removals we
soon found ourselves far to the west of the home of
our ancestors, and at the time my father resolved to
0
w 
8
go to California, we. owned a very nice farm in Mis
sonri, and as far as I could see were very comfort
ably situated.  On returning frorn the county seat
one Saturday, my father electrified  s with the intelligence that he thought seriously of going West.
Hid a bombshell exploded in our midst it could
scarcely have created greater consternation; on inquiring what had induced such a sudden determination on his part, he was fain to confess that he had
met a gentleman in town who had but just arrived
from the new E1 Dorado,  and who  spoke so enthusiastically of this marvelous country, that he led
mv father's too diligent ear captive, and his mind
was saturated with the desire to see, without further
delay, this wonderful land. The rest of the family
stoutly objected to such a hasty resolve, and we finally effected a compromise, and it was agreed that tihe
stranger should be invited to spend a portion of his
time at our hoiue, and duing his visit we could consult, argue, and finally conclude what action should
be taken in the matter.
I had serious misgivings that our fair home was
doomed; knowing too well my father's character, and
that any objections we might make to the proposed
departure would only strengthen his determination to
have his own way. Such was his intense love for the
unknown, that any plausible fellow could induce him
to see the advantages of owning a thousand acres of
wild land to his own well-tilled homestead.
0
0 
9
The followirg week Mr. Terhune made his advent
among u   He was a fair type of the adventurer, and
seemed a man who could be equal to any emergency
circumstances might demand; of robust form, a com  plexion bronzed by exposure, and with an address so
pleasing when he wished to exert himself, that he
soon became a favorite, especially with the female
portion of the family.  He adapted himself to our
mode of life with wonderful ease, and apparently was
making preparations for a visit that sh6uld outlast our
expectations.. Thie beauties and advantages of a home
in Ids adopted State was his constant theme; and so
pleasantly did he talk, illustrating his arguments with
anecdotes so amusing and apposite, that I felt myself
being perceptibly influenced by his views, and used to
dream of- climbing trees of prodigious height, anld
gathering nuggets from their branches as if they
were apples. When lending an assisting hand at our
farm labors, he would descant on the fertility of the
soil on the Pacific Slope, saying that crops grew almost
spontaneously, and related what fortunes eould be
made raising sheep.
By such means were we seduced into the conviction
that a change of base was not only advantageous, but
neces ay, and it was finally decided to go.  Mr. Ter    hune said he could negotiate an exchange, by which
we oould dispose of our farm for California real
estate, whereby we would be the gainers; and one
Monday morning in April, he left us for St. Louis, to
0
0 
10
complete the trade and purchase.  Our intentions becoming  known in the vicinity, our neighbors seemed
to take an especial interest in our movements, and
many were the staid old farmers who called to offer
us their advice and — wishes for our future prosperity.
Being notified that all was in readiness, and that we
could start as soon as it suited our convenience, we
lost no time in packing what few articles we required,
and b'idding cur friends adieu, we commenced our
journey.
Arriving in St. Louis, we were greeted by Mr. Terhmune who escorted us to the Planters' Hotel, where
we were temporarly to reside until the steamboat on
which we were to embark was ready to leave. The
few days,pemt in the metropolis of the West, was
thoroughly enjoyed by our little party, as under the
guidance of our friend we visited all the places of interest in the neighborhood.  On Saturday, April 30Oth,
we embarked on the steamboat Prairie  Flowr,
bound for Independence, where we were to make the
necessary purchases for our outfit in crossing the
plains, and were also to join a train that was being
formed, and of which we were to become part and
parcel.  After an uneventful journey we reached In.
dependence, only to find that the train we expected
to join had left two days previously; here was a
dilemma, and we were at a loss what to de.   I was in
favor of waiting until another train could be formed,'
but father objected, stating as his reasons, that it would
O 
11
consume both time and money; neither of which did
we possess in vast quantities. Meantime we had be
come the centre of a+ttraction to quite a motley crowd,
who stood looking on, and seemed to take a lively in     terest in iu, cliticising our appearance and indulging
in various remarks which were not always of a com     plimentary character. Noticing an old weather-beaten
frontiersman, who stood some little distance off, and
thinking he could perhaps suggest a way out of our
diffliculty, I made up to him, and after the usual ala     tations and a proffer of some tobacco, to which he
helped himself in rather large quantities, I asked him
his opinion, and what he thought we had best do under
the circumstances. 
- Drawing his lank form out of the entanglement it
seemed to have been in, he delivered himself in some     what the following manner:
}.     ""Wal  stranger, pears to me, I would jis git rite
arter that ern party, quicker'n greased lightning, kase
you see, they haint been gone long, and if you drive
yet animiles rite smart, you will ketch up in  jist no
tinme."
This advice struck me as excellent, and returning
to our pary I communicated it to them.  We resolved
to adopt it at once, only wondering we had not thought
of it before.
Having come to this determination, we busied our      selves  ith the necessary preparations, and on the.
third day after the departure of the train, we bade
0 
12
adieu to the few acquaintances made during our brief
sojourn at Independence, and struck out upon the,
almost trackless prairie.
Our equipment was that in general use among
prairie travelers, and consisted of a "Concord "wagon,
covered with white canvas, and drawn by six mules,
in the management of which, rather intractable ani  malsmy father was an adept. In the wagon were
stored our few household goods and scanty supply of
provisions, and in it rode my wife and mother. My
brother and myself figured as a mounted guard, and
presented a not unpicturesque appearance in our tunics
of dressed deerskin, and leggings of the same mate  rial; our revolvers in our belts, and rifles slung over
our shoulders or resing on the pommnels of our Mexi  can saddles.   Everything seeined propitious; the
wagon moved off smnoothly, the morning was clear,
and the great red disc of the sun just rising in the
east had scarcely dispelled the haze thAt enveloped
Pature as in a fleecy mantle. We little dreamed, alas,
of the dreadful fate soon to overtake us. That fate
which was to dissever a loving and united family,
causing three of its members to pass through the val ley of the shadow of death, and subjecting the surviv ors to suffering that often made them cry out in the
bitterness of their hearts "why was I spared to suffer
such torture, when death would have*been  uoh a
welcome relief I"
.
A.
0 
CHAPTER II.
THE RAPTURE.
E were now fairly started on our journey, and
buit for a singular feeling of depression which
weighed down my spirits and seemed a presenti      ment of evil to come, I should have had little
doubt of our ability to overtake the train and travel
safely with it to our destination. This feeling, however, caused me to become taciturn and apprehensive,
so much so, that I was frequently rallied upon the
subject by my companions.
For many days, however, we followed the traftil
without special incident; the tracks'bf wagons giving
us an easy guide.  We found grass, wood and water
in abundance, and traveling light and unimpeded by
others, felt confident that we were gaining upon the
train and would undoubtedly overtake them shortly.
We  crosed several rivers and streams, most of
them fordable, but one or two we foimod wide and
deep and were compelled to float our wagon across.
We saw some game, antelopes and deer, and shot a
few, forming a welcome addition to our larder; but
they were generally shy and kept out of reach, with- 
!III?.
I
0
0 
14
out wandeTing too far from the track. For two days
we had been journeying through an entirely differ ent country from that which we had passed. It was
almost a barren desert, treeless without game, and,
but little water; on its hard suriface the wag,on wheels
made scarcely an imprint, and it was with the great a est difficllty that we could take up the trail.  The
evening of the second day found us still on the road,
as we could find no water, without which we could
not camp. Before snmset we had noticed a low fringe
along the horizon which  looked like timber, and
knowing there must be water there, determined to
push on and reach it, if possible, before camping for
the night.
After a weary march we reached the edge of
the desert plain, and found a small stream, clear but
shallow; its banks lined with tall1 cottonwood trees.
Here we rested, and our tired animals fully appreciated the cool water and the luxuriant "gramma 
grim which aboimded.
,While standing watch, a precaution we  never
neglected, I fancied I heard a distant rifle shlot, and
roused my father and brother, fearing, Indians might
be near at hand, for we were now in very dangerouis
country and father declared that he had seen "Injun sii" the day previous, but a scout through the
cottonwood grove revealed nothing, and as the sound
was very faint and was not repeated, we concluded
it was only fancy; father muttering as he crawled
0
I -"v
( 
15
under his blanket that I was getting too almighty
scarey for a backwoodsman.
This incident howevgr aroused those apprehensive
feelings that had before troubled me, but which had
been quieted for a time by the uneventful nature of
our journey   We  were not again disturbed  that
night, but at sunrise we made a discovey — that
filled us with dismay- We /ead los8 the trail!  This
we were convinced was the result of our night journey, and father was confident that we could recover
it; but, when after several hoturs spent in a fruitless
endeavor to find where it crossed the stream, I urged
that we should take o-u own trail back to the point
at which it diverged from that of the train, he positively refuased to do so; declaring that he wasn't a
greenhorn to get scared at so small a matter, and that
he should push on in a southwesterly direction, and
take his chance of intersecting the trail, he asserting
that  we  must have  strayed to northward of it.
My brother and myself protested against so rash an undertaking, but in vain; and we finally started on what
was destined to be our last day's journey together.
Our route now lay across a verdant and apparently
boutmdless praihie. Far as the eye could reach it was
a level plain, without landmarks, trackless as the sea,
covered with a living carpet of emerald green. At
another time I could have spent houlrs in gazing upon
its vast expanse, and fancying its changed appearance
when its surface should be furrowed by the pl)ow and
0 
16
-its fruitful soil reward the fanLrner's labor; but the
presentiment of evil which I found it impossible to
shake off, oppressed my spirits rendering me anxious
and fearful.
A few moments took us out of sight of the cotton wood grove, and buit for the aid of fathler's pocket
compass we could have had little idea of our direction,
but by its assistance we traveled steadily in a south westerly course, father being confident that we had
strayed north of the trail and that by taking this
course we inust sooner or later regain it. UnItil nearly
noon we kept steadily on, seeing nothing to indicate
that we were near the trail. Just b1efore noon we
halted to rest and feed the animals and prepare a weal
for ourselves..
The morning had been sultry and we were all sufl
eiently fatigued to find a brief rest very acceptable.
Refreshed by half an holr's rest, we were preparing
to start, when moy brother who had moved off in advance, suddenly exclkiied, "fathler's right after all,
there ale mounted men ahead, it must be the train!"
Animated by the hope that our solitary wanderings
were nearly over and our perils past, we pushedahead,
urging ouir animals forward with all possible speed.
The distant horsemen were moving parallel to our
route, and apparently had not perceived us.  We
shouted and fired our rifles, a commotion was visible
among them, they halted, wheeled, and a number suddenly galloped towards us with the speed of the
a
a 
17
wind   My brother, who had ridden far ahead of us
swinging his cap and hallooing loudly, suddenly pulled up his horse and with a cry of terror rode back to
us with his utmost speed. We were not long at a loss
to understand the meaning of this proceeding; as he
neared us his warning shout of Indians! Indians!
was borne to us upon the breeze. But it needed not
that to apprise us of our peril; ere he reached us the
advancing horsemen had approached so near that we
could plainly, see instead of the friends we sought, a
horde of hideous savages, naked to the waist, besmeared with war paint inr. many strange devices, their tall
lances waving, their ornaments glittering in the sun
on,  on they came, giving vent to the most bloodcurdling yells it had ever been my fortune to hear.
In this desperate strait my father alone preserved
his coolness'; the warlike spirit of the old frontiersman was roused in an instant. With lightning-like
rapidity he had nihitched his team and so disposed
them with our horses and the wagon as to form a sort
of square, the horses and mules were tied together
and to the wagon, thus avoiding the danger of their
being stamnpeded.  Inside this square we placed ourselves, and levelling-our rifles across the backs of our
living bulwark awaited the attack. My poor mother
and wife, terrified almost to the verge of insensibility,
we compelled to lie down in the bottom of the
wagon, and so arranged its cargo as to protect them
from any stray shot which might strike it.
0 
18
At first it seemed that the savages intended to ride
us down by sheer force of numbers, which they might
easily have done; but our determined aspect and the
three shining tubes aimed at them, each ready to send
forth its leaden messenger of death, evidently changed
their determination; for before getting within range,
their headlong gallop became a moderate lope, then a
walk, and they finally halted altogether. A short
council followed, during which we hlad an excellent
opportunity to observe our foes, and concert our plans
for defence. Father cautioned us to hold our fire un til absolutely certain of our mark, and that, if possible, but one must fire at a time, as it was of the utmost importance to be prepared for a sudden dash.
We examinedc the loading of our rifles and pistols, put
-on fresh caps, and with wildly beatinghearts and nerves
st.rained to their utmost tension, awaited the onslaught.
Our enemies now seemed to have arrived at some
determination, for their consultation was at an endan old Indian who, from his dignified bearing and authoritative manner appeared to be their chief, made a
sign with his hand, and spoke a few words in a loud
tone.  The incessant jabbering which they had kept
up from the moment they halted instantly ceased, and
one after another a number of young warriors, perhaps twenty, rode out in single file upon the prairie.
After gaining a (stance of about one hundred yards
from the main body they increased the intervals separating them to some fifty paces, and then inc]ininr the
O
. I. 
19
course so as to formd sort of half circle, they increased
their speed and came on with the evident intention of
circling round us.
These mancuvres had not escaped our  6tice, but
neither my brother nor myself understood their import.
That my father did so, h6wever, was evident.
Suirround!" he muttered, the instant the movement began.  "I thought they'd try it, blame their
ugly picters."  "Now  boys," he continued, "keep
cool and keep your eyes skinned, don't throw away a
shot, and don't fiue'till I give the word'." He then
explained the method of this peculiar stramtage of
Indian warfare. The twenty picked men were about
to ride around us in a circle, at top speed, delivering
flights of arrows as they passed, their object being to
diseoncert us and draw our fire; our guns once empty,
the main body whom we observed held the-nselves in
readiness, would ride in, and by a eudden dasb, end
the skirmish by our death or captivity.
Father's warning was delivered in far less time than
it has taken to write taisand it was barely concluded
befolre the attacking party were circling round us, utterin'geir vengeful war cries, and gradually drawing
nearer and nearer.  Standing back to back, we watched
their every movement, my brother and myself expect
ing every moment to have an opportunity to tumble
one or more of the bold riders from their horses;
but a few seconds showed us the futility of this. As
they came within range, each Indian diapeeda b
I
a
0 -
., 
20
/nAd   body of hs Aor8e. — A hand grasping the with -
ers of the horse, and a foot just showing above his
back, were all that could be seen-perhaps a painted
face would be seen for an instant undor the horse'8
neck, but instantly disappearing-while the hiss of an
arrow would tell that the rider had sped the shaft to
its mark; the horse all the while going at fll gallop.
At noinoment could any one of us have fired with any
chance of hitting arn Indian. The horses we could
have shot without difficulty, but this was just -what
our enemies wanted. Could they but induce us to
waste our fire upon the horses, we would soon be at their
mercy. So, with an effort, we restrained our inclination to risk a shot, and watched their every movement
with the cat-like vigilance of men who knew that
their lives were trembling in the balance.
Round and round went the circle of the hunt, flight
after -flight of arrows whistled past ut, or spent their
force-against the wagon, still we were unharmed; although our escapes werenarrow and incessant.  The
mules and horses were struck repeatedly, but so tightly
were they bound together with leathern thongs that
not even death could separate them.  As our tormentors came around for the fifth time, one of the horses
stumbled and fell and rolled completely 6ve'r, pitching his rider headlong upon the prairie.  Before he
could regain his horse, father's rifle' cracked and the
unlucky equestrian rolled prone upon the grolmd with
a bullet in his brain.
0
I....
. 
I~~~~~~~~~~   ~,
F —
I.,:.
- 
a 
4L 
21
"That's one less," muttered father, grimly.  "I
thought I'd fetch ye, ye painted varmint."  "Don't
fire for your lives, boys," he continued, "'till I'm
loaded." They were the last words he ever uttered.
Simultaneously with their utterance came the hiss of
an Indian arrow, and with a deep groan he sank to
the ground. Terror stricken, and with anguished
hearts we raised him in our arms.  Alas, the deadly
aim had been too true; the shaft, entering his right
eye had penetrated the brain, and we saw at a glance
that our dear father was no more. Racked by contending emotions, we had almost forgotten our iinminent peril; as we turned to confront the foe, we saw
that our hesitation had been fatal; the red warriors
were upon us like a living tide, and for a few seconds
a wild melee followed; we battled hand to hand with
the desperation of fiends; it was but for an instant;
my brave brother fell covered with wounds, and his
death shriek was still ringing in my ears, when I re
ceived a blow upon the head which stretched me sense
less upon the ground. I seemed to experience the
sensation of falling from a vast height, then came a
sudden shlock and all was blank.
. 
CHAPTER III.
A m8TRANGE ADVENTURE.
EN  consciousness returned, I found myself
lying OD. the ground, tied hand and foot with
thongs of buffalo lide; I felt very eore and
intensely thirsty. I had not qluite yet collected
my senses, and when my mind reverted to the Scenes
,I had but just passed through, it was with a sickening
sense of their horror that made me yearn for ienseibility again.  If I' could only know what had been 
done with my wife; had she met the same fate as my
father and brother, or was she spared-spared, and
for whlat-to be subjected to a captivity even worse
than death, perhaps I It would have been a great relief to have moved even so much as a finger, but being
bound so tightly it was impossibre to stir, and the
thongs had in a great measure impeded the circlation, so that asPI lay on my back, gazing pathetically
at my feet, it seemed as if they were the appendages
of another person, and that my tortures had begun by my being deprived of all that part of my
body below my knees. By dint of much turning, I
managed to get myself partly on my  side, which
0
a 
23
proved a great relief, besides affording an opportunity
to look around me and gain an idea of the state of
affairs.
Day was just breaking, and my captors were, with
the exception of the sentinel, asleep. We were on the
prairie, and I at once concluded that we must have
left the scene of the fight and capture; a small fire
had  been  built, and  the  warrior  who  mounted
guard was sitting with his legs crossed beneath him,
enmingly gazing into the smouldering embers; there
was just enough light to discern his features, and I
shuddered at their repulsiveness; the hideous war
paint was streaked most fantastically across his cheeks
and forehead and over his body, for, with the exception of a pair of abbreviated leggings he was quite
nude. His scalp-lock was adorned with a profusion
of eagles' feathers, and his wrists and arms were set
off with bracelets. Dangling from his girdle was an
object that thrilled me *with anguish, as the long white.
hair covered here and there with dark red splashes, I
knew at once to be the scalp of my dear, murdered
mother. I had read of the noble red man, and like most
romantic people, conceived a very touching picture of
his manly beauity and majosioLtic  O  zneedo   bnt to.
be among them to have any such illusion dispelled.
In my long residence with the tlibe, I found some
admirable traits, of which I will speak anon, but they
had so many counterbalancing vices, that I do not
think their best friends can say anything in their praise.
I
a
0 
24
This book is a true narrative of my captmue and
sufferings, and if my readers do not find running
through these pages, that sentimental gush about the
noble red man, that we have been taught to believe
was as much their attribute as they considered scalp ing their prerogative, it is because I have been dis
abused of these ideas, by the stern reality of an existence among them. I trust this digression will be
excused, but when I stroke my chin, and fee] the
traces of their delicate attentions, my feelings are
apt to get the better of my desire to entertain.
Soon, however, the camp was stirring, and my friend
at the fire roused himself and advanced toward me;
whipping out a knife from its sheath, he cut the
thongs by which I was bound, and grasping my
shoulder jerked me to an upright position and motioned me to follow him. I had not proceeded far, when,
emerging from the coppice on the opposite side of
the bivouac, I beheld my wife advancing towards me
in the custody of an Indian. Reader, if you can imagine meeting the being you loved best, after having
supposed her cruelly butchered, you may have  a
faint conception of my feelings. With a little cry of
joy she rushed into my outstretched arms; sobbing
like an infant. This demonstration of affection seemed not to the taste of our guards; and with an ugh,
we were admonished to follow them, and we were
soon in the midst of a group who were  dispatching 
their breakfast. Food was offered ulg of which I ate
a
.1
0 
25
voraciously, after my long fast; not so my wife, however, who could not as yet accustom her palate to the
dried buffialo meat.
Meantime preparations had been making to resume
our journey. The horses were brought up, and in a
shorter time than it takes to relate it we were under
way, the party moving off in single file.  I was allowed to ride my own horse, my wife. following behind
mne on one of the mules. We were, as near as I could
judge, about the centre of the party. In this fashion
we proceeded during the forenoon. The prairie at
this point was a succession of gentle undulations,
covered with a rich velvety verdure; and, had not my
present circumstances been of such a depressing character, the scene would have been inspiriting. Away
to the far west, as far as the eye could see, this vast
billowy plain extended, broken here and there by a
grove of the stately cottonwood tree, whose long
trunks, and silvery foliage was a pleasing contrast to
the vivid green of the prairie. At intervals I had
discerned dark objects on the horizon, but, being unaccustomed to note signs with that care and attention
that is characteristic of those whose life is spent on
the plains, I had paid no particular attention to thtm.
Soon, however, I did observe a commotion at the
*head of the column, and after a brief halt and consultation among the chiefs, our speed was'accelerated,
and we struck into a canter.  This "lope" as it is
'&lled, seems to be a gait peculiarly adapted to the
O
0 
26
mustang, as they will break into, and keep it up the
entire day; evincing no more distress than our or  dinary horse does in trotting leisurely.
That something important was about to trans  pire, I felt certain, from the energetic way in whieh
our captors spoke and gesticulated; I was not long
left in' doubt, as on reaching a slight eminence, a
sight disclosed itself — that  I  shall never forget;
and my blood thrills even now with the remem  brance of my first buffalo hunt.
It may seem odd to talk of my first buffalo hunmt,
as the question would naturally be asked, how could
a prisoner participate in a hunt; the sequel will
explain.
The  chiefs had halted,  and the  rear coming
up, we were soon clustered in a group on this rising
ground.  Directiy in front of us, at the distance of
about three miles, I should judge, was an immense
herd of buffalMoes. The plain was positively black, so
numerous were they. All unconscious of their foes,
they were quietly grazing, while here and there a
watchfull old bull seemed to have stationed himself as
an outpost, being in readiness, if needs were, to in8tatly commmunicate the signal of danger to the herd:
It was a glorious sight; even the horses shared in the
excitement, and evinced as great a desire to participate-in the hunt as did their masters. Presently a
warrior rode obut from the main body a few paces and
tosd the feather.  This is done to note the direction
a
0 
27
of the wind, for such is the keenness of scent possessed by these animals, that'they will take the alarm and
become aware of the approach of an enemy at great
distances. If the drove had discovered us at this distance, our visions of fresh hump steak for supper
would have resolved themselves into the dried meat
of the morning.
Thie wid  being favorable, we commenced the advance; slowly at filet, but gradually increasing our
speed, until the horses were straining every muscle in
their headlong race.  Lances were  sung, and bows
and arrows got in readiness with an ease and expertness that was trtily wonderful, considering our rapid
riding.  The bridles were dropped on the necks of the
instangs, the riders using their knees both as a steering apparatus and armeans of holding on.  As near as
I could understand, our guard was to keep as close to
the Lunters as was consistent with our safety, without
joining in the fun. Everything went on smoothly,
and we had approached to within a half mile of the
herd before they noticed us.  Soon, however, the old
bulls scented the party, and with a snort and plunge
they tore headlong towards the hlead of the drove,
communicating the alarm as they ran.  With a yell
.the savages dashed on, horse and rider worked up to
the highest pitch of excitement; arrows began to fly,
and here and there a cow would fall, or an enraged
bull goaded to fury by a wound rush madly at his
enllemy, evidently bent on revenge of a most sainguin
.
0 
28
ary character.  Our little party kept on the flank of
the advancing drove, and our escort seemed to find it
very irksome doing duty as guards, as with oft-re peated ughs! plainly expressive of disgust, they de precated the luck that had singled te   out to per form such womanly duty.
Suddenly, and with kaleidoscopic rapidity, the as pect of affairs was changed; for some unknown re
son and without apparent cause, the buffaloes made a
flank movement, and in a twinkling were dashng
right toward us; the mustangs, warned by experi ence, turned and ran as if their liies were at stake, as
they certainly were; and the mule on which my wife
was mounted, with an imitation that did her great
credit, followed their example.'My horse, being unused to such scenes, seemed to lose his senses, and
stood looking at the advancing animals in the most
abject terror. Realizing at a glance my position, and
feeling that instant action was demanded, I turned
his head, and by word and heel urged him to run.
On came these black brutes, sweeping over the
ground like an animated hurricane.  My poor horse
was laboring fearfully, and I knew that our destruction was a matter of a few moments time only. Sud
denly my horse stumbled and flung me headlong to
the ground, then all was bewilderment. I have an
indistinct notion of lying on the prairie, and then like
a great black wave, this surging mass of buffaloes
seem to hover over me; I was conscious of a sharp
a
a 
29
and severe ptain in my side, and then of being iddenly lifted into space.  When sufficiently collected
to note my position, I found myself on the back of a
huge buffalo bull, who, unaccustomed to this strange
weight, was making frantic endeavors to clear himslf of the herd, which were wedged together with
as much-compactness as if they were one animal. If
I had chosen to fall to the ground, it would have been
impossible to do so; but as such a feat would have
been almost instant death, my readers will easily understand I had no intention of trying the experiment.
I turnedby attention exclusively to seating myself
firmly on my novel steed, and grasping my hands into
the shaggy hair which covered his shoulders, braced
myself for the most thrilling ride I had ever expelienced. After a few violent plunges the bull cleared
the herd, and tore at tremendous speed; on, on until
objects lost their character, and all seemed to be an
indistinct haze. The buffalo had by. this time carried
me some distance from the main body, and was be
ginning to show signs of fatigue. If I was going to
leave him, this was niy opportunity-;  and  quietly
loosening my hold, I slipped off his rump on to the
ground, and betook myself in an opposite direction as
fast as I could go, and it was with feelings of relief
and thankfulness that I had escaped so luckily from
my first and only buffalo ride.
Q
a 
CILTPTER IV.
AAIN A PRISONER.
OOTSORE  and weary I wandered over the
prairie, straining my eyes in every direction in
the vain hope of beholding the white-topped
wagons of the train.  My late involuntary journey had borne me far to the southward; and, although
my rapid progress had given me but little opportunmity
for observation, still I was cor.vinIced that the direction in which I had traveled was likely to bring me
in the track of the prairie caravans., I was not without apprehension of again falling in with my late
captors, and hardly knew whether I dreaded or desired it; fully realizing that I had nothing to look
forward to in that event bui torture and death. Still
I felt that to see once again the sweet face of my beloved I would risk every peril, even though I was helpless to aid her, and to witness her sufferings would only
add to the poignant anguish that tortured me. Racked
by these thoughts, and with a despairing heart, I walked
steadily on. The day was now far spent, and I was beginning to experience the pangs of hunger, for I had
eaten nothing since early morning; but I suffered far
a 
31
more from thirst, and for hours searched eagerly for
water; scanning the horizon in every direction for a
siglit of thefringe-like foliage, of the cotton-wood
trees. Stiff and sore from my confinement of the
night previous, and snffeiing intensely from the wound
on my head, which had been entirely neglected, my
progressgrew slower, and when night settled over the
prairie my search was still unsuccessful; and without
food, water, or shelter, I sank exhausted to the earth.
After a time sleep gave me a welcome oblivion; but
my rest was disturbed by troubled dreams, and the
dawn found me but little refreshed.
It was barely daylight when I again started.  I felt
weak and dizzy; and the Conviction, forced itself upon me that I must find food and water before many
hours, or perish-my life depended on my  finding
water-and notwithstanding my  ntense suffering, it
was absolutely necessary to push forward ini my search.
My thoughts were momentarily diverted by a number
of graceful animals that were advancing towards me;
when within about two hundred yards they became
afrighted and wheeling around scampered away, running toward a clump of trees not far distant; entering
this grove, they disappeared from sight.  I had heard
many tales about this gracefuil little animal, the antelope; and among other things remembered, that to
the weary and thirsty hunter traversing these boundless plains, their presence was a sure indication that
water was not far distant; if these tales were true,
e
I0 
32
why then ther  was — every probability that I might
slake my burning thirst, which now had become agonizing torture, from some rivulet within the recesse
of that wood; animated by this thought I limped on
with renewed energy. What had seemed so near to
my vision was in reality quite distant, as I found in
my-endeavor to reach it; for the sun had begun  to
decline behind the horizon when I reached the belt
of tinl)Cer. Entering this leafy solitude, I had not
advanced many steps when my ears were gladdened by
the sound of running water. With an exclamation of
joy I ran to the banks of the arroyo (as by this name
these little streams are called),.  and, falling on my
kmees, was drinking with that intense eagerness that
is known only by those who, like mcself have felt the
delirium of thirst.
I was about to rise refreshed, when my gaze wu
riveted by a reflected image on the bosom of the
creek that curdled the blood in nay  veins, and paralyzed me with terror; it was the image of a hideous
Indian, bending over me with uplifted hand grasping
a long, gleaming knife.  I jumped up with a terrified
scream, only to find myself in the rough grasp of a
brawny savage, and completely at his mercy.  With
a malicious leer he motioned me to accompany him.
Feeling sick at heart, and drooping under the weight
of my new misfortune, I was led through the tangled
nnderglowth, and after a walk of about fifteen minutes, we emerged into a small clearing, where I
0
0 
33
fund myself in the midst of a large party of Indiana
My advent created no little excitement, and I was soon
the centre of a circle of curious savages, who were
more persistent than pleasing in their attentions. I
saw at once that I had again fallen into the hands of
he same party by whom I was first captured; for
among those who clustered around me, I recognized
the old chief who had directed the attack upon us.
He approached me in a menacing maner, and uittered some words in the Indian tongue.  From  his getares I could guess at his meaning, and understood
that he was threatening me fo? my supposed attempt
to escape. He then gave some order, and I was inmstantly seized anff conducted to the foot bf a large
tree; my guards then bound me with a lariat and left
me to my own reflections.
My first thought was of my wife; and as I had
managed to place myself in a sitting posture against
the tree, I was enabled to observe all that was passing,
and to scan closely the groups around the camp fires.
A few moments satisfied me that if in the camp, she
was not visible; and left me a prey to many horrid
imalinings.
The savages were mostly seated around the fires,
roasting meat over the embers and eating it greedily,
aa occupation of which they never seemed to tire;
some were renewing the paint upon their bodies, and
the grotesque striping and mottling showed in fantastic hues in the red and glaring light; some were
I
a 
.34
smoking curioos looking pipes of carved stones; all
were chattering, laughing and gesticulating like so
many children. For a brief period I contemplated
this wild scene with interest; but it soon grew monotonous, and my mind painfully reverted to my perilous position.
In satisfying the greater desire for water, 1 had for a
time forgotten my craving for food, but it now retured upon me with redoubled force. The Indians had
evidently forgotten that even prisoners must eat, and
I concluded that it was best to call their attention to
my necessities; by a shout I attracted the attention
of one of the warriors who was passing near me, and
when he approached, I succeeded by gestures in making him understand my wants. Uttering a gutteral
ugh I and slapping his stomach he walked away, but
returned in a few moments with a huge chunk of half
cooked buffalo meat which he threw down before me,
and unbinding my hands motioned me to eat. I did
not need a seeond invitation, but fell to at once, and
devoured it with such voracity, that my Indian friend
seemed both astonished and amused.  When  I-had
finished he brought me water in a gourd, and again
securing my hands, bound me fast to the tree and left
me once more to myself.           t
Fatigued by the hardships of the last two days, I
soon fell asleep, and knew no more until I was
awakened by a rough hand grasping my shoulder, aad
on opening my eyes saw that it was daybreak, ad
0
0 
85
the band were preparing to move. Ten minutes later
I found myself mounted on a wiry looking mustang,
securely tied, and my horse led at the end of a lariat
by the same Indian who had brought me food the
evening previous. Looking about me, my eyes were
soon gladdened by the sight of my wife, mounted behind an Indian warrior; she saw me at the same instant, and -with a cry of joy strove to break her bonds
and rush to my embrace; it was a vain effort, and
only resulted in her receiving a blow from her savage
custodian, which cowed her into silence. My feelings
at this junceture can be better imagined than described; but I could do nothing but endure as best I
might, and hope that a day of reckoning would yet
come, in which I should bitterly avenge all the
wrongs I had experienced at the hands of the brutal
savage, called in books, the "noble red man."  For
the present, there was nothing but submission and
hope.
I now saw to my surprie that we were not alone
in our misfortune, many other captives, principally
women and children, were with the party. From
their costume I saw that they must be Mexicans, and
at once concluded that the Indians had been on one
of their periodical raids upon the Mexican frontier,
and were on their return when they had accidentally
llen in with our little party. Evidently but a part
of the band had taken part in our capture, for Lhe at
tcking party were less than one hundred in number,
0 
36
while I now counted over four hundred wardor
The chances of escape seemed more  unlikely than
ever; and my heart sank as I'observed their formid  able array.
I must pass briefly over the incidents of our jour
ney for several days following. We passed through
a widely diversified country, and in spite of my me.
tal and physical sufferings, I was greatly interested in
its strange scenery. We passed over wide stretches
of prairie, dotted here and there by mottes of timber,
rising like islands from the sea-like plain; we thread
ed tortuous defiles of the mountains; and crawled,
rather than rode, through terrific ca ws, whose pe? pendicular walls of many colored rock, rising to the
height of thousands of feet, shrouded the narrow pay
in majestic gloom. At times we suffered greatly for
food and water; making one stretch of sixty miles
across the desert, and reaching its border in a state oI
utter exhaustion.
On the seventh day after my recapture we climbed
a low mountain range, and on reaching the crest saw
before us a deep valley, walled in on every side by
towering cliffs of milk-white-quartz; its surface wa
level, or nearly so; through its centre a crystal line
indicated the presence of a small stream.  A dense
forest of pine fringed it on three sides; vast herds of
horses and cattle roamed over the plain, and cropped
its luxuriant herbage.  The valley was elliptical in
form, and measured perhaps twelve miles in lengtk
a 
37
by four or five in width; at its upper extremity a
group of strange looking structures were visible, of
many forms and sizes; one towering far above the
rest had the appearance of a huge pyramid.- Firm
the joyful exclamations of the Indians I felt confident
that our journey was nearly at an end. Tlie tired
mustangs were urged forward, and half an hour later
we entered a defile, passed round the face of the cliff
on a narrow ledge of rock, where two could not ride
abreast, and emerged upon a platform from whence
an easy descent led to the plain below.  On reaching
its grassy surface, the Indians set forward at ful
speed, uttering loud yells of delight and exultation;
and we could perceive many forms hastening down
lhe valley to meot us.  The intervening space was
quickly passed, and we soon stood among the strange
barbaric structiu-s which form the chief town of the
Camanches.
The captives were halted before the pyramidal
building, which, from its great size and peculiar appearance, I supposed to be the council houise, or the
dwelling of the chief.  I afterwards learned that it
was the temp!e, where they worship and sacrifice to
the Sun-God; for, like all the southern Indians, doescendants of the ancient Aztecs, the Camanches w
ship the sun and fire.. 
But little time however, was g     e   for obsers
tion or reflections  I   adely  jerked from  my
horse, andwi      0other male captives led into one
. 
8
of the smaller lodges. Descending a rude ladder, we
were placed in an underground apartment, and after
being supplied with a scanty allowance of food, were
again bound and left to silence and darkness.
Again separated from my wife, and knowing but
too well what treatment she would be likely to receive
at the hands of the red demons, flushed with victory
and spoil, I abandoned myself to the most gloomy
reflections, which continued for many hours, until,
tardy sleep relieved me for a time  from my self-im,
posed torture
O
0
4 
OHAPTER V.
THE INDIAN  TOWN.
oOW  long I should have lain in this semi-coma   tose state I know not, had I not been aroused
by the Indian who  seemed to have been ap
pointed my particular guard.  Bringing me a
portion of tasto and an olla of water, he placed them
on the ground beside me, and removing the thongs
from my wrists left me to dispatch my unpalatable
food as best I might; at noon, and in the evening,
he repeated the performance. With the exception of
this interruption I was left to my thoughts. My reflections were of the bitterest and most gloomy nature.
Prom my previous knowledge of the habits and characteristics of my captors I was assured that my fate was
sealed; and my death only a matter of time. These
savages only captured male prisoners the better to enjoy their destruction.  What astonished me most was
that they had not put me to the torture on their arrivl at the village.  The fate of my poor wife was the
profoundest mystery to me, as I had not seen or heard
of hei since our parting on entering the Indian town.
While I was being conducted to my prison,she was
0 
40
hurried off to the other end of the village. The darkening gloom of my chamber infoimed me of the ap.
proach of night; and recognizing how important it
was for me to secure all the repose possible, I prepared
to retire. The preparations were of the simplest
character; my feet being bound it was only necessary
to stretch my form along the ground and I was in
bed.i  I courted sleep with persistent endeavor; but
my mind was a prey to such agonizing reflections that
the drowsy god held himself aloof. I counted backwards, rolled my eyes from side to side in their sockets, and resorted to all the devices known to me, but
with indifferent success. All through the night the
howling of the vi'Jage dogs, the wild note of the swan,
and t4e dismal whoops of the gruya, could be heard;
and' it is very difficult even  under  circumstances
more favorable than those in which I was then placed to
sleep with these noises ringing in one's ears. later,
when a long residence with the tribe had made me
familiar with these sounds, and their causes, I was
not unfrequently startled by them. My imagination
was constantly dwelling on my approaching fate; and
I am sure I suffered enough mental agony to suffico
for a score of physical deaths.  The next morning my
keeper made his entry, this time without any food for
me, and I was at once struck by his altered looks; h.
was oiled, and streaked with paint, from the crown of
his head to his waist; his head dress wag composed of
eagles' plumes stained red, and his limbs were enced
0 
41
in buckskin leggings, the seams of which were fringod
with long locks of hair, which attested to his prowess,
as they were composed of scalp-locks taken from the
heads of his enemies slain in battle; the feet were
encased in moccasins, embroidered with beads and tile
quills of the porcupine dyed in various colors; fro*
his neck was suspended a collar, made of the tusks of
the javali-;, his tomahawk hung gracefully from his
waist, and a fine robe of jaguar-skins draped his back.
Such a costume I felt sure was only worn on state occasions; and his presence filled me with apprehensions.  I was not long, held in Suspense, for stooping
over me hlie quickly cut my fastenings, and m6tioning
me to rise I was presently conducted up the ladder
and out into the vlage street. 
Emerging from the darkness into the bright sunliUlit, I was at first unable to distinguish-objects, but
as soon as my eyes became accustomed to the glare, I
was struck with astonishment at the scene of bistle
and activity that met my gaze. Indian women, children, dogs and braves, were hurrying to and fro, seemingly intent on business of a most pressing and important character. My appearance was the signal for
a succession of howls and yah! yahlls! from the assembled crowd. The women clustered around me and
gave expression to their hate in kicks, pinchLes and
jeers; even the dogs snapped at my heels. After a
walk of a fetw minutes, we cleared the skirts of the
village, and shaping our course towards the river that
O 
42
ran through the centre of the valley, 1 was son
among a crowd of other captives. They were com posed of Mexicans, chiefly, and all bore evidence of
the struggle they had passed through, before yielding
up their liberty; their clothes were torn, disclosing
here and there ugly gashes, from which the blood had
not yet ceased to ooze. One man among them es
pecially attracted my attention. He was dressed in
the costume of the mountain trapper; and his fur
cap, fitting closely to his head, was a fit accompaniment to his tunic and leggings of dressed deerskin;
his face had a peculiar expression which I could not
account for, until I discovered that he had only one
eye. At this time an Indian advanced toward us,
bearing in his arms a quantity of small stakes; I was
at loss to understand what was to'transpire, when I
heard my one-eyed companion mutter under his
breath, "drat'em, they be a goin' to stake us." Sure
enough this was their intention; seizing us one by
one, they stretched us on the turf in three files, the
heads of one file resting between the feet of the row
above himn; driving the stakes firmly into the ground,
they fastened thongs of.raw hide to our Wrists and
ankles, and passing them around the pins, drew our
feet and arms out to their utmost tension, making dur
joints fairly crack. Pinioned in this way, our heads
were the only moveable parts of our bodies, and our
upturned faces had the hll benefit of the sun's rays,
being subjected at the same time to attacks of swarms
I
0 
43
of insects.  This torture was  so very painful that
many fainted, but the women soon brought the vico
tims to consciousness by dashing an olla of water in
their faces, and with yells of delight witnessed the renewal of the poor fellows' agonies. I was so completely disguised in dirt, that the flies seemed to pass me
by in despair; and being thus in a measure relieved, I
turned my attention to my companion on my right,
the trapper.  He seemed to be taking things very
quietly, and evinced great patience and fortitude under his trials.  The squaws were particularly attentive
to him; and at the time I turned my head in hise
direction, two hags were amusing themselves sticking
sharp pointed sticks into his body; he bore it manfully, but I saw tears of agony streaming from under his
eyelids.  Presently the air was filled with yells. and
whoops; our tormentors rushed off pell-mell, the
guards only remaining. I asked what was the meaning of this new outbreak; to which the trapper replied that he supposed it was caused by the arrival of
a new lot of those "gosh darned red niggers."
Deeming this a good opportunity, I questioned him
as to the intentions of our captors; to which he replied
that we would be kept staked out in this barbarous
way until the games and feasting, with which they
always celebrated successful forays, had been com pleted; and then we would be put to torture and
death.
"How will they kill us  " I asked.
a 
44
"O, darn'em, the varmints have as many ways a
I have fingers and toes, to knock the life out of a cmhap;
they most allus makes us run the gantlet, leastwise
the Kimanch does; but ye see, they air such mighty
unsartin niggers, they does a'most enytliing but what
yer expect tlihemn ter."
"Will we have to remain in this poition' until the
Indians are ready to torture us?" I asked.
"'Spect so," briefly answered my neighbor.
Thle guard was now nearing us, and we remained
silent.
The feasting and festivities had now begun. We
were unfastened and removed to the centre of the vil lag,e, where a dance was about to begin.  Our feet
were still bound, but we could assume a sitting pos ture; thus situated, I saw for the first time the marn antetic.  Thle young girls only take part in tlis co1le,
bration; they go thlroughl  a number of graceful and
intricate evolutions, finishing by fotbrming in a somi circle around the clief and h's queen, wlho are seawed
on a terrace of the temple. I was so much more interested in trying to discover my wife among the numerous lookers on, that I paid no special attention to
the dance.  The performance having cotne to an end,
we were again staked out, and our captors returned to
Tieir feasting, slauglltering, fresh cattle to satisfy tlie
'denands of their appetites.  Our wants were not so
.weli supplied..
The next morning the' games were renewed; this
a
a 
45
time we were taken out on the prairie to witness the
feats of horsemanship, performed by the braves and
their visitors. These were very fine, and for the time
being I forgot my own position in the interest excited
in the daring feats of these children of the'plains.
They rode thei:L horses at top speed; vaulting on their
backs and discharging arrows with as much apparent
ease as if they stood still.  They went through all
the evolutions of Indian warfare, and ended with a
mock battle; their yells alone would have dismayed
an ordinary adversary.
Thirsty and tired, I and my companions were led
back to our old positiod and again securely fastened.
Turning to Black, I said that I supposed they would
open the festivities to-morrow with our torture and
death; to which he replied that he "'spected they
would."  At least I thought, it will only be another
species of torture, and we would be quickly released
from- it by death. Our guard now brought us some
water and burnt meat, of which we were allowed to
partake.
The thongs are again tightened; our guards move
among us to see that all is secure; and the sentinel
for the evening watch having been detailed, we are
le    ft to silence a nd our own thoughtsthoughlts of our
approac hing  doom, and perhaps of the loved ones far
away in sine        Mexican border town, whose unavailing prayer      s are b eing offered up for our safety. Filled
with these emotions, some poor fellow would give ex
e
0 
46
pression to his pent-up feelings in a long drawn Sigh;
the only sound that broke upon the stillness of the
night.  The moon's beams penetrated into the valley;
the argent rays shedding a soft and subdued light, as
they pierced the mist that was rising from the river.
I knew that death was our portion, but little did I
dream that on such  cines such awful morn should
rise.
a
I 
CHAPTER VI.
THE TORTIUERI.
NOTHER  morning dawned; again we were
brought forth, and from the information gained
from the old trapper, I knew that our time for
action had come. Lying in a group on the
green sward, we watched the movements of our enemies with paintfl interest. Our hands and feet were
bound, but we were not otherwise secured, and were
therefore enabled to sit up and look around us; we
saw that the Indians were divested of every superfluous article of drese or ornament, that their movements might be light and unimpeded. We saw them
enter the woods and return with clubs freshly cut
from the trees, an ominous indication of the fate in
store for us* To the number cf several hundred the
savages had gathered upon the plain, and were arranging the preliminaries for their fiendish sport. We
watched their preparations with a peculiar interest; at
length all seemed in readiness-two rows of Indians
tretched along the plain for a distance of about three
hundred yards-all were armed with clubs, and stood
b"ug each other; an interval of three or four paces
0
d 
48
separating the ranks. Between these lines we had to
run and receive blows in passing, from all who were
quick enough to hit us. We were told that if any of
our numniber achieved thle apparently impossible feat of
passing the entire line, and could reach the foot of
the cliff without being overtaken that our lives would
be spared.  I asked the old trapper if he believed this
"Not by a durn si,ghlt," was his reply; "its all a cus sed injun lie, just to make us do our puttiest; tlhey'll
roast us all the same, blast'em."  I was satisfied that
the promise was of no value, even if they should ad
here to it; for the fleetest runn'er could never pass
the lines.
Several of the warriors now approached us, and im
tied one of the Alexicans; he was to run first.  Although an athletic and active specimen of his race, he
was quickly disposed of; running barely ten paces be
fore he was stretched senseless, and brought back
helpless and bleeding, while the air resounded with
the wild vells of the savage bystanders. Three of the
other captives soon met the same fate, and tlien it
came my turn; I was unbound and led forward and
stood awaiting the signal to begin the terrible race
Within a few moments a wild scheme had formed it;self in my mind, and although fully realizing its de&
perate nature, I had determined to make tlhe" effort,
even if I perished in the attempt I had noticed that,
witli the exception of-those forming the lines between
which I was to run, the Indians all stood behind me,
la
e
I 
49
and for a considerable space around me the ground
was entirely clear. - My plan was to start as if with
the intention of entering the lane of savages, but to
suddenly diverge to the right or left,. as might seem
most expedient, and run directly down the valley,
with the hope that I might be able to reach the
dense and tangled forest which fringed it, and conceal
myself -i its recesses until I could find some way out
of my rock-environed -prison.  As I look back at it
nw, I can only wonder that I should have had the
hardihood to attempt it. Not an Indian among the
hundreds around but knew  well all the paths and
windings of the wooded borders of the valley, even
supposing that I were fortunate enough to reach it;
but that was ilnprobab]e.  Among  so many it was
likely there would be several able to outstrip me in
speed, fast runner as I deemed myself; and if
overtaken, I could expect nothing but more cruel
treatment than I had yet experienced. Besides,
although I did not know it at the time, the valley had
but two entrances, and these were constantly guarded
by a watchful picket. But at the time I thought of
none of these things —" drowvning men will catch at
straws," says the old adage-and my hastily formed
plan seemed to me to promise success. Hlaving formed
my resolution I was necessitated to put it in practice at once. The Indians were already impatient for
another victim, and the signal being given I started
on my race for life at the top of my speed.  At first I
.
0 
50
ran directly for the living lane, where my enemies
waited with poised clubs each eager to strike the fint
blow, but as I neared it I made a sudden break to the
right, and gathering all my energies for one mighty
effort, I broke through a group of old men and idlers
who were watching the sport. Despite their efforts
to intercept de I cleared them in an instant, and
ran down the valley with the whole yelling mob at
my heels.  Some  half dozen of my pursuers being
swifter of foot forged ahead of their comrades, but
they did not seem to gain upon me, and for a time it
seemed that I would distance them entirely; but I
had overestimated my strength, and to my alarm
found myself growing weak, and running heavily and
with painful effort.
I had now, however, nearly reached the timber, and
%trained every nerve to gain its welcome shadow;
looking back, I saw that one of my pursuers was
within two hundred yards of me, and gaining rapidly; straining every nerve, I kept up my headlong
pace, Lut when within fifty paces of the woods and
with my enemy but little further behind me, I tripped
and fell, and had barely time to spring to my feet before he was upon me; he was entirely unarmed, having thrown away his club during the chase. As he
rushed upon me, I met him with a blow from my fist,
delivered with all the force of which I was capable.
Striking hi  directly under the chin, it knocked him
eompletely off his feet, and he measurd his length
Is
If ~   ei   t 
a
,/ 
51
upon the grass,  I turned with a  spring, and was
about to plunge into the thicket, when the dense undergrowth parted directly before me, and I stood face
to face with an Indian of gigantic size and most
singular appearance. For a moment I was completely paralyzed; not so my new opponent. Realizing
the situation at a glance, he sprang upon me, and bore
me to the ground with scarcely an effort. Emerging
from the lethargy which had enthralled me for a moment, I struggled frantically to free myself, but in
vain. Several others had now come up, and my' fallen antagonist, who had been stunned for a'moment,
recovered himself, with his temper not at all improved by the rough handling he had received, and snatching a knife from the belt of one of the new comers,
aimed a blow at me which would have ended my life
on the instant, and prevented this narrative from being written. My captor seized his arm, and rebuked
him so sternly, that he slunk away abashed. I was
then allowed to rise to my feet, and my hands being
bound, the huge Indian, who seemed to be in author
ity, and of whom the others evidently stood in awe
consigned me to the custody of two warriors, and dis    mising the rest with a wave of his hand, again disappeared in the thicket.
Led between my two guards, I was soon taken back
to the village, followed by an excited crowd of Indians, who showed a disposition to handle me pretty
mughly, but their unwelcome attentions were pevent.
0
0 
52
ed by my coniuctors who pushed rapidly through the
crowd, and soon reached the lodge in which I had
previously been confined.  I was-ioon reinstalled in
my gloomy prison, and after tying me in the usual
mnannlr, my attendants left me to solitude and
misery.
Bitterly disappointed by the failure of my daring
sclehnem-at the very moment when it seemed to promise success, my thoughts were the reverse of pleasant; and when my mind reverted to the fate of my
wife, I-suffered such mental agony, as I pray thatyou,
kind readcer, may never know.
Another night passed, and remembering the words
of the ol7d trapper, I awoke filled with the convictioi
that it was to,be my last day on earth. The usual
scanty meal was supplied to me, and about an hour
later I was  again brought forth  upon  the  plain.
I was soon among my companions in misfortune,
and like them securely tied to stakes;  but allowed to sit upright, as if the red demons wished us
to fully observe  the preparations now  going forward.
Upon the level plain facing the temple, and at i
short distance from it, scores of brawny savages wet
busily engaged planting firmly in the ground a rowof
massive posts; they were anrlanged'mn a semi-circle,
and were about twenty in number. We saw many ofthe
Indians go to the woods, tomahawk in hand; we hear
the sounds of chopping, and saw them return'.wi
0
0 
I
~Q~~~ffi~~    e~~~
TI- e T~,tiie.
4 
a 
53
bundles of faggots; we saw them fastening curionsly
fashioned chains of copper to the posts; we observed
them painting their faces and bodies in hideous stripes
of red and black.  It was a scene of fearful import,
for we knew but too well that it was the prelude to
the torture. What were my companions' reflections I
knew not, for they spoke but little.  But the set and
stern expression that showed itself on every face, told
me plainly that they fully realized the terrible drama
in which they were to be the principal actors.  The
appearance of all was ghastly in the extreme. Travelstained, covered with dust, and with spots of dried
blood, some showing fresh and bleeding wounds
-souvenirs of yesterday's rough sport —our clothing
torn and disarranged, we were indeed objects of pity,
calculated to excite commiseration in the breasts of
any others than the brutal and sanguinary wretches
who were about to put us to a terrible death. As for
nme, my brain was on fire; and could I but have freed
myself from my bonds I woufd gladly have sought
instant death at the hands of the nearest savage,
rather than to longer endure the ever present torture
of mind, and the not more acute physical suffering
which I was soon to undergo.
At last their preparations seemed cempleted, and
the audience assembled. Camanches and Apaches
alike gathered before the temple, forming a vast'semicircle. The terraces of the temple were occupied by
the older men, and upon its summit were seated a
e
a 
54
group of men in strange costumes,  the priests of
Quetzalcoatl. Directly in front of the temple a sort
of throne had been erected, and upon it sat the aged
chief, with his subordinates grouped around him. An
old Indian of most repulsive aspect, seemed to direct
the proceedings, assisted by about a hundred of the
younger warriors.   A  number  approached us, we
were  released from  our  fastenings and  led  forward;  our ragged  garments  were  soon stripped
from our bodies, and with dextrous rapidity we
were bound singly to the stakes already prepared
for us.
To the horn of my death I can never forget that
scene. For years it haunted me, and even now, at
times I start from my sleep with a cry of terror as I
fancy I see again that mob of yelling, painted demons,
the crowded terraces of the temple gay with the bright
colors of barbaric costumes, the little band of doomed
captives the fagots, stakes, and all the terrible instruments of death. Back of all, the snow white cliffs,
fringed with the dark green foliage of the pines,
and Heaven's sunshine falling over all, as if in
mockery of the awful tragedy about to be enacted.
I wake-and shuddering, thank God that it is only
a dream.
But it was all too real then. At a signal from their
leader the savage executioners heaped the fagots around
us, placing them at a sufficient distance to insure the
prolongation of our sufferings, so that we might die
a 
55
slowly, and afford them ample time to fully enjoy our
agonies. The fires were lighted, and the smoke rolled
up in volumes, and threatened to suffocate us and put
a speedy end to our torments. In a few seconds however, as the wood got fairly blazing, the smoke lifted,
and as we began to writhe in agony, a yell of delight
went up from more than three thousand savage throat&
The heat grew more intense; my skin was scorched
and blistered; dizzy and faint, I felt that the end was
near, and longed for death as a speedy escape from
such terrible pain. Some of my companions, rendered
frantic by their sufferings, gave vent to screams of
anguish; others endured in silence.
Mustering all my fortitude, as yet not a sound had
escaped me; I had closed my eyes, and was fervently
praying for the relief which I knew death must soon
give me, when I was startled by a wild cry, followed
by a yell of astonishment from the savage spectators.
Opening roy eyes I saw the same gigantic Indian who
had recaptured me on the day previous, making his
way rapidly through the crowd, who fell back to right
and left with precipitate haste. Rushing directly towards me he scattered the blazing brands, released me
as quick as thought, and dragged me to the front of
the temple, while the air resounded with the yeUlls and
exclamations of the Indians.  Raising his hand he
hushed them into silence, and uttered a few words in
the Camanche tongue; their meaning was lost upon
me; I could only distinguish the word" Quetzalcoatl,"'
06
. 0 
56
which I knew to be the name of their God. But the
revulsion of feeling, and the terrible ordeal through
which I had passed, proved too much for my exhausted frame; I swooned and san  insensible to the
eaht
0
0 
CHAPITER VII.
WA-O-MOT-KLA.
HE Indian to whom I owed my life a second time,
and whohad braved the wrath of the fiends to
snatch me from a death, in comparison to which
all others pale into insignificance, the tried friend,
whose friendship stood as a shield between me and
petty persecution during my captivity, I'shall ever hold
*in grateful remembrance. To him I owe the only
hours of contentment that were vouchsafed me during
seven years of existence; seven long years of toil and
rental anguish. How can I picture to the imagination of my readers the noble qualities of hel and
a
. 
58
heart  with which  this child  of nature was.
dowed? He'was a rough diamond, and it was only
by the attrition of constant intercourse that his best
qualities displayed themselves. Physically he was
perfect; his movements were instinct with that grace
and ease that are the attributes of those alone whose
lives have been spent in the cultivation of all exer cises that look to the development of the muscles.
How vividly his image presents itself to my mind M
I write; his body, which was nude to the waist, except on occasions, when religious observances demanded
peculiar attire, was streaked most fantastically with
different colored pigments. The head-dress, that consisted of two war eagles' plumes, one dyed vermilion,
the other its natural hue, served only the more to
distinguish a head that would have been conspicuous
in any company. Suspended from his neck by a mas
sive chain hung a disc of beaten gold, on which wa
rudely engraved the figure of a tortoise, the symbol of
priesthood. Pendants of gold dependqed from either
ear, and his arms were encircled above the elbow with
broad gold bands. The limbs were encased in leg.
gings of dressed fawn skin, ornamented along the
scams with a fringe of scalp-locks; a guarantee of his
personal bravery. Moccasins worked into grotesque
designs with beads and porcupine quills covered his
feet. Pervading all like an intangible essence w
that ever present frank bearing and dignified courtesy,
that at once marked him as a chieftain and rule among 
59
men. Such was the medicine man of the Camanchee
and the high-priest of Quetzalcoatl, WAxOMETKLA.
With returning consciousness, I found myself extended along the sward, the Indian kneeling by my
side and holding in the palm of his hand some crushed
bark, of a peculiarly pungent and aromatic odor.
Clustered around me were a group of savages, who,
judging by their menacing looks and excited gestures
were not wholly pleased with the new turn which
affairs had taken. One among them, emboldened
perhaps by the unconcern of the chief, approached
more nearly, and unsheathing his knife, raised the
long, glittering, and murderous looking blade in mid
air, preparatory to burying it hilt deep in my unresisting body.  In-a moment WAKOMWRKLA was on his
feet, his proud form dilating with wrath. Grasping
the culprit by the throat, he hurled him from him
with tremendous force, sending him reeling through
the crowd and to the ground; then turning to those
that remained, he administered a sharp rebuke and
motioned them away; they dispersed without delay,
leaving me alone once more; the priest, meantime,
having entered the temple. I could distinctly hear
the crackling of the fagots and the agonizing wail of
some poor victim, as the greedy flames, leaping higher
and higher devoured his quivering flesh. Interming.
ling with the groans of the dying captives could be
heard the triumphant yells of the bloodthirsty savages,
which were echoed by the women that everywhere
0
0 
60
filled the terraces of the lodges and temple; then
bright-hued robes forming a striking contrast with
their dark complexions. Over this scene of butchery
shone thesun, which had now reached its zenith, in
all its iunclouded brilliancy; the mountainous walls of
milky quartz that enclosed the valley, catching hi
beams and reflecting them in mnyriad prismatic hues,
that-gave one the impression that he was in some en chlanted domain.
The priest soon returned accompanied by a young
girl, who bore in her arms a quanutity of roots asnd
strips of long bark, and placing them on the ground
at my feet commenced applying them, first the leaves,
then the bark, to my limbs. Soon I was swathed and
bandaged like a mummy; which operation being per formed, I was taken in their arms and carried inside
the temple.
Descending a ladder we entered a darkened cham
ber, the walls of which were hung with robes and
curious devices; passing through this room I was conducted to an inner apartment which was partitioned
off by a curtain of buffalo robes. In the corner of
this room was a couch on which I was placed. After
giving the girl some briet directions, the priest left u,
the girl following him, after having brought' me a
earthen vessel filled with a dark liquid, which I 
dcrstood by her gestures I was to drink.  Such  wr
the magical effect of the leaves in which my burned
limbs were bound, that I no longer felt any pain, and
0 
61
taking a deep draught of the liquid, I was soon
asleep.
I must have slept many hours for on awakening
I found that it had grown quite dark, the only
light being supplied by a small bluish flame that
was dimly burning on a tripod in the center of the
room. My attention was attracted' by the peculiar
funitureif  such it  might  be  calledof  this
strange place. The walls are hung with hideous
shapes and skins of wild beasts; in which ever way I
turn, I am attracted by odd shapes, such as the fierce
visage of the grizzly bear, the white buffalo and panther; while interspersed among,the horns of the cimmaron, elk and bison, are grim idols carved from the red
claystone of the desert.  All these, I feel sure, are
the symbols of a horrid and mystic religion. The
fumes of the charcoal begin to affect me, my head
grows hot; the pulse beats quicker; I fancy I hear
strange noises; I think there are animals moving on
the stone pavement; the fitful flame discloses a shining object, whose sinuous and gliding movements betrays the presence of the dreaded crotwl; it approaches my bed; its bead-like eyes glittering with a
baleful light. My terror and excitement have now
become agonizing; the veins stand out upon my forehead like whip cords; I am bathed in a cold perspiration. Making a mighty endeavor, I free my feet
from the thongs that bind them, and springing from
the bed, rush wildly towards the center of the room.
a
e 
Once the sacred fire is reached, I can partially protpet
myself by scattering the glowing coals on the floor,
and fight the reptiles with what they dread the most.
II leaving the couch my  foot becomes entangled, I
give a sudden jerk, and to my horror and dismay,
pull down a section of the fur-covered wall; a siglht
discloses itself tnat curdles the blood in my veins and
thrills my frame with a paralyzing horror.  1  holve
distoobted a nest of hwe serpent!  They move; uncoil themselves, and join the crotalt68; suddenly the
room seems alive with the venomous creatures.  I
hear the dreaded rattle and the sibilant hiss; rushing
toward the fire, X seize the tripod and dash it to the
ground, scattering the glowing embers.in every direction. My flight becomes terrible, and I imagine
the monsters are craw-vling over my body. With the
frcn.zy of despair I rush to the door that leads out
of this ch,tmber of horrors, all the while uttering the
most Ifaefll shrieks. In a twinkling I am confronted
by Indians, bearing lighted torches; taking in the
situation at a glance, they enter the apartment, chase
the serpents back to their hiding places, while I am
hurried away to less disagreeable quarters. I have
passed through many thrillinhag adventures, but for
unparalleled horror, this one was without its peere:
The following morning, I was taken into the presence of the priest. That something of unausual moment was about to transpire, I felt sure, from the
general air and appearance of those in the room.
62
0 
68
WAXOMEKLA  was seated on a throne, around  him
were grouped a number of chiefs in all the bravery of
war paint, plumes and robes.   it was the council
clhamber, and I was about to go through the ceremony
of adoption into the tribe.  It might have been inter
esting had I understood their tongile, but as it was, I
played the part of a puppet.
The profoundest silence reigned throughout the
apartment, and the gray dawn, stealing in through the
door of the lodge, pervaded the room and made it
colder and more desolate than befbre. A chief advanced to nmy side, and muttering something in whliich
I could only distingish the words "Americano'" and
"Quetzalcoatl," led me to the foot of the dais. WAXOEITKLA arose and addressed me at length; then the
warriors formed in a circle and moved around me, SCcompanying their movements with a wild sort of
qhant. A young boy and girl, standing on one side
supplied the-music, using for this purpose an Indian
drum, which produced a monotonous but rytlmic
sound. This ceremony over, I am again led out and
miy clothes stripped from my back; substituting in
thehi stead leggins and moccasins only.  My body is
then besmeared with paint and oil. My hair is shaved
with sczipng knies, leaving only a small r;dge onT
my head, that ran from my forehead to my neck.
Thris disguised and regenerated, I am  again led into
the presence of the chief, who embraces me, and waving his arm a young warrior advances with a neck
.0,
a
0 
64
lace, shield, bow and quiver, tomahawk and lance;
these are given to me in addition to a tobacco pouch
filled with k'neck k'nok, the Indian substitute for tobacco. Thus accoutered, I am once more placed in
the center of a circle, this time outside of the lodge;
a small piece of turf is removed and the savages again
commence their incantations. The dance is exceedingly grotesque, and consists of a series of yells,
jumps and jarring gutterals, which are sometimes
truly terrifing.  Every step has its meaning,  and
every dance its peculiar song. When one becomes
fatigued by the exercises, he signifies it by bending
quite  forward and sinking his body towards the
ground, then withdraws from the circle; when alL
have retired in this manner the dance is ended, and
all that remains to make me one of them is branding.
During these ceremonies, I often wondered why I
should have been singled out for adoption, when there
were others who would, in my opinion have answered
their purposes so much better; the Mexicans, for instance, with whose language they were familiar, would
have been more serviceable; again, why should they
take anyone into the tribe? Later, all this was explained. It seems that the medicine man is averse to
initiating any of his own people into the secrets And
hocus-pocus of his art, as the apprentice, with the
knowledge thus gained, might in time become a formidable rival. By adopting a captive this risk is obviated, as under no circumstances could hlie aspire to
0 
65
the honors of priesthood. In the event of his escape, the
only damage would be the loss of an experienced assist ant. From this time I was always addressed by my
new name TAH-TECK-A-DA-HAmR (the steep wind), pro
bably from the fact that I outstripped my pursuers in
ny vain effort at escape.  I was allowed to roam at
will through the village, but I noticed that wherever
I went, watchful eyes followed my every motion.
I was actuated in my rambles solely by the desire
to see my wife; vain effort.  I entered lodge after
lodge, climbed from terrace to terra,(, but my patient
and loving endeavor was unreward,:(. Fatigued, and
with a desponding heart, I retraced my steps towards
the temple.
Morning once more dawns; it;s the hour of wor ship; groups may be seen at the doors of the differ ent lodges; they sparate, some incline their course
to the river, where sparkling waters are just discernable, as the blue mist, that during the night had
hung over the valley, rises upward.  Filling their
ol/a they return, carrying the earthen vessels on thei
heads.  Others may be seen wending their way to the
temple; I, among others ascend; arriving at the top,
I find a number already congregated  there;  they
make way for me, showing a deference as new as it is
unexpected. I have a fine view of the village, and
what an odd look it has; what strange structures
meet my view; some are one, others two, three, and
even four stories in height; they resemble pyramids
0 
66
with a piece of the top cut off; each upper story is
smaller than that below it; the lower one serving as a
terrace for the one above, and thus up to the top.
The clay of which they are built is of a yellowish
tinge. Leaning against each terrace is a ladde', that
serves as stairs to the story above; no windows are to
be seen, but doors lead into the lodge from every terrace.  Those lodges occupied by warriors and chiefs are
ornamented by long poles projecting from the top of
the strucetme, from which float pennants, bearing various devices; the temple loomns up over all.  The
corrals, in which the cattle are seclred during the
night, are near the houses of their owners. Olose to
the staff of the temple stands an altar, on which a
fire is burning; and huddled in a small group near its
base are a group of female captives; their forms are
almost sluouded in the long striped Indian blankets.
Impelled by a resistless force I near them; one turns
towards me, it is my wife; opening miy arms I rush
wildly forward, overturning men and women by this
sudden and precipitate movement.  Mly wife is appaiently as much frightened as the others; then recogizing my voice she breaks from the group and  is
soon in my arms.  We were not long allowed to-remnain in each others arms; recovering from their situ'prise, the Indians seized and parted us.  During the
remainder of the time spent on the top of the temple, Mrs. Eastinan was kept guarded and separated
from TAHTECKDAM, the Indian brave.  There is a
0
0 
ofi
comnmotion, the crowd part, and WAXOMErKLA advan ces to the altar. The drum beats, all prostrate them
selves; the druam again beats, and the initiatoiy cere mony is concluded; the crowd is motionless; all face
to the east.  The quartz wall that shuts in the valley,
and whose pinnacles point heavenward in needle,
shaped spires, brighten; the points sparkle like diamonds; aray penetrates into the valley; the mountain suddenly seems on fire, and, as if by magic, the
god of light flashes on our upturned faces, bathing
the  surrounding  objects in a flood of'glory.  All
nature seems jubilant. The birds carol forth their
'olitliest songs; the river sparkles and dances in the
sunlight; the drum is heard once more; the devotees
prostrate themselves and bend in submissive adoration before the coming of the fiery god, Quetzal.
coatl
e
. f
a 
CHAPTER VIII.
A NEW VOOATION.
2 HIS ceremony over, the priests and worshipers
withdrew; my wife was led away by her guards,
and I was left for a moment  alone with WAK     METKLA; he stood gazing toward the distant
mountains and seemed lost in reverie. At length
he roused himself, and turning towards me, approached and taking me by the arm, conducted me once
more to the lower part of the temple. We descended
to the subterranean apartments, and passing through
several, at length entered a room of good size, but so
littered with the various utensils of his profession as
to be almost impassable. Hugh earthen cauldrons,
set upon blocks of stone, were ranged across one end,
and these were filled with a thick liquid of a dark
brown color. Bundles of dried herbs were suspended
from the walls and ceiling; the plants seemed to be of
many species, but were all strange and unknown to
me. A large block of stone standing in the center of
the room served as a table, and upon this were a number of piles of bark and small lumps of a thick resinous gum; in one corner, were two or three smaller
0 
4D 
- -~
~                                          ~
-                    ~
[rs. Eastman in Cos-tume.
0 
69
stone blocks, each with a cavity in the center, and
evidently used for the same purpose as a druggist's
mortar.
I viewed the strange apartment and its contents
with much interest, for I saw that in this place the
old man compounded such simple remedies as he had
been taught by experience, were necessary for the
treatment of the ailments td which his tribe was sub jeet. On entering, he had motioned me to a seat,
and I had accordingly placed myself upon a fragment
of rock and sat quietly observing his proceedings and
reflecting upon the strange situation in which I found
myself. My companion, for sometime paid no atten tion whatever to me, divesting himself of his robes
and ornaments, he enveloped himself in a sort of
tunic made from the skin of some wild beast; to what
particular kind of animal it had once belonged I was
unable to form an idea, as the hair had been removed
and the surface painted in many colors, with curious
designs; it was without sleeves, showing his muscular
arms bared to the shoulder, and with bracelets of
roughly beaten gold upon the wrists. Taking a piece
of wood, shaped something like a paddle, he commenced stirring the contents of the cauldrons and
tasting the mixture, occasionally adding small portions
of a transparent liquid of a pale yellow' color, which
he poured from a small earthen vessel. For some time
he continued his employment while I watched and
meditated, but at length he ceased his labors and
O
'a
e' 
beckoned me to approach him.  Taking a portion of
bark from the table he placed it in one of the stone
basins, and seizing a stone utensil, similar in shape to
a large-gourd, began crushing the bark, motiening me
meantime to watch him, and working with great energy.  He continued in this manner for some minutes,
tmtil he appeared to conclude that I had become sufficiently familiar with the process, and then directed
me by gestures to take his place, and I soon fomil
myself busily'engaged reducing the bark to powder.
At first the change from my hitherto enforced idle
nesS was a pleasant relief, but I soon found that it
was hard and exhausting labor; the perspiration rolled
lown my face'in streams, and I felt a strong inclinaion to cease operations.  My new master, however,
plainly looked with disfavor upon such an intention,
for the moment that I slackened in my toil, he would
shake his head gravely and  iotion me  to continue,
and to work miore rapidly, and I had no alternative
but to obey.
Of one thing I was satisfied, my new occupation
was likely to be no sinecure; there was evidently
work enough to keep me constantly employed, and
W, omrKLX would no doubt see to it that I wasted
no time. For the remainder of the day I was kept
hard at it, with the exception of the brief period allowed me for partaking of my food. So far as quantity was concerned, I had no reason to complain of
the fair supplied me, but its quality was not so satin
0 
71
factory, it was a species of taseo, or chdied meat,- but
of what animal it had originally formed a part, I was
ertirely unable to determine.
In place of bread, I was given a sort of cake made
from the   on nuts, and not unpalatable, but a poor
substitute for the food to which I had been accus tomed. When my day's toil was over, WAXOMETKLA,
motioning me to follow him, led the way into an adjoining apartment, and pointing to a rnde couch of
skins, indicated that it was to be my resting place for
the night,   Wearied by my unaccustomed labor, I
threw myself down without thelformality of undressing,
and was soon buried in deep and dreamless slumber.
At an early. hour on the following morning I was
awakened by WAKOMETKLA, and found myself much
refreshed by the first night's sound sleep I had enjoyed
for many days.  I was again conducted to the scene
of my labors of the day previous and soon found myself at work again.  This time, however, I was set at
a different employment from that in which I had been
hitherto engaged. Seated upon the earthen floor, with
a large fiat stone before me, I picked over and separated
the various strange herbs, sorting them into heaps; 
the:nedicine man stood by and directed my operations,
uttering a grunt of approval when he saw that I comprehended his pantomimic instructions, At length,
seeming satisfied that I could complete the task witont further assistance, he left me, and for several hours
I worked on alone.  About the middle of lthe fore
4r-:
0
a 
72
noon, I had nearly finished my labor, when WAxoXMrKLA suddenly entered and motioned me to rise and
follow him; we passed through several apartments
and entered the mystery room. Approaching a recess in one corner, my master drew back a curtain of
skins and disclosed an aperture of considerable size;
this he entered and disappeared for a moment, but
quickly returned, bearing in his hand a metallic circlet
which glittered in the light of the lambent flame that
arose from the altar; as he approached me I saw
that it was a rudely fashioned collar of silver, its surface covered with engraved lines and strange cabalistic characters; this he speedily fastened around my
neck in such a way that I could not displace it, and
again motioned me to follow him; leaving me entirely
in the dark, as to the object or meaning of this singular proceeding. Reaching the first terrace of the temple, we descended to the plain and passed through the
main street of the village until we reached its outskirts.
Although wondering greatly what new experience
I was about to meet with, I could not fail to notice
the great respect with which my strange protector
was treated, a respect seemingly not unmixed with
awe.  Many curious glances were cast at me  as we
passed through the crowd of idlers and "dandies"
who lounged about the open space before the temple,
but no word was spoken as they drew back to make
way for us.
At the edge of the plain, and standing apart from
0 
73
the other structures, I had observed a small lodge; it
differed in no respect from the others except in size.
We walked directly towards this, and on reaching it
WAXOrKLA entered, motioning me to remain out
side. Laying down upon the green turf, I abandoned
myself to rest and reflection. Naturally, my thoughts
were mainly of my wife; and the mystery as to her
whereabouts and probable fate constantly occupied my
mind. Had I but known it, my suspense was soon to
be at an end; but I little dreamed that I was soon to
see her again, to meet only to part for years, and with
the certainty that she would be subjected to every
degradation; and had I known it, such knowledge
would have only caused me additional misery. For
over an hour I laid motionless; at times watching the
movements of a party of Indians who were engaged
in ball play; at times lost in thought. At-last my
savage master, having finished his visit, the object of
which I knew not, emerged from the lodge and signed
me to rise,.  We  retraced our steps until we reached
the temple, when he indicated by gestures that I might
remain without. I concluded from his manner that
I was at liberty for a time at least to follow my own
inclinations, and accordingly occupied myself in making
a tour of the village, thinking it possible that I might
see something of my  wife.  As  I strolled about, I
was surprised to find that I was entirely unmolested,
although many of the red warriors looked at me 
an expression that indicated a desire to "lift my hair.
a
0 
74
1 afterward learned that the silver oollarI wore wi
itself a safeguard which the boldest "buck" in. the
village would not dare to violate. 
My search was for the time unavailing; retiaming
to the vicinity of the temrnple, I laid down upon the
ground and awaited the summons of WAx.KLA,
whir I monlmentarily expected.  It seemed, however,
that he had either forgotten me, or was busied with
something of more importance, as I was si:ffelre   o
remain by myself for several hours.  Watching  the
various groups aromnd, I saw many  sights,' both new
and straigge to me.  A number were engaged in gambling forlthe various trinkets they had procured::in
their successftiul foray.  Their implements for this
pastime were simple enough.!  Several Indians who
sat quite near me were engaged in this amusemten,
and by watching them carefully, I was:soon able to
tmderstand the game.  They sat in a circle, with a
heap of small stones in the center; one of them, grping a handful of the pebbles would conceal them  behind himj at the same time placing before him -Whe
article which he wished to wager.  The player on his
right would then stake against it any article which he
deemned  tr - ~nal value; andif the leader aecepted the
bet he would signif,y it; his opponent had then to
Auess the number of pebbles taken by the first Indlian;
and if his co3njecture was correct, became the possessoy
(te articles wagered.  If he failed to guess the
right number, the holder of tlhe -stones was- the win
a
0
I . 
75.
ner; then the next savage seized the pebbles, and so
it went round and round the cirele, the winners vent
ing their exultation in yells and laughter, while the
losers clearly indicated by grunts, expressive of disgust, their (disappointment when fortune went against
them.
Suddenly my attention was attracted by S party of
Indians who came forth from one of the more pretentious lodges.   Among them were a number of the
principal warriors including the head chief hinself;
with them were also several of the Apaches, who seemed, by their dless and bearing, to be men of some rank
They were engaged in a very animated discussion,
accompanied with as much gesticulation as if they had
been a parcel of Frenchmen.  Directly two  of the
Camanches re-entered the ledge, and returned leading
three women. white'captives.  Withiut a nioment's
warning my wife was before me, and I sprang to my
feet and ran towards her, scarcely knowing what I
was about.  My darling saw me at the same instant
and stretched out her arms as ii to clasp me in her
embrace, but she was firmly held in the grasp of one
of the savages and could not stir.  Seeing that I
would not be permitted to approach her I halted,
wondering what new scene of savage cruelty was
about to be enacted. I was not long in doubt-froni
the gestures of the Indians, and the exhibition of
some gaudy ornaments by one of the Apaches,!~ was
convinced that a barter or trade of some sort Bvas il,
e
0 
76
progress, and a few moments sufficed to satisfy me
that my surmise was correct, and to plunge me into
still deeper wretchedness.
The Camanehe head chief, and one who seemed to
be the leader of the Apaches conversed apart, the
latter frequently pointing to my  wife and evidently
arguing with great persistence. At length the bargain seemed completed, and Tonsaroyoo the head
chiefof the Camanches led her to the Apache chieftain
and consigned her to his custody; the other women
were also taken in charge by the Apaches who delivered a number of ornaments and trinkets and two
horses to their Camanche friends.   The leader of the
Apaches now uttered a peculiar cry, apparently a signal, for immediately the warriors of his party assembled from all parts of the village and ranged themselves before him.
He seemed to give some order, for they ran instantly
to where their horses were picketed, and with marvelous celerity prepared for departure. The being I
loved best was about to be torn from me, probably
forever, and subjected to the most terrible fate that
could befall oniie of her sex.  As the fatal truth iiiipressed itself on my mind, I seemed paralyzed'in
every limb, and stood riveted to the spot, gazing
hopelessly upon those dear features, as I then thought,
for the last time. My poor wife was quickly mounted
behind an Apache warrior, and, as the cavalcade
moved off, she uttered a despairing scream, which
.
I
0 
seemed to rouse me from my lethargy.  I endeavored
to reach her, animated by a wild desire to clasp her
once again to my heart, and welcome death together;
but at my first movement I was grasped by a strong
arm, and with her cry of anguish sounding in my
ears as tae party rode away, I foind myself drawn
within the temple and firmly held by WAKOMETKLA;
he did not relax his grasp until we entered the mystery chamber, then releasing me, he regarded me not
unkindly, and muttered to himself in his own language. Sinking under this last terrible blow, I threw
myself upon the floor, and in the bitterness of my
heart prayed for death.  But death shuns those who
seek it, it is said, and we were destined to- suffer for
years from the doubts and suspense occasioned by our
sudden separation, neither knowing the fate of the
other, and each scarcely daring to hope that their
loved one could be yet alive.
After a time WAKo'sL  raised mIe to my feet
and led me to the room in which I had slept previously; here he left me, and for hours I lay in a
sort of stupor, sinking at last into a heavy but unrest fill slumber. Following, came many weary days,
luring which I paid little attention to things passing
around me.  Absorbed in my.sorrow, I took no note
of time, until a change in occupation brought forth
new plans in my mind, causing me to entertain hope
for the future. But of this anon.
0
,r7 
CHIAPTER IX.
THE C MYSTERY BAGS
EVERAL   months had elapsed since" I entered
upon my new duties.  At first I was stimulated
to extra endeavor by that cuositywhich impels
all novices to take an especially active interest in
their profession, but I soon found that pounding bark,
and gathering herbs, could become as monotonous as
other less novel' employments.  I envied the women
their tasks, as it would have been a change, and conse quently a relief. It was a treadnmill existenle,' and
day succeeded day with unvarying samneness.  I arose
before dawn and went to the river; after a plt ge in
the sparkling water I returned to the temrple and renewed the paint on my person, which had been effaced'
by the water.  Constant exposure to wind and weather
had tanned my body to the color of leather, and it.
did not require a great amount of art to enable me to
imitate the true Indian complexion.  Exposure and
co3arse wholesome food had made me very hardy, and
I found that I could bear fatigue and work that I
should have thought I was never capable of performbig.  To this training I was indebted for the strength
t
0
0 
that supported me in my arduous journey throatigh
the deadly jornada, when in quest of my wife. Whlen
my preparations were completed, it was time to ascend
to the top of the temple and join in the morning's devotions.  These over, I returned to the undergrounmcl
room and commenced the day's work. At first WA,
KOMETKLA would signify what he required by signs,
and  later, as! acquired a knowledge of -the laiguage, he would more fully detail his wishes,.and
ofttimes explain the effects and purposes of the drng.
II this way I became as familiar with his materia medica, as himself; and from ti   to time?feredeag
gestions that occurred to me, which seemed to ploe
him.
By constant and steady application I amassed a
fund of knlmowledge concerning vqgable mediines
that enabled mre, on my return to civilization, through
the co-operation of DR. CLANK JOHNS9ON, itmake.my
knowledge available  in  alleviating  suffering humanity..
In my excursions into the woods I was accompanied by the ~hief, who instructed me how to gather the
medicine plants, and where to,, find them.  After,
day spent in this manner, we would return to tkle vil
}age each carrying a basket on his back, filled with the
results of olur labor.  By far the most important part
of my work, in the estimation of the Indians at least
was the concoction of " medicine," or mystery in wldhich
my master and myself were suppo.sed to be all potent
4
79
0 
80
The red men are slaves to superstition, and in order
to gain control over them it is absolutely necessary to
profess a thorough intimacy with everything that is
mysterious and supernatural.  They believe in the
power of talismans; and no Indian brave would for a
moment suppose that his safety in this world, or hap piness in the next, could be secured, did he not pos
sess, and constantly keep about him rhis " mystery bag."
A description of this article, and the manner in which
it is made may not prove uninteresting.;
When a youth has arrived at the age of sixteen it
becomes necessary for him to "'make his medicine; "
to this end he leaves his fathers lodge, and absents
himself for one or two days and nights; entering the
woods, where he may be secure from interruption, he
seeks some quiet nook, and stretching his length upon
the ground, remains in'iat position Until he dreamns
of his medicine. During this time he abstains from
food and water.  When in his dreams the bird) rel
tile, or animal, that is to act as his guardian angel
through life appears to him; or rather he imagines it
does., As soon as he has learned what to seek for,
he retraces his steps and joins his family again, who
receive him with demonstrations of great joy; a feast
is made in his honor, and he is treated with marked
consideration. The festivities having come to an end,
he arms himself with bow and arrows, or takes his
traps, whichever may be best adapted to secure the
animal he seeks, and leaving the village once more
a 
81
goes in pursuit of his quarry, not returning until his
hunt has been crowned with success. Great care is
to be observed in securing the "medicine" intact
The skin is then stuffed with wool or moss, and religiously sealed; the exterior is ornamented as the fancy
of te owner may dictate; the decoration in most instances being of a very elaborate character.
The bag is usually attached to the person, but is
sometimes carried in the hand. Feasts are made, and
even dogs and horses sacrificed to a man's medicine,
while days of fasting and penance are suffered to
appease his medicine, when he fanies he has in some
way offended it. The Indian will not sell this charm
for any price; indeed, to part with it is considered a
disgrace. In battle, he looks to it for protection from
death, and if perchance he is killed, it will conduct
him safely to the happy hunting grounds, which he
contemplates as his inheritance in the world to come.
If he should lose it in the fight, let him battle never
so bravely for his country, he suffers overwhellmning
disgrace, and is pointed at by the tribe as "a man
without medicine," and remains a pariah among his
people until the sacred mystery bag is replaced. This
can only be done by rushing into battle, and wvresting
one from the enemy, whom. he slays with his own
hand. Once this is accomplished, lost caste is regained,
and he is reinstated in the tribe, occupying a position
even higher than before he lost the cliarm. Medicine
thus acquired at the risk of life and limb is considered
I
0 
82
the best, and entitles the wearer to many privileges
to which he could never have aspired before.  When
a brave has captured a,nystery bag belonging to his
opponent, he has performed a feat of great valor, far
surpassing the glory of innumerable scalps.
It is somewhat singular that a man can  institute his
medicine but once in a lifetime; and equally carions
that he can reinstate himself by the adoption of miedi cine captured from  thie enemy.. In these reglatidons
are concealed strong inducements to fight: first, to
protect himself and his medicine; and again, if the
warrior has been unfotunate enough to lose the charm,
that he may restore it and his reputation, while in
combat with the foes of his community.
I had been for a long time in the village before I
was allowed to wander beyond its limits.  Indeed, I
was kept so constantly employed that I had no opportunity to explore the valley, even if I had been permtted to do so.  But the efforts I made to pleae my
Indian master were not without their effect. WAKO-XrXLA soon began to place confidence in me, and
aliow me more freedom of action.  I had, it is true,
very little spare time, but occaionally my master
would dispense with my services while he was ouenpied with the ceremonies of the temple, and at such
times I found myself free to wander where 1 pleased
In this way, at odd times, I made myself familiar
with the topography of the entire valley. At firstsI
was not without hope, inl my solitary rambles. that I
.
0 
might devise some plan of escape; for I had not by
any means abandoned all hope of that natures or
resigned- myself placidly to my fate.  But I was not
long in (liscovering that without a good horse, a supply of provisions, and some weapons of offense or
defense, any such idea was entirely futile.  The valley
was of itsef a prison, tor it had neither entrance nor
exit, except at its two extremities. The one by which
I had entered I have already described in a previous
chapter, and will not weary the reader by repeating it.
The pass at the western end of the valley was simply a narrow canon cut through the mountain, during
centuries perhaps, by the action of water; its precipitous walls rose to the height of over two thousand
feet, and in its gloomy recesses it was always twil,ght;
its length was nearly a mile; and at i-s outer extremity it debouched upon a barren plain. At each
end a guard of two men was constantly posted, relieving each other at regular intervals, and being changed
every third day. To pass these vigilant sentinels,
afoot ald unarmed, w-as plainly impossible; and I
soon banished the idea from my mind.
I had noticed that WAOMETKLA sometimes left the
village and was absent for two or three days, returning laden with various herbs and plant freshly gathered. I concluded from this that they were of species
which did not grow in the valley, and to procure whick
he was obliged to ascend the various.nountain ranges
8:1
a
a 
that barred my vision in every direction. I was ant  ions to accompany him on some one of these expedi  tions, thinking that I might thereby gain an opportun  ity for flight; but many long and weary months were
-to pass before I was to be granted that privilege.  My
life at this time was monotonous in the extreme; and
so severe was the labor required of me, that I was
frequently too tired even to think.'
In his trips to the borders of the valley in search of
ti.e Lterials for his medicines, WAKOMETKLA often
took me with him, and by these means I gradually
became familiar with many of the ingredients used.
It was a source of never-ending wonder to me  that
this untutored savage should have been able to dis cover and prepare so wonderful a remedy as I found
-i4ttto be. I had many opportunities of observing its
effects upon the Indians; for the Camanches, although
naturally a hardy race, partly from their mode of
life, and partly from the fact that few of them are of
pure Indian blood, are subject to very many of the
same ailments that afflict more civilized communities.
As the'assistant of the great medicine man, I found
myself treated with far more consideration than I
would have supposed possible, and, in fact, it appeared after a time, as if the Indians considered me one
of themselves. This state of affairs was not without
its advantages. It ensured my freedom from molestation and at the same time gave me complete facilities
for becoming  familiar with the Indian  character,
0
8& 
85
their manners and customs, and mode of life.  Of
these I shall treat at length in another chapter.
At the time I was occupied in making the observeations and investigations which I shliall lay before the
reader, I had no expectation of ever placing a record
of my experiences before the public.  Hence in many
things my knowledge of the subject is but superficial.
Of those thixgs which interested me, or from their
strange nature made I deep impression upon my mind,
my recollection is clear and vivid. But many details
which might be of interest to those who have never
seen, or been among the prairie Indianis, have by the
lapse of time and the many exciting scenes through
which I have passed become in a measure effaced from
my mind.  But I shall endeavor to relate as fully as
possible my checkered experiences; and this narr
tive, whatever its demerits, will have at least one at
tribute of excellence, it will adhere strictly tt
fadt
0 
CHAPTER X.
INDIAN LIFE.
KNEE  Oamanches are supposed to be a branch or
,.W subd;vision of the Shoshone cr Snake nation,
who, under various names or tribal appellations,
dominate the entire area from  the borders of
British  America to the Rio  Grande.   Although
these tibes are known by many different names, such
as "Shoshoness," " Bonacks,"'  " Utahs," "Lipans,"
"A-Daches," "Navajoes," "Pawnee Picts," "Oamanches."  or "Caygaas," they vary but little iln their
gea al abis of life. Soch differenes as do exat are
maimly the result of variations of climate.
Until within a few years, the Camanches were undoubtedly the most warlike and powerful race of Indians on the continent.  With the Apaches, Navajoes,
and Lipans, they formed a sort of Indian confederacy;
rarely at war among themselves, but always with the
whites; and when united, able to put a force in the
field which would ride over the Texan frontier like a
whirlwind; and without hesitation penetrate hundreds of miles into Mexico, desolating whole provinces, returning sated with slaughter, and burdened
a
4.
0 
with phnder.- The Oamanches are, or' rather were at
this time, divided into five bands, usually acting en.
tily -mindependently of one another, but imuiting in
ease of emergency; or for the purpose of makig
their annual raid on the Mexican towns. This Occurs
at the season when the buffaloes have migrated to the
north, and is jocularly termed by the savages the
"Mexican-oon."  It was on their return from one
of these expeditions that the band of Tonsaroyoo, the
head chief of the nation, had intercepted our unlucky
party.  The band of'Tonsaroyoo (Lone Wolf) was
the most numerous and powerful of the five, and
hence was usually able to undertake their forays without the assistance of the  other parties.  Twice
only during my long residence among them was! s
general levy or muster of the whole nation deemed
necessary; and it was ~a spectacle not easily forgotten.
In the first instance a raid of greater magnitude "than
usual had been determined upon, and every warrior
was assemnbled to take part in it.  Assembled at our
village, they were joined by nearly five hundred
Apaches, led by Mah-to-chee-ga (Little Bear), their
second chief.  Thus, when they defiled through the
western portal of the valley, Tonsaroyoo rode at the
head of nearly seven thousand warriors.
With the aamanches, as with most other tribes, the
chief rank is held by hereditary descent.  Thus, the
son of a chief usually succeeds his father in the rulership of his tribe or band: there are. of course, excep
a
0
It 
88
tions to this  but it is the general rule.  The hesl:
chief and second chief of the nation, however, are
chosen from among the chiefs of each tribe; these
lection being made by the council. This body num bers twelve members, and are chos  byvthe whole
nation; holding their positions during life, or until
incapacitated by old age. Among them are found the
the most distinguislhed warriors of the tribe, and the
head priest is also included in their number.
The installation of a new counselor is considered by
the Indians an occasion of great importance; and as
it is a very interesting ceremony, I will briefly describe it.
On the occasion in question, Ar-ranejah (Bloody
Arm), had announced his determination to retire from
the position of first counselor, which he had held for
many years. Calling together the chief and braves,
he addressed them somewhat as follows: "Brothers,
warriors of the HIlietan; for many winters Bloody
Arm  has faithfully served you   He is no longer
young, his body is weakened by the many wounds he
has received in your defence, and he wishes for repose;
and to be no longer burdened with the cares of the
council. Bloody Arm's medicine is no longer good
upon the war path; and he will enter the medieine
lodge so that he will not be obliged to go to war, but
can end his days in peace. We have many brave
young warriors, who are deserving of promotion, let
one of these be seleeted to fill my place; and may
0
a 
89
his medicine bqgood and his warpath be fortunate
Warriors, I now give up the office of first co.unselor
I have done."
Tonoroyoo replied as follows:  Arraejab  9ur
hearts are sorry that you have decided to seae to be
our first counselor.  You have served the nation long
and faithfully; your counsel has been wise; und4er
your guidance we have greatly prospered, and we
would rather that you should still direct us. But you
say that your body is weak, and that you desire re
pose. It is well-we know that you have received
many wounds at the hands of our enemies; that you
were always first in the charge, and nler turned
your back upon the foe.  We honor you for your
bravery, and you will always poess the lo,ve and reSpect of your people.
"Now we must select a twelfth counselor. Will
you name him for us " 
"No, Tonsaroyoo," said the old man: "I never had
an enemy among my warriors, and I will not begin
to make them now. They are all brave, and I shold
not know whom to choose. Let the nation decide who
is to suceed me.  I have done."
The form of an election was then gone through
with; two braves being named for the position by the
,ounsel, and a vote taken in the following manner:
Two heaps of shells, one black, the other white, were
placed upon the ground before the temple.   Each
warrior selected one from either pile, as he preferred,
a
0
A* 
and pli' the- heso taken s  aS t  fori  a thd
pile.  When alI'had' depoited'a ~hefl" i  this' heap,
they were counted by two of the elder counselors, and
the f't'didate, who was a protegg of Tonsarcyoo,
was declaied rejected, hiving received tdo many ot
the black shbls [ as the rule is that if more than a
rtain prescribed imunber (Whic  varies.accordng to
the nmber  taking part in- the  electlon), are cast
against a candidate he must be wit'fdr'wn, and ai   thei presented for appr6,al.d'
On the second ballot, Nlau~e-dah  (Strong Shield),
wa  chiosen withoit Opposition.   le'belonged to he
band"af: Sn-ha-woni, iand was selected as much be   cause of the  personai  popularity -'f - his  chief  as
from"'an'y'erit of hi'f  own;  for, althongh a daring
warrior, he was a reckless fellow, andiscarcelY fitted
to c'onid'or advise.
The ceremony of his instllation followed, and was
conduiicted within a' me'diete'lodge, erected for that
esecial purp6se.  Here we'e assembled the'hiefs,
priests, members of the cOuncil, and the leading war  riors'with as many  of theo:;Other braves  as could
possibly crowd  into it.'Th:' new' digiitary'was
teiefi presented with' a wAit:  buffalo robe, and a
head-drcss of eagl"s plumes, stained red, the insignia
of his office.  Ng*  arms and equipments were given
liim, and it was'?i'ally amoanced that laucedah
was the twelfth counselor'-oi the Camanche nation;
and that the next war tparty should be led by him.
i
I.,      - 
It
0 
91
lore speeclih-making followed, somne of it decidedly
eloquent, but with which I will not weary the reader
Tonsaroyoo presented the new counselor with twenty
horses and a magnificent white shield; the assemblage
then separated.  The remainder of the' day was de  voted to feasting in honor of the event; the youpger
warriors amusing themselves as usual withl horse racing
and ball play. 
Naucedah failed to jusft,  the wisdom of this ae lecticun, for his frt'war party resulted in disaster.
Staking with about eighty warriors on a raid iato the
Utah country to steal horses, Le led  us unlucky band
into an'ambmh, and barely twenty of them escaped;
their leader being amQnng the killed.
The marriage relation  an hardly b', said'to exist
among the Camfnanches.  Each chief or warrior, it is
true, may have' as many wives as he'pleases, and tbey
generally please to have a rather liberal number; but
the tie is not a sacred one as with us; and no ceremony is r3quireid to legalize it.  The eomnmereMof the
sexes is practically unrestricted.   The  Camanche
procures his wife, or more prpely his slave,'by purcase, by barter, or as in the case of the' white cap
tives, by force of arms; and he disposes of her in an
equally summary fashion when wean'ed of her."
One particunlar  hhorrid custom to which their white
prisoners are frequiently subjected is the following:
It sometimes occurs that a dispute will arise as to the,k
owiership of a white captive; in this event it is re
,I
w
0 W,
- -
"I'll,, I
0 
92
ferred to the council for settlement; and should they
be unable to agree upon a decision, she then becomes
Anmon.property, the victim of a/!
The Camanche has the same aversion to labor of
any kind which characterizes all the aboriginal races.
When not on the war path, or engaged in the pursuit
of game, his time is about equally divided between
eating, smoking, gambling, and sleeping.  All the
burdens of life fall upon the women, and. they must
endure them as best they may. Their duty it is
to plant and cultivate the maize, and the few fruits
and berries which the Indians deem necesary for
food.  They gather and prepare the pilion nuts, and
cure the tasajo, and prepare the food for their brutal
masters.  In the dressing of skins, and the manufac.
ture of leggings, moccasins, and the few other articles
of apparel which are required for comfort or ornament,
they xare especially skilled; and despite their multifarios duties they.manage to accomplish a great deal
of this work.
In the matter of diet the Camanches are not by any
means particular. Buffalo meat is their staple, and
they prefer this to any other food; but when this
fails them, there are always horses in plenty; and I
found "horbeef " to be very good eating, although
at first. the very idea of tasting it was repulsive to me.
Before I had returned to civilization, however,I had
partaken of so many queer dishes, and strange articles
of food, that, if hungry, I do not think I would hesi. 
93
tate at anything short of cannibalism. A sort of stew,
of which the flesh of young puppies forms the principal ingredient, is another Camanchle luxury, and I
learned, in time to consider it very palatable; but I
fancy most people would rather take it for granted
than put it to the test. -However, if any of my readers
feel disposed to try the experiment, I can assure them
that they may do so without fear of unpleasant consequences.
The Camanches, in common with all the other
horse-Indians," are much addicted to horse racing;
and almost every afternoon sbme sport of this kind
weould take place on the plain before the village.
These trials of speed were for some wager, and the
younger warriors would frequently lose all their
worldly possessions in backing some unlucky steed,
whose powers of speed or endurance they had overrated. At such times the taunts and exultation of
the victors would sometimes give rise to a quarrel;
knives would be drawn and brandished, and a bloody
fight seem imminent, but the "Yau-pa-sai-na," or
Indian policemen, would usually succeed in quelling
the disturbance before much harm could be done. If
his efforts seemed unava ling, the appearance of Tonsaroyoo, battle axe in hand, would be the signal for aa
immediate dispersion of the crowd; the intending
combatants, especially, sneaking off with great precipitation. - Knowing the fiery teinper of Lone Wolf,
and the fact that he looked upon these brawls and
*~~~~~~ a.
-, 4
0 
94
affrays with great disfavor, and had strictly prohibited
their occurrence, the quarrelsome young warriors fully
apprehended that he would have no hesitation in
braining the first offender who came within his reach.
This warlike chieftain was a man of very marked
ability, and governed his tribe with admirable skill
and judgment.  From his severity, however, he wag
feared rather than liked by his people, and although
implicitly obeyed at all times, he did not possess a
tithe of the popularity which Stanhawon, the second
chief, enjoyed. The latter was a bold, maIlly fellow;
a really brave man and a sagacious leder; unusually
successfil in war, his parties never returned without
either "hair or horses," as was frequently the case
with others, and his invariable. good nature and lavish
generosity rendered him a universal favorite with
his people. -He was a pure-blooded Camanche, and
altogether, one of the finest specimens of his race I
ever beheld. To him I am indebted for many acts of
kindness, and but for his favor, the opportunity of
which I availed myself for malking my escape, might
never have occurred.
4
-~l
0 
OHAPTER XI.
MRS.. EASTMAN'S STORY.
HAD intended to relate the experiences of my
wife in such a manner that they might serve as
a sequel to my narrative; but on reflection, the
better plan seemed to be to portray, as graphieally as possible, the events that influenced her life,
in separate chapters, so arranged that the account
should be distinct, yet in point of time, contemport
neolS.
The scene of her captivity, and the treatment she
reoeived at the hands of her captors, have made such
a vivid and lasting impression on my mind, that in
speaking of them, I seem almost to have undergone
the torture in my own person. In writing her story
therefore, I shall speak in the first person. The reader will, I think, see the superiority of this plan at a
glance.
Who has not felt his pulse quicken, and his heart
go out in warmest sympathy at the recital of some
tale of flood or field, as told by an eye-witness, when
the same events related by a third party will - only
awaken a mild interest in the minds of his hearers.
4D
Q 
96
I crave the sympathetic attention of my readers, and
this is my explanation for the plan I have adopted.
AfTER the assault on our party had culminated in
the death of my poor father and brother, the Indians
asrrounded our wagon, and lifting the canvas flaps,
discovered my mother and myself ensconced behind
our bulwark of blankets and boxes.  They bade us
come out by gestures so menacing, and scowls so terrifying, that it had a contrary effect on us than the
one they wished to produce; for instead of obeying
the command, we only shrank back into corners more
remote, vainly thinking that the bales and robes, with
which loving hands had surrounded us, would form a
sufficient protection against the dreaded savage. At
this critical juncture, my poor mother swooned back
into my arms, overcome by fright. Seeing that their
commands were not obeyed, the foremost Indian
climbed into the wagon, and rushing on us with uplifted knife, grasped me by the hair and dragged me
over the obstructions and out onto the ground.  I
cried aloud in my anguish, which only seemed to afford
them the more amusement; the savage who had performed the manly deed, displaying for the edification
of his comrades, a quantity of my hair, which he still
held in his clenched hand.  The wagon and the pluider it contained seemed to be the center of attraction.
A dozen had entered in as many seconds, and although the canvas top hid them from view,' they
0
'....1 
could be heard quarreling over the division of the
spoils.
During these fearful scenes, the events of years
seemed crowding into minutes. Never have I suffered
such mental or b3dily torture before or since. My faculties succumbed to the severe strain, and I found my
self falling into a kind of stupor, in which, though;
perfectly-conscious of all that was transpiring, I seemed
not to have been one'of the principal actors, but an
observer merely. Suddenly I was made aware that
something unusual was taking place; the Indians
crowded about the wagon, all the time gesticulating
wildly, and yelling in a blood-curdling manner.* I
heard voices raised as if in altercation within  the
wagon. Rising above the din I distinguished the
loved tones of my mother's voice, as if crying for help,
and entreating for mercy.  The noise grows apace;
wild with terror, newed with the resolution of despair,
I rushed towards the wagon; reaching it a sight meets
my eyes that petrifies me with horror; I tryto move,
speak, act; my limbs and tongue refuse to obey my
will; this is what I see: A couple of brawny savages,
maddened by strong drink, stand over the kneeling
ligure of my mother, their eyes inflamed with satanic
passion.  Holding together her torn garments with
one hand, she parries with feeble and fast declining
strength their revolting advances.  With a mighty
Fort she reaches up and snatches a knife from the
belt of the savage nearest her, and with the rapidity
'  -~~ 7
0
9. 
98
of thought plunges it into his body. He reels and
falls against his companion. It is her last act on earth
With a yell of rage the tomahawk is lifted above her
murderer's head, and descending is buried in her brain
with a dull thud. A mist passes over my eyes; my
brain reels, and the last thing of which I am conscious
is the white trm.w of-    Atly mother, held high
in air by this monster in human guise. God grant
that it may never be my fate to pass through such
scenes again.
During the next twenty-four hours, my existence is
that of an automaton merely. I know I am being
Inducted away from the spot where this awfiul tragey was enacted. I am mounted behind my guard,
to whose waist I am firmly bound by raw hide thongs.
We encamp in a belt of cotton woods, near a small
stream.   Fires are lighted, food prepared; some in
offered me, but I turn away from it in disgust; the
hand that proffers the smoking meat seems covered
with blood.
I am taken from my couch of skins at the foot of a
tall tree, and led through the underbrush into an open
space, where the main party are assembled. Emerging into this clearing, my eyes fall upon my husband,
who is approaching me from the other side of the encampment. It was as if I saw one who had arisen
from the dead; with an effort I free myself, rush past
the guard, and am in my husband's arms. Leaning
my head on his shoulder, I give expression to my feel.
O
0 
itags in tears; they are the first I have shed, and seem
-to break the spell which has encircled me like an iron.
nd.  I am not long permitted to remain in my husId's embrace, as the Indian with an ugh! I expres d   of displeasure, grasps Edwin by the arm, and rudely
separates us; we are led to opposite cormers of the enclosure, there to await our departure, preparations
for which are being rapidly completed. The lariats
are coiled, blankets adjusted, and at a signal from the
chief we mount, and defiling through the wood, emerge
on the open pra'ie, pursueing our journey in Indian
file.  Before startfing, one of our miles is brought up,
on which I am mounted, a warnrior riding by my side
and holding in his hand a hair rope that passes through
the bit ring that is attached to my animal.  A  day we
keep up the march. Look in any direction and the eye
meets one vast expanse of living verdure, the vision
only interrupted by the horizon.  North, south, east,
and west stretches the prairie meadow, green as the
sea, and in many respects not unlike the calm surface
of the ocean. As the wind sweeps across its bosom,
the silken blades bend in gentle undulations, and they
are dappled into lighter and darker shades, like the
Bhadows of summer clouds flitting across the sun. It
was a scene of pure enjoyment, and I only realized,
on being awakened from my day dreams how miserable was my lot.
With slight interruptions, notably'when my husband
was lost in the buffalo hunt, and his recapture, we
99 1
- - 1',,
4
I 
100
progressed steadily towards the village. On arriving.I was taken at once to the temple, where I found my self among some eight or ten more female captives,
who had but recently arrived.  They were.Mexican
women, and, not understanding their language, I felt
somewhat constrained. I was attracted to one fragile
looking girl, whose age could not have been more
than fifteen. She appeared utterly heartbroken and
cast down by her misfortunes.  I suffered enough,
Gd knows; but my heart yearned towards this little
stranger with tender sympathy; ad in comforting
her I seemed to lessen my own burdens. Althougk
the others were kind to her to a degree, yet she
seemed to evince a fondness for my society that was
very flattering.  The others addressed her as "Zoe,
and in this way I learned her name.  Henceforth we
became inseparable; and as she accompanied me  in
my captivity, the reader willlearn more of the sad
history of this heroic girl, whose impulses, both of
head and heart, added to her splendid courage, were
the salient points in a character of surpassing sweetness.
We —were not allowed to leave the temple, although
we were free to wander from terrace to terrace.I Food
and water was supplied us by the Indian women,
who seemed to have us under their sole control.
How can I describe the scenes of the next few days;
the games, festivities, and most horrible of all, the tor
ture; when we were compelled to stand on the lower
a 
101
terrace, and witness the agonies and death struggles
of fathers, husbands and lovers; not even the poor
consolation of indulging our grief undisturbed was
permitted us; the Indian women who surrounded us
seemed lost to all feelings of pity and humanity, and
when one of our number was suffering tortures of
mind, little inferior to the physical pain undergone
by the object of her devotion, the fiends would give
vent to derisive cries and jeers that were maddening
to the poor creature.
One of the Mexicans, whose father and lover were
burned to death before her eyes, suffered such poig nant -anguish that her reason gave way, and she was
borne ins'de the temple a raving maniac.
After the events just related, nothing of moment
occurred to break the monotony of our captivity.  We
were confined to our quarters under a surveillance that
did not relax for a moment. It was understood that
we were awaiting the announcement that was to decide what our future lot should be.
The Mexicans learned from our attendants that the
chiefs had decided to share the female captives
with their Apache visitors; the selection to be made
by lot.
I had not seen my husband but once since we entered the village, and that sight was fraught with the
most painful emotions. I knew, however, that for the
present he was safe; the future I confided to H;m
whose loving care would protect and aid us iD our
e
0
0 
102
trials. During this time my mind was in a state of
complete despondency; no bright visions of future
liberty and happiness came to relieve the dreary fore*
bodings that oppressed me. In my wildest imaginings of the suffering that might be my portion, I did
not approach the realities of my  future existence.
Those dark days of toil and degradation which succeeded each other in unvarying monotony, with blows
for a welcome, and kicks as an incentive to labor.
Even at this remote period I cannot recall the experiences of those times without a shudder; when the
horizon of hope was environed by the dulH blank of
despair; and as each year dragged its weary lengtl
along, it almost seemed as if I was,
'/The world forgetting,
And by the world         It"
.
0 
COHAPTER XII.
IMU.. BAB'S STORY OOTINUD.
NE  morning we were aroused quite early, our
guard informing us that the lots had been cast
and the captives disposed of.  We were divided
into equal numbers, the home tribe retaining
one half, while their visitors appropriated the remainder.                 - 
We  quickly descended to the groumd floor of the
temple, and clustering about the door leading into
the village street, awaited the final word from the
chief, that was to deliver us into the hands of our
new.masters.  On  occions like the present, the
whole community was in a ferment of excitement,
and crowded around us ill great numbers, each more
anxious than the other to have a view of the bartered
captives. The Apaches seemed to be particularly
anxious to take stock of their new acquisitions, and
not a few scimmages occurred between them and the
Camanche women on this account  The men elbowed
and the women bit and clawed at a furious rate. It
might have been very amusing, but unluckily we
came- in for our share of the blows and objurgations
0
O 
104
The mob pushed us against the walls of the temple so
violently that we were in imminent danger of sffocation.  To escape, and free ourselves from this unpleasant situation, it became necessary to exert ourselves and deal blows at the surging crowd, and in
this way keep them back.
Of course, such measures on our part met with a
ready response, and soon we were in the midst of a
row that threatened to assume large proportions. A
chief who happened to be passing at the time, dashed
into the crowd and soon:quelled the rioters. HIad it
not been for this timely assistanee we should certainly
have been crushed to death.  After a time we were
left in coniparativ3 quiet; most of the idlers betaing
themselves- to the various groups scattered over the
plain. Some of these parties attracted quite a number of spectators, and judging from their animated
gestures, something of a very interesting character
was taking place. One of the; Indian women informed me that they were probably gambling.
My attention was attracted to a small lodge, about
one hundred yards to our right. Something of unusual momen   seemed to be taking place.' Warriors
were seen to enter, and others would emerge and go
in different directions, as if in great haste, and on
urgent business. Pennants were flying from poles onthe roof, and altogether the place presented a gala
appearance. On inquiry, I learned that this was the
council lodge, and that at the'present moment, ths
e
a 
1.05
fins negotiations for our barter were being conum  mated. A short time afterwards, the chiefs and their
attendants defiled into the street and approached us.
Meantime, the number of horses that had been agreed
upon as an equivalent for the captives, were brought
up and delivered over to their purchasers.
Jast as I was brought forth to be delivered over to
the Apache chief, my glance was arrested by the figure
of my husband, who stood upon the outskirts of the
circle. The recognition was simultaneous, and with
a cry of joy I sprang towards him, but was instantly
grasped by a savage and thrown violently back among
my companions. The Apache chief put a small whistle
to his lips, and blowing a shrill blast, soon assembled
his party. I strfaggled to free myself from my tor mentors and rash to my husband, but my efforts were
of no avail. Hlalf fainting. and wild with the agony (f
this rude parting, I was taken out on the plain, where
the bulk of the party were making their preparations
to depart.
The pickets were drawn, lariats coiled, and the
horses brought up.  Every warrior had provided himself with an extra horse. on wtich to mount his newly
acquired property, but for some reason we were
mounted on the horses ridden by our captors, and i,
was not until the next day that we made use of the
" extra" horses.
The Indians rode without saddles, as is thleir custom when on the war trail, but the women were pro
t
0 
106
ided with saddles; these saddles were peculiar aon   trivanees, and the best description of them that ooour
to me, is to have the reader picture to himself an
ordinary saw-buck with the top cut off, so as to leave
an inverted V. There were two of these fastened to  gether by parallel strips of wood about eighteen inches
in length; this was placed on the mustang's back, and
a buffalo robe thrown over it, and fastened by a girth.
Stirrups depended from the lateral sticks that kept
the V's in position. The horse's bridles were mostly
composed of hair, in some instances, however, they
were of leather worked and stalmpedl into elaborate
designs; these were, no doubt, the fruits of their
foray among the Mexican peblas.
We were mounted man fashion, each riding by the
side of the Indian who claimed us as his property.
Farewells having been exchanged, lances were poised,
bows and quivers slung, and amid a fearful uproar of
voices, intermingled with the howling of doga we
took our departure. As we passed through the village
I strained my eyes to catch a glimpse of my husband,
but even this poor consolation was denied me.
Passing up the valley we entered the caflon, tra versing its rocky bed for a distance of several hundred
yards; on entering this gloomy pass, we formed into
single file, each captive falling into line immediately
in the rear of her guard; this order was henceforth
maintained  throughout the  journey.   Leaving the
canon  we debouched upon  an arid plain, and con
i,
-II
0
4 
107
tinued our line of march along the bank of the
stream. The first day's journey was devoid of interest; we traversed long stretches of sandy plain, with
scarcely any signs of vegetation, save here and there
a clump of sage brush, or the *ild pita plant, whose
stalk towered into the air like a sign-post to guide the
wanderer over these sandy wastes.  The cactus and
fetid creosote plant lined our path, the latter giving -
forth a most disagreeable odor as it was crushed beneath the horses' hoofs. Towards night we approached
the base of a mountain, and entering a grove of willows and cottonwoods, halted, and dismounting, made
preparations to encamp.  The horses were staked out
on the prairie and allowed to crop the gramma grass.
The long lances were firmly planted in the soil, and
bow, quiver, and shield, deposited on the ground in
elose proximity, together with the buffalo- robes and
bear skins. After watering the stock at the small
stunm that ran through the grove, wood was collected
aid fires built.
Around these fires clustered the dusky warriors
cooking the evening meal, which consisted of aajo,
and the nuts gathered from the pi-non, which were
roasted in the ashes.  Long into the night the feasting
was kept up, and as the fires languished fresh fuel
was thrown on until they were blazing and crackling
more cheenrily than ever. The flames caused the
forms of the savages to stand out in bold relief against
the dark background of the surrounding gloom, and
0
0 
108
lighting up their faces displayed in all its fantastic
replulsiveness, the war paint with which their bodies
were bedaubed.
Early the next morning the march was resumed.
Towards noon the heat became so intense as to be
hardly endurable, still we pushed forward with un varying speed. After journeying in a southerly direrc tion for a few hours we defiled into the bed of a river
and followed its course for several hundred yards,
when, striking a new trail, our course was ].aid in a
westerly direction. The character of the country
underwent a complete change; instead of the sandy
desert, we were now passing over a prairie clothed
with verdure. At intervals we would enter dense
thickets of chaparral, and then emerge into glades,
that were veritable flower gardens.  At evening a
halt was called, but only long enough to water the
horses, and partake of a hasty meal; and continuing
the march we forged ahead with increased speed. I
judged by the animated gestures of the Indians that
we were nearing our destination; my conjectures were
not ill-founded, as about midnight we entered a valley,
and passing through green fields, came in view of the
lodges of the Apache encampment. Our approach
was heralded by the barking of dogs, and soon we
were surrounded by a vast multitude of women and
children, who greeted the returning braves with great
enthusiasm.
We halted in the center of the village, and presently
a
0 
109
a large fire was blazing in fiont of the chief's lodge,
around which the warriors assembled. The captives
were placed in a row to one side, and except to be
stared at by the women no further attention was taken
of us. Each brave seemed bent on feasting himself,
and while we were left to suffer the pangs of hunger
and thirst, our masters indulged in gluttony of a most
riotous and bestial nature.  As the night advanced
more fuel was added to the fires, until they crackied
and blazed with tremendous fury. It was not long
before the remains of the feast were cleared away, and
the Indians  reassembled, each with tomahawk in one
hand, and a rattle in the other; then began the scalp
dance, with which these tribes always celebrate their
successu.l foray.:
A number of young women are selected who step
into the ring, and holding up the recently taken
scalps, begin a low chant. The braves circle round,
brandishing weapons of various kinds, whilst they
distort their faces and bodies into the most horrid
shapes. Simultaneously jmnping into the air, tliey
come down on both feet with a blow and thnist of
their weapons, while it would appear as if they were
indulging in the most horrible butchery.  Darting
about their glaring eyeballs, as if actuated by the
most fiendish passions. As the dance continues the
excitement grows apace; the bystanders wave their
torches and urge the actors on to renewed endeavor.
The scene becomes one wild orgie, in which the lowest
a
0 
110
and-mot, blood-thirsty passions are excited.  The
drums continue beating, the women shriek, men yell,
dogs bark, and the whole scene becomes wild and
terrible in the extreme. No description can do justice
to this remarkable performance, but once seen it
leaves a vivid impress on the mind that time can
never efface.
The dance was continued'until the stars gradually
disappeared, and the gray streaks of dawn ushered in
the new day.  Tired, and trembling with nervonus
excitement,. I was conducted within the lodge; and
throwing myself on the ground, I sought that repose
,that my body and mind eo much needed.
O 
OHAPTER XIII.
M. EASTMAN 8 STORY OO UED.
J EoARS  have dragged their slow length along;
once again I am sunrounded by friends, and a
W     husband's love shields me from the persecutions
j of a cruel captivity: yet, scenes and incidents of
that terrible time recur to my memory with a vivi'ness only too reaL The capture, torture, and fatiguing
marches, have left their imprint on my memory in
ineffacble characters.  These were, however, but
the overture to the drama. My intense sufferings
commenced, and were complised in the nine years of
my life among the Apaches.
I had  passed a restless night;  my  couch was
haunted by dreams of ill omen, and it was with a sigh
of relief that I saw the morning's rays peeping through
the crevices of our lodge of skins.  I was enabled to
look upon my surroundings, and take stock of my
future home. The lodge was circular in form, measuring a circumferencc of about fifty feet at the base,
narrowing as it extended upwards, until a space of
about six feet was left open at the top; the framework consisted of poles driven firmly into the ground,
6
0 
112
and held in position by ~ covering of dressed buffalo
skins. The floor in the center of the lodge was depressed sufficiently to form a fire-place, in which a
few glowing embers could yet be seen. Ranged
around the walls were the beds, seven in number,
which were occupied by the chief and his six wives.
I, of course, was included in the number. Some of
the beds were tastefully draped with curtains of
dressed skins, ornamented in various styles.  Tihe bed
of the chief was perhaps the most gorgeous; on it
could be seen the labor of five jealous women, each
more anxious than the other to propitiate her lord by
some extravagance of decoration, which would deflect
the sunshine' of his favor on her head to the envy and
exclsion of the remaining members of the faInily.
Suspended from stakes driven into the ground near
the head of his couch rested the implements of warfare; lance, shield, bow, and quiver, together with the
deadly tomahawk and murderous scalping knife. Extended along a line that bisected the wigwam, at a
distance of perhaps twelve feet from the floor, were
the scalps of his enemies.  Judging from the great
quantity of these ghastly trophies, my master was a
mnan of immense valor and shocking brutality'.
Soon there was a moveme-nt, the curtains of one of
the beds parted, and the head, shoulders and body of
a tawny savage appeared.  Leaving the lodge  for
a short time, she again returned with an armful of
brush which she threw upon the fire; then falling up
0 
113
ol her knees she blew the smoldering embers into a
bright flame.   The noise of  the crackling wood
aroused the others, and soon all the women were en
gaged in their household duties; one busied herself
in preparing the morning meal; another was collecting into one pile a number of queer looking instruments, with whose use T was to become acquainted
only too soon; still another, war- -devoting her attention to a young babe. Thus all were occupied. I
was not long allowed to remain in undisturbed posession of my quarteir  The woman in charge of the
cauldron placed over the fire called for assistance, all
were too busy to lend her aidl, and one suggested that
I should be aroused. This remark was received with
general approbation, and soon I was onr the floor, lifting kettles, fetching fresh fuel, and in fact, doing the
bidding of my task-makers as best I might.  This
was the commencement of a life of unceasing toil. I
was the pariah of our little community; having no
rights that compelled respect, and being looked upon
with feelings of s;uspicion and distrust by the Indian
women, I was driven to perform the menial tasks and
endure the ill-treatment of those who were only too
happy, to visit on my unoffending and unresisting
body, the il-treatment they had to endure from higher
quarters.
Breakfast being ready, the chief was aroused and
the family clustered around the fire, attacking the
contents of the kettle.  To have seen them eat, one
a
0 
114
would have supposed that they had been strangers to
food for a very long period; food was not eaten, it
was devoured.  After having partaken of the cakes
of maize and tassajo, the work of the day began.
Mahtocheega, of course, did nothing but smoke his
k'neck k'nick and lounge about the lodge. His farorite pastime was to lie at full length in front of the
door, and like any dog, bask in tile rays of the
sUan.
It was now the planting season, and from morn till
night we were in the field, breaking the ground and
sowing the grain. The implements used, were of a
very rude character, the hoes being fashioned from
the shoulder bone of the bison; the earth was broken
by these, and ta1l1 the cultivation that was required was
performied with the aid of this article. Such was the
great fertility of the soil, that maize and squashes
grew  almost spontaneously  when  planted.    All
through the.day, we were compelled to stoop and bend
over the ground, while the sun's rays becoming more
and more intense, made life intolerable. Did we lag
but for a moment, the ever vigilant eye of some adjacent Indian would note the movement, and swooping
down on us would urge us to renewed exertion, by.
word or blow.
My first day's experience in this species of farming,
was excru(,iating agony. Being unskilled in the use
of a hoe, I bruised myself severely, for, instead of
breaking the soil, I came down with full force on my
0 
-115
own limbs and feet; at such times a groan of agony
would escape me, which, instead of eliciting sympathy,
would only excite laughter. Maimed and bleeding, I
toiled on, and wi- hing, oh! so fervently, that the next
blow might be on my head, instead of the inferior
parts of my body. Towards evening, my torture be
came uendurable, and throwing my tired body on
the ground, I determined not to work longer, let the
consequences be what they may.  This conduct was
so entirely unexpected, that it took my captors by surprise, and finding blows of no avail, they desisted,
and left me to suffer alone. I had to be carried
home, much to the disgust of those whose duty it was
te bear the burden; arriving at the lodge, ointment
was prepared from the juice expressed from the leaves
of the pita plant, and being applied to my braised
limbs, soon allayed the inflammation and soreness.
A brief description of this remarkable plant may
not be without interest to the reader; what the zam2
is to the East Indian, the pita plant is to the Southern
Indian-it is food, medicine, stimulant, and clothing.
It is to be found in the greatest abundance along the
great American desert, near tihe base of the Roky
Mountains.  In places where it would seem impossible
for living plants to-thrive, there may be found the
lug,illa, its stalk rising to the height of twenty
feet, and its thorny leaves branching out in clusters
along its length; its fiber is made into rope; the sap
expressed from its leaves, when boiled to the consist —
Q
0 
116
ency of honey is an admirable dressing for wounds,
causing light cuts to cicatrize almost immediately, and
even ugly gashes will yield to it in time.  The juice
distilled, produces the fiery -mec, familiarly known
among the trappers as " pass whiskey."  It is made
quite extensively at El Paso, hence the sobriqet.
The egg-shaped core, when cooked, yields a thick,
transparent body, similar to jelly; it is very nutritious,
and is used to a great extent by one branch of the
Apaches, who bake it with horse-flesh; this tribe is
called by the frontiersmen, mezearo8 on this ac
count.
Without the aid of this plant, there are seasons
when the Lipans, Apaches, and Camanches would
perish from starvation. - Too munch cannot be said in
praise of the wild aloe; it is one of the many striking
instances in which an all-wise Providence has furn ished man with a medicine and food combined. The
laboratory of nature is full of similar plants whose use
are as yet imperfectly known, and have perhaps never
been applied to the relief of the suffering.
During my sojourn among the Indians I became
familiar with the names and uses of many of these
roots and plants, which I believe were never before
known to civilized man.
Several months had elapsed, the corn was planted
and had nearly ripened.  As 1 became hardened by
exposure and toil, my lot seemed somewhat softened;
1 say seemed mitigated; the work was uone the less
O
0 
117
arduous, only my capacity to bear toil had been
strengthened.
One day, Eeh-nis-kin (the crystal stone), intimated
that I was to be branded; this intelligence filled me
with terror. I had never seen any one marked in
this manner, and I presumed the process was a painful
one.  After having finished the morniug's work I had
retired into the lodge, in order to complete some garments I was making, for Eehniskin's little boy, when
a messenger arrived, announcing that the medicine
man wished to see me, and bade me follow him. Arriving at the lodge in the center of the village, 1
joined a throng of captives, who like myself had been
summoned to appear and receive the mark of bondage.
Presently the ~rowd gave way, and the "hush-sh"
that was echoed from mouth to mouth, warned us of
the approach of Pa-nika-soo-pa (the two crows), the
high priest and great medicine of the nation. We
were required to form a ring, leaving a space of some.
thirty feet in diametcr.  Silence reigned supreme;
nothing was heard eave the light tinkling of the rattles upon his dress, as he cautiously and slowly moved
through the avenue left for him. He neared 118 with
a slow and tilting step, his body and head entirely
covered with the skin of a yellow bear, the head of
which served as a mask to his own, which was inside
of it; -the huge bear's claws were dangling on his
wrists and ankles. In one hand he shook a frightful
rattle, with the other he brandished his medicine spear,
0 
118
to the rattling din of which he added the wild and
startling yells and jump cf the Indian, and the apalling grunts and snarls of the grizzly bear. After
prancing around us for a short time, he built a small
fire, and threw into it some bits of bluish clay,
which turned black when subjected to the fierce heat;
these were then pounded into fine powder.  Taking
a sharppointed stick, he pricked our chins in semicircles with the point of this stick dipped in a lotion
of the powdered clay and a blackish gum, which he
poured from a stone vial. The sensation was as if oQue
was sticking needles into your face. Soon after the
operation was performed the skin began to burn and
the punctured portion inflame; it then became very
painfuil, but an application of the never-failing aloe
soothed the inflammation.  This was the ceremony of
branding, and I carry the scar, and will continue to
wear it to my latest hour 
Returning to the lodge, I was greeted with jeers and
derisive laughter by the women of my household; the
dogs joined in the uproar, barking, perhaps, because
others pointed the finger of scorn at me, and to be in
sympathy with their masters. Even the filthy little
children raised their tiny voices, accompanying their
laughter with volleys of stones and sticks, thus
"C atciing at little bits of fun and glee,
Thst' played oi dogs enslaved, by dog  that'" free."'
0
0 
CHAPTER XIV.
HOPS AND FEAR-AN ADVENTUE.
(&OR  over two years my life was one unva ring
monotony; a ceaseless round of toil. Day after
day I was occupied with my duties in the labor     atory, or in gathering roots and herbs for the
preparation of the medicine.
The daily life of the village presented a wearying
sameness after I had become accustomed to its more
novel peculiarities.  There was little of excitement or
interest in my surroundings. At first the arrival and
departure of war parties, or the bands, who at regular
intervals went forth to hunt, or to steal horses, attracted much of my attention; but eventually all
these became tiresome; for when you have seen one
of these gatherings, you have seen all, so little do they
differ.
Many times I accompanied Wakometkla in his tripe
beyond the valley, in search of those ingredients for
his medicine, which could not be procured within its
limits. - I had not yet abandoned the idea of escape,
should an opportunity offer, and I had hoped that in
these expeditions beyond the valley, I might find the
4
II
0 
120
occasion for which I longed. But in this regard fortune did not favor me; I was always too closely
watched to make the attempt with any hope of success;
and it was not long before I satisfied myself, that even
if I should succeed in getting clear of the valley, there
was very little chance of my finding my way back to
civilization.  Gazing from the summit of one of the
"spurs" of the mountain range east of the valley, I
found my path to liberty barred by the desert, which
stretched for many miles to the north and east. Southward, the prospect was scarcely more inviting; the
country was almost equally barren, although  more
broken, and afforJing, a better chance for concealment.
Butt I knew that the expert Indian "trackers" would
find my trail, no matter what course I might take;
and an attempt to escape on'foot could only result in
my being overtaken, brought back, and probably tortured; for not even the influence of the high-priest
himself would avail to save me, if detected in an effort
to escape. With a good horse, success was posible;
although it was an open question, whether I would be
able to find my way through a country of which I
knew so little.  It seemed far more probable that I
would either perish in the desert,.or only survive its
dangers to fall into the hands of other savages, more
cruel and relentless than the tribe of which I had become an unwilling member. So I reluctantly coneluded that the idea of flight must be abandoned,
anless uforseen circumstances should arise, giving
0 
121
me a far better opportunity than had as yet offered.
That I should ever meet with such an occasion, however was altogether unlikely; and in time, the very
thought of escape was almost entirely banished from
my mind.
In the autumn of the second year of my captivity,
the monotony of my existence was broken by a rather
exciting -dventare; and as it is the only experience
of the kind I ever met with, I will briefly narrate it.
In company with Wakometlda, I had gone in the
early morning to the lower end of the valley to pro
cure an herb, called by the Camanches "Iakara,"
which grew in great abundance along the sides of the
oiffs. Hitherto we had been able to gather it at a
short distance from the village, but having used it in
large quantities, we had stripped the shrubbery on
both sides of the valley of all that was fit for use, and
were every day compelled to go to a greater distance, in
order to obtain it in sufficient quantities.  Hence on
this occasion we had reached a distance of nearly ten
miles from the village, before we were able to collect
'iough for our purpose. By this time we were considerably fatigued by our exertions, and sat down at
the base of the cliff to rest and partake of such simple
fare as we had brought with us.
While thus occupied, my attention was attracted by
an animal which suddenly appeared upon a ledge far
above our heads.   A  singular animal it was, and
would naturally excite the curiosity of any one who
a
. 
122
beheld it for the first time; to me, however, it WM
no stranger, as I had frequently seen others of the
same spmies upon the cliffs bordering the valley, al though I had never before had so favorable an oppor tunity for a close examination. Commonly knowni
as the "Big Horn" or "Rocky Mountain Sheep," and
found inhabiting all the mountain ranges which divide the continent, it seems a sort of cross between
goat and sheep, having much of the appearance of the
latter, with more of the habits of the former.
Standing upon a rocky ledge which jutted out
from the face of the cliff, it surveyed us with great
apparent curiosity, and without any signs of fear. As
soon as I perceived it, I sprang to my feet, and seizing my bow, in the use of which I liad become quite
expert, I quickly sent an arrow through the unsuspecting animal, and it tumbled headlong from its lofty
perch and fell dead at my feet.  Wakometkla, who
had been rather taken by surprise by the suddenness
of my movements, now came up to me  and praised
my skill and quickness; he then condescended to
assist me in skinning and cutting up the cascass. We
then packed in the skin, such portions of the meat as
we could carry with us, and hung the rest upon a
tree, high enough to be out of the reach of the wolves
and coyotes, so that we could return or send for it if
we chose to do so.
I supposed that we were to return at once to;the village, but my companion directed me to remain, as he
a
p
0 
wished to proceed down the valley a short distance,
in search of a species of bark for which we had been
looking during our ramble, but had been unable to
obtain. Telling me that he would return in a few
m-inute  he started off and was soon lost to view in
the thicket.
Reclining upon the ground I filled my pipe with the
' k'neck k'nick," or Indian tobacco, and proceeded to
make myself as comfortable as possible. Wakomet kla's absence was prolonged far beyond what I had
expected, and I was considering the advisability of
starting in search of him, when a sound reached my
ears as of some one breaking through the undergrowth,
and concluding that it was my master returning, I laid
back and abandoned myself to the contemplation of
the blue smoke wreaths that curled above my head.
As the sounds came nearer, I began to doubt whether
it could be Wakometkla after all, for h/  progress
through the thick undergrowth that skirted the valley,
was usually comparatively noiseless, but I was so absorbed in my own reflections, that I did not give it a
second thought, but lazily' awaited the appearance of
the new comer, whatever he or it might be. In a few
moments the mystery was solved, and in a maier the
reverse of pleasant. Emerging from the dense undergrowth through which he had forced his way, the
new arival entered the little clearing near whose center I was reclining, and on turning to discover what
lid occasioned the noises I had heard, I beheld an.
O
123
0 
124
object that sent a thrill of terror to my heart, and
for a moment rendered me incapable of motion. The
object in question, was a large aninLal, which  I at
once recognized as ~e grizzly be; the most dreaded
of all,creatures that inhabit this region.
0
11 
}as')
CHAPTER XV.
TREED BY A GRIZZLY.
IHE bear was one of the largest of his kind, but
it was not so much his size that impressed me
with fear, as the knowledge of his fierce nature.
It is true, that personally I knew but little of
the habits of the animal, although this was not my
first introduction to "old Ephraim," but from the
tales of the Indians, I had learned enough to cause
me to feel certain that I was in deadly peril. When
my  eyes first rested on the monster, Le had just
emerged from the thicket at the same point at which
Wakometkla had entered it. Or reaching the open
ground he advanced a pace or two, and then halting,
reared himself up and stood upon his hind legs, at the
same time uttering a sound which resembled the
"blowing" of hogs when suddenly startled in the
forest. Hfe remained in this upright attitude for tome
moments, rubbing his head with his fore paws and
playing them about like a monkey; in fact, as he stood
facing me, he looked not unlike a gigantic ape. He
was of a yellowish red color, with legs and feet nearly
black, but color is no characteristic among these ani
4
N
II. 7 
126
als, scarce two of them being alike in this partio.ilar.
To say that I was not,terrified by the arrival of this
unwelcome intruder, would be to state an untruth.
I was frightened, horribly frightened, and with good
reason. To suppose that he would not attack me
would have been absurd; I knew that in nine cases
out of ten, the,izzly bear is the assailant; that no
animal in America will,illingly engage in combat
with him, and,that man himself shuns the encounter,
unless well mounted, and;even then, the prudent hunter always gives "old Ephraim," as the'mountain
men" call him, a "wide berth," and rides on without
intprfering with him, unless the ground is perfectly
open, so that his horse is not likely to be impeded.
The white hunter considers the killing of a grizzly
bear a feat of prowess equal to the destruction of *wo
Indians; while to the Indian, the destruction of one
of these animals is one of the greatest feats in his
life's history.  Among Indian braves, a necklace of
bear's claws is a badge of honor, since they can only
be worn by a man who ha&simself slain the animals
from which they have  been taken.   On  the  cotraryf the grizzly bear fears no antagonist; he att   s
the largest animals on sight. The moose, the elk, tie
buffalo, or wild horse, if caught is instantly killed.
A  blow from his paw will lay open the flesh' if
gashed with an axe, and he can drag the body Ef 
fall grown buffalo, to almost  any  distance.   He
e
0 
127
rushes upon man without the slightest hesitation, and 
frequently a dozen hunters will retreat at his approach;;
Nearly twenty bullets have on some occasions been~
fired into the body of a grizzly, without killing him,
ad only a shot through the brain or heart is certainly
mortal-.
With such sanguinary fierceness of disposition and
extraordinary tenacity of life, it is no wonder  the
grizzly bear is a creature to be dreaded.  Had he the
swiftness of the lion or tiger, his haunts would be inapproachable by man, and he would be a far more
terriMble assailant than either. Fortunately, however,
he is slow compared with the horses although he can
easily outrun a man, and there is another peculiarity
about him, which detracts somewhat from the danger
of an encounter with this savage beast, he is not a
tree eliraber, and many a life has been saved by this
circumstance; for although he does not affect the forest, there is usually some timber in the vicinity of his
haunts, and in many instances his intended victim has
sved himself by taking refuige in a tree.
Knowing well, by hearsay, all these facts, you can
easily imagine my feelings, at finding myself face to
face with one of these fierce animals, alone and without weapons, save my bow and arrows and knife.  It
is true, there was abundance of timber near at hand,
but unfortunately the bear was decidedly nearer to
me than any tree of sufficient size to promise a Safe
refuge.   On lying down, I had, without thought,
.
. 1. I
t 
128
placed myself in the very center of the clearing, and
I found myself at least one hundred yards from any
of the larger trees; the bear had approached before
halting, to within about eighty yards, and stood
watching me, apparently surprised at our rencontre.
Without doubt he would overtake me before I could
reach and asc3nd a tree, and I was fairly bewildered
by the utter helplessness of my situation.
These reflections occupy many minute3 of your time
to read; I othoght them in as many seconds. Indeed, I Lad not time to form a plan of either defense
or escape when my antagonist, evidently concluding
that I was fair game, dropped upon all fours, uttered
a loud roar and rushed upon me with open mouth;
simultaneously, I turned and fled with all my speed.
Before I had covered half the distance that separated me from the tree towards which I had directed
my flight, he was almost at my heels, and I had about
determined to stop and engage in the desperate conflict
that seemed inevitable, when his attention was attracted by an object in his path, and although the halt
he made was but momentary, it enabled me to gain
some ground, and I ran on with redoubled speed.
The object in question was none other than the carcass of the "big horn," which lay fresh and bloody,
rolled up in the skin, directly in my  line of flight.
The bear pawed it over, snatched a hasty mouthfifi
and then resumed the pursuit; but his brief hesitation
had been my salvation, and I had reached the tree
0
0 
129
which I had selected before he could overtake me.
My climbing experience gained during my expe ditions with Wakometkla, now stood me in good
stead, and I "shinned" up the tree with the agility
a a monkey.  I had no time to spare, however, for
my irmine iliend reached the base of the tree before I
had ascended far enough to be entirely out of reach,
and rearing up, succeeded in getting a slight hold of
my right foo'.  I clung to the tree with the desperation of despair, and the moccasin giving way, I soon
drew- myself above his reach, with no other injury
than a severe scratch.  In a few seconds I was safely
ensconced among the branches, about thirty feet from
the ground, while my baffled antagouist warbub
+ound and round it, uttering growls of rage, and
stripping the bark from the tree with his terrible claws.
During my hasty flight I had slung my bow across
my back, and had fortunately preserved it safely.  My
quiver, well filled with arrows, being attached to my
person by a belt, I was well supplied with ammunition; and thinking it about time to commenc  offensive operations, I secured myself to the tree with
strips of leather cut from my shoulder belt, and commenced trying my skill as an archer, with the bear as
a living and movable target.  Owing to my cramped
position in the tree, my aim was necessarily uncertain,
and many of my shafts went wide of the mark; still,
I did succeed in hitting the brute several times, but
with no other effect than to increase his rage.and
9
0
Q 
130
apparent determination to watch until he should tire
me out, and overcome by fatigue or sleep, I might
fall from the tree, and thus become an easy victim.
Seeing this, I desisted after a while, and settled mself down to wait as patiently as I might for him to
tire of his watch, or for relief of some sort to arrive.
Perhaps an hour had elapsed when I heard a noise on
the opposite side of the clearin g,and. looking in that
direction I saw W,-ometkla just emerging from the
woods. The bear saw him at the same instant, and
abandoning his post of sentinel, rushed towards his
new enemy. The old Indian waited long enough to
discharge three or four arrows with great rapidity, axd
then ascended the nearest tree with a rapidity quite'
surprising in a man of his age and build. Two of his
shots had taken effect-that is, they had hit the bear;
but they caused no diminution of his energy or fierceness.  He rushed to the base of the tree, and vented
his rage in stripping the bark from its trunk. Find ing that his intended prey had escaped him, he soon
desisted friom this occupation, and returning to the
carcass of the "big horn," began devouring it, at the
same time keeping a constant watch upon our move
ments, so as to preclude the possibility of our slipping
away. In spite of the umcomnfortable nature of oir
position, I could not help laughing at the ludicrous
picture we presented, perched in the trees like a
coiuple of monkeys, hardly daring to move lest we
might lose our hold and tumble into the clutches of
.
0 
131
our unpleasant neighbor.  The  bear soon finished
his repast, indeed it was but a mouthful to an animal
of his size and appetite, and he commenced walking
back and forth between the two trees in which we were
Severally ensconced, evidently trying to form some
plan by which he could get at us.  But his cogitations
apparently resulted in nothing; and in fact, we were
sot at all disturbed as to the probability of his being
able to reach us. We knew that we were perfectly
safe in our lofty retreat, but how long we might have
to remain there was another matter, and I for one
was decidedly wearied of my airy prison.  I knew
that no search would be made for us for several days,
as we frequently remained absent two or three days
at a time when on these expeditions.  Our only hope'
was that our self-appointed jailor might weary of the
task he had set himself, or be compelled to go in
search of food or water; and in that case we could
improve the opportunity, and get out of reach without
difficulty. For hour after hour, however, he kept up
his sentinel-like tramp from tree to tree; at times
varying the monotony of his proceedings by frantic
attacks upon their trunks. The tree to which I had
retreated was not more than eighteen inches in diamter, and I was not without fear at one time that he
would succeed in demolishing it altogether, and bringing me  "down by the run."  I was not destined,
however, to find out whether he was able to accomplih that feat or not, for after tearing away at it for
0
0
I 
132
a while, and making the splinters fly in a rather
alarning manner, he seemed to tire of it, and resumed
his patrolling between the two trees.
The day had worn away to near its close, and 1 was
contemplating the unpleasant prospect before me of
passing the night in my very uncomfortable quarters,
when the sound of hoof-strokes reached my ears.
Looking out through the opening, upon the plain, I
saw a party of about a dozen Indians riding leisurely
up the valley, evidently one of the hunting parties on
their return. They were nearly a mile from our position, but in these elevated regions sounds can be
heard at almost inedible distances, and I at once
shouted at the top of my voice, to attract their attention. Wakometkla did the same, and we were evidently heard, for they halted for a moment, and after
a glance in our direction, galloped towards us. As they
no-red us I expected to see the bear take himself off
without ceremony, but to my surprise, he showed no
signs of such an intention.  On the contrary, when
they had passed about half the distance at first sepa.
rating us, he advanced to the edge of the plain and
stood as if inviting attack. The Indians rode up to
within a few rods of the grizzly, and then seeing.us
in our haven of safety they realized the situation at a
glance, and burst into uproarious laughter.   This
seemed to irritate the grizzly, for he uttered a roar of
rage and rushed fiercely at them; then ensued an exciting and amusing scene.
-i r,
0 
The Indians at first used only the lasso, and in a
few seconds three or four of them had "roped him,"
and by spurring up their horses, he was dragged first
one way and then another, making frantic effort~ to
free himself, and growling savagely all the while.
Meanwhile the other horsemen rode up as near as
safety would permit, and fairly riddled him with
arrows.  Overcome by superior numbers, "old Eph,"
at length' succumbed to his fate, and a few  lance
thrusts  ponput an end to his existence.
Wakometkla and myself quickly descended from
our tree fortresses and joined the party, who greeted
us with exclamations expressive of satisfaction, at hav ing rescued us from our unplezant predicament: The
bear was soon skined and cut up, and we returned to
the village with our rescuers. As far as I was concerned, I felt fully satisfied with my experience as an
interviewer of grizzly bears, and had ho desire to repeat it, for although hunting the bear may be a pleas
ing pastime, it is not quite so pleasing when the bear
/~ntsnyQu.
!Qowever, "all's-well that ends well," and if this
naive  affords-my — readers any amusement, I shall
never regret my day spent in a tree top.
a
133 
OHAPTER XLI.
803a Chpjore GAtnSd.
WE winterhad been unusually severe, in several
instances snow had fallen; a thing of rare occur     rence in these latitudes. Not having prepared
for such weather, by laying in an unusual supply
of provisions, we were reduced to the verge of starvation, having recourse in our dire extremity to rooti
and berries, which we dug from the ground. During
one week, I lived solely on the juice expressed from
the cactus leaves, which I procured by stripping the
plant of its thorny excrescences and paring the leave
with my mknife. The ji,cee yielded was thick and
rummy, and of a sweetish tastc.  This diet could not
stain life for any length ef time.  Fort-unately I hal
the good luck to discover some mesquite berries, that
had been secreted by one of the tribe  This discovery
proved my salvation, as without this.timely addition
of food, I should certainly have perished.
During this season of hardship, many died of starvm
tion. When a death occurred, the family of the
deceased would yield themselves up to the most heart
rending grief. Their lamentations would succeed in
attracting a crowd of sympathizing mourners who
Q
0
0 
135
would join the family, and by indulging in yells,
groans, and screeches, convert the whole scene into the
most hideous travesty, which did violence to all those
feelings of awe and solemnity, that are experienced by
viewing the last sad rites of Christian burial.
When an Indian dies, his body is painted, oiled, and
dressed in its best attire, a fresh buffalo skin (if it is
to be had), and failing this, a blanket is wound tightly
around the body, and bound with thongs, then other
blankets are soaked in water until they become very
soft and elastic, when they also are wound around the
body with great care and exactness, so as to exclude
the ail.  This done, the dead warriors arms are placed
by his side and a liberal supply of food (when the
article is plenty); placed on the scaffold.
These scaffolds are constructed by placing three
upright posts in the ground in the shape of a parallelogram, and connecting them. by lateral bars. Over
these bars are placed a number of willow rods, on which
the body rests,kin such a position that the feet will be
towards the rising sun.' The scaffolds are placed high
enough to be out of the reach oi dogs and wolves, yet
not so high as to be inaccessible to the family, some
portion of whom visit it daily, bringing food and water,
which they place near the head of the corpse. The
ipirit is supposed to be in need of this sustenance on
his journey to the happy hunting grounds.  Once
there, his spear, bow, and arrows will enable him to
kill game in plenty.
0 
136
When the scaffolds decay and fall, the relatives collect the bones and bury them.  The skull, which by
this time has become perfectly bleached and purified,
is taken and placed among a number of others which
form a circle, the faces turned inward and facing a
large shaft, around which is heaped a quantity of
buffalo skulls. In this position they are preserved for
years,-the objects of religious veneration.  The scaffolds of the chiefs are distinguished from the others by
pieces of red or blue cloth which are thrown over the
bodies.
A party had been dispatched in search of food, and'
were expected back hour'y. How anxiously we
awaited their arrival none may know, who have not
suffered the. pangs of hunger.  At last they made
their appearance, bringing with them a quantity of
berries called by the Indians otb-to-toa. This berry
was pleasanter to taste than the mesquite. The juice,
when extracted and mixed with water, tasted very
much like the orange.
In one of my strolls I had observed some blackbirds,
and in the hope of finding their nests, I Windued
to wander to a greater distance from the village than
I had been at any previous time My[ search was rewarded by a quantity of eggs, and filling my Indian
shirt with as many M  I could carry, I retraced my
steps.
In struggling through the tangled underbrush, I
lost my way, and after wandering about for some time
4
I
'i
a
'N 
in the hope of finding the path, I camesto a sma
spring that was bu:bbling up from a crevice in the
rock.
The night had closed in rapidly, and, finding it was
too dark to prosecute my journey further, I concluded
to remain here for the remainder of the night.  Gathering a few dried leaves, I soon had a fire lighted, and
then secureing enough brush to last me until dawnI set
about preparing my supper, whic was merelyroasted
eggs. This frugalmeal was soon dispatched, and heing more wood on the fire, I selected a dry spot, andstretehing my tired limbs, wu soon in a sound slumber.  How long I slept I know not, but I was,awakened by peals of thunder and f"las of the mos'. vivid
lightning.  TLese sounds were unusual in this *ountry, as rain rarely fell in these latitudes.
Should a storm of any magnitude pour its water
through the gorge in which I then was, I felt my
position would be perilous in the extreme. I gathered
up my supplies, that were collected at such an expenditure of labor, and scrambled over rocks and tluough
sand towards the side of the mountain.  I had not
gone far when the rain commenced-first in large
drops, and then in a steady patter; before many minutes the storm burst upon the mountain in all its
fury. The rain fell in sheets, and literally deluged
surrounding objects.  My resting place was becoming
untenable, and my life was momentarily imperiled by
huge masses of falling rock, which had been loosened
0
137
A 
138
from its bed and came tearing down the mountain
side, carrying all before it. Shielding myself behind
trees and boulders, I climbed upwards, in the hope of
finding a more permanent shelter than that afforded
by the stumps of trees. The rain continued to pour
down with increasing fury, and anon the vivid flash
quickly followed by the startling roar of the thunder,
and the noise of the seething flood, which by this
time was bounding through the caron, conspired to
make the scene more terrTible. Almost despairing,
and thoroughly drenched, I was about yielding myself
up to the fury of the tempest, when my eye fell upon
what appeared to be a crevice in the rock. Hastily
making towards it, I entered. The deeper I penetrated the larger. it became, and I found myself at last
snugly ensconced  within  the recesses  of a vast
cave.
Congratulating myself on this good fortune, T was
about preparing to resume my rudely interrupted slumber, when I was startled by the sight of two glaring
eyes that were peering at me from the depth of the
cave. Here was a dilemma. I had certainly intruded
on some wild animal, and penetrated its lair.  My situation became unpleasant in the extreme. Turn in
whichever direction I might, those fiery eyes followed
me, and at last I found that I was being subjected to
the influence of a horrible fascination.
My unpleasant experience with "old Eph" recurred to me with more force than pleasure; and the
a
a 
18I
ought that I might have to deal with a grizzly,
made doubly ferocious by being bearded in his den,
eaused the cold perspiration to stand out in beads
upon my forehead.  Suddenly I was startled by a roar
that echoed through the cave.  Those piercing eyes
approached nearer.  Mad with fright, I rushed to the
mouth of the cave, and began a headlong descent
down the-steep banks of the cliff. In my wild scramble I dislodged stones and brush, which came tumbling precipitately after me, and I also heard another
noise which struck terror to my heart; it was the
foot stroke of the infiuiated animal that was pursuing
me I
Not knowing whither I was going, but actuated by
the sole desire to escape from this new danger, I very
shortly found myself nearing the swollen river that
was bounding through the caflon.  There was no alternative, and, bracing myself for a final effort, I
plunged into the swollen stream and breasted the
waves, hoping to reach a rock that raised its head
above the water, about an hundred yards down the
stream; struggle as I might, I felt the rapid current
sweeping me on with the rapidity of an avalanche.
Should I reach it or be borne down the torrent, and
be dashed to pieces against some hidden boulder 
Nerving myself for one grand effort, I breasted the
*srrent, and, to my joy, found I was nearing the rock;
striking out with the strength of despair I reach the
refuge-the waves dash me against its sides-I clutech
e
0 
140
at the jagged ends that project out of the water, and
by their aid clamber out of the reach of immediate
danger!
Finding myself safe, I look about me. The first
object that attracts my attention is the lithe form of
my pursuer who is running up and down the bank
lashing his tal in fury, and occasionally breaking
forth- in the most savage roars. --- In iOt  yellow coat
and cat-like movements I recognize the dreaded cougar'the  tiger of the western mountains-an animal
that, when once aroused, will not hesitate to attack
man or beast.  He seemed to be deliberating whether
to follow me into the stream. It was Dlain he disliked
entering the water, and after pacing to and fi6' for
some little time, turned abruptly and left the bank.
Thinking, I had achieved a victory, and finding that
now I was safe, my courage was assuming a very bold
front; I picked up a stone and threw it in the( direction of the beast. Foolish action! It hit the cougar,
and turning, he now rushed to the ba-, and, bellowing with rage, plunged into the river.  My position
now became critical in the extreme. Once the rock
was gained, I would certainly be mangled by the fierce
creature. I could not take flight by water, as he could
easily overtake me.
My  terror was extreme, and I lost the power  of
will. Fright had made me imbecile, and I rushed
about the crest of the rock like a crazy man.  All
this time the enraged brute drew nearer; his paws
0 
141
touch the base of the rock; he is in the act of drawig
his dripping limbs out of the water.
Mouth open, tongue extended, and eyes infiam3d
with rage, the cougar prepares for the deadly spring.
But look! the surface of the rock moves, gives way,
and slides with a gentle motion towards the river. He
makes a desperate effort to free himself from this natural trap, but in vain; the rock moves faster every moment, and with one grand rush this land slide is engulfed in the turbid waters. Instantly the body is
thrown back into the seething flood, and my last view
of him is as he turns a bend and disappears forever.
After waiting several hours for the waters to sub
side, I am enabled to wade to the opposite shore, and,
discovering my own trail by accident, wend my way
back to the village.
My adventure is related to Wakometkla, and soon
spreads throughout the village.  From this time forth
I am regarded in'the light of a hero, but on what
grounds I was never able to satisfactorily determine,
as I could scarcely consider running away from a danger heroic.
0
0 
CHAPTEFR XVII.
THE BUFFALO DANCE.
HE  buffalo being, the mlain dependence of the
Camanches for food, it naturally follows that
they are fully alive to the importance of securing
an abundant supply of meat during the season
in which these animals migrate to the  southern
prairies.
The superstition which formnns so large a part of the
Indian character is especially noticeable in the cereomonies in which they engage every year for the purpose of securing a successful huint.  This ceremony,
although not peculiar to any special tribe, is a vero
novel one, and may be of interest to the reader. Like
all other tribes, the Camanches lead lives of idlenes
and leisure, and consequently devote a great deal of
time to their sports and amuoements, of which then
have a great variety.
Of these dancing is one of the principal, and may
be seen in a variety of forms.
Among these are the scalp dance, the boasting
dance, the buffalo dance, and a dozen other danees, all
a 
i~;;;~~~i~ 
~~~~#~           ~               (
I~~~/
,~~;'~~;j'7
*~'x~     /   /
'<'~'~~7x/// ~  /~,~'4
~    //      "/  ""'
~/                          ~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
7   7/                          H~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-,,,/i,          /1,          --                _____   1
c 11)
(h
(L)
I
a 
4 
143
of which have their peculiar characters and meanings
or objects.
These exercises are extremely grotesque in their
appearance, and to the looker-on, who knows not their
meaning or importance, they are an uncouth and
frightful display of starts, jumps, and yelps, and jarring gutturals, which to a stranger are truly terrifying.
But when one gives them a little attention, and
becomes initiated  into tneir  mysterious  meaning,
they become a subject of the rmost intense and thrilling interest
Each dance has its peculiar step, acd every step has
its meaning. Each dance also has its peculiar song,
and that is frequently so intricate and mysterious,
that not one in ten of the young men who are dancing
and singing it know the meaning of the song, they are
chanting over.   None  but the medicine men  are
allowed to understand  them;  and even  they  are
generally only initiated into Lhe secret on the payment
)f a liberal stipend for their instruction, which requires
much application and study.
There is evidently a set song and sentiment for
every dance, for the songs are perfectly measured and
sung in exact time with the beat of the drum; and
:always with a uniform set of sounds and expressions,
which plainly indicate certain sentiments, which are
expressed by the voice, though somet;mes not given
in any language whatever. They have other dances
and songs which are not so intricate or rysterious,
. 0 
144
and which are understood by every person in the
tribe, being s-iig in their owi laInguage.
Some of these have much poetry in them, being
perfectly metred, but without rhyme.
It is of the buffalo dance, however, that I propose
to treat in this chapter, and of which I will tiy to give
th  reader as clear an idea as is possible from a mere
description; but no words of mine can enable you to
fill1y realize the strange tuimult, scampering, grunting
and bellowing with which my ears have been so often
assailed.
The buffalo is essentially a wandering creature,
eon,igregatingr at times in huge  herds, and roaming
firom north to socth or from east to west, apparently
withlout any directing impulse, but in reality in searh
of fora,ge.   Although their movement to the sout,ward usualyv takes place at a stated season of the year.,
it varies greatly inl the number who rake part in it.
ienrce it sometimnes happens that the (Camaniches are
unable to procure their necessary supply of meat, and
in some eases, when the migration occurs at a later
period than usual, the Indians find themselves practicallly wvithout food, and disastrous seasons of famine
ensue.  This involves the sending forth of expeditions
in search of the tardy herds.  These hunting parties,
having to pass through the country occupied by other
tribes, are almost certain to be assailed and harassed
by them, and sometimes compelled to return with the
loss of many of their number, and without aceom
a 
145
pishing the object of the expedition.  Hence the Indians are loth to  lmdertake these hun;s, and prefer to
depend upon the means which their superstition leads
them to believe will have the effect of bringing the
buffaloes within their hunting grounds.
This is nothing more than the buffalo dance, and
when the emergency arises, every Indian musters and
brings out his mask (the skin of a buffalo's head, with
the horns on), which he is obliged to keep in readiness for this occasion.  Then commences the buffalo
lance, which is held for the purpose of making
buffalo come," as the Indians term it, or, in other
words, of inducing the buffalo herds to change their
feeding grounds, and direct their coLurse towards the
vast prairies to the eastward of the Camanchle villages,
where the young braves can shoot them down, and the
tribe be enabled to procure an abundant supply o0
food.
During, the greater part of the year the htmters can
find the buffaloes within twenty miles of the village, and
entirely within their own territory; but in some seasons the young men range as far about tle country as
they can safely venture on account of their enemies,
without finding meat.   When  this intelligence is
brought back to the village, the chiefs, medicine men
and counselors sit in solemn council until they Lave
decided upon the most practicable expedient for overcoming the difficulty, and they rarely fail to decide
upon the old and orly expedient, which has never
10
a 
146
failed. The chief issues his orders to the runners or
criers, who quickly proclaim it throughout thic village,
and in a few moments all are assembled to take part 
in the dance, which at once begins. The place where
this strange performance is carried on is the public
area in the center of the village, directly in front of
the tenimple.
Abort ten or fifteen Indians join in the dance at a
time, each with the skin of the buffalo head, with the
horns on, placed on his head, aad armnied with his
lance or bow, with whie-i he is accustomed to kill
thee animals.  I have said that this dance always has
the desired effect of making "buffalo come."  It never
fails, from the simple reason that when it is once beguni
it cannot be stopped, but is kept up incessantly night
and day until the welcome herds are descried by the
watchful lookouts.   Drums are beaten  and rattles
shaken, songs and yells are continually shouted, and
lookers on stand ready, with masks on their heads and
weapons in their hands, to take the place of each
dancer who beeomes fatigued  and falls out of the
ring.
A c]lail of look-outs is established connecting the
hills surrounding the village with those to the eastward, andl the moment buffaloes are discovered by the
distant watchers  they speedily pass the signal froml
one to another until it reaches the village. It is instantly understood by the whole tribe, and the joyful
intelligence is received with shouts of thanks to tlheir
a 
147
srange god and to mystery men and the dancers, who
have been the immediate cause of the successfil result.
During my residence in the Oamanche village, these
dances were sometimes kept up for two or three weeks
without intermission, until the buffaloes made their
appearance.
Hence the buffalo dance can never fail, and the Indians consider it an infallible means of bringing the
herds into their country Every man in the tribe is
obliged to be provided with the mask of the buffalo,
which he can use whenever he is called upon to dance
to make "buffalo come." The mask is put on over the
head, and has a strip of the skin hanging to it of the
whole length of the animal, with the tail attached to
it, which passes down over the back of the wearer and
drags on the ground.
When one of the dancers becomes wearied of the
exerc'se, he indicates it by leaning forward and sinking his body to the ground. One of the lookers-on
then draws a bow upon him and hits hin with a blunt
arrow, and he falls like a buffalo and is immediately
dragged out of the ring by the by-standers, who brandish their knives about him, and, havinggone through
the motions of skinning him and cutting him up, they
release him, and his place is at once supplied by another who dances into the ring with his mask on. By
thus relieving one another the dance is kept up day
and night until they reach the desired end, and make
the "buffalo come."
a 
148
When the signal is given that the buffaloes have
made their appearance, the dance is discontinued at
once, and a scene of great excitement ensues.  The
masks are quickly thrown as'de; the Indians prepare
for the hunt, with marvelous rapidity, and mounting
their horses, gallop wildly downii the valley to pass
the eastern entrance.
In the village, where all had been enduring the ut most privation, with starvation staring themn in the
face. a scene of feasting and carousal would follow.
Each would brin,g out their private stores, and the
provisions that might in an emergency have lasted for
several weeks would be consumed in a dav. Even the
does were not forgotten, but received a liberal share
of the reftise portions of the feast.
The usual games and amusements followed, and
from the deepest gloom and despondenvcy all seemed
to lp)ss at once to the other extreme, and joy and exu,tati,on to reign supreme.
From the distance required to be traversed, the hunting parties would usually not return until the third
day after their departure.  Then came another scene
of feasting, but this thne on a far lalger scale.  The
choicest pieces are sacrificed to appease their mnysteri.ous god, without which ceremony the Indi;.ans believe
that all their future hunts would be unsuccessful.  The
largest portion of the meat is cired and made into tasajo, so that the proceeds of one successfud hunt will often
provide the entire community with food for many weeks.
z
I
a 
*)uU  oluji;DL4,
.1
, I,
, I,,
6 
AL 
149
Wheii I first saw the buffalo dance, I viewed it with
much interest, but when continued for days and weekrl
it becomes excessively wearisome from the perpetual
howling din and Clamor kept up, keeping the village
in a continrual uproar, and usually causing mie to offer
up niost ibfervent prayers that the buffalo would"  come,''
if it was only to be relieved from the noise and confusion wlich are occasioned by this curious ceremony.
Unlike the northern Indians, the Camanches resort
to the butflalo dance only on rare occasions, but when
they do undertake it, their persistence is admirable;
and for this reason, the other tribes have a saying, or
sort of proverb, that when the Camanches dance for
"buffalo" it is a good moon to lihmt, but a bad moon
on the war-path.  Their meaning probably is, that the
buffalo are sure  to " come," when the  Camanlches
dance for theim, but that the Camanches aie equally
sure to "go  for" any other tribe who encroach upon
their hunting grounds at such tiries.
Sucih is the buffalo dance; one of the most curious
of the ianaiy strange customis of the prairie Indianus.
0 
CHAPTER XVIII.
A STRGE HISTORY.
~NE of the most noted warriors of Tonsaroyoo's
band was a puire blooded Mexican. A man of
medium size, but athletic and well-proportioned,
and not more than thirty years of age; he was
distinguished even among these savages for his cruelty,
nay, even ferocity of disposition, and lust for bloodshed.
His position in the tribe was that of a sub-chief, and
he had attached to himse~lf a chosen body of about
sixty warriors, all men of bad Standing and little
character in the tribe, but all noted as desperate
fighters.
With this party "H issode-cha" (the Spanish Serpent), might be said to be on a perpetual war-patlh,
for he was never contented to remain idly in the village
for any length of time, but was continually instituting
private forays in all directions. In these operations
he was in no wise particular as to the objects of his
attacks. Plunder and slaughter being apparently his
only motive, he would attack any party he met with
that was not too numerous, and in this way had severa
40 
151
times embroiled the Camanches in war with friendly
tribes, despite the stern reproofs he received from
Tonsaroyoo for his lawless conduct; his uniform good
fortune in these enterprises, however, had thus far
prevented him from falling into entire disrepute with
the leaders of the tribe.
"Success covers a multitude of sins;" says the proverb, and so it procved' in his case.
Notwithstanding his evil nature, I was for various
reasons strongly attracted towards this man.  Chief
among these was the fact that be spoke English-not
very fluently, it is trne, but sufficiently to be able to
carry on a conversation without much difficulty.
Then, from the time of my first entry into the village
he had treated me with uniform kindness; why this
was so I know not, but the fact remains that he did
so, and it was by his assistance that I was enabled to
perfect myself in the Indian language, and also to
gain some -knowledge of Spanish, which afterwards
did me good service.  Much of my spare time, when
he was not absent with his band, I spent in his company, and in our talks I had gained considerable
knowledge of his past history. What I had heard,
however, only made me more curious to hear the
whole, and one evening I importuned him to give me
somne account of his past life.  After some hesitation
he consented, and filling our pipes, we reclined upon
a buffalo robe before the entrance to his lodge, while
he told me his story.
a 
152
TIHE RENEGADE'S HISTORY.
"My real name is Pedro Vargas —er'i! it sounds
strange enough in my ears now, for it is many yealrs
since I have heard it uttered.
I was born on the banks of the Del Norte, where
mny father was a vaquero on the estate on Don Ramon
d'Echeverra.  I remembei  but little of my childhood,
except that iy iife was a hard and unhappy one, for
I was one of eleven children, and we were miserably
poor.  When  I reached mny eighth year, I was considered old enough to assist miy fatIher in his daily duties- under his tuition, I was able in a few months to
ride like a Camanche, t:o fling the lazo with unerring
aim, and to perform vwth credit most of the drudgery
which fell to my share.  In this manner the tinme
passed until I was about elevenr years of age, whein the
events occurred which separated me from home and
friends, and indirectly made me what I am-thle b)oldest wa:rior  of the Hietans    "Hissoo-de-cha," the
reneg,ade, the terror of the frontier.
"The estate of Don Rarnon was situated so far down
the river as to be out of the track of the Indian raiding pati es, and for a generation the red-skinned wariors hiad never troubled tiitt regioli.  But  in the
autumn of the vear of wich I speakl, a large party ot
Camanches lhad entered Chihuatua, and penetrating
almost to the very center of the province, had there
met with a severe reverse, and were compelled to
4D 
153
retreat without plunder, scalps or  captives.   Not
daring to return to their village empty-handed, for, as
you know, the very squa,ws would have hooted them,
they recrossed the Grande above San Vicente, made a
wide detour, and coming down  the  Pecos, again
entered Mexican territory, and made a flying rqid
upon the river towns.
"From its remoteness fromnt the usual scene of these
Indian forays, the inhabitants of this region were
resting in fancied security, and had made no preparations to resist such an attack.  As a naturql consequence, they fell an easy prey to the savage invaders.
"The rancheria of Don Ramon was one of the first
attacked, and the proud old Don and h-s three eons,
with most of their rancheros and vanqueros, were
surprised and sla,ughltered.  Of my own family, nmy
sister Conchita, a girl of sixteen, and mvself, alone
escaped death; and we, with many other captives,
were hurried off in charge of a small detachment of
Camanclies.  01 the journey to this village I need not
tell yoi. as you have, perhaps, passed through a similar experience.
"On our arrival here, my sister soon became the wife
of a chief, and to this circiunstance I was indebted for
much better treatment than usually falls to the lot of
a captive.  And here let me tell you that your own
escape from torture and death was little less than
mirculaous. In my long experience with the tribe, I
have never known of a similar incident.  But Wako
a 
154
metkla is a very singuar man, and so greatly is w
reverenced by his nation, that he can do many things
which Tonsarovoo himself would hesitate to under take.
"Caramibo, but this story-telling is dry work.  Se
if there be not a flask of mezcal within the lodge.
Caval-you have found it?  So-that is better;" an4
my strange compallion, having swallowed a copious
draft of the fiery liqutid, resumed his narrative:
"The first two years of my captivity were companatively without incident, but at the beginning of tjie
third year I was formally adopted into the tribe.  As
you yourself have gone through the ceremony, it ia
unnecessary to describe it, but as the circumstances in
my case were somewhat different from youlrs, I found
myself on an equality with such of the young brave
as had never been on the war-path.
"A few months later I joined a war party led by one
of the subordinate chiefs, and during the expedition I
was fortunate enough to take two scalps. This at
once constituted me a warrior, and, liking the excitement and adventurous  life, I soon became  noted
among the young men of the tribe. I joined every
war  party, and, being  singularly  fortunate,  Qoon
gained distinction as well as scalps and plunder. By
the time I was twenty years of age, I was admitted to
be one of the first warriors of the nation, and had
attracted to myself a number of the more reckles
spirits, who would follow anywhere that I would lead.
a
14 
155s
" I had long been desirous of taking the command of
a war party, thinking thereby to gain notoriety, and
if fortunate enough to be unusually successful, I might
thlereafter be entrusted with the leadership of expeditions of more importance.
"I had frequently importuned Tonsaroyoo, then as
now the head chief of the nation, to allow me to
wndertake such an enterprise, but up to this time he
kad persistently refused to do so.
" Finding that I could not obtain his permission, I
determined to do without it, and secretly assembled
those warriors on whose fidelity and silence I could
rely. I made known to them my plans, and succeeded in'inducing about thirty braves to take part in the
rh undertaking.
"Leaving the village under the pretense of hunting,
we crossed the "Llano Estacado," to the head waters
of the Pecos; and descend;ig that stream nearly to
its mouth, diverged to the west and crossed the Rio
Grande. We traveled by night and remained conoealed during the day, and by the exercise of the utmost cautioi, succeeded in evading the Lipans and
Oayguas, through whose terrTitory we had to pass. I
had laid all my plans before leaving the vilage, and
was quite confident that the raid would be a success
ful one.   It was my intention to attack culy the
haciendas, and if possible to effect my object by surprise, for I knew that if I could return without the
low of a man, with a few scalps and a moderate 
156
amount of plunder, i would receive far more praise
than if I had brought back twice as much booty, but
with the loss of one or more warriors.
"After crossing the river, the first hacienda within
reach was that which had been my former home.  It
had passed into'the possession of Don Rafael d'LEcheverra, the brother of Don RIam.onr, and presented much
the san-le appearance as in former times. Unfortunately for the success of my project, there was present at the hacienda a small party of American  trap
pers, who had for some reason strayed into this region.
These men had known Don  PRafael, at Santa  Fe,
where he had at one  timie resided, and they hi
accordingly been omade welcoLue at the hacienda.
"Two  of their numuber, while out on a hunt at a few
miles distance, hlad crossed o0UR trail, for I bh(d led mv
party as near to the haciencda as I dared; and, having
concealed ourselves in a dense chaparral, we were
waiting for night, it being nmy intention to attack in
the darkness, wlhen  he smallness of my  force could
not be easily discovered.  Scenting danger at once,
the hunters returned by a cclitous route to the hbacienda, and warned its occupants. As a natural consequence, when we made  our assault some  hours
later, they were faily prepared for us, and instead of
surprising them  we  were ourselves surprised and
greeted with a withering volley from the rifles of the
trappers. At the first fire I received a severe wouni
and fell from my horse with a broken leg.  Panic
a 
157
striceken at the fall of their leader, and demoralized by
the unexpected reception they had met with, my  fol lowvers qi'ekly retreated in confusion, and I was left
wounded and a prisoner in the halds of the men  I
had sough-t to destroy.
"Upon discovering that I was a white man, so great
was the indignation of the Americans, that I slould
hlave been put to death on tLe spot but for the intercession of Don R!-fael.  Finding that I was a native
Miexican his symnpathy was excited, and at his entreaty
umy life was spared, and the Don's own surgeon attended to my w-ounds.  It was nearly two months before I had sullfficiently recovered to bc able to go about,
and by that timie every one on the estate kneiw n
hictor-, or rather that version of it which I saw fit to
give them. I had represented to Don Rafael that I
had been  compelled to  accompany  the wvar  party
against my  will, and concealed the fact that I hadi
been the leader of the band. Afy story was easilv
credited becalase of my youth, and I was treated with
great kindness.  In another monthl I had entirely regained my health, and Don Rafael proposed to rei to
enter his employ as a vaquero   To thls I assented, although,l I had fully determined to return to my tribe
:t, the first opportunity.  But I had first several objects to accomplish, and I was therefore compelled to
biide iy time, and wait for a favorable occasion.
"Accordingly I joined the vaqueros of the raneheria,
and for two months performed my duties to the etireii
0 
158
satisfaction of my master.  My object in thus remaining, when I might have made my escape at any time
withouit difficalty, was twofold.  In the first piace I
knew that it would not do for me to return to the
Indian village empty-handed.  My ill-conisidered and
unauthorized foray having, resulted in defeat and dis
aster, I coild not expecti a very cordial reception on
my return, unless I performed sonme very daring feat
in making my escape, or retmrned with a more tlan
ordinary share of booty.  The last I could not hope
to accomplish, but the former was quite possible.
"sy second designI was of an entirely diferent natli-e, and its successful accomplishment promised to be a
very difficult matter.
"Don Rafael's immediate family consisted of a wife
ania daughter, the latter a girl of fifteen, and o;ne of
the most rarely beautiful wonmen it has ever been my
fortlune to behold. Her I had resolved to possess, and it
was this reason more than any othler which impelled ame
to the execution of the bloody deed I am about to relate.
s Guadalitpe, as she was called, evidently viewed me
with marked disfavor, but this only intensi-qed the
passion I felt for her.  I was consuumed with desire,
and determined that no obstacles should prevent me
from accomplishing my purpose.
"It was not long before the opportumfy I sought
presented itself, and the events took place which rendered me doubly an ouctcast from those of my race and
cxAor.
a 
CHAPTB"R XiX.
A STRANGE HISTORY CONTINUED.
E hacienda of Don Rafael was a stone building,
or rather a collection of buildings, forming a
square.  Like nearl1  all Mexican dwellings it
was but one story in height, but covered a large
extent of ground.  It was flat roofed, with a pararet,
breast high, running around the edge.  There were
few external windows, and these were mere slits in the
wall, guarded by heavy iron )ars and massive wooden
shutters. The interior of the square formed a large
court-yard, entrance to which was gained by two archways, one at each extremity. These were closed by
great jail-like doors. —in fact, the whole structure had
some resemblance to a fortress, a style of architecture
peculiar to this region, and rendered necessary for
security against the annual  raids of  the Indian
warriors.
"On entering thelpatio or cou.yard,.you saw the
real fiont of the house.  Here the window  had glazed
sashes reaching to the ground, and opening on curtained
verandahs. The surface of the patio was paved with
I
0
0 
160
brick, and in the center stood a fountain, surrounded
by orange trees.
"Since the attack which had resulted in my becoming an inmate of the hacienda, more care had been
taken to guard against future attempts of a like
nature. The great gates were closed at sundown, and
somettempt was made at keeping a regular watch or
guard during the night.  At first the sentinels were
tolerably vigilant, but the lazy rancheros soon wearied
of their unaccustomed duties, and before long the
detail of a guard was omitted, and affairs subsided into
their accustomed quiet.
"The American trappers had departed, and all seeming favorable for the accomplishment of my plan, I
was not long in putting it into execution. I had
taken pains to become familiar with the internal
arrangements of the mansion, and knew exactly where
the different members of the household slept. Selecting a night when thbre was no moon, I picked out
two of the fleetest mustangs from the corral, and secured them, fully prepared for flight, among a clump
of trees at a short distance from the hacienda.
"During my residence among the Camanches, I had
become familiar with a certain herb possessing strong
narcotic properties. This I had searched for and
found without difficulty, and with it I had managed
to drug a portion of the food prepared for the evening
meal, so that at a comparatively early hour, the entire
household was wrapped in profound slumber. My
a
0 
161
preparations were all completed, and when I deemed
that the proper hour had arrived, I descended from
the azotea, where I had been lying in wait; and nois
lessly entered the apartments of the family. Reach ing that occupied by Don Rafael, I sought his bedside,
and p)lacing one hand over his mouth, I stabbed him
to the heart, and he died with scarcely a stl-uggle.
Quickly transferring his scalp to my belt, I proceeded
with my bloody work, passing from room to room,
until eight victims had perished beneath my blows,
and eight bleeding scalps garnished my waist.
"Knowing that I had but little time to spare, I
now prepared for flight.   Hastily collecting such
articles of use or ornament as would be likely to seem
of great value in the eyes of the Indians, and such as
I could easily carry, I made them into a pack of small
compass, and returning to the zotea, I lowered them
to the ground with a lariat, which I had previously
placed there. I then sought the apartment of Guadalupe.  Entering it without noise, I beheld her, by the
dim light of a night lamp, reclining upon her couch,
buried in profound sleep. I quickly bound her hands
and feet, and gagged her in the Indian fashion, with
a pear-shaped piece of wood secured by a strip of
leather. I then raised her to my shoulder, and bore
her to the roof, and by the aid of the lariat, which I
had secured to the parapet, I easily descended with
her to the plain below. A few seconds rapid walking
enabled me to gain the horses, and a few minute
l1
I
0
0 
later I had fastened her to the saddle, and we were
riding at full speed to the northwest. Knowing the
route well, I lost no time, and at daybreak had nearly
reached the point at which I intended to cross'the Rio
Grande.
"Day was just breaking when I rode through a belt
of chaparral, and emerging upon the prairie beyond it,
came suddenly upon a horseman, whom I at once
recognized as one of the Mexican hunters attached to
the hacienda d'Echeverra. Before he could recover
from his astonishmnent at our unexpected meeting, I
had literally ridden him down, and brained him with
a single blow of my,steel mace, one of the weapons
whiclh I had taken from Don Rafael's armory, and the
same one you have frequently seen me carry. Adding his scalp to those I had already taken, and rfi-ing,
his person of whatever of value he possessed, I resumed
my flight, and traveling steadily all day, found myself
by nightfall practically beyond pursuit.
"My fair captive had long since recovered consciousness, and I had removed the gag from her
mouth.  I will. spare you a recital of her pr,ayers and
entreaties when she realized her position. Suffice it
to say that, after a perilous and wearisome journe.,, I
reached this village in safety with my prize, and was
greeted as one returned from the dead; for tlie survivors of my party had brought back the news of my
fall, and I had been mourned by my wives and my
poor sister as dead.  Now all was rejoicing; a feast
O
162 
163
was made, the scalp dance was 2erformed, aand I
found that by my bold exploit I hlad fully recovered
my standing among the warriors of the tribe.
"c Guadalupe was added to the number of my wives,
and until her death three years later, remained my
favorite.  About a year after my return my  sister
sickened and died, during my absence with a war
party, thus leaving me without ties, save such as I had
made for myself in my tribe.
"I was now completely Indianized, and began a series
of expeditions which resulted so successfully as to cause
my advancement to the position of a sub-chief, and to my
being frequently entrusted with important enterprises.
In fact, the more desperate an undertaking, the more
certainly would I be called upon to achieve it. To
this state of affairs I made no objection, for I coveted
the sort of distinctionf or notoriety it gave nme, and as
I rarely failed of success, I steadily gained in prestige
and influence.  But I have never been able to attain
a seat in the council, or to reach any higher rank than
that I now hold. This I attributed to the influence
of Tonsaroyoo and Wakometkla, both of whom
regald me with ill-concealed dislike, although they
are compelled to acknowledge me as one of the best
warriors of their nation.
"I have led my chosen band in myany a daring adventure, and have never returned without some trophy
of my prowess. Among the many scenes of this nature through which I have passed, I will recount the
N
a
0 
164
tollowing, which will prove to you that in what I have
said of myself I have made no idle boast.
"On one occasion Stonhawon, the second chief, went
with about two hundred warriors into the Utah country, with a view of replenishing our stock of horses,
as we had lost a large number through the polite attentions of the Utahs and Arapahoes.  is party was
gone some fifteen days, and returned with only eight
horses, and with the loss of five men. This was considered a terrible disgrace, and many of the young
warriors begged me to lead them, and by a successful
raid remove the shame they felt at the defeat of Stonhawon's party.
"Selecting barely fifty men, but those the most daring braves of the tribe, I left the valley by the eastern
entrance, and crossing the desert, struck southward
into the Lipan coiuntry. With this tribe we were at
the time at peace, but I cared little for that, and the
warriors of my party were equally unscrupulous. I
sent forward a dozen spies, and moved forward cautiously with the main body.   My  reputation was
committed to my present success, and I took more
than ordinary pains to sustain it. Every man of rmy
band was well armed and mounted, and I had fulf confidence in our ability to overcome double our number.
One of the spies now returned and informed me that
they had discovered a Lipan village of seventeen lodges,
situated on the banks of a small stream. I directed
them to return and watch them closely, and to apprise
0 
165
me of any movement they might make. The spy
went back, but soon returned and informed me that
they had moved down the creek, which was a tributary of the Pecos, had passed through a small caflon,
and were encamped near its mouth. I ordered him
to send in all the spies except three, and direct these
to keep a sharp look-out.
"I then determined to follow them down the cafion,
and attack them at its mouth, thus cutting off all
chance of their retreating into the cafon; but a spy
now brought me word that they had moved further
down and encamped on the edge of the timber, with
the evident intention of remaining there.   I then
made a wide circuit, and crossed the ridge lower down
with the largest division of my party but left about
twenty warriors ambushed in the caflon.
"From the summit of the hill I had an excellent
view of the enemy's position, and my plans were
quickly formed and executed with almost equal rapidity'.
Under cover of the timber I led my party until we
gained the rear of the encampment. Then spreading
out widely, we advanced to the edge of the timber,
and shouting our savage war-whoop, rushed upon the
Lipans. They were so completely surprised that we
were among the lodges before they could make
scarcely a semblance of defense, and many of them
were cut down as they emerged from the lodges.
"Those who escaped the first attack retreated towards the cafion, but on attempting to enter it were met
0
t
a 
166
by ily detached party and repulsed with considerable
loss.  They then retreated to the west and gained the
shelter of the woods, while we hastily collected our
plunder and prisoners and retraced ouir steps towards
our village, our spoils consisting of thirty-nine scalps,
forty-eight captives, women and children, and over
two hundred horses; and this notable victory was
gained without the loss of a warrior, although we had
twenty-three wounded.
"The Lipans gathered reinforcements from other
bands, and followed our trail, but did not succeed in
overtaking us before we reached our village; and here
we are too strong to be attacked.  Great was the rejoicing upon our return;  the sealp-dance was performed, feasts prepared in our honor, and I found
myself looked upon as a greater brave than ever.
"This expedition was but the prelude to a series of
similar ones, and as iny luck did not desert me, I soon
found that more than half the tribe were anxious tg
accompany the war parties which I led. It suited me
better, however, to operate with comparatively smal
parties, say of fifty or sixty men, and to t,,ke only
those who would render unquestioning obedience to
my authority. For this reason I selected men of hlo
great prominence in the tribe, but whom I knew to be
good fighters, to accompany me on these expeditions,
so the victories we achieved might redound mainly to
my credit.
"One day I started out to hunt, accompanied by
0
0 
167
only five young warriors.  After five days jo,i1ey,
during which we found no game, we ascended a slight
eminence, and saw before us a large prairie.  At some
distance out a party of about thirty Indians were engaged in killing buffaloes. We could also see their
village at about four miles distance. Hlere was an opportinity not to be lost.  We  passed along behind
the crest of the hill until we had gained a position between them and their village, and then passed through
a gully and concealed ourselves in the path they must
necessarily take. We were able to discover by their
costume that they were Pawnee Ficts, a tribe with
whom we were generally at peace, but I considered
that fact of no importance.
The unsuspecting hunters, having finished butch.ering and dressing the buffaloes they had killed, began
to approach us in straggling parties of four or five,
their horses loaded with meat which they were bearing to the village. When the first of them came abreast
of us, I made a signal, and five of them fell before our
arrows.  As the next party came up we brought down
three more, and then-rushed from our hiding place,
and  some began scalping the dead, while the remainder were cutting the lashings of the meat in order to secure the horses. Having taken eight scalps,
we sprang upon the horses we had freed from the
packs, and retreated precipitately, fearing to be overpowered by numbers.  We made direct for the timber, and having secreted our horses, took refuge in a
.
0 
168
rocky place in the mountain, where we felt protected
tbr a while from their attacks. To attack us in front
they had to advance right in the face of our fire,
while to reach our rear they had to take a circuituous
route of several miles around the base of the mountain.
"The enemy had now gathered in force, and displayed the utmost bravery, for they made repeated assaults nearly ap to the position that sheltered us.
Their arrows showered around us without injury, but
we could bring one man down at each shot. To scalp
them, however, was impossible. One of the enemy,
who seemed to be a great brave, charged right into
our midst and inflicted a severe wound on one of my
party. Before he could retire, Icut him down with
one stroke of my battle-axe and added hit scalp to
those we had already taken.  By this time the enemy
had nearly surrolmded us, which led me to believe
that retreat would be our safest course; so when
night came we evacuated our fortress unperceived by
our enemies.
"They, deeming our escape impossible, were quietly
resting, intending to attack us with their whole force
in the morning, and take our scalps at all hazards.
Moving with the stealth of the cougar, we proceeded
along the summit of a rocky cliff until we came to a
ravine, through which we descended to the plain below, which was here covered with aheavy growth oftimber. We reached the spot where we had concealed
O
0 
169
our horses without difficulty, anad made the best of our
way home. In order to avoid hostile war parties we
were obliged to take a roundabout course, and it was
not until the eighteenth day after our departure that
we reached the village. The tribe had given us over
for lost, but when they saw us returning with nine
scalps and with but one of our party hurt, their grief
gave way to admiration, and we were greeted with
shouts of applause.
"The years I have spent among the Camanches are
filled with such exploits as these, but their recital
would weary you, and I will not further prolong my
story." 
As the renegade finished his narrative, we sat and
smoked for some time in silence.  Then a sudden
thought struck me and I said to hlim:
"Hlisso-de-cha, I have often thought that I should
like to go on the warpath.  Why can you not take
me with you when you next go forth with a war
party?"
"That I would willingly do," he replied, "but it
would never be permitted; or at all events, I never
could gain Wakometkla's consent to such a thing;
but perhaps you can nduce Stonhawon to let you accompany him, and I think he could manage it. iHe
is now preparing to go on an expedition of some sort,
as lie is anxious to surpass my recent success against
the Arapahoes. ]Dnt come, it is time we were asleep,
and if you are not tired of listening to me, I am de
0
0 
170
cidedly tired of talking;so permit me to bid you a
beno noke;" and so saying, the renegade arose and
retired to his lodge. I was not long in following his
example, but sleep did not close my eyelids until
nearly dawn.
Reflecting upon the strange story of my still
stranger companion, and seeing in imagination the
many-bloody scenes through which he had passed, my
mind gradually turned to the subject which had so
long lain dormant-the hope of escape from my hated
bondage.   At last there seemed a chance that my intense longing for freedom might be gratified; and I
determhied to spare n  effort towards inducing Stonhawon to cousent to my forming one of his war party.
Hastily formed plans and wild schemes of all descriptions chased one another through my brain, and it
was nearly morning before I fell into a troubled
sleep, haunted even in my chdreams by visions of blood
and slaughter.
0 
CHAPTER XX.
THE BUFFALO HUNT.
HE season was now apprQaching when the Luffalo
might be expected in great numbers on theplaina
to the east of us, and all the warriors were mak     ing the most extensive preparations for their
grand buffalo hunt. They had commenced the ceremonies by song and dance, as related in another chapter
and now, all that was necessary for their happiness,
ws the actual appearance of the bison.  Young men
left the camp daily, and scoured the,plains, in order to
get. the first news of the herd; while others stationed
themselves on high cliffs, and patiently waited the
advent of the animal which wag to supply them with
food.  A signal had been agreed upon, by which the
Yilage would be made aware of their presence as soon
as the buffaloes were in sight.  Meantime every Indian was busy, perfecting his arrangements for the
chase. Lances were re-pointed, arrows headed, and
bows strengthened.  Most of the time, however, was
employed in training the ponies, and the plain, in front
of the village, presented a very animated appearance
as the horsemen were seen dashing along at top-speed,
tt) i
0
a 
1Y2
throwing the lasso, or rushing headlong up to another
warrior, who personated a buffalo, /go through the
rwotions of killing him.
These scenes fired me with a desire to see a buffalo
humt myself. 1 had reason to believe that the Indians
trusted me sufficiently to permit of my accompanying
them on the proposed expedition; but then I was
totally inexperienced in the management of their
weapons, on horseback, never having had-occasion to
use them when mounted. However, I detenrined to
try, and going to Wakomnetkla, I made known  my
wishes. Hie concurred quite heartily in my request,
and even went so far as to offer me his own lance and
spear.
My determination to accompany the party was soon
bruited. throughout the village, and  many were the
offers of advice, ponies, and implements of the chase,
that were pressed upon my acceptance. After some
hesitation, I selected a pony that pleased me, and arm ing myself with bow and arrows, sallied forth upon
the plain, to put into practice the hints that had been
imp)arted to me in regard to hunting the bison. At
first it was up-lill work; and my frantic endeavors to
slide on the side of my pony and discharge an arrow
from iunder his neck, caused my instructors no small
merriment.  after a severe fall - and I had many.
such-I would be aeisted to my  horse's back, and
recommended to try it again, with as much coolness as
if I had merely fallen from a chair.
'InZR/    
.o w. 
5~             __
~ ~
The Buffalo Hutit.
4 
4t 
173
Notwithstanding the many times I camne to grief,
in trying to wield bow and arrow, or lance, effectively,
I kept persistently at it, and in a week's time I had
become a somewhat expert horseman, and could shloot
an arrow with tolerable accuracy. I now wished that
buffaloes would he signaled as approaching, quite as
ardently as did the warriors; but in the meantime, I
persevered in my practice. One day it occurred to me
that I should like to learn to throw a lasso, and procuring one, I coiled it, mounted, and went in search
of some object on which to practice.
By some mutability of fortune a donkey had strayed
into our midst, and had remained with the tribe for
many years. No one used him, but all considered it
their privilege to tease the poor brute.  He b)ore it
calinly and with that fortitude which is a distinguishing trait of his species.  Deeming him  a very fair
subllstitute for a buffalo, I gave my pony a sharp cut
with the whip, and dropping the rein upon his neck,
prepared to throw my lasso. My'imaginary buffalo
seemed to suspect that all was not riglht, and acting on
his suspicions galloped away, not giving my intentions
the benefit of the doubt. It was of no avail, however, for, urging my pony to increased speed, I was
soon within range, and twirling the lasso around my
head a few times, I launched it, directing its course, as
nearly as my poor skill would permit, towards the
donkey's head. It would certainly never have touched
him  had he pursued the direction illnwhich he was
0 
174
then running. But his evil genius prompted hi-n to
turn, and, shaping his course so as to bisect mine at
right angles, he raised his head, and, giving vent to
one of those musical neighs (?) for which the animal
is somewhat famous, rished on in his mad career.
Poor brute I the noose hovered over hifn a moment,
like some bird of prey about to swoop down on its
quarry, and then settled over his head and shoulders.
My horse knew more about the use of this peculiar
instrument than I did, for no sooner had the lasso
passed over the head of the donkey than he planted
his fore feet frmrnly on the groulnd, and braced his
body to receive the shock. BPefore I was aware of
anything, I felt a shali jerk,at mny wrist, and the next
moment I was sailing over my pony's head, anid going
in the direction of the donkey at a mnore rapid rate
than was agreeable.  I soon struck terra fjrma, but
with such force that the concussion caused me to see
more stars than I thought the heavens were capable
of containing.  To add to my embarrassment, the rope
lead become fastened to my wrist, and in such a mnanner that I could not free myself.  The donkey, recoverinig from the effect of the shock, started of at headlong speed, dragging my unresisting body after him.
How long this novel journey would have continued I
have no mneans of knowing had I not fortunately been
rescued by a passing Indian.  After an examination,
I found that with the exception of torn clothing and
a few scratcr.es, I had come out of this adventure
a 
175
safely; but I never more had any desire to run amuck
with donkeys.
The Indian then explained the manner in which the
lasso was thrown, and under his tuition I became
somewhat of an adept in this novel art.
The following morning, the signal from the look-out
announced that the herd were in sight. Then there
was hurrying to and fro, and mounting in hot hAste.
Indians were seen rushing frantically in every d(irection, whilst the greatest hilarity prevailed among the
squaws. Horses were driven into the corrals and qulicklv
i)ridled, whilst those who were to participate in the
luint were busy divesting themselves of all superfluous clotling.  Some armed themselves with a bow
and a few arrows, while some depenlded on their lances
only.  The party had by this time assembled in front
of the lodge where Tonsaroyoo was standing giving
the final instructions to the band.  These were very
brief, and as soon as he had finished speaking, everything being in readiness, we mounted our horses, and
wer-e off like a whirlwind.
Passing up the valley, we climbed the cliff and defiling around the narrow ledge of rock that guards
tiis entrance to the village soon deployed upon the
pra.irie.  As we swept along over the plain on this
glorious morning, my spirits rose, the blood coursed
through my veins in rapid pulsations, and I felt as if
I could have destroyed a herd of buffaloes single
handed.
a 
176
In these latitudes such is the purity of the air that
one seems to be taking in at every breath the veritable
elixir of life. Your spirits are buoyant, and ll nature
seems to be smiling and gay.  As we journeyed we
overtook the scouts, who were returning to apprise us
of the exact location of the buffaloes.  After making
their report, they would wheel into line and sweep
on with the main party.
We had proceeded about twenty miles, when we
reached a level stretch of prairie, and directly in front
of us, at a distance of perhaps two mniles was the herd
q-letly grazing, all unsuspecting of the danger that
mnenaced them. It was not a very large drove, and
they kept quite close together.  It was the season
when the buffaloes wandered off from the main herd
in small bands, and the prairies were dotted for miles
with these black clumps, like great dark splashes on a
ecrpet of emerald.
The plan of attack was decided upon in council,
and the band disposed of in a manner that would insure the comnplete and speedy extermination of our
gamine.  We were about to make a "surround."  The
warriors were divided into two columns, and taking
opposite directions, diew themselves gradually around
the herd at a distance of about a mile from them. We
continued to deploy in this manner  until a complete
circle was foamcd, and then, at a given signal, we
closed in upon the buffoloes, keeping our impatient
steeds at a moderate pace.
a 
177
The herd soon got the wind of the advancing
enemy, and fled in a body in the greatest confusion.
To the point where the buffaloes were aimling to cross
our line, the horsemen were gathering, and forming
in column, brandishing their weapons and yelling in
the most frightful manner, by which means they
turned the surging mass. Seeing themselves baffled
at this point, they would rush off in an opposite
direction, when they would again be met by a formidable column and  again repulsed  in utter confusion.
By this time we had closed in from all directions,
forming a continuous line that circled the throng like
the deadly coils of the cobra. The buffaloes had become completely demoralized, and were eddying
about in a crowded and confused mass, hooking and
climbing upon each other.  Now was the time for
the onslaught. Tonsaroyoo, by whose side I was riding, placed the whistle to his lips and gave the signal.
Then followed a scene of wild confusion. The
horsemen dashed upon the bewildered buffaloes with
the rapidity of thought almost, using their lances and
arrows with murderous effect. In the turmoil a cloud
of dust was raised which in part obscured those of the
band who did not immediately surround me. The excitement was intense, and soon all became one immense blur, in which hunters and buffaloes were indiscriminately mixed. I could see the Indians galloping their horses around the animals and driving the
12
a 
whlizzig arrow s or long lances to the heartF of their
quarry. 
<Iy own pony had penetrated deep into the herd,
and with a sagacity that a long experience alone could
develop, was laying his course straight for an enor mous bull that was flanking the herd.  Had my taste
been consulted, I should certainly have declined to
try conclusions with such an ugly customer, but there
was no avoiding the encounter, and, selecting an
arrow, I drew my bow andl waited a favorable oppor tunity to send it ti'ollgh the bison.
On sped the pony, and in a few moments I was
brushling te fitank of the buffalo.  At a glance I saw
that he had been wounded and was tearing along,
blind with rage.  I let flvy rv arrow, which pierced
his neck; its effect was only to increase hiis fury, and,
wheeling round, he rushed on ine with savage desperation.  Never  an I forget the sight as he bore down
uipo-n uis.  Infuriated with the wounds already received, his shaggy inane partly concealing his bloodshot
eyes, and bellowing fiercely, he poised his head for a
final charge.  My horse tr-ed to escaple the onslaught,
buit we had penetrated into the main body, and our
actions were impeded by the other buffaloes.
I concluded our destruction was inevitable, but, as
a last resort, I had determined to leap to the ground
a.nd trust to luck to lead me out of this dilemma.
As I was preparing to dismount, a lance lying upon
the ground caught my sigoht, and I instantly changed
17S
a 
179
my resolution. If I could secure the weapon al1
might yet be well.  I determined to make the effort
at all hazards, and throwing my arm into the sling
that depended from the neck of my  horse, I swung
lightly from his back, and hanging by my arm and
foot, made ready to grasp the lance with my disengaged arm. As we swept along I succeeded in securing it, and reseating myself, prepared to drive it deep
into the side of the enraged bull. I had scarcely time
to poise the instrument when the buffalo charged
down on tus like a whirlwind.  Bracing myself as best
I mi,ght, I pulled violently on the reins and threw my
steed to one side, just in time to prevent his being
gored to death, at the same time lunging out savagely
at the animal.  The shock was terrifice, and I went
whirling from my horse's back some twenty feet on
the prairie.  I was not so violently stunned but that
I was quite conscious of the danger I was in of being
trampled to death by the hoofs of the demnoralized
herd, and, gathered myself up i i time to grasp the
trailing lasso that was fastened to my pony, I was
drag(ged far out on the prairie.  Bactiy briised, nay
skin lacerated and in places bleeding profusely, I felt
in no condition to take an active part in the hunt; in
fact, my uniiqae experience was, I thought, sufficient
to last me a lifetime.
Riding at some distance from the mee, I had an
excellent opport, nity to watch the progress of the
hunt.  The slaughiter continued with unabated fury.
a 
180
The plain was covered with dead and dying buffalces.
Horses could be seen galloping over the prairie rider  less, while their dismounted masters were flying for
their lives before the infuriated animals.
Sometimes the serried ranks would open, and the
blinded horsemen, so intent upon their prey, amidst
the cloud of dust, were wedged and hemmed in
among the crowding beasts, over whose backs they
were obliged to leap for security, leaving their horses
to thie fate that might await them in the results of this
wild and desperate war. Many were the bulls that
turned upon their assailants and met them with des perate resistance, and many were the warriors who
were dismounted and saved themselves by their supe rior running abilities.  Some who were closely pur sued by the bulls, would wheel suddenly around, and
snatching the part of buffalo lobe fromi their waists,
throw it over the horns and eyes of the maddened
animal, and darting to one side, drive an anrow or
lance to its heart.  Others dashed upon the prairies
by the side of the affrightc(l beasts which iiad escaped
from the throng, and closely e,cortinig theml for a few
rods, bring down their heai'ts' blood in streams, and
their huge carcasses upon the enameled turf.
In this why the whole herd was quickly annihilated.
The war lasted perhaps thirty minutes, and reslitedc
in the total destruction of the herd, which, wich all
their strength and fuiry, were doomed, like every beast,;
to fall before the destroying hands of mighty man. 
a 
181
I had sat trembilg on my horse, and witnessed this
extraordinary scene. Although I was not enabled
to accurately estimate the nunmber killed, yet I am
sure several hundred  buffaloes fell in this grand
onslaught.
Atfter the battle the scene was curious in the extreme.  The hunters were moving about amongst the
dead and dying animnals, leading their horses by their
halters, and claiming their slain by the private marks
upon their arrows, which they were drawing froma the
wounds in the anlilmals' sides. A few buffaloes had
the good fortune to escape, but, after wandering ofi
on the prairie for some distance, they would stop,
stand a while, looking around as if in bewilderment,
then t.urning,'as if bent on their own destruction,
return to the herd, and mingling with the dead
and dying, swell the slaughtered throng with their
numbers.
When all was finished, and the arrows had been
claimed, a general council was held, the lidians seated
in a circle on the ground. The pipe was passed
around, each taking, a few whiffs.
It was decided to wait until the women and extra
horses had arrived from the village, a messenger having been despatched to announce our success, and
ordering the squaws to repair to the scene and carry
the meat back to the encampment. We had not long
to wait for the arrival of the women They came in
a gang, making the air resound with their yells of
0 
182
rejoicilg. As soon as they came up they were greeted
with disdainful silence by the assembled warriors, and
Tonsaroyoo having issued a few directions, they fell
to, and were soon deep in the mysteries of skiningi
and butchering the slain buffaloes. As soon as a carcass had been cut up, it was placed in a covering of
the hide, and placed upon the pony's back waiting
to receive it. As soon as one was loaded, an Indian
boy took him in charge and led him off to the village.
The plain presented a peculiar appearance, dotted
here and there with tie ladened ponies returniing to
camp, and reminded me of a caravan on the MArican
deserts, such as I had seen in books, more than anything else.   The  warriors  soon  rode off, leaving,
the women, boys, and dogs to complete the destruction.
Our entry into the village was an ovation.  Conquering heroes could not have been more  graciously
received.  During the next week all hands were engaged in a round of feasting and dancing, interspersed
with religious ceremonies, and in some instances of
self-limmolation. No scene of the long series in which
I was both actor and spectator, gave me a better idea
of the indian character.  To fight, slaughter, prey,
eat and sleep, seemed to be the end and aim of their
existence.  To outnumber his adversary and hence
consummate his destruction, was the highest possibility of prowess.  To bear torture without evineing the
a 
183
weakness of physical suffering was the sublimity of
courage; and when death finally overtook them, to go
to the happy hunting grounds well supplied with the
implements that would produce carnal enjoyment was
the apotheosis of enioytet!
4
-J...
4
0
0 
CHEAPTERl XXI.
MRS. EASTMAN'S STORY CONTINED.
HAD now been five years among the Indians,
and during  that time my life was chiefly trials
and hardships.  Rest, a word unknown in my
vocabulary. It would appear that I owed allegiance to no particular individual, but on the contrary,
I was called upon to perform the most arduous  sl
by man, woman, and child.
My labors in the field having come to a conclusi4,
I was inducted into the mysteries of curing and dressing skins of various animals, making moccasins and
gathering berries for the winter stock.
During a period of three months rain had not fallen,
and this fact gave rise to a peculiar ceremony, which
I will briefly relate. The crops were suffering severely
from the drought, and it was decided in council that
the "rain makers " should invoke the clouds, and by
a series of conjugations cause the heavens to openr
their floodgates. The women had become clamorous
and implored the medicine-men to intercede for rain,
that their corn patches, which were now turning pale
and yellow, might not be withered and they be deprived of the customary annual festivity and the joy
0 
185
ful occasion of the "roasting ears" and the," green
corn dance."
The plaints of the women were entertained, but
these wise (?) men discreetly recommended caution
and deliberation, lest by undue haste the Great Spirit
might become incensed and defeat their endeavors.
This stratagem was very pellucid, because the longer
they delayed the formalities, of course the greater
would be the chance of success; but the importunities of the women. became daily more persistent, and
the council was at length convened. The medicine
men assembled in all the bravery of their grotesque
trappings, and the fires being lighted, a large quantity of wild sage and other aromatic herbs was thrown
upon the flames, that their savory odors might ascend
as a peace-offering to the Great Spirit.
Some. twelve or fifteen young warriors volunteered
to try their medicine and see if the clouds could not
be made to yield their vapor by the charm of their eloquence.  It was a dreadful alternative, as, failing to
produce any result, they suffered everlasting disgrace
at the hands of the entire tribe. The preliminaries
having been arranged, the candidates were drawn by
lot and a day assigned to each one to lift his voice on
high and persuade the rain to descend. The celebrant
took up his position on the top of the council lodge,
while below the worthy doctors continued to burn
their incense, and with song, prayers, and incantations,
commanded the clouds to obey them.
.
0 
186
Wah-kee (the shield), ascended the wigwam at su rise and made elaborate preparations to frighten the
clouds into obeying him.   After indulging in war whoops, brandishing his lance, shield and tomahawk,
and going through various other absurd performances,
he subsided and betook himself to counting his mystery
beads. The whole village had assembled, and were
howling lustily for his success. Not a cloud appeared
-the day was calm and hot; and when the sun de clined behind the mountains, he descended from his
exalted position, and withdrew with a crestfallen air.
He returned to his lodge a sadder if not a wiser
man, disgraced and with no prospect of ever attaining to the dignity of a medicine man.
The next morning the performance was repeated,
Om-pah (the Elk), saying that his importunities would
certainly be heard.  He was quite nnie, and his body
besmeared with yellow clay. A beautiful shield was
displayed on his left arm, and his right hand grasped
a long lance. The skin of a raven adorned his head.
Shield and lance were flourished, but in vain.  Not
a cloud obscued the brightness of the noon-day sun.
The squaws were crying, and the corn was withering
at its roots.
War-rah-pa (the beaver), was the next, but he, like
the-others, spent his time in vain; andWak-a-dah-me
took the stand the -ext morning.  Hie was much more
gaily attired than any of his predecessors.  In addition to a shield ornamented with "red chains of light
a
a 
187
ing," he carried in his left hand a bow and single arrow.  The concourse was as great as on any previous
day.  Striking an attitude, he tossed up a feather to
ascertain the course of the wind, then turning to th3
mob below, began a lengthy harangue, something after
the following manner:
"Apaches'  Children of the Sun!-You behold me
here a sacrifice.  Yshall this day relieve you of your
distress and bring joy to your lodges, or I shall live
among the dogs and old women for the remainder of
my days.  My friends, yotsaw which way my feather
flew. I shall hold my shield in that direction, and
the lightning will draw a great cloud, and this arrow,
which is feathered with the quill of the white swan,
will make a hole in it.
"Warriors! this opening in the lodge at my feet
shows me the medicine men.  They' are seated in a
circle and are crying to the Great Spirit above who
commands the sim and clouds.  Three days they have
sat there.  Have they done alight to relieve your l1.stress?  Om-pah  tried  and failed, because  on  his
head was the raven. It flies above the storm. Warrahpa is the beaver, and he lives under the water.
How could he succeed?  My  friends, I see you are
in great distress. and nothing has yet been done. This
shield belonged to my father, the Mad Bull. It was
taken from a black cloud, which will come over 4s today. I am the son of my father, and will surely bring
you relief. I have done."
a
. 
188     X
Thus flourished Wakadahme, alternately addressing
the clouds and the people.
It so chanced that as he was speaking, a small cloud
appeared on the horizon, and as it approached grew
larger, until the heavens were overcast. Then drawing Iris bow to i,s utmost tension, he let fly the arrow,
which sped up into the gathering blackness, and was
lost to view. Presently the sky was illumined with a
vivid flash, and peal upon peal of thunder followed in
rapid succession. The crowd dispersed, running to
their lodges in the greatest confusion; but the great
warrior who had brought about this happy state of
things remained at his post, strutting around the apex
of the lodge in all the might and majesty of his new
made glory. Even rain could not drive him away-from
the scene of his triumph. There he stood, the moist
cynosure of all "eyes.
After this all was joy and gladness. Wakadahime
was loaded down with honors, and every chief in the
tribe was anxious to have him select oof his daughters for a wife. Hie accommodated six of them, but
prudential reasons interposed be teen flm  and the 
seventh.  From this time forth he was an honored and
puissant warrior, chief, and mystery man.
Numerous amusements were indulged in by the
tribe, and all had for their end and aim some gambling
operation. The youths had an exhibition of arrow
shooting which they called the "game of the arrow."
Those most distingished in this exercise assembled
O
. 
* I -
0  ~~   C)                   _    _c
C)                       -
C)  -       w                                             -                -.~~~~~~~~~~c
CC t
-   )t
-   ~~~~~~~  -~~~~~~*~~~~~ ~C)   In                           
C)
:1
,2
il
;z
F)
.4
5e
Iz
.2
0 
190
their steps and prepare to receive the shock of their
enemy's advance.
One day a messenger brought the news that buffaloes
had made their appearance on the plain, and a numerous
party was at once formed to go in their pursuit. After
having been gone about two days they returned laden
with the fr'aits of victory, and throwing the meat down
in one pile, issued their orders to have it cured at once.
Tlhis arduous task was delegated to the women, and in
a very short time poles were planted in every direction.
The meat was dressed and then cut in long strips of
about a quarter of an inch in thickness, and, being hung
over the lines, was left to dry in the sunshine. When
it is cured the buffalo meat becomes tasajo, and in this
state may be preserved for a great length of time. It
is cured without salt; in fact, the Indians rarely if
ever use this condiment, which is so essential to the
civilized white.  This seems to be accounted for by
the fact that they use very little vegetable food. HIence,
during my captivity, I became quite reconciled to the
absence of salt, and for months after my return to the
whites did not feel any desire to use it. So strong is
the force of habit.
It had been announced that during  the,nnual
religions ceremonies soon to commence, we would have
the pleasure of entertaining a band of "club" Apaches,
who would participate in the festivities, and preparations of the most elaborate character were made for
their reception and entertainment.
0
-11, 
191
Of all my experience in the character of a captive,
these were, perhaps, the most shocking.  Never shall
I forget the terrible ordeal of that bloody week, whlen
human gore ran like water, and it seemned a Imliracle
that suceh a band of fiends were not swept off the face
of the earth I
0
O
/ 
CHAPTER, XXII.
FEASTB, FASTS)  AND  FACTS.
TITS  clla)ter is to be a faitl)fill  descrip)tion of
mystery, hocus-pocus, vou-doo, azud Indliari s I-)er    stition, concrete and alstract.   Thlc entire cere      mioillial of Indianl worsllip has for its gro[iildvork
the I)ascst and most groveliig sulperstitionI.   All events
in any way out of the ordinary riiii of human affairs
are directly traced to the Good or Evil S1)irit.
If tlicir affairs are i-l any \way confusc(l, or do their
war  )arties comne to (,rict; thle misfortune is ]aid at tlhe
door of O-kee-lice-de (tlhec Evil S})irit), and when fortuiie smiiles Ul)OIl them, aid  )ouiintift-t harIvests, ga,iie,
sealls, and victories are tlleirs, it is direct] v attributable
to tlhe influence of the Great Spirit.
An infan t's knowledge begins by tlle inculcation of
this proposition, aid duri(ng its lifetic, existec,ce is
en joyal)lc or the reverse, acco(rding as lthe Good or
Evii Spirit smniles on  himi.   In thlis fact is dis1)l,.yvd
the resemblance between a savagefetict and tllhe iditl
Christian religion.  It is thle distiinction tlat  exists
between thlle bud and fill-blown flowcr,-a wild, l)arbarots groping after the perfected. civilized idea.  The
I
0 
193
Indian has his ideas of a heaven and a purgatory, but
they are carnal and material.  As he liv-es in this
world, so he proposes to exist in the world hereafter.
The hlappy hunting, grounds aie mnerely a repetition of
his l)resel)t life, oiilv in those blissful elysian fields a
Good SI)irit wills that game shlall always be in abun  dance, and llIunting facilities inexlhaustible.  Contrary
to tl-e faithli that ob)tains among Christians, tle Indian
maintaiins that the Good Spirit inhabits the realmns of
,the Evil Spirit, while his 0op)posite, the Evil  One,
* haints the domains of the blest.  Thlis curious, not to
say absisurd state of affairs, is accounted for in the fol lowiIn,g manner
It is ranintained that an Indian suffers for his crinmes
only tfor a Ieiigtli of timne coinmensurate with the sins
cotiiinitted.  IIence, whlil professing, their conviction
in a futuric adlinistration of rewards and punishments,
they also maintain that a very Judas of hiis tribe;il],
after expliatingl his sins, enjoy the fullest delights of his
more ul)riglht companions. Thus it'becomes very necessar-, iii their opinion, that the Good Spirit should meet
themi  in purgatory, and bv word and act increase their
stifler;ings and bring, them  to a realizing sense of the
power of hiln whom they have offended; while, on the
other ]lnd, the Bad Spirit roaims thlirouigh their Paradise still temptiing the happy.  Those who have gone
to the regions of punlishment, they believe will be
toltured for a time proportioned to their offences,
and then, being transferred to the larnd of the lhappy,
13
0
ol 
194
they are again liable to the temptations of tihe Evil
SpI)irit, and answerable again at a future time fbr their
new offeles.  It will be seen that this schenme of salvationi is rather crude and not as satisfactory in its
details as one iniglit desire.
In regard to the topographlical positions of these two
plaecs-lieaven and hell-little can be ascertained.
As near as I could learn, the offenders inhabited a
coiunt'-y lying far to the north, where snow and ice
were the minor concomitants of a bleak and barren
land; wiilst thley suppose the happy hunting grounds
to be in the region of p)erpetual sunshine, where every
prospect is of the most charming character, and only
the keenest enjoyment is experienced; where buffsaloes and other Indian luxuries abound.
To such lengths was superstition carried, that the
young warriors of the tribe deemed no tortures, however brutal or sanguinary, too severe that would by
their endurance gain them the admittance to this
favored region; and to this end, annual feasts and
relig,ious ceremonies were instituted, that the appalling cruelty of the rites might well make the stoutest
heart tremble, and she most valiant spirit quake with
fear.
The Apaches were now on the eve of one of these
festivals, and those who aspired to be considered as
braves, and to establish a reputation for endurance
under pain and suffering, were making minute and
careful preparations to endure the infliction creditably.
0 
195
There was to be a series of performances under the
sole supervision of one grand master of ceremonies.
This worthy was the head medicine of the nation, and
was looked up to with a species of veneration verging
upon adoration. The rites were to be inaugurated by
a grand dance in the open air. The ground selected
for this performance was.immediately in front of the
medicine lodge, and embraced an area of about half
an acre.  Previous to the inception of the ceremonies,
a number of the women were set at work with large
woodern mallets, pounding the turf, which was done
in order to make the ground hard, smooth and level.
As soon as this was accomplished, a curb was erected
in the centre of the space by driving stakes in the
ground in thie form of a circle, just leaving sufficient
space between each one to admit of a free passage of
air. The curb rose to a height of about three feet, the
top being covered by stretching a buffalo robe over
the stakes. Within this enclosure was placed a sinall
stone altar, on which burned the sacred flame. Under
no circumstances was the flame allowed to be extinguished. In the event of its ceasing to burn, it would
have been considered an ill omen, and in order to propitiate the Good Spirit, it would have become nece
sary to sacrifice a female captive.
All was now in readiness, an(i on the following
miorning Mahtocheega and the chiefs of the nation
assembled in the medicine lodge preparatory to commencing the " death dance." Sixteen young men
.
0 
196
parti(i)pated in tle dance.   Tl,ey stood to one side in
a g,.,),l), is,olated firon tlec crowd.   Tley were deeced
out ilI tle ]lost go('-,eois trapl)ings, each one l)ersonati,l,r soCic alii-,al wlNicll thley irnitated as closely as
p()Ssi },l l,),tlI in a(ctionI a(nd soiind.
J)lcu'Ti,,i,,  b)'y circlin  aroIit,d the curb in a mneasr-c4 tr:i,Il) to the sou()iid of tile Indian  drims  atind
rattl(s, tlhey grada(lialy  accelerated tcheir  pace  until
tll(cy' wcie  oing.t full  speed, mncanwlile ildilging
in tltc Inot fe'igl,tftil y(lls, gloans, wl'oops, and  cries.
Tlis was  k-el)t iI) w-it!iont ilitertinission for, I)rlhaps,
fifteen nitliultes, weltin tllI mnedicine  manai  solln(led  a
s~l-iil )l]list oln his whlistle, and, as if by magic, the perfornieis dP(1)l)ed ll)on " all fours " and beg,an to lIractie
the distinctive pecnliaritv of the aniinals they personatcd.  Tlleir. actions  weie  a  souIrce of considerable
amniseinmet to tlhe bystanders, and each actor was applau dedl voeiferonisy wllen by some particuilar gestuire,
or tiick, lie faitlhfully portrayed thle hlabits of tihe anim1al lie represented.   Soiime of these actions were of a
very grt)ss, iiot to say revoltiIin character.   In the lieat
of thie excitement a wild scream startled the  bystaiders, and soon the wonien were rushiing in every directi,)n, seciiingly in the mnost abl)ject terror.
Pnrsniiig them  was a ltideous monister entirely nuide,
his b)odv being blackened  with  charcoal and  bear's
grease iiitil it shlone like eboiiy; his face was marked
with a' profnsisXon of wvlite rirng,s about an inch in diameter, and around his month were frightful indentures
i
. 0
a 
- In
-                         ~~~~CD
CD A
L'-. --
= 0
q  -
C5;,,,
:: 0
0
1
2
. (-: 2r
c
E'
Go
0
.1a
0
E
;o
i 
198
make an effort to break the spell, and darting to one
side attempt to break off in the direction of th6 prairie;
but the ever-vigilant chief was at his side in a twinkling, and holding tlhe potent charm to ]is nose, reduce
him to instant obedience.  Thus they stood, the one
with his body paintel black and representing the
Evil One, frowning everlasting vengeance on theother, who sternly gazed him back with a look of exultation and contempt, as he held him in check and powerless under the influence of his magic charm.
When the superior power of the chief had been
fully testeo. and acknowledged, and the women had
been allowed. ample time to remove themselves to a
safe distance and place inrLumerable barriers between
thefselves and this fiendish monster, the pipe was
g-adually withdrawn from before him, and lie  was
once more allowed to follow the dictates of his low and
bestial mind.   No sooner did he feel himself flee
from this constraining influence than he dashed into
the center of the group of dancers, and attacking one
of the young men who was dressed in the guise of a
buffalo, Ai,ung ee a wakkstia chee a naltks tammee ung
s towa; ee ung ee aht ghwat ee o nungths tcha ho'a
tbznmee osct no ah qtghskm  ak hi en ah nohxt givi
aht gahtch gun ne.
After this performance he visited three others in
successionr, and indulged in antics of a light character,
that elicited shouts of laughlter and ronndg'of applause.
The Indians considered the strict observance of this
0
0 
199
particular ceremony as hiig,1ly important, and calcu.
]ated to be of great benefit in attracting game to their
vicinity in the comning season.
During the scene Okeellede had become quiite ex hausted b)y his exercise, and seemed to be anxiollsly
looking around for some feasible mneans of escap)e.
Tile women had by this time overcome the fear hiieh
his entrance hlad caused, and now gathered al)bout hlim
in shloals, poking hiin with bits of stick, tlhrowing
stones at his body, and giving expression to their dislike in various ways that suggested tlhemselves on the
spur of the mnomenit. At leng,tll, one more courageous
than the rest gathered a handfill of yellow clay, and
drawing quite near, awaited her opportunity when the
fiend's attention was directed to another quarter, then
dashing up to himi, emptied the contents of her hands
over his body.  The change was magical; the yellow
clay was attracted and held by the grease with which
his body was besmeared, turning his color from black
to bright yellow. He seemed to become quite heartbroken At this signal disgrace, and losing control of
his feelings, commenced crying vehemently, when, as
quick as thought, a fearless young maiden made a
frantic clutch at the magic, ball-tipped wand. She was
successful beyond her most sangine anticipations, and
flew through the crowd, bearing the trophy high above
her head. The other women gathered around her, bemeeching her to let them break the wand, and thus
end the spell. Their entreaties were at last acceded
a
4,. 
200
to, and the stick was broken into fine bits, whlich were
hurled at tlheir wlhiloni owner.   Ilis power was now
gone; his streng,tl also, and, gatlhering, his ene,rgics
for one grand and final efiort, lie plung,ed headlo-ng
towaids the prairie with a hlowling niob of woiinci at
his lielst.  A,s he strugg,lcd alongrr llis moveiietiits wer-e
impeded by every kniown device, and at eacl tfall lie
was set upon by tlie enraged and triuiphn)lia,t femnales,
who exuIlted in his iglionilioIus downfrtall, SUpIl)i)lelllllting, their jeers withl blows from  sticks, sto!nes  and
wliips, until lhe at length escaped by diving into tlie
un(lerl)riusli tlhat grerw at tle hase of the lills, and disappeared fom yitvw. The dance halltd by tliis ti,lle come
to an end, and preparations were  inadle for tile coinmiencement of the cruelties which were about to take
place withlin the lodgee.
Thle inedicine cl.ief, wio acted as inaster of ceremonies, app)roaclled MAalitoclicega, and inade a reqiisition for musicians, and after a brief consiltation lie
gave ord(rs to hlave two of the femnale captives performn tlhis arduous and monootoinouts task. Zoc and  iyself were  cliosen, and we were at once ushered witliin
the sacried precincts of the lodge. We were the only
woii:nei who were permnitted to view the scenes wl1i(,h
I ain ab,oiit to relate. W'ould to God I had been spared
the revoltin(g spectacle!
As we entered, the candidates for the cruelties were
abont takingt, tlheir ila(es in spaces assi,gned tlenm, as
also the chliefs and doctors of thie tril)e, whose duty it
a 
201
was to look on, beai witness to, and decide upon the
comparative degree of fortitude with which the young
men sustain themselves in this most excruciating ordeal. The clhiefs situated themselves on one side of
the lodgec, and opposite them were seated the tnmusicians.  The medicine chief took up his position in the
center of the circle, near a small fire, with  his  big
pipe in his hands.   Gravely filling it with k'neck
k'nick, lie lighted i' at the flame, and- began pufiingt
great clouds in the faces of the aspirants,. that the
Great Spirit mignlht give theml st'enIgth to bear thieir
tortures manfually. Directly under the aperture in the
roof of the lod,ge was a curious arrangeinent of buffalo
aiid hlumnan skulls, which were divided into two parCCls.  I'laced over them  at an elevation of about five
feet was a delicate scaffold mnade of four posts, not
larger than a willow rod.  In tlhe crotches of these
poles were placed lateral rods of about the same thickness, andl resting on these transvtrsely were a nunlber
of still nmoreC delicate sticks.  Oni  the center of this
frllame was a small stone (a!tair, from which issued the
sacred fire.  Imnncediatcly uiider the frarme on  the 
ground was placed a knife. and a bundle of Splilits,
whlich were kept i, Ieadiniess  r the infliction of the
cruelties which I shall endeavor to exlplain.
Froin tlhe top of tlhe lodge de,pended a numl)cr of
cords, wlhichl, passili,g tlihrough, the roof, were lletd by
men on tlhe Oltsid2, *who, onll a given signal, wvere to
susp)end the victims between heaven and earth.
40 
An attendant now advanced to our side of the
structure, bearing in his arms two emuious looking ob jeets, which, on investigation, proved to be sacks
containing in each about two gallons of water. These
were articles of superstitious regard, and held in great
veneration by the Indians. They were constructed of
the skin of the buffalo's neck, and most elaborately
sewed together in the ifrm of a large tortoise, with a
bunch of eagle's quills appended to act the part of tail
IAccomnpanyinlg each was a drumstick, and, with a few
directions liow to use it, he left us.
After a brief incantation, accompanied by more
vigorous puffs at the big pipe, the order was issued to
remove the scaffold. The skulls were placed on posts
at the back of the lodge, and two stalwart savages
took up their positions in the center of the open space,
one with the knife in his hand, the other holding the
splints.
One by one the candidates advanced; their frames
were greatly emaciated by the fasting, thi.rsting, and
wakefulness to which they had subjected themselves
during four days.  Placing themselves on their hands
and feet, or otherwise, as was best suited for the perlormance of the operation, they were grasped roughly
iby the attendants, and An inch or more of flesh taken
up between the thuimb and finger of the man who
held the knife.
The knife had been ground sharply on both sides,
and then notched, so that the effect of pushilig it
.
202
I
i
0 
203
through the skin might be made as painful as possible
A soon as the incision was made, the attendant ran a
skewer through the still quivering flesh. The cord
was then lowered from the roof and fastened to the
s)lints, when, the signal being given, the cords were
tightened and the victim was suspended in mid-air.
More splints were passed through his shoulders, arms,
thighs, and legs.
In some instances, they remained upon the ground
until this painful operation was completed. The time
consumed in preparing the victims for suspension was
about five minutes. As the body dangled in mid-air,
and while the blood was streaming down the victim's
sides, the bystanders would grasp at the body, and hang
upon the splints each man's shield, bow, and quiver.
In sortme instances, a buffalo's skull was attached to his
lower limbs, to prevent the struggling which would
otherwise have taken place, to the disadvantlage of the
sufferer.
When these were adjusted, the body was raised
higher until the weight swung clear.  In this plight
they became a fearful sight to look upon. The flesh,
to support their bodies with the additional weighlits 
attached thereto, was raised some eight inches by the
skewers, and their heads sinking forward on their
breasts, or thrown backward in a much more friglhtful
condition, was a sight that made one's blood cirdle,
and the heart turn sick at the ghastly, bloody spectacle. The fortitude with which the victims bore this
0
a 
1o1U   Lo colItIltlIC myI  taslk,  tilat  I could  sltifi,iietly
o,-itrol  iy  eli-otion  and  rCstiiiie tlhe  holI)rrid  trltium
th1,llIn of tleC 111(lottolois music.lSe.
As  sooIl as a  vi(tinI  was tlioroiuglly susp)ended, a
nDl'1lI)cr of dclIons ii 1u1m1 I  giise  cl1ustcred aroliund
hill, devisig mneanis  that  wouild  iiiake tiiis.ext{luisite
agolly more iinteise.   OIC woulod advalice xvitli a loig
pole in liis hald  and COIIIIeCI)CC tUiriilg thle bleeding
body, slowly at first, hut tle motioni would be graduaslly accelerated until thlc victim  would cry olIt ill l)itterness of spilit  and  in  toies  te mlost  laiieiitaltle and
hlCai t-iciding  tihat  the  huliiaI  voice  is Ca)al)le of
prod ucii:g; ap;ealillg to the Great Spirit and b)esech          -
iIg lilit not to f)rsake his servaI-t  iu-tllis, hlis lhonr of
severest agony.
lie is ttlrnled faster and faster.   Thlere is io hope for
escape; not tie slig,ltest resl)ite, uIItil by tiilitilig he
is rclicvcd  frown liis toI-licIitors, anli  left to  hlang,
apparently a lifeless corl)st'.   Vlieni it has b)een asertaeied that he is, as tlhey termi it, " entirely dead," his
a 
-- >-.-       I- s v "v s w Ews tI'   u t~u2 AllA ILU I~liLl t.1)' Iail
uLponI tlte grioulzd.  Iii this licl,)less coIIdititoll I.e lies,
looki,,g like soine miass of l)1it,'cfteltion tlimt las jitst
beei IreInoved  fiomrn a cliarIIel-liouIse.   DI i:ng  thlis
time he is said to be inl the kee)pi,,g of tire Gireat SIpirit,
whom lie trusts will )Iprotect, and  finally g:'.,e himt
strcength to get tip and walk away,.  After lyirg snome
tiiiie on the ground, an atteidantlt reimoves tile sl)litlts
from the breasts and  sliotildeIrs, tllerel)y dise-,,ngaging
hin fromn the cords by which lie hlas beein slul)eiided,
but the others, withi the weighlts attaclhed, are suflered
to remiain iinbedded in the t)bleeding wounds.
As soo50   as consciousness returns hle atteiil)ts to
move.   No one is allowed to assist himi  or ofier himn
aid, as he is now in tlhe enjoymelt of one of tlHe liost
exalted privileges that Apaches can lay claii to —tlhat
of trusting his life to the keeping of the Great Sp)irit.
Presentl.y he crawls away, drag,ging his weigllts after
him, which, as they clatter over tlhe hard eartlien floor
of the lodge, make a mourntful accoinpaniiment to his
e
a 
*206
groans and sobs.   Ie creeps to. another part of the
lodge; where a savage sits in grim silence awaiting
his conling. In his lhand is a hatchet, and immediate
ly in front of him is a dried buffalo skull.  Tlhesuflcrcr
draws near, and, holding up the littie finger of his left
haled, makes a short speech, and calling upon the Great
Spirit- to witness his self-sacrifice, unflinchingly lays
the doomed finger on the skull.  One quick, sharp
stroke by the Indian who wields the hatchet and the
finger drops from the hand-a sacrifice to a fanatic's
zeal.
No bandages are applied to the fingers, nor ar any
arteries taken up; in fact, no attention whatever of ~
siurgical character is paid to the wounds, lacerations,
and bruises.  They are left for the "Great Spirit to
cure." 
Jt is rather remarkable that the bleeding is not P
profuse as might be expected from the severity of the
torture, and soon ceases, probably from the fact of
their extreme exhaustion and debility; the wailnt of
sustenance ald sleep, checks the natural circulation,
and is at the same time an admirable preparation foir
'the tortures, and enables them to bear the infliction
without the same degree of pain that might, under other
circtumnstances, result in inflammation and death. During these cruel scenes, the chiefs and dignitaries of the
tribe are lookingon uinmoved, and by baking mental notes
of tlhe way in which the victim bears this terrible torture, decide who are the hardiest aud stoutest hearted,
q
a 
207
who can hang the longest by his flesh without fainting,
and who will be the soonest up after he is cut down.
In this way tiev judge of the physical capacity of the
yoiung braves to bear hunger, fatigue, and suffering;
and to those who acquit themselves the most worthily
is entrusted the leadership of "forlorn hopes," war
parties resolved on desperate enterprises, etc., etc.
This scene was enacted during a whole day, and in
that tiine some forty or fifty young, men wenit through
the agonies of suspension and amputation.  All the
while the din and clatter was undiminished.  Did vwe
but relax our efforts for a moment, a brawny savage
was at our side, and by word and blow commanded us
to recommence. 
What with the physical and mental fatigue caused
by this continuous and seemingly everlasting thrumming, joined to the horrid sights, sounds and emotions
to which we were subjected, and the revolting and
bloody nature of the dramna, it seemed as if we were
under the influence of a horrid nightmare. As i we
hlad suddenly been wafted away in the arms of somle
hideous genii to realms of darkness, and were inalciously compelled to be the unwilling spectators of
scenes which ever at this day, the bare retnembrance
of, causes the blood to chill with horror and the friame to
vibrate with agony at their recollection. God grant
that such cruelties may soon disappear off the face of
the earth, together with  the actors aid instigators of
,e horriiUe rit!
4
I
I
0 
CIHAITER XX.III.
THE WAR PARTY.
ITE  following mrorning, found me entirely OCCu       1)ied, wit}1 iny new l)lan of escape, and I lost no
tithe i-n (,aiiii,, selch i;.foriiiatioil as I could, con      cCI,i',,g  Sto,lgawon's intentions respecting his
projctedd ex )edition.
lJy Ii,aking a few cautious inquliries of some'of tile
wari.ioi-s wlioit I ki,ew to be favorably disposed towards
me, I learned tl,at the party would probably depairt
witlhin tlhrce davs.  The'first point necessary to the
success of liy  plan wNas to obtain the consent of Wakozi-.etkia, ansd this I feaied would be no easy task.
After considering the matter filly, I concluded that
my best course would be first to get Stolliaw-on's permission to accoinpan)y tle party, and, if possible, ind,ce himn to intercede for me with the old medicine
iai.
To the lodge of this redoubtable chlief I acc.ordingly
)belt niy  ste)ps, and, on ap)proaching it, foui!d 1iim
eeaecd w;tlloult, engaged in coiversation wvithl  several
of tlle older warriors.  Not darirng, to iinterrnpt tlheir
conference, I remained at a little distance until thie
0
0 
209
interview was ended. Fromn the few sentences I over heard I concluded that tlhe cliief was unfolding his
plauis or sorec portiol of tleiriY to the l)rinicil)al.warriors of htis party.  Directly tlhe couI(,:il seemtred to 1)e
over, aud tle warriors separated, leaving the c)iie~
seated as before at the entrai)ce to his lodgec.  I was
aboult to al)proach himr and proffer myr re(-IIest, when
Ilissodeclita, tle renegade, suddeu!ly mnade his al),Cearante, and walk"ilg directly up to Stoihliawon addressed
himi  as follows:
"5vl brotlher is going on the war-path?"
Yes, Ilissodclia," said the clief;  "I amn weary
of this idleness, and( my young mecn  are iinpatticiit and
clanor to be led a(gainet thle Arapaliocs, wlho hliave invaded our territory and Ciut off several of our litUting
parties.  I lIave therefore determined to take out a
strong party and  strike a blow that will teach  these
cowardly lhorse tl]ieves a lesson'"
Stoliawoi," said(I Hissodecha, " it is my wish thlat
we  should be friends, aid thlat tlhe ill-fccliiig which
has existed betweeni us and ou.r young mnen should
cease.  For tlhis reasonl I have comIe to offer yon my
services on your expedition as a volunteer, and if you
accept miy ofler, I will join your )arty with my entire
band and serve under your orders.  Let my brother
speak.  I await hlis decision.
VWhile Iiissodeclia was speaking, I observed a gratified expression upor  the connte;-,ance of Stonlhawon,
and I saw that he would gladly avail hiinseif of tho
14
0
I 
210
renegade's offer. But why Hissod-cha should:make
so unusual a proposition puzzled me extremely, and I
waited anxiously to hear the remainder of their conver sation.
As the renegade ceased speaking, Stonhawon arose
in silence, filled and lighted his pipe and passed it to
Hisso6decha, who took a few whiffs and returned it to
the chief. The latter followed his example, and thlien,
emptying the pipe, he returned it to its case of fawn
skin, gaily decorated with the quills of the porcupine
stained in bright colors, and spoke as follows:
"Hii;ssodecha, your words are good; you are a great
brave, and you shall ride with me on the war-path.
With your aid I shall surely be successful, and whlen
we return in triumph, who shall deny to the friend of
Stonhawon a seat in the council? I know my brother's
wish, and it shall yet be gratified. Now, let us assemble our warriors and make ready for departure, as I
wish to start before sunrise to-morrow."
To this the renegade yielded a ready assent, adding
that his party could be ready to leave in an hour if
necessary. He then said:
" I must ask my brother one favor, and that is that
Tahtecka4ahair may accompany our party."
"Why does'Hissodecha ask this?" said the chief,
looking at me in surprise; for, on hearing my name
mentioned, I had drawn nearer.  "Does my brother
not know that no one but Wakometkla can grant his
request "
0 
211
"Because," said Hissodecha, "if Stonhlawon asks
the medicine chief, he will not refuse; but were I to
make such a request, it would be in vain.".
Stonhawon reflected for a moment and thon addressed
me so abruptly that for an instant I was confused and
unable to make a reply.
"Tahliteckadahlair," said he, "why do you wish to
join the war party which I am about to take out?"
I was endeavoring to frame a reply when the renegade answered for me.
"The young man is tired," he said, "of being left
in the village with the squaws and old men while the
other young braves are going to war or to hunt and
winning scalps and plunder.  He thinks that he shoild
be given the same privileges as others since hlie has
been regularly adopted into the tribe, and I think his
request is a reasonable one and should be granted."
I now added my persuasions to those of IIissodecha,
and Stonhawon finally said that if Wakometkla's consent could be gained he would have no objection to my
forming one of his party.  Hie also said that he would
speak to the medicine chief and use his influence to
get his consent to my making my first appearance Ms
a warrior.
Ile was as good as his word, and a few hours later
I saw him enter the temple, evidently in search of the
old mnian. Ilissodecha was confident that his reqllest
would be granted, and I accordingly busied niyself
under his direction, in preparing to make my         as 
0 
212
a Camanclhe brave on thle war-pathl. Tlhe renegade easily
slpl)licdl me with  tlhe necessary weapons and eqllip
ments fioin hisown stock, and I soon foiirid i,nyself
provided ~tli a long steel-pointed lance, ado,,ied wvith
a crinison pennion, and a sort of battle-axe of an an cient pattern, evidently the spoil of somie AIexican
hacienda.
Besides thlese a war bow, a quiver of arrows, their
points dipped in the subtle poison used  by tI'e Ca mancles, and a tonmalawk aIId scalping-kiiife were
given nie. TlThesecontpleted niy oficnsive eqiiipinents.
For defense, besides all these, I received a circular
shield made of the tough hide of the buffalo  bull
stretched upon a wooden framne, and dried and harden ed until it was almost of the consistency of iron.  To
provide me with a horse was the next thling, in order,
and this did not pronlise to be very difficult, as more
than two thousand mustangs were grazing upon the
plain.
The renegade, however, was not easily suited in his
choice of a horse. Thorough horse jockeys as all the
Cailanlehes are,  Iissodecha seemed the sharpest of
the tribe in this particular. Of this fact I had become aware long before, for in the races which tlie
Indians so frequently indulged in, he was almost invariably the winner, thus showing that he possessed
rare knowledge and judgment of the points of a good
horse.
On this occasion I began to think that he would ex
0
o 
213
haust tlhe suppl)y b)efore he foi'nd one to his mind,but
after rejectil, abott forty for one fault or atiother,
most of wl.icl  leiiiizlies [ was en-tirely unahl)e to discover, lc fixed u11)(i a laige piel.)a.t iliistanig as tile
one wAlo slho,,ld hlave the lionor of bearing iie iupon
my flist war-l)ltli.
Jc,.(!ing tlhe }lorse back towa]  the villa'e, Vwe soon
reaclic(l t}ie s)ot were tte  tIariiiol'S wio were to form
the x)exditicil liad alrIcad(y  i-icketed tlheir horses for
tl2 niglit, so as to )e realty for ai earlv start o1  tlhe
imorrow.   Stakiing ily rnewv acqlisition ouit  llo)0  tlhe
plain, we retiiriedl to tile lodg,e, and mny strainge friiend,
hlciaiireg ine a lhair bi-d]l arind  a buffalo  robte and
leatllrni girthl, told me to get  so.nc food and retuirn
to l.is lodge in ain hour, and lie would  "paint" me
for tle war-i)atlh.  I was too  Ilmuchl excited to cat muieh,
and  tmy  sitnl)le mneal was soon dispatched.
On enteringit thle tem-iple, I lhad looked around appreleisively, expecting to imieet  Wakoinetkla., and
ratlier dreading to encounter himn, feeling uncertain
wlhat sort of a reception I woild imeet withl.  The
old medicine mian, lowever, was not to be seen, and
I  waldered  tlrollg,ll the  various  apartments with
whicll I llad )ccomnc so fcmlniliar during the loiig years
of my captivity, wondering if tlhis was really to be nmy
last look at tliein, or it' my  desperate sc(heme was to
result in failure, and end in mny bein, brout,l  back
perhlaps to torture and deatlh.
It was now timie for me  to return to Ilissodecha,
0
0 
214
and I started to leave the temple for that purpos&
Crossing the mystery chamber, I was about to ascend
the ladder, when a tall form suddenly emerged from
the obscurity of a recess in the wall, and Wakometkla
stood before me.  The old man seemed strangely moved for one of his stern nature and practical stoicism.
Taking me by the hand, he led me to the center of
tl)e room, where the light of the sacred fire enabled
him to more plai;nly discern my features, and gazed
upon me for a moment without speaking. At length he
spoke in a low tone, unlike his usual sonorous accents:
"So my son is not content to remain in peace and
safety with me here, but longs to go forth in search
of adventure, and to emulate the deeds of the foolish
young braves, who imagine that they are already
great warriors?"
I was at a loss what to reply, but managed to mlutter
a few words expressive of my desire to take part in at
least one war party, and assured him that I would be
certain to return in safety.
" You cannot be sure of that;" said the old man, in
what seemed to me a sad tone, "we  cannot control
our fate; but as you wish to go you shall have your
wish.  At Stonhlawon's request I have given my consent and I shall sacrifice tc Quetzalcoatl for yoir
speedy and safe return. Now go and complete your
preparations, for you have no time to lose."
So saying, he turned and left the apartment without
another word.
0
0 
215
At  this moment, despite my ardent longing  to
escape from an- existence that was loathlsome to mie,
and return to nmy own people, I could not avoid a
feeling of regret at the idea of parting from  thlis
noble specimen of his race, to wlhom I was indebted for
my life, and for tlhe many acts of kindness which had
endered my captivity endurable. But the measure of
regret I felt was not sufficient to turn me frotn my
purpose, and remembering my appointment with Ilistodelha, I hastened to fulfill it.
In e-ossiig the open square before the temple, I
mnet Stolnhawon, who informed Inc that the party
woild start at daybreak, and warned me to be in readiness. Assuring him that there was no danger of imy
forgetting it, I hurried to the lodge of the renegade,
whom I found in no very amiable humor at my delay.
Oii explaining the cause of my detention, his ill teirmper was abated, and hlie quickly proceeded to. prepare
me for my appearance in my new r6le of an Indian
warrior. Stripping nme entirely, he invested me with
a new pair of leggings and mocassins; leaving me
naked to the waist.  Producing a number of little
packets containing pigments of various colors, he commenced operations by painting my face, neck and
breast blood red, and my arms and the rest of my person that was exposed in alternate bands of black and
yellow.  Upon my breast he delineated with considerable skill the figure of a grizzly bear; upon my
forehead a star, and across my face narrow stripes of
0
0 
-           -    C)  -         -         C)  -
4 —  -   4 —                _
4 —     -   C)    -                               -4 —.z                 C)
__                 C)     -        -                            C)  C)  C)
C)      4 —  --     C)    ~.-             4 —        -        C)  -  -- -
-4 —     --  C)     C)      C)  4 —-        C) -          4 —
-            4 —     bfj    C)                           C)
-        --                         C)                     C) -
-                              Co                     4 —i .4 —4 —               C)  C)            C)                 --
C)           C)                                                     4 —-.
-   C)        .                   -.4-             -
-       4 —  C)                              --       -         C)  --    4 —.,
-  C)                                                                    Co
4 —      C)  -   Co  -  A                         4 —       -
C)                        C)A,  - 4 —
Co       C).
_                                    -         C)  Co
-                                   C)'-   - C)-.'                                         9
C).    A
C)                             C) A                                   C)  -
-          -  4 —. -   -        C)
- C) C). - C)
Co       -        C)       4 —
C)  -                  C)     4 —     C)  C)
C)  C)
C) A    -  C)
--  --  _    4 —  .C)   C)  C)         4 —           —'i      --  Co
C)  4 —      -                     -              -
-    C)               C) A                   -           -  Co A
--  -   -  -4 —  - 4 —  ---     -  --  C)  C)  C)           4 —- . —-  
C) A    C)C)                  4 —  --
-        Co
C)       -                 C)  -   4-"'-,.            -    -   0
-            C)
C)  *C)A   -.,  -   C)           C)  -   --             Co
C)  -                      --,        
- 4 —C)'Co
C)  --
-  4 —
C)
--                             Li
-. -
-      A    4 —  C)'                             C)
C)  A
C) 
;z
C)
v
-C
p
-i
u
'a
0 
217
sleep  I was impat'Cent for the dawn,  that I milght be
in miotion, and leavillg iimyjhated valley prison, as 1
fontdly lop)Cd, t)r tic last title.
The ]iours dagged,,w Nearily away, and it seemed as
if tlle  orllilng, wold never coime; but at last a fail)t
gli!tliner of ligt,lt iii tle east showed tlhat the titlne foi
action hItad coie.  I started iiup, aId taking lly siirs ple
loi-se futiiiitiire, mnade imy way to wlere  tilC liorses
we'Ie )icketedl.  I fotind limally of the wvariiors alieady
astir aiid l'iadi eg their liorsqs to' tle water.  Joitilg
tlt~,i, I  had  SOoi attecinded  to  the  waiits of  imy
cliarger, bridled liiiii, atld stral)hl)ug the buffalo robe
lupon  his batck,  I iiotuiited  himi  anld rode back  to
tl)he  lodge of  Ilissolceclia.  At  tlle  saiiie time  he
eilerged from  the lodg, iii all tle full glory of llis
war painit.   lis l)orse had alieady beien brougtIllt Iup
by oiie of his baild, tild advising ine to eat as licarty
a imeal as possible, lie mlorunted and rode down to
whlere the wNarriors were asseiinbliiig. Ihastily devoutrigl at few inontll;lls of tasajo, I sp)eedily followed
hiim, and altltought  but a few momen ts had elapsed,
found the party almost ready to stiart.
The entire population of the il       lage  had  by thllis
tinie,sembled to see us off, anid I found myself the
subject of some very  flattering, remarks  as  I rode
tliro,ugh  the thlrongs of womten, children, and dogs,
while iiiiiediately surroutindiing  tlie war-party were
grouped all the miale inciubers of the cominmniity who
were Dot of the expedition.   The renegade  la(l di
a
a 
218
rected me to attach myself to his band, and 1 accordingly did so, being received with great cordiality by
the younger braves, who  complimnented me on nmy
warlike aspcet and fine equipments. Stonhawon, who
had been holding a hurried consultation with Tonsaroyoo, who stood aloof as though not wishing to
co,mpromnise his dignity by evincing any interest in an
expedition which he did not lead, now rode up and
gave the signal for departure. Instantly the band,
nmlibering about five hundred warriors, wheeled, and
forining with the rapidity of thought in single file,
the onlly foirmation used on the marchll by the prairie
Indians, rode off at a rapid pace down the valley,
amid the shouts and yells of those we left behind.  By
this time the sun had fully risen and on looking back
I could seedi:   the summiit of tihe temple the usual
group of prim?,,.s and their assistants, and among them
I could plai -l), distinguish the tall figure of Wakonmctkla.  1 fancied that I could see him wave his hand
as if in adieu, but it may have been only fancy, fobr
the distance was too great to decide with certainlty.
As we rode rapidly along, I noted every object
rendered familiar by my long residence in the valley
with a peculiar interest, for 1 hoped that I was lookinrg upon the well-known scene for the last time. 
It was a glorious moriling,, and the exhilaration of
the ral)id miotion, as my horse bore me along witls
proud, springy step, seemed to increase my strength,
and I experienced a buoyancy of spirits and a vigor of
0
0 
* 4
219
body I had never known before.  I felt strangely 
hopefil and exultant-in fact it seemed as if I were 
already free.
Ridiiig rapidly we soon reached the val]ey's lower
extreinity, and passing around the face of the cliff
upon the narrow ledge described in a previous chapter,
we crossed the crest of the mountain range, and descended by a zig-zag trail to the plain below.
Our route lay directly across tlhe desert to the eastward, and it was well into the afternoon before we
had passed it aInd reached the great grass prairie
beyonrd.  Oil reacling  tlhe prairie our course  was
deflected to thle nlortli, and about sundown we halted
at a sprilng known as the " Ojo Caliente," which the
leaders of the party lhad evidently selected as our
canlping, ground for tlle night.  The order to halt
once given, we  weIt into bivouac with marvelo-us
celerity.  Our horses were picketed in a wide circle
far out upon the plaili, as the gramma grass there is
longer and more luxuriant than in the irnmmediate
neigllborhood of the sl)rilgs.  Stripping our animals
of their equipments, we bring thicn to within about a
hundred yards of tlle spring.  Each man strikes his
spear into tlhe ground, and rests against it ])is shield,
bow and qliver.  lie places his robe or skin beside
it.  Thlece is his te,it and bed.  The row of spears
are soon aligned nl)on the prairie, formiing a firont of
sev eral hundred yards, and our cainp is complete.
No drilled troops in the world can equal the rapidity
O
0
r'l, 
220
witih wliilih these Indian)s form or break  camp;  and
yet every mnovement is executed withlout orders, and
as if )by iiittiition.  Fires were soon kinkdled, and strips
of  t',.isjo broughlt  forthl  and  cooked.   Pipes were
li]litcd, arid the warriors sit iii groups around tle red
blcaze, re(oall1ting tl]ci: adventures, and laugling and
cltattcring incessantly. Tlce )ailnt glitters lluponl their
nakll l)((lies in thle g,lare of the fires; it is a wild and
savage sceiie, and yet grotesql.e in its very savageness.
For two lHours we remain aboLit tlhe fires, somne cook    ing ani(l catilig, otlhers siiokiing, otliers fieslienintg the
idecotis devices of thlle war paint with which all are
btesll~al'cdl.  rlhen  tle liorse-g,iard is detailed  and
iartclics off to the cablallada, and tlle Indians, one
after aiiothcer, sipread  thlleir rohes  upoln the ground,
roll thlcliselves in thicir se-ai)8es or blakets, and are
soon asleepl).  For a time I tfound it impossible to sleep,
altlligllI wearied wit tl the uniacciistoinc  exercise of
the journiey.  IRclining upon  my  robe in  a hlalf
sittilig posturc, I watcl  tlIc scene around me.   The
fireslhave   ceasecd to blaze, btit by the lig,lt of the
moo,n I can distngn,iisli tlhe prostrate bodies of the
savages. White objects are mloving  aimolig  t-hemn;
tlhey aric dogs, prowlintg ablout in search of thle remains
of  tli(.ir sulpper.  Thlese riu  fromti  point to poilt,
gro\wlin1g at olie anotier, and b1)rkling at thle coyotes
'thlat sneak around the outskirts of tlhe camp.  Out il)on
the!a)airie the lhorses are still awake and busy.  I can
hear theim stamnping their hoofs and cropping the rich
.
4
I
0
. 4 
221
pasture. At intervals along the line I can see erect
forms standing motionless; these are the guards of
the caballada. At length I begin to grow drowsy,
and lyingdown upon my robe, I wrap myself in my
Brpe, and in a few moments am asieep.
0 
CUAPT'ER XXIV.
MT FIRST SCALP.
WAS roused before dawn by the stir and bustle
around me.  On rising to my feet, I found the
party preparing to march. Every warrior ran
out for his horse; the pickets were drawn, and
the animals led in and watered.  They are bridled.;
the robes are thrown over them and girthed. We
pluck up olx lances, sling our quivers, seize our shields
and bows, and leap lightly upon horseba.k. Our line
is already formed, and, wheeling in our tracks, we
ride off in single file to the northward.  
From conversation with my companions  the night
previous, I had discovered that only the leaders of the
party knew our destination. The rank and file were
as ignorant of the intentions of their commanders 
is usually the case among the armies of more civilized
peoples,  The young braves who  were my  chosei
companions on the march and in the camp, neitfier
knew nor cared whlither we were bound. They expected the expedition to result in our return with an
abmundance of scalps and plunder, and that was all they
cared about. During the forenoon we passed over a
"mott " of prairie or park.  Its surface was nearly
0 
223
level, but it was studded here and there with clumps
and coppices of cottonwoodsand dOthertrees and slirul)s.   To thie north the horizon was shut in by a lofty
mountain chain whicll seemingly barred our pathway,
althoughl at a great distance, and between us and this
barrier was a range of much less elevation, such as
are called "foot hills " in this region.
About noon we camne upon a small stream which
crossed our line of march, running off to the eastward
Upon its banks we halted for a short period, watering
and feeding Qur horses, and satisfyirng our own appetites from our supply of dried meat.  This done we
resumed our march.  We now found the timber islands
became less frequent, and in half an hour's ride we
left them altogether behind, and rode for several miles
over an open plain. We saw timber ahead of us, and
had approached within about a mile of it when one of
the runners or spies, about fifty of whom were scouting ahead, came back and reported to the chief that
they had discovered a small herd of buffalo grazinig
upon a small prairie or sort of natural clearing beyonrd the belt of woods.
Although we were well provided with dried mneat,
ithe prospect of fresh buffalo steak was not unpleasing,
and a liuiit was at once determinied upon.
'lalting the party Stoihawon directed the renegade
to take his own band and join the scouts ahead. Together the bands would constitute a hunting party of
about one hundred warriors, quite large enough for
0
4 
225
turning to the scout; "do you think we can approach
them  "
"No," said  Hanatamauh,  "there  is not  cover
enough; and besides, they are getting further away
from the bushes as they feed."
"What then $" asked Hissodecha; "we can run
them; they would be off through the thicket in a mo ment, and we would lose them all."
"Yes," replied the scout. "that is certain; but we
can get them for all that. I never saw a better place
for a' suirround,' and it will take but a short time to
get your braves in position."
"True,'> said Hlissodecha, "if the whid is right.
How is it?"
"There is none," said the scout taking a feather
from his head-dress and tossing it in the air.  "You
see it falls direct."
"I see," said Hissodecha; "let us divide the men.
We have enough to pen them in completely. You
can guide one-half of them to their stands. I will go
with the rest. You, Tahteckadahair," he continued,
"had better bring up your horse and stay where you
are. It is about as good a stand as you can get. You
will have to wait patiently, as it may be an hour before all are placed. When you hear the signal, which
will be the hunter's whistle, you may gallop forward
and do your best. If we suoceed we shall have plenty
of sport and a good supper, and I suppose you are
ready for that by this time."
1
I
0 
226
Tle renegade now left rme, followed by the se-oiit
,nd went back to the rest of the party.  Their iitein tioni was to separate the band into two equal parties,
and each taking an oipposite direction, to place iilci at
regar. in'tr  tervals around tle prairie.  Thley wvoul(l keep
ill the cllai)arral wMlile on the mnarch, and only disc, ter
tilienselves when the signal was given.  II this wa.y,
if the bulfaloes did not take the alarmn, we should be
almost certain of securing the entire herd.
As soon as Ilissodeclla left me, I selected my hlnting arrows, which, unlike those used for war, are not
poiso)led.  Then I broiglht up my horse, and having
nothing else to do, I remained seated iipon his back
watching the animals as they fed on, unaware of their
danger.
Thie screaming of birds who flew up from the thicket
showed that the hunters were proceeding to their
stands. Now and then an old bull, standing like a
sentinel on the outskirts of the herd, would snuff the
wind and strike the ground violently with his hoof as
though suspecting that something was wrong; but the
others did not seem to mind him and kept on cropping
the luxuriant grass.  Suddenly an object made its
appearance, emerging from the motte in the eenter'of
the prairie. It looked like a buffalo calf proceeding
to join the others. As usual, a pack of coyotes were
sneaking around the herd, and these, on perceiving the
calf, made an instant attack upon it.  To my sulrrise,
it seemned to fight its way through them, and soon
a
4 
226
Thle renegade now left rme, followed by the swout,
,ndi went back to the rest of the party.  Tllheir iiteiintioti was to separate the band into two equal parties,
and eachl takiig an o pposite direction, to place t1itci at
regilatr initervals around tlhe prairie.  Thley wvoul(l keep
in the cIla)arrial while on the marcll, and only dis(:.)ver
tie,elves when the signal was given.  In this wa.y,
if thie bufialoes did not take the alarnm, we should be
almost certain of securing the entire herd.
As soon as Ilissodeclia left me, I selected my hunting arrows, which, unlike those used for war, are not
poisoiied.  Then I broiglht up my horse, and having
nothing else to do, I remained seated iipon his back
watchling the animals as they fed on, unaware of their
danger.
Thle screaming of birds who flew up from the thicket
showed that the hunters were proceeding to their
stands. Now and then an old bull, standing like a
sentinel on the outskirts of the herd, would snuff the
wind and strike the ground violently with his hoof as
though suspecting that somnethling was wrong; but the
others did not seem to mind him and kept on cropping
the luxuriant grass.  Suddenly an object made its
appearance, emerging from the motte in the center of
the prairie.  It looked like a buffalo calf proceeding
to join the others. As usual, a pack of coyotes were
sneaking around the herd, and these, on perceiving the
calf, made an instant attack upon it.  To my sul-rise,
it seemned to fight its way through them, and soon
.0
0 
227
joined the herd and was lost to view among them. I
thought no more of it, and was wondering how mu.ck
longer I would have to wait for the signal, when I
noticed that the buffaloes were lying down one after
another.
In a few minutes eight or ten were stretched upon
the turf, and I observed that they fell suddenly as if
shot, and some of themr appeared to kick and strniggle
violently.  I had heard of a curious habit of these
aniiials knovn as "wallowing," and concluded this
mui.st be it.  As I had never witnessed this manclvre,
I watched them as attentively as possible, but the high
grass prevented me from seeing much. At all events,
I thought, the "surround" will be complete before
they get ready to move, and I waited patiently for
the signal.
The buffaloes still continued to lie down one after
another, and at length the last one of the herd stretched
himnself upon the prairie.  At this instant the shrill
notes of the Indian whistle reached my ears, and a
wild yell arose from all sides of the-prairie.  I urged
my horse forward; a hundred others had done the
same, all yelling at the top of their voices as they shot
out of the tlhicket. Filled with the wild excitemient
incident to suchi a scene, I galloped forward with my
bow strung and arrows ready, intent upon having the
first shot.  To my surprise the buffaloes did not stir.
The Indians closed in, yelling as they came, and we'
pulled up our horses in the very midst of the prostrate
O 
228
herd. I sat upon my horse as if spell-bound, looking
about me in consternation and wonder.  Before me
lay the bodies of the buffaloes, and I seized with a
superstitious awe when I perceived that every one of
them was dead or dying. Blood flowed from their
mouths and nostrils, and fiom wounds in the side of
each the red stream trickled down. The prairie car pet was dyed with it.
My companions seemed at first as much surprised as
myself, but some of the more astute quickly diined
the mystery and commenced looking about with keen
scrutiny. Suddenly the renegade urged his horse for ward, and on turning to see what hlie had discovered,
I saw the buffalo calf, whose existence I had for a
time forgotten. The calf had been concealed behind
the carcass of one of the buffaloes, but now appeared
to be endeavoring to make off into the timber.
Hissodecha rode up to it, evidently intending to
pierce it with his lance, when the animal suddenly
reared up, uttering a w;ld human scream. The shaggy
hide was thrown aside, and a naked savage appeared,
holding up his arms as if pleading for mercy.  His
appeal was a vain one, however, for the ruthless rene gade pinned him to the earth with a thrust of his
lance, and, springing from his horse, finished him with
his tomahawk. He then scalped him, and, remount ing his horse, directed some of the warriors to scour
the prairie, as they might find another "calf" concealed in the long grass.  With the rest of the party
a
0 
229
he rode up to the notte, and they quickly formed in
a circle, around it.  Familiar as I had become with
Indian cruelty, I felt a sensation of horror and disgust
at this cool shedding of blood, and I halted irresolutely by the body of the dead Indian.- He lay
stretched upon his back, naked to the breech clout,
the red stream flowing from the lance wound in his
side. His limbs quivered, but it was in the last spasm
of departing life.
The hide in which he had been disguised lay near
him, where he had flung it at the moment he was discovered.  Beside him were a bow and several arrows.
The  latter were covered with blood, the feathers
steeped in it and clinging to the shafts. They had
pierced the bodies of the buffaloes, passing entirely
through.  Each arrow had taken many lives.
I was stir contemplating the dead man, when a yell
from the motte attracted my attention, and I rode
thither. I reached the spot just in time to see the
body of another Indian dragged out from the thick
undergrowth, and his fortunate slayer, who happened
to be one of the younger braves, took the scalp with
great complacency, as it was his first trophy of the
kind. The Indians evidently believed that another of
the Coyoteros or Wolf Apaches, for to this tribe the
two dead savages were declared to belong, was concealed in the thicket, for they were formed in a sort
of irregular circle around the copse, peering into it
from every direction. Hissodecha now ordered the
.. 0 
230
warriors to close in from every directicn and search
the thicket.  In this nianeuvre I found myself compelled to take part, as otherwise I would have incurred
the stigma of cowardice.  We  dismounted from oir
horses and pressed into the thicket fiom all sides.
For a few seconds nothing could be heard but the
cracking of the undergrowth as we forced our way
through it. Suddenly a yell arose from the side
opposite to my position, and almost instantly a third
Coyotero sprang frofn a dense cluinp of willows near
the spring, and made for the opening. It chanced
that I was directly in his path, and hlie was rushing
upon me with upraised kjife.  Strong as mighlt be
my repugnance to taking human life, the institnct of
self-preservation was still stronger, and before he
could reach me I had pierced him with an arrow, aud
he fell dead almost at my feet.  In an instant the
warriors had gathered around me, and I was being
congratulated upon my bravery and skill.  Not feeling particularly proud of the achievement, I was
about'to remount my horse, when  Uissodeclia reminded me that I had neglected to scalp the fallen
foe; so I was compelled to perform that operation,
which I did rather clumsily. A thorough search
through the thicket and over the prairie having satisfied my savage companions that no more of the Coyoerfo8 had been present, we returned to the dead buffaloes and began skinning and- cutting them up.
Stonhawon soon arrived with the remainder of the
0 
231
band, and as it was nearly sundown, we eneanmped
upon tihe spot; the spring furnishing water, and the
graess of the prairie an al)budanice of rich food for the
lhorses.  As for ourselves, we feasted in true savage
fashion, finding the fresh steaks, tongues, aud liihmp
ribs a decided iimprovernent upon the tasajo which
had previously been ou,r diet.
1 was-comnpelled( to listen to many encomniuins upon
my courage and dexterity, alid soime of the yoting
braves ventured  the op)inion  that  Tahteckadahair
would soon be as great a warrior as Ilissodeclia.
Painfully iiimpl)ressed by the scene of slaughter in
which 1 had been an unwilling participant, I held myself aloof as much as possible from the merry groups
around the camp fires, and at an early hour wrapped
myself in my blanket, and wearied by the fatigue and
excitement of the past two days, I was soon buried in
a heavy and drealdess sleep, which continued until
the dawn of another morning again compelled me to
come forth; and this time it was not aS an inexperience
ed brave, but as an acknowledged warrior; for I had
slain an enemy and taken my first scalp. I cannot say,
however, that my increase of notoriety was a source
of satisfaction to me, but quite the contrary.
Somewhat to my surprise we remained by the mook
spring for three days.  This was necessary in order to
convert the buffalo meat into tasajo, as we had not a
sufiicient supply for our purpose.
On the evening of the third day, the meat being
..
0 
232
sufficiently "cured," we "struck camp" and rode off
to the north until we had reached the chain of moantains which crossed our path. Here we turned to the
eastward, and journeyed along their base intending to
cross at a well known pass about twenty miles above.
Reaching it at nightfall we again encamped, design
iug to pusb the mountain range the next moning.
.
0 
OHAPTER XXV.
THE FEAST OF THE GREEN CORN.
HE fields, or more properly speaking, the patches
of corn were quickly ripening, thanks to the
arduous efforts of Wakadahme and his wonder     fil arrow, and the whole tribe was waiting impatiently the time when the signal should announce
that the feast of the green corn was about to commence.  Noextto fighting, your Indian likes eating;
about one half of his time is employed in catering to
the cravings of his stomach. When not engaged in
fighting his enemies, or marauding in the vicinity of
the Mexican border-towns, he occupies his energies in
the hunt or chase.  At the time of my enforced resi —
dence among the Apaches, they were not restricted and
confined to reservations as at present. They considered themselves masters of the country which they inhabited, and were free to roam in any direction their
fancy might dictate.  When in search of game, they
would scour the plains to the northward, and on some
occasions would penetrate deep into the country of
their enemies, the Crows and Blackfeet. Numerous
encounters would result from this intrusion on the
O 
234
rights of others.  At times they would meet and re.
pulse their opponents, and continue the hunt, return
laden with the fruits of the chase, and girdles plenti
fully garnished with their victim's scalps.
At such times, their return home partook of the
character of an ovation; fires would be lighted, food
prepared in abundance, and high revelry be the order
of the day. Gathered around the council Bires, with
an eager and attentive multitude of old men, women
aid children, constituting themselves an audience,
the braves would indulge in the most fantastic and
highly!v colored narratives of their deeds of valor and
heroic bearing in the presence of an enemy. Seated
in a circle around the blazing fire, and smoking their
clay pipes, each one in turn would relate the incidents of his particular case, reciting the most improbable deeds of valor, and ending up, usually, with the
oft-told tale, of how he gained his sobrwt.
-His listeners had doubtless heard the same story on
many similar occasions, but repetition has no horror
for an Indian, and judging from the flattering silence
with which his speech is received, and the many compliinentary expressions with which he is greeted at its
close, one would at once coulcude that the remarks
weld new and original.  Boasting is an Indian's weak
point; given a listener, and tlhe amount of bonibast
andi niocl: heroics wliich he-will inflict on one, simply staggers belief.
If, on the contrary, the hunting party has not been
0 
235
ncoeful, but defeat and misfortune has been their
portion, then the scene is changed. In place of feasting and revelry, they are greeted with a, death-like
silence, and, as the remnant of the partyefile through
the village, they are objects of the closest scrutiny by
anxious mothers and wives. -Athe ke~  eyes of love,
search in vain for the form of him, who a few weeks before left the village in the glory and vigor ofmanhood,
a heart-rending wail goes up, which is instantly echoed
by the assembled women, until the welkin resounds
with mournful cries. As on more joyful occaions, a
rush is made in the direction of the council lodge, and it
then becomes the painful duty of the survivors to re.ate their mishaps, and lhow such and such an one met
tile enemy with  his accustomed bravery, and fbromost fighting, fell.
In these recitals, the party in question always meet a
foe who vastly outnumbers them, and according to their
acconnt, their opponents always suffer terribly in slain,
and would have eventually been overcome,,a!d completely routed, had not some trifling accident-which
could not be forseen-occurred to mar the effects of
their stunning prowess.
I hleave never seen an Indian fight, and am not able
to judge of their actions on the field of battle, but, if
observations of the red man in his home, is any criterion, 1 should venture the opinion that an Apache
would fighlt valiantly under one condition, naimely:
when his party were numerically stronger than the op
O 
236
posing force. I think they have a just appreciation of
the Falstafflan method of conducting warfare, and are
firmly convinced that "he who fights and runs away,"
has better opportunities for glory, rapacity and booty,
another day.
As these pages are being written, the country is
again startled by the news of fresh Indian outrages,
this time, against tbe constituted authority of the coutn try, and close on the heels of the news of the reopen ing of Indian hostilities, comes the thrilling intelli gence that a General has been shot in cold blood, and
whilst under the protecting and sacred influence of a
flag of truce.  Such dastardly and treacherous con duct, thrills one with a righteous indignation, and we
are more than ever impressed with the belief that
measures, the most rigorous, should be instituted, and
that the goverment should put to one side any feelings
of mawkish sentimentality, an(l mete out to these redhanded savages the retribution their deserts merit
The case under consideration is only ose among
many.  How many immigrant trains dragging their
Slow length ver the trackless and boundless prairies,
have met a similar fate; and their misfortune never
so much  as heard -of.   Whole  villages  ofi  the
borders have been attacked, captured and  pillaged;_
their inhabitants murdered in cold blood, or carried
off into a captivity that w,orse even than the knife
of the savage.  Who can count the lonely victims who
hsve been  waylaid on their toilsome jou.i,' by a
0 
237
party of howling savages, and being surrounded, be fore they were aware almost of the presence of an
enemy, set upon and brained in the most cruel manner, and their bodies left weltering in their own gore,a repast for wolves and coyotes-horrible reflection;
to think of the numbers who have suffered this fate,
and died unknelled, uncoffined, and unknown; while
their murderers were these same gentle red children,
of whose interests the government has exercised such
a watchful care, guarding them against the rigors of
winter by a p]entifitil supply of food and blankets, and -
during the spring furnishing them with powder and
the.-most improved fire-arms, that they might thereby
be enabled to steal forth from their reservation, prey
on helpless travelers, and returning covered with the
blood of their white brothers; praise their Great
Father at Washington, and thank him, through their
agent, for the many inestimable gifts he has placed in
their hands, by whose judicious use they have gratified
their dominant passions, and tuined many  a happy
home into a chamber of mourning.
Out upon such a policy!  War, to the bitter end, is
the only "policy" that should be for a moment entertainem, in dealing with these fiends; and-when they
are at last exterminated off the face of the earth, it
may, perhaps, be safe for a man to undertake to travel
through his own land. My readers may think I speakl
with undue heat on this subject, but the memory-of
my sufferings and trials, during the time that I re
a
0 
28
mained among the Apaches, make it almost inipera tive that 1 should speak freely and without reserve.
Those who are at home, and surrounded by the
prIotcting influence of a father's or husband's care,
cainnot filly appreciate the perils and degradation con se(iluelnt upon a life of bondage, and I sincerely trust
tlhatit-t may never be their misfortune to undergo
siiilar experiences.
I iiitst apologize for this lengthy digression, and
will hereafter endeavor to keep mo~e closely to the
thiread of iuy narrative.
As before stated, the Indians always made the most
extensive preparations for the feast of the, green corn;
and it was looked forward to with the most eager
anticipations..
Several weeks before the corn had fairly ripened,
the head chief and medicine men met in conclave, and
decided on what measures were to be piirsued during
the festivities. In most instances, a few of the older
women of the tribe were selected, and appointed to
watch the patches of COan attentively.  Every morning they were required to pick a few ears of corn, and
without dividing the husk, bring it to the medicine
chieft Eeh-tohk-pah-shee-pee-shahl (the black moccasin),'
who would examine it, and if it was not deemed sufficiently ripe, they would be dismissed with an injunction to appear again on the following morning, with
another handful of freshly gathered corn. This performance was continued until the sam.lcs examined
a 
239
were considered to have arrived at a stageof sufficient
ripeness, when the fact was announced by crierc, who
went through the village proclaiming the joyful intel ligence.
For several days previous to the announcement of
this gratifying news, the Indians had sunbected tlhemselves to a thorough purgation, using for this purpose a
decoction of various bitter roots and herbs, which they
termined a-cwZa (the black drink). This course of
treatment enabled them to attack the. corn with
ravenous appetites, and to gorge themiseives until
they could scarcely niove.
On the appointed day the tribe are all assembled,
and in the center of the lodge a kettle is hung over a
fire, and filled with the coveted grain. This is well
boiled, and offered to the Great Spirit as a sacrifice.
This is an imperative ceremony, and must be performed before any one can indulge the cravings of his
appetite.  During the tilne that the cauldron is boiling, four chiefs and mystery men dance around the
steaming kettle.  They are painted with white clay,
and in one hand they hold a stalk of the corn, while
with the other they grasp tile rattle. As they move
around the fire, they chant a wierd song of thanksgiving, taking particular pains to remind the CGreat
Siriit that they are doing all this in his honor, and
restraining their appetites that he may be pleased,
and propitiated, to the extent of furnishing themi with
a bountiful supply during the ensuing season.
a 
240
Wlilst the medicine men are performing ill this
mai-iiier, a numllber of others form in a circle, outside
of thie illler one, and with stalks of corn in each lhasd,
go tllroiigli a somewhat sitnil.r ceremonv.  Wooden
bowls areI pl)aced on the ground immediately under a
tri,)()d, forecd by joining together three poles, o.about twcl vc feet in length, which are also ornaumented
with oais of corn.  In each of the bowls is placed a
spoon, imade of the horn of the buffalo, or niolmtain
sheel), ii Which the feast is to be served.  The dance
is continuied until the chiefs decide the corn is sufliciently -)oiled; when, at a given signal, the dance is stopped
for a few minutes, and again resumned, this timne to a
different tone.  Then the master of ceremonies removes the smoking vegetable and places it upon
a small scaiffold of sticks, which  thev erect over
the fire.
Ilaving done this, thefirst fire is removed) and the
ashes are gathered and buried. A new fire is then
made in the place occupied by thoe:old one.. The new
one is started by a very painful- process.
Three men seat themselves on the ground, facing
each other, and procuring a hard block of wood, commence drilling violently with a stick, by rolling,it
between the palms of the hand.  Each one catches it
in turn from the other, without allowing the motion
to stop, until smoke, and at last, a spark of fire is
Aen, and caught in a piece of punk, whereat there is
great rejoicing among the bystanders  When this fire
0 
241
is kindled, the kettle is again placed over the fire, and
refilled with the vegetable.
Now the feast begins, an onslaught is made on the
contents of the pot, and the Indians rush off in all
directions to devour the corn.  Soon fires are blazing
in every lodge, and all are indtlging in the grossest
gluttony. This feast lasts until the corn is exhausted,
or becomes too hard to eat with any degree of comfort.
When an Indian has gorged himself to the fullest
capacity, he has recourse to his adceola, and is soon
in a condition to recommence with as much vigor as at
first. 
These scenes filled me with disgust, and I often
thought how happy those brutes would be if they were
only endowed with the wonderful attributes of that
little sea monster, the' polyp, who, when his body is
cut in half, suffers no inconvenience, but gormandizes
as much as ever, with this advantage, that the food,
instead of remaining in lnis stomach, passes out at the
other end;  thus allowing him  to indalge in the
pleasure of gluttony, without the inconvenience of
being gorged.
16
0 
CHAPTER XXV1.
DANGER AHEAD.
"F.  E  started again at early dawn, and commenced
J  the passage of the defile through the mountain.
The pass was tortuous and rugged, but as we
roJe in single file we experienced but little difficulty, and after about three hours of alternate ascents
and descents, we gained its outlet and debouched upon
the plain beyond. Is was a timber prairie, studded
with moe of tall cottonwoods, and bisected near its
center by a' small stream. A heavy belt of timber
fringed the northern horizon, and towards this we directed our  course.
As we were now liable to come in contact with hotile parties of other tribes, Stonhavwon exercised great
caution.  Nearly a hundred runnem  or spies were
sent in advance, while the main body advanced slowly;
the chief receiving frequent reports from the scouts.
About ten o'clock we halted on the banks of the
arr"yo, and while waterig our animals, one of the
scouts returned and made some communication to our
leader. In a few moments it became known to the
entire band that a lage war party of Arrapahoes had
e
0 
243
been discovered ahead. Beyond the belt of timber
w.. a large grass prairie, a favorite haunt of tile bufi'u, and upon this the Arrapahoes had halted to hunt,
and after getting a good supply of meat, were engaged in converting it into tasajo, preparatory to an
extended raid upon the tribes to the southward.
It is probable that we, olrselves, were intended to
receive their polite attentions, but if this had been
their object it was frnistratcd by the fact that we were
*ut upon the same errand as regarded themselves.
At the eastern extremity of the prairie, a mountain
rose from the plain; it was an isolated peak of sumall
altituide, its heig,ht being but a few hundr ed feet, and
in shlape almost a perfect "sugar leaf."  The belt of
timber which fonted the southern boundary of the
prairie, extended to the mountain, and fringed its
base.  Near the foet of the mountain the Arrapahloes
were in bivouac, their horses grazing upon thel plain.
Long rows of stakes and lines were erected, and upon
these hlle buffalo meat was hung in strips, and was
fast blackening in the hot sun. Evidently a few more
hours would compiete the process of its conversion
into tasajo.  A number of fires were kindled near the
base of the mountain, and around these were groupe'
the Arrapahoe warriors, engaged ill the usual Indian
pastinie of eating.   A  more fiorable opportunity
for attack could not be wished, provided we could
approach near enough to take them by slurprise; but
to effect that, promised to be difficult, as we would
.
. 0 
244
certainly be seen the instant we passed the timber;
and in that case, surprise would, of course, be out of
the question..
Our  leaders, Stonhawon and  ilissodecha, stood
apart, apparently holding a sort of "council of war."
Their conference, however, was quickly ended; tihe.
renegade made some proposition to which Stonawon
seemed to assent, for he signed us to mount, and we
instantly r-esumed our march. IL a few minutes I
was able to fathom their design from the course
taken.  Skirting the belt of timber, and screened
by it froim the views of the Arrapahoes, we directed
Our course towards the lone peak.  The timber belt
was perhaps two hundred yards in width, and filled
with a dense undergrowth.  In ittshadow the spies
crept along its northern margin, moving parallel
to oiur course, and keeping a close watch upon the
enemy.  The renegade's plan seemed to be to approach them as closely as possible under cover of the
f orest, and then make a sudden dash, taking them by
surprise, and effecting their uitter rout.  As events
showed, I had judged correctly of the intentions of
our leaders, or at least partially so; but there was
:ne detail of the plan, which I had not thought of,
which was presently put in execution. After riding
slowly for about two hours we reached the point,
trended off to the north, and encircled the mountain. r:.
Here Stonhawon halted the main body, but the band
of Hissodecha, which numbered about sixty warriors,
e
I
a 
-                                                              -i'i! 
<'Hi     ~                             
~j\Y                                    ~'   
I
%-       \            I       4 
H'~~~5
<
.1 -,,
r,,i, f,;avw,
ot Vvll,lt.e, (.)i-i 
4t 
245
was reinforced by about the same number detailed
~roin the chief's party and sent round the mountain
to attack the enemy in the rear.  I was about running
off with this party, when Stonhawon beckoned to me,
and on my riding up to him, directed me  to remain
with himn. I was quite surprised at this, and looked
towards ILlissodecha, expecting that he would urge
that I be permitted to accompany him; but to my
still greater curprise, he did not seemn to notice me at
all, and with his band soon disappeared behind a spur
of the mountain.  I had little opportunity, however,
to reflect upon this ciricumstance, for our party was
quickly put ill motion, and passing through the wood,
were soon ralged along its outer margin, sheltered
from view by the thicket, and awaiting the signal to
ciharge uponl the foe.
We were barely two hmundred yards from their position, aid could plainly distinguish the varied hues
and designs of the war paint upon their persons.
Their number was about equal to our own, and with
the advantage of a suiprise, it seemed probable that
we mnight utterly destroy them.
Like hounds held in the leash, wve awaited the signal-at last it came-the shlill notes of the  war.
whistle pierced the air, and it was instantly followed
by the wild intonation of the Camanche war whoop,
as we burst forth from the timber and charged with
headlong fury upon the foe. For a moment I thought
that the surprise would be complete, for our sudden
a 
4-6
appearance seenmed likely to completely  demoralizo
the eIiemiiy.
BLit the Arirapiahoes, although greatlysurprised and
aiarmned at cur sudden onslaught, showed rio signs of
panic, indeed, it is next to impossible to really rurprise an IndiaD.  A tew of those that were nearest to
1us were ridden down, transfixed with lances, or brained b,y blows fromn our war clubs and battle axes; but
the larg,er number, hastily plucking up their lances
and seizing their othler weapons, rushed for their
horses, and before we could reach theml were niounted
and formiing to receive us,  Ilid,ng at a headlong
pace, a few seconds broughlt us upon theiii, and we
cloud at full speed.  A  confused and deadly rlee
followed, tl-he comibat b)eing  miainrly hand  to hand.
Blows and lance  thrusts were exchangedl,  arrowrs
whistled through the air, gliastiy wounds were given
and received; the air resouided with the groans of
wounded and dying men, and( the wild war cries of
the contending warriors. Exactly wlhat 1 d(id I hardly
know, so great w,as the excitement and coIInfusion.  I
know that I gave and received blows, and meclianically defended myself from the attacks nmad(le upon
me; b5t the incidents of that brief yet terrible
struggle seem like a dream to me now.
The impetus of our first charge had carried us entirely through the enemies line.  We  then wheeled
and charged them anew;  and this mranceuvre was
repeated miany times.
a 
247
Our adversaries seemed to be getting decidedly the
worse of the conflict, and we could see unmiistakal)le
sigig,s of an inclination on their part' to take refuge in
f!.igllt, when sonmething seemed to suddenly change
their deterujination, and they again assaulted us w-ith
reniewed fiury.  We were not loing in discoverinig the
cause; during tlihe figt,lt we had many timies changed
positions with our adversaries, and we were now facing
t(),watds thle niountain.  Attracted by a noise in olw
rea,-, we glanced in that direction, to behold a sight
that tilled us with dismnay.
Al))roa(llin,g us at full speed was a party of fully
one liundred Arrapalioes, ewv'dently a detachment from
the ba,ud we were fig,liting.  Coiiiiig fron the north,
thev lhad got within a quarter of a.nile of us before
we l]ad discovered tlhemn-, the tumult and confusion
of the conflict preventing us froin perceining them
soolielI.
As Ifissodecha and his party, from some unaccouint
able d(lelay,'lad not arrived uiponr the groI.nd, our
position was a perilous one. In a moment, tl)e new
eneilies would be upon us, and witlhout dolubt we
would be overwhelned.  Instanit action on our p).rt
was inperitive. and our leader, with ready perception
of that fact, gave the signal to close in together and
charge uponI our imniediate opp)onents.
AVith a wild yell we rushed upon them, breaking
tli,outgtli their line, and retreating rapidly towards the
ase of the mountain.  Here a nuinber of large rocks
a 
248
had fallen upon the plain from the cliffs above, aind
laid in such positions as to form a sort of n.at-ural
breastwork. Indeed, the masses of rock, from th3ir
peculiar formation and grouping, had a striking re semblance to the ruins of some vast building.
Behind these rocky bulwarks, we sheltered our selves, and prepared to receive the attack which we
felt sure the Arrapahoes, strengthened by their opportume reinforcement, would certainly make upon us.
Indeed, we could see that they were preparing to do
so, and I, having by this time had quite enougb of
fighting, was awaiting the assault with dread, when I
was suddenly called by Stonhawon.  Hastening to
his side, as he sat on his horse, he directed me to
accompany one of the young braves who was standing by him, and had apparently received his instructions.  These the chief repeated for my benefit.  We
were to ascent] the mountain, with all possible speed,
and send up from its summit a "signal smoke," to
hasten the arniva] of lHissodecha and his party, still
unaccountably delayed.
Leaving our horses and most of outr weapons with
the party, we set off at once; the wild yells of the
Arrapahoes, as they advanced to the attack, ringinfg
in our ears, and being echoed by the defiant war-cry
of the Camanches, as the lattei prepared to receive
the onslaught.
a 
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE ESCAPE.
URNING in the direction of tile monntain, we
p)lt our horses into a hard irunI, and in a few
Sy   noments were tearing our way through the
mesquite bushes that fringed its base.   The
undergrowth bocamue denser as we advanced, and it
was found advisable to abandon the ponies and forge
ahead on foot. The safety of our party depended in
a great measure on the celerity of our movements.
Hastily dismounting, and tying the cattle to some
sturdy sage bushes, we continued our ascent, and it
was not many minutes before we had reached a portion of the mountain that shelved out over the ravine,
thus forming an admirable position for the signal
operations.   My  companion briefly explained the
method of smoke signals, which were made by gathering a quantity of very dry underbrush for the fire, and
green twigs, boughs of pine, balsam, and hemlock,
being placed upon the blazing wood, covers the
flame and throws off a dense smoke that may be seen
at great distances. After ascertaining his views, and
a 
250
receiving my  instnictiolls, I pliliged into tle woo4
and busied 1-yself collecting materials for ouir tele graph) operaltions.  It was not long before we  had A
sitticielit quantity of material gatliered, and placirig
tile d:,y wood in suche   a mannier that it mig,lt  be
etasiy  ignited, miy  colnpanion  Iproduced  Iiis tinder
ap)I)aratlls, aId was soon at work drilling the block of
hlard wood, and firanitically ceideavoring to coax at
spark tlhat nii}It set tl'e )pile in a blaze.
As  few, if alvy, of  myi  readers  understand  the
iiietlod  -y wvllich  Indians liglit their fires, I will
]lastily descril)e it.  The  Indian  is unifalniliar with
t],e l1se of iatelies; even thle iinore primitive flint and
steel is a secle(d  1)(o,,k to 1him; l)Ceii('e he resorts to a
very silnl)le but lalborious conltrivalie.  Each  Inidiau
sul )lies ii inself witih two dried stalks of the MAexican
sO(tl) )laIit, al)out tlhrec-fi)urtlis of an iciili in diaiiieter.
O()c is lmade flat on one side; near the edge of the
iat smq4.a,e a snIall indentation is made to r2ceive the
)oilnt of the otlher stick, ai(d a groove cuit fromn this
down t[le side. Thie otller stick is ilade withl a rounded
elid.,iaTd )laced ui)riglllt ulpon tlhe first.  P)lacing tllhe
stick wAitl a fiat surface  etweecti thle feet, the point of
tlhe other is 1)laced in the ]ole niade to receive it, arid
tiriiiiiz it between  the palilis witlh a backward and
forward motion, and pressing, the point forcil)ly into
the lwer stick, a fine powder  is made, wlichi rins
thlrollugh thle groove and falls on the gr(ond. By constant and rapid  notion tlhe wood  begins tc, mioke,
a 
251
and at lengthl tie fine particles take fire; the spark is
soonI nuIrsed into a flatiale, and tlhe brlsll.vood( igiited.
In thlis maiiter our tire was lighted, slid lical,itii, lip
tle pilie and leiilock boughs, the sturroitidillg atii os pliere was one dense c,oud of smoke.   Stealiig to the
very edge of thle clifi;, I  )eered over aud an1xiously
scainned the plain bel)w.  I coulid see Stolllaw, l's
band fightiiig desperately  w-.tli their fees, who,  by
their superior iiiiil)bc(rs, were overpowering tle Ca niailelies.  Imiminediately behlind- the belt of tibilher,
1lid to the left of the coiteindiiig tactio!s, was tihe
party comrnprising the band under the leade(rship of
Ilissot)deeha.  Tiley were  moving cautiously airo)iid
the timber, and had not as yet observed tlie signal.
Once more tlhe' signal was worked, this time senditig
np a denLser cloud than before.  It wats observed by
the ambushed party; they drew rein, ait after a lhasty
* onsultation. turned and retraced their ste)s.  The
movement was not executed any too soon,     as tlhe maini
party were retreating before the successfil assault of
the enemy, and endeavoring to gainr the tfriendly cover
of the wood.   Hissodecha pressed rap)idly forward,
and emerging on the plain, swooped down  upon the
flatik of the victorious  Arrapahoes.   This  sudden
movement entirely changed the aspect of aftairs.  Tlhe
Arrapalhoes f,ll back precipitately in the direction of
the ravine, hoping by this ineais to gain shelter, and
if the worst camre to the worst, disband and esatter
ever the m,,)untain.
a 
252
It was a thrilling scene, and I almnost wished I was
one amoing them.
Our mission was accomplished, and my companion
intimated that we should descend the mountain and
join the war-party.  As we descended, the Camanche
preceded me, pushing his way through the bushes with
a rapidity only acquired by long practice.
Suddenly the thought flashed across my mind that
now. if ever, was my golden opportunity.  What
wouLld there be to prevent nmy braining the Indian in
his tracks and then escape?  It was a savage and
Ibrutal alternative, to be siure; but it was my only
chance, and I might wait years in vain before another
opportunity would present itself.  As I revolved the
scheme in mny mind, my hand went instinctively to
my belt and grasped the tomahawk. I trembled with
excitement, and as if to keep pace with my thoughts,
my steps quickened, and a few strides brought me close
upon my victim. My quick and labored breathing must
have attracted his attention, as, suddenly wheeling, he
conironlted me, and evidently read the mu-derous
intention in my eye, hie sprang lightly to one side,
and unsheathing his knife, stood as if expecting an
attack. Simultaneously with this action, I drew iy
tomahawk and nrshed upon him, aiming a blow at his
hlead.  Hie adroitly parried it with his arm, but in so
doing received a severe wound in the shoulder. Darting at ime, he clutched my arm, and twining his limbs
about my person, made a desperate endeavor to bring
a 
253
,.al to the ground. The tomahawk was of no use
now; I allowed it to fall from my gi'asp, and with the
disengaged hand clutched my knife.
K]y antagonist's superior strength began to tell.  I
felt powerless, and his eyes gleamed with fiendish
triunmph.  He raised the shining blade preo i-.ratory to
s,leathing it in my body, when I suddeniiv felt the
ground giving way beneath my feet, and in less time
than it takes to relate it, we were rolling over a precipice with a sheer fail of abort ten feet.  The savage
clung to me with a death-like grip, and encircling my
leck with his arim, grasped my throat wi/tl  his teetA.
Those were fearful momients.  I struggled to disenoace my hald fro-m his vice-like grip.  The blood
gurgled from my mouth, my tongue protruded, and I
was gasping for b)reath in the last throes of strangulation, when  we came to the ground with a terrific
st ock.
The savage gave one yell that curdled my  blood,
and instantly relaxed his hold, falling limlp and lifeless by my side.  I was not many minutes in disengang myself from my antagonist, and in doing so I
was made aware of the cause of the sudden turn of
events that had saved me from a horrible death. It
would appear, that during the struggle and fall, the
hand that grasped my knife was encircled around the
body of my foe, and when we struck the ground, my
body being uppermost, the knife had been driven to
the hilt iLnto his back by the force of the concussior
40 
254
Everything now depended on the celerity of my
movements. The remainder of the party would no
doubt wonder at our long absence, and despatch runners to seek the missing "signal" makers.  It would
reqLuire but a glance at the prostrate form of their
comrade to enable them to realize the true state of affairs, and to make instant preparation to follow, overtake the fugitive, and mete out to him the reward of
hi.s perfidy. Hastily possessing myself of what few
arms I needed,  and taking the bag of parched corn
that was suspended from the girdle of the fallen savage, I made iny.way to where the ponies were cached,
and springing on my animal, urged him forward at
the top of his speed, leading the Indianl's pony by the
lariat attaehed to his bridle.
MN_y plan was to strike out over the prairie in a
southerly direction, and by traveling without cessation,
endeavor to put a wide gap between pursuer and pirsued, and thus be enabled to reach in safety some of
tile Mexican frontier towns.  I was certain that this
)lan was feasible, from the conversation I had heard
from time to time among the warriors of our band.
ILndeed, it was proposed by  Hissodecha, to raid on
some one of the pueblas, if they were unsuccessful ill
thieir attack on the Arrapahoes, as by this means tliev
would avoid the ignominy of returning to the lodges
of their people, withont being able to display the
fruits of a successfiil foray; such as scalps, horses, ceat
+ives, etc.
a 
255
By riding my pony until he dropped from exhiau+
tion and then availing myself of the fresh lead horse,
i could travel an immense distance without drawing
rein.  It was growing dark when I started, and I had
not traveled far before the night closed in, aud I had to
trust to the instinct of my horse to carry me safely
over the prairie. My course was shaped by a certain
star that wo ld keep me on the right trail if I held it
steadily in view. About midnight I halted at a small
stream to water the horses, and hastily prepare for myself a small portion of the parched corn, which was
done by mixing a handfTil in a gourd  filled with
water. This corn is invaluable to those who wish to
traverse long distances, without being hampered with
unnecessary luggage. With a sack or gourd of this
article, containing about an half bushel, one can travel
fifteen or twenty days without other sustenance.
On we sped, the animals straining every muscle and
nerve, their flanks heaving and flecked with foam.
Io sound broke upon the stillness of the night, save
(he rapid hoof-strokes of the mustangs, and occasionally the yelp of a coyote that was startled in his midnight prowlings by our sudden and rapid advance.
tDirectly in mry course loomed up a huge mound  and
tmther on the dark forms of a range of low  hills
were outlined upon the horizon. I concluded to push
on and gain their shelter, Once within their Drotect
ing shadow, I could pursue my course more leisurely,
and  without the fear of immediate detection.  Mv
0 
256
grand anxiety was to hide or blind the trail, and by
this means baffle the sleuth hounds, who were by this
time in full pursuit.
I had not procee(ed far when the pony came to a
sudden halt, which almost unseated me. I tried to
urge him forward by word and action, but it was ofin o
avail; he refused to move, and stood trembling like
an aspen.  Leaning forward and peering over his neck,
I discovered, to my dismay, a wide chasm, which fully
exp)laned why the mustang had refused to be urged
forwi.-d.  The banks on either side were quite level,
and no indentations or ruggedness marked the line of
separation.  One could ri(de up to its very brink without being aware of a break in the prairie level.  I had
thus come upon one of those bavrncas, the result of
volcanic action, that are so frequently met with in this
country.  There was no alternative but to ride along
its edge until I came to a point where its sides were
depre1ssed to tihe level of the plain.  This, of course,
i4nvolved a long detour, and a consequent loss of
valuable time. laIy only consolation was in the reflection that my enemrnies, in following the trail, would be
compelled to resort to the same tactics.
I had journeyed down its banks about three miles,
bTefore I found an opportunity to cross. As I reached
tie opposite side, I turned and looked back.  Away
to my right, and in the direction friom whence I came,
I discerned a number of dark specks on the horizon,
Wvhich filled me with the direst apprehensions. These
a 
257
dark objects were, doubtless, the forms of my pursuers,
who had, it would seem, traveled with a celerity almost
equaling my own. The chase now assumed a desperate
aspect; before me lay life, hope, and freedom; behind
was a nemesis that represented captivity, torttre, and
dcath.  I plied the whip vigorously to thle flank of my
jaded steed, in the frantic endeavor to reach the cover
of the mountain.  I had not proceeded far on my
course, when my pony showed unmistakable signs of
giving out.  Indeed. I had not made more than a mile
orn my  ourse, when the animal stopped abruptly.  I
could feel him tremlble under my weight; and dropping on his knees, I had scarcely time to leap to the
ground before ie fell, and drawing a deep sigh, he
turned on his side and died, being, absolutely ridden
to death.  I had no time to waste in mourning the
brave little animal that had carried me thus far so
faithfuiillyv.  My robe was quickly transferred to the
other horse, and tihe flight resumed.  Reaching the
base of the hills, I was so fortunate as to find water;
and throwing myself at the foot of a tall cottonwood,
with the lariat of the mustang attached to my wrpst, I
determined to snatch an hour's rest, of which both my
mustang and myself were very much in need, after
our long and arduous ride.
I was awakened by a violent pulling at my wrist,
caused by the horse, in trying to reach fresh grass.
In a few moments I was up, momted, and away once
more in the direction of the Mexican towns. Towards
17
a 
258
evening I came to a river of some magnitude. It was
now the dry season, and the stream was only a rivulet
compared to what I judged it must be, when swollen
by the rains and melting snows from adjacent mountains.
I had, dming the latter part of my journey, been
casting about in my mind a series of plans, which
would enable me to blind niy trail, when lo! here was
an opportunity that surpassed my most sanguine expI)ectations.  To urge my horse into the stream was
the work of a momnent, and then turning his head with
the current, I continued the journey. At times the
water would brush the animal's flanks; again, it would
suddenly shallow. and scarcely cover his fetlockscccasionally I would strike a deep hole, and be obliged
to swirm the animal some rods, before reaching terra
]4~?ma.
These irregularities in the river-bed were due to its
quicksand formation, which was constantly shifting,
sh-]lowing here, deepening there, and it would have
been sure destruction to horse and rider, if we stopped
for a moment in our tracks.
After journeying in this manner for about a mile, I
entered a canon, whose walls ascended to a height of
thousands of feet, perpendicularly. On-emerging froni
this gloomy pass, a sight met my gaze that made me
shout for joy. Gaining the bank of the stream, I saw
extended before me, waving fields of grain, and in the
background, the modest spire of a little church, which
a 
260
tina and called for a basin of water.  Stripping the
plumage from my head, and reliceing my body of its
me-itricious adornment, I plunged into the bath pre pared for me, and came out, an entirely different look ing individual.
The nDcws of my arrival had collected an eager ani
enthusiastic multitude, who filled the patio.   I said
enthusiastic, but all due allowance must be made for
the natural and inherited indolence of the Mlexican.
On emerging fiom the inn, I was greeted with several shouts, and fifty people were asking mec questions
in one breath, all bent on having themn answered inr
less than no time. I finally succeeded in relating my
hlistory, adventures and escape, and wound up with
an appeal to their charity; setting worth my utterly
destitute condition, in the most glowing terms  m,y
execrable Spanish would permit.  It was an animatcd
scene; the men in the checkered serape, or strippied
)blankets, conical sombreros, wnith broad brimns, calzoneros of velveteen, with rows of shining buttous, and a
sash of gaudy color, encirlig their waists. The wAomen
were no less conspicuous; draped in the graceful sebazo,
thie short vogna, and the finely embroidered chemisette.
My appeal was not met with that spontaneous generosity that I could have wished; in fact, they contributed
nothing, and as a last resort, I was compelled to offer
my horse for sale; which venture was more sucesstful,
and I soon disposed of him at a very fair price. I was
now enabled to buy the few articles of clothing that I
a 
260
tina and called for a basin of water.  Stripping the
plumage from my head, and relieving my body of its
meritricious adornment, I plunged into the bath prepared for me, and came out, an entirely different looking individual.
The ne.ws of my arrival had collected an eager al
enthusiastic multitude, who filled the patio. I said
enthusiastic, but all due allowance must be made for
the natural and inherited indolence of the Mexican.
On emerging firom the inn, I was greeted with several shouts, and fifty people were asking me questions
in one breath, all bent on having them answered ir
less than no time. I finally succeeded in relating my
lhistory, adventres and escape, and wound  up with
ail appeal to their charity; settin' g rth my utterly
destitute condition, in the most glowing terms noy
execrable Spanish would permit.  It was an animate"d
scene; the men in the checkered serape, or strippedi
blankets, conical sombreros, with broad brimns, calzoneros of velveteen, with rows of shining buttous, and a
sash of gaudy color, encirling their waists. The women
were no less conspicuous; draped in the graceful sebazo,
thie short vogna, and the finely embroidered chemisette.
My appeal was not met with that spontaneous generosity that I could have wished; in fact, they contributed
nothing, and as a last resort, I was compelled to offer
my horse for sale; which venture was more sucestsful,
and I soon disposed of him at a very fair price. I was
now enabled to buy the few articles of clothing that I
a 
261
was most in need of, and after lingering a few hours
iri the village, I concluded to p)ushl on towards Santa
Fe, in the hope of falling in with some party of trades'or miners and then trust to the chapter of accidents for the rest.
Fortune favored me in my designs, as I soon had
an opportunity to join a party of Mexicans, who were
en route for the Capital of New Mexico, on trading
schemes intent.   I accompanied them. in the capacity
o0 nuleteer.
Arriving in Santa Fe6, I immediately repaired to
the largest inn, being attracted thither by a number
of uncouth characters, in hunting shirts and slouch
hats.  I entered unobtrusively, and took a quiet survey o0  the scene.  The room was the cantin,a  and all
were indulging in potations, more or less deep, of El
Paso whiskey.  The atmk)sphere was redolent of the
fumes of tobacco, and c,mmningled with the shouts
and coarse language of tlte men, was the shrill treble
of the women, who darted here and there, through
the throng, like sunbeams.
I was attracted b)y oie rude specimen, who seemed
bent on getting up a fight.  This great rough fellow,
of six feet and over, called a trim little poblana to
him, with, "hyar, my little muchacha! vamous, and
git me some of that'er Pass, good now, and  clar!"
Then, as the liquor was produced, he offered tlhe waiter
a quantity of money, which was unhesitatingly accepted, with a " muchio bueno, panor."
a 
262
IHooraw for you! come along, let's licker up all
round, and have a dance; you're the gal for my beaver;
bully for old Missour I" Suddenly, a pistol was
discharged in a remote corner of the room, and there
was an instantaneous rush in that quarter, succeeded
by loud cries, oaths, blows, shooting, din, and confusion.
Sick and weary of such scenes, I left the cantia,
and sallying forth into the plaza, wandered down the
street, not knowing where to go, or what was to befome of me.  I cared less.
a 
CHAPTER XXVIII.
A N EW DEPARTURE.
LAD to escape from such a scene of riot and vio
i  ne, I walked rapidly along the narrow street,
By' without any definite idea of where I was going.
1 soon passed tile iow and squalid looking rows
of adobe buildings, which compose the greater part
of the famous "Cuidad de Santa I'6," and came out
upon the open plain beyond.
My attention was attracted by a small group of
wagons parked upon the plain a short distance off, and
I walked towards them, thinking pe,iaps, to fall in
with some of mny own countrymen, of a different class
trom the brutal roughs I had la,tely met.  The wagons
were but four in number, and the party to which they
belonged comprised only twelve or fifteen persons.
They were mostly Americans, and from their dress
and manner I took them to be a party of mniners.
All were stout, hardy looking men, with an air that
bIespoke familiarity with hardships and adventure.
They had just struck camp, and were evidently preparing for departure. One, who seemed to act as their
leader, was directing operations, and apparently exercised a degree of authority unusual among mnen of
a 
264
this class.  He was a stout, broad-shouldered inan, with
a good natured expression of countenance, and from his
voice and features, easily distinguishable as an Englishlllanl.  The others addressed him  as "Harding," or
"Ned."  One or two giving him the familiar appellation of  "Hard Pan," which seemed sot of soUb~riquet by which he was knrown. There was something in
his appearance which inspired me with the belief that in
kin I might find a friend; and impelled by this feeling, I approached him, and addressed him as "Mr."
Harding, explained that I was a stranger and destitLte, in what was to me a strange land, arid implored
}iim to give me employment of some kitd withll his
party, so that I night in time be enabled to retulrnl to
i:y- home inr the distant East.
"Where do ye come from, lad?" said hlie, lookiing
at fne vith sme interest, and noticing the ineffacec.)!le
marks upcs my face-my legacy from the Camianches,
and which I aml desfined to carry to my grove.
In as few words as possible I told him nmy story, interrupted by many exclamnations of wonder and sympathy
fromn my simple-minded listener.  As I concluded he
slapped me on the backe, and declared that I should
join his party, and should never want for a bite or sup
while Ned Harding was to the fore.  By this tine the
other men of the party had gathered around, and I was
compelled to repeat my tale, which excited both pity
and interest in the breasts of the ki-ud-hearted miners,
wA o declared that the "cussed Kimanch ought to be
a 
265
wiped out."  "Aye, every mother's son of them,"
added Ned, "for playing such tricks upon travelers,
the blcody-minded heathen."
It was soon agreed upon that I should accompany
thie party, wvho were on their way to the old Spanish
mnine of San Ildefbnso, formerly noted as one of tho
rillcest in the province of New Mexico, but for many
years deserted by the Mexicans from terror of tihe
savag,e Apache and Navajo.  The men composing the
party of whilch I had now become a member, were
nlot to be deterred in their search for a golden h,arvest
by any fears of such a nature, and had determined to
visit the old mine and "prospect" in its vicinity, with
the hope of finding a paying lead.  They had with
then all the necessary utensils for their purpose, were
well-armed, and with an abundant stock of provision:,
and seemed one and all to be confident of success in
their enterprise.
I will spare the reader unnecessary details, and
mrerely state that we started within an hour on our
jounley, and after a wearisome and uninteresting trip
of eighteen days, reached the scene of our future operations, and which was destined to be my abiding
place for nearly two years.  A  suitable spot was
selected, convenient to beth wood and water; a few
rude huts were erected, and the town of " Harding"
sprang into being.
After getting fairly settled, and resting somewhat
from the fatigue incident to our journey and our
a 
266
-:bors in preparing our camp, we divided in parties of
three and four, and went to " prospecting" in various
dlirections for the precious metal, which was the object
of our expedition.  In this we were moderately sue cessf-ul, and wve soon ha,J our mining operations in fill
Alast.  I always worked in company with "Ned," as
i had learned to call him, and although lie favored ine
to a degree, assigning to me all the lighter portions of
the work, I soon found that it was the most severe
lai)or I had ever under undertaken, although I had
bieen inured to toil and hardship of almost every kind
ldunrilg my long residence with the Camanchlies.
The old mine was situated at the base of a preciFitous cliff of quartz rock.  A number of rude shi,fts
pierced the mountain side.  Some had penetrated to a
considerable depth; others mnore shallow,  showinis,'
that the lead  had proved unprofitable,  and bccii
speedily aoandoned.
On the banks of a little stream which wound aro',nd
the base of the cliff, stood the old smelting houses
and ruined ranches of the Mexican miners.  Most of
them were roofless and crumbling to decay.  The
round about them was shaggy and choked up.  There
-were briers, mezcal plants. and many varieties of
cactus; all luxuriant, hirsute, and thorny.  These w
speedily cleared away, and selecting one of the largest
of the old smelting houses, we soon put in order for
work.   Besides our  "quartz" mining  in the old
shafts and in new ones which we opened  w, also
a
I 
267
engaged in "gulch" and "surface" mining in the
viciuitv.
As some account of the different modes employed
to get at the precious metals, with which the rocks and
soils of the far western states are so richly stored
may not be uninteresting to the reader, I will briefly
give it.
Mining for gold alone is divided into two general
classes: that which seeks the mental from the solid
rock or quartz, and that which finds it in sand, gravel,
or soil.   The former process is the uLniversal and
familiar one of all rock mining, following the rich veins
into the bowels of the earth with pick and powder,
crushing the rock and separating the infinitesimnal
atomns of metal from the dusty, powdered mass.
The theoiw  of the geologists is, that this is the
original fobrm or deposit of the precious metals; that
the gold found in gravel, sand, or soil, lying as it does
almost universally in the beds of rivers, or under the
caves of the mountains, has been washed or ground
out of the hard hills by the action of the elemrents
through long years.  Washing with water is the uni versal means of getting at these deposits of the goldL.
But the scale on which this work is done, and the in strumentalities of application vary from the simple
hand-pan, pick, and shovel of the originai miner,
operating along the banks of a little stream, to grand
combination enterprises for changing the entire course
of a river, running shafts down hundreds of feet to get
a 
268S
iiito the beds of long ago streams, and bringinig water
through ditches and flumes, and great pipes,for ten or
twenty miles, and withlall to wash down a hillside of
,'jolden gravel, and extract its precious particles. The
i-nple individual pan-washers are the first in the fielde
blt it soon ceases to be profitable to tlis class of opera tors, and they soon move on in search of richer " dig gings."  The other mueans are employed on greater or
less scales of magnitude, by combinations of men and
Capital.  All the formls of gold-washing run into each
other, indeed; and companies, sometimnes consisting of
only two or three persons, with capitals of a few hunidred dollars merely, buy a sluice claim, or seize a
deserted bed, and with shovel aid pick, and a small
stream of water, run the sands over and over tiroug}h
the sluhceways, and at the end of the day, or week, (,r
month, gather up the deposits of gold in the bottonms
and at the ends of their sluices. From this, operations
ascend to a magnitude involving hundreds of thousands,
and employing hundreds of men as partners or day
laborers for the managers.  Sometimes, too, the entei —
prise is divided, and companies are organized thwat
furnish the water alone, and sell it out to the miners
or washliers, according to their wants.
The raising of ailriferous sands and gravel front the
deeply covered beds of old streams, by running, down
shafts and tunnels into and through such beds, is called
"de I2 diggings," or"  bed rock diggings;" and in their
pursuit, the bottoms of ancient rivers will be followed
0 
269
through the country for mile after mile, and many feet
below the present surface of the earth.  The miners
in this faskion go down until they reach the bed rock
along which the water originally ran, and here they
find the richest deposits.
The other sort of heavy gold washing, employing
p)owerful streams of water to tear down and wash out
the soil of hillsides that cover or hold golden deposits,
s known as "hydraleic mining."  This is the most
nDIClue and extensive process, involving the largest
cap tal and risk.  The water is brought from imountain
likes and rivers, through ditches and flumes, sometimes supported by trestle work, fifty or one hundred
feet high, to near the scene of operations. Then it is
let from the flumes into large and stout iron pipes,
iwhieh grow gradually smaller and smaller.   Out of
these it is passed into hose, like that of a fire engine;
-nd through this it is discharged with terrific force
1lLto te bank or bed of earth, which is speedily torn
i(wIl and washed with resistless separating power into
nairrow beds or sluices in the lower valleys; and as it
goos along these, the more solid gold particles deposit
themiiselves in the rifs or slight barriers placed for that
aurpose across its path.
Us-aally, in large operations of this kind, the main
stream of water is divided in the  final discharging
hose into two or more streams, which spout out into
thie hillside as if from so many fire engines, but with
immenselv more force.  One of thee streams would
a 
27O
instantlv kill man or animal that should get before It;
and fatal accidents frequently happen from this source.
Sometimes a water company taps lakes fifteen or
twenty miles off in the mountains, and turns whole
rivers into its ditches.  There-are in some localities
supposed rich gold banks and beds, which only requiie
water for developemeneit, but to get which would require an outlay for ditches of many hundred thousand
dollars. It is probable that it would be a richly paying
investment, however, and the principal reason why it
is not undertaken is the lack of certain laws, regulating mining claims, and the conflicts and doubts that
are occasioned by the neglect of the government to
establish the terms of ownership in) miining, lands.  As
it is now, possessior is the principal title to mining
properties; prospectors and miners have established a
few general rules for determining the rights of each
other, and they can occupy the properties that they
discover or purchase to a certain limited extent.  iNo
one person is permitted to take up more than a certain amount in feet or acres. The goverment so far
has done nothing with these mineral lands, whose rtal
ownership is still in itself, and derives no revenue
from them.
Whenever difficulties arise and are brought before
the courts, the regulations of the miners of the district where the properties are located has generally
been sustained. But the apprehension that the governument will yet assume its rights and establish differ,
0. 
271
ent ruiles for the possession and use of these lands,
and the uncertaintv and controversies growing out of
the      present loose ways of making and holding claims,
are a       serious obstacle to large enterprises, and a hindr.ance to the best sort of mining progress and prosperity throughout all the western mining country. The
profits obtained in some cases of extensive deep diggings and hydraulic mining are very great.  A  thousand dollars a day is often washed out by a company
]olding rinh soil and employing a large force; and a
run of several weeks, averaging from fifty to one hun4red     dollars a day for each man employed is frequentiv  recorded.  A  single "cleaning up" after a few
waeeks' washing in a rich place has produced fifty thousand       dollars in gold dust and nuggets; and in some
c ses, evenr one hundred thousand dollars has been re?-orted.  These are the extreme cases of good fortune.
lowever:.other enterprises are run at a loss, or with
,-~rying result; but the gold washing, as a general
tling pay good wages, and a fair return to the calital invested
it is hardly possible to imagine, and wholly impo>"si'le to describe the ruin and wreck to be seen every.-here in the path of the larger gold washing operatOin).   Streams naturally pure as crystal, become
(hanged to a thick, yellow mud, from this cause, early
in their passage out from the hills. Many of them
are turned out of their original channels, either directly
for mining purposes, or in consequence of the great
a 
. 272
masses of soil and gravel that come down from the
gold washings above.  Thousands of acres of fine
lands along their banks are ruined forever, by deposits
of this character. The mining interest respects no
rights but its own.  A  farmer mnay have his whole
estate changed to a barren waste, by a flood of sand
and gravel from some hydraulic mining up the stream.
If a fine orchard or garden stands in the way of the
working of a rich gulch or bank, orchard and garden
are doomed.  They are torn down, dug out, washed
to pieces, and tlhen washed over side hills.  Where
the process of hydranlic mining has been, or is being
carried on, the coIuntry presents an appearance of devastatiol! and ruiii that is scarcely ifnagina)le; fu.miing
a fioigtful blot upon the fakee of nature.
For this sort of mining on a large scale, we had no
t:fciities, so we were compelled to work in a very
small way, and be satisfied with correspondingly small
results.  News of our successful establishment of the
e, in some way reached Santa Fe, and, rushing
to the conelusion that we had found a new Eldorado,
all the floating population of that decaying cityswooped down upon us, and we soon found quite a
popalous settlement growing up around us.
A very decided change in our situation resulted froni
this, and some rather exciting events transpired, but
these I will leave for another chapter. Soon after the
accessions to our community had become so numerous,
my friend and partner, Ned Harding, fell ill.  This
a 
273
put a sudden stop to our mining operations, and foit
several weeks I was compelled to remain by the side
of his rude couch, attending to his wants, and doing
all that I could to facilitate his recovey. -
Among the new arrivals at our "diggings" was a
M:exican, who had followed the profession of a medico
in former times, but who was now an inveterate gold
hunter; one of the sort who are perpetually on the
move from place to place, seeking placers of fabulous
richness, but never working any claim long enough to
fairly develop it.  Perhaps they have no sooner commenced operations in one place, when a rumor comes
of rich finds at some far distant point, and off they
go, to repeat the same performance indefinitely. 
When   Ned was first taken sick, I thought of this
Mlexican doctor, and at once went in search of him.
With some difficulty I persuaded him to get out of tiie
ho'le in which he was working, anid go to see my
friend. We had a few simple medicines among our
supplies, and from some of these the ex-doctor prepared a potion for Ned, which he declared would be
"mr,wcho bueno," and that the patient Would be all
right in " res si,"   at the most.  The result, however, failed to justify his expectations, for Ned became no better, although there was no marked change
for the worse. It went on in this way for several
weeks; I continuuing to give the medicines prescribed
by the Mexican physician, but without any apparent
result.
is 
274
Ned seemed to be in a kind of low fever, and to
constantly lose strength.  The stomach seemed to eli tirel-v refuse its office, and it was almost impossible t,
give him any food, however light, that he could keep
down much longer than while eating it. Hle com plainled greatly of pain in the back and head, and:i
constant feeling of nausea at the stomach, or, as he expressed it, "I tell ye, lad, theare's something thear as
wants to come up and can't." Finally, seeing no signs
of iilprovemnent from thie treatment pursued by our
[exiean friend, and becoming greatly alarmed  at
-ed's condition, I was sitting one day, in great despondency, upon a stump in front of our hut, when it
suddenly flashed upon my mind that I had never
tried the Indian remedy, in the preparation and adninistration of which I had spent so great a part of
ma  life. For some reason it had never occurred to me
to use it, and indeed, I did not know whether it was
possible to procure the necessary ingredients, in my
present location, although I judged it probable that
I might do so. At all events, I determined to make
the attempt, and accordingly I went " prospecting
for the required herbs, roots, etc., that very day.
After two days spent in this way, I succeeded in procuring all the ingredients which I had so many times
conpoundled under Wakometkla's direction, and lost
no time in preparing the medicine. I then coimmenee.(
giving, it to my patient in small doses, at intervals of
four or five houlis, through the day, and was soon grati
a 
fled to find an almost immediate impi ovement in
his condition.
bhe second day after commencing this treatment,
the fever left him; he broke out into a profuse perspiration, and fell into a deep sleep, which lasted for
imany hours.  When he awoke he complained of feeling very hungry; and when I prepared some food he
ate qui'te heartily, and retained it on his stomach without difficulty.  Encouraged by these favorable indications, I continued the medicine, and with surprising
results. His recovery was so rapid that it seemed almost
miraculous.   In eight days he declared himself entirely well, and almost overwhelmed ine with expressions of gratitude, declaring that I had saved his life..
I told him that'his thanks were due not to me, but to
Wakometkla, the strange old mnedicine-man ofthe
Camanches, or, more properly, to that higher Power,
which had enabled this uneducated savage to discover
and prepare from the simple growths of the forest and
mountain, so wonderful a remedy for "all the ills that
flesh is heir to."  Ned was so universal a favorite
among the miners, that his illness had excited great
sympathy and commiseration.   As  he went about,
trumpeting forth my praise as a medical practitioner,
I soon fomund that I had gained considerable notoriety.
The miners dubbed me "Doctor," and called for my
services in all cases requiring mnedical assistance. With
Wakomuetkla's remedy alone as my entire pharmaconceia, I battled with many forms of disease incident
2i 5
A
I
I,.1
. 4f,.' -
0 
276
to our rough and exposed life, and met with almost
unvarving success.  In fact, in that region I expect
I shall never be known by any other title than -" Do(tor," although I do not claim or fancy such a designaticn.  It would be well for  the people if th3 old
school mineral physicians, who are rapidly ruining
the health of the entire nation by the free use of deleterious and poisonous drugs, would take a leaf from
the book of nature, and re-study their profession in the
sanie school from which I graduated —the school of
nature.
a 
CHAPTER XXIX.
THE,  VIGILANTS."
C  ITI-  the influx of population to our settlement
caimiea   adventurers of all classes; desperadoes,
g amblers,  broken  down  professiolai mrnen,
nymphs  du  Spave of the coarse and vulgar
scr, gentlemen who "had interests" in "wild-cat"
-inies in half the counties of the Pacific States, greas6es, or Mexicans, Indians (pueblas),-in short, a cogg,lomierate mass of  iihumanity;  or, judging by later
events, one might rather say inkttmanity,-such as is
nowhliere to be seen but in the mining towns of the far
West.  Under the instructions ocf Ned Ia.rding, we
hatd on our first arrival "located" all the "claims 
that there was any probability of our working, and
we were therefore secured against interference on the
part of the new comers, who went prospecting al] over
the adijacent country, locating claims by the hundred..
As the process of "locating" claims may be new
to the reader, I will give a brief description of it.
The first thing is to find your "lead," for this preciouts metal is not found  indiscriminately in every
rock or ledge you may chance upon.  It is found only
4b 
278
in the quartz rock, a ledge of which, say twenty feet
in thickness, may run like a curbstone set on edge for
many miles across hills and in valleys. It may be a
mile in depth, and maintain a nearly uniform thickness, being perfectly distinct from the casing rock on
each side of it, and keeping its distinctive character
alwvays, no matter how deep or how far into the earth
it extends. Wherever it is bored into, gold and silver
are found; but none in the meaner rock surrounding
it.  This peculiar rock formation is called a "lead;"
and one of these you must first find before you have
anything to "locate" a claim upon. When your prospecting has resulted in the discovery of a "lead,"
you write out and put up a "'notice" as follows:
NOTICE.
i (or we), the undersigned, claimn one (or more, accvrding to thle number of the party) claim of three
hundred feet, and one for discovery, on this silver-(or
gold) bearilng quartz lead, or lode, extending east and
west from this notice, with all its dips, spin-s, and
ang,les, extensions and sinuosities, together with fifty
feet of groiund on each side for working the sam-e.
Then you file a copy of the same with the Mining
!Leeorder in the towNn, and your claim is " entered." In
older to secure it, however, you must, within ten days,
do a certain amount of work upon the property, or
any one may re-enter it at the expiration of that time.
Among the most, important citizens in emery mining
a 
community are the assayers, of whom there are generally a swarm to be found about every new strike; some
of them the veriest charlatans that ever disgraced an
honorable profession.
When you have located your claim, the next thing
is to select some specimens and subject them to the
test of the " fire assay." For this purpose it is customary to select the richest lump you car find, and take it
to the assayer.  On the result of his assay, he  will
predicate that a ton of such ore would yield hundreds,
perhaps thousands of dollars; and in this way many a
worthless mine has been sold for a large price.  In
fact, I think, as a rule, the speculators made far more
,than the miners thlemselves.
We had at one time an assayer in our camp, who
obtained such rich results from every specimen of rockl
brought to him, that he soon had a virtual monopoly
of the business.  N o matter what specimen might be
})rought to him, he would demonstrate that it contained
so large a portion of gold or silver, that the developinent of the mine could not fail to be profitable. Some
of his rivals in the trade, becoming jealous of his
superior success, conspired together and concocted a
plan for his overthrow. One of them procured somewhere an old lapstone, and breaking it into small
fragments, selected one as the specimen to be subjected
to the intended victim for testing.  They let several
:f the principal miners into the secret, and as there
had been some doubts of the reliability of the reports
279
0 
280
of the assayer in question, they readily assented to
assist ill proving the truth of the matter.  So oiie of
them brought him the " specimen " and left it for assay.
The result was encouraging in the extreme; for in the
course of an hour the assayer sent in his report, from
which it appeared that a ton of rock equal to the sample,
would yield $1.324.80 in silver, and $214.58 in gold.
The whole matter was at once made public, and the
discomfited charlatan  immediately  found  that  inmp)ortant business called him elsewhere, and departed
between two days.  It was well for him that he did
so; ibr so great was the popular indignation, that it is
probable he would have found a peim,anent residence
in the vicinity, could the excited miners have laid
hands on himn at this timie.
The town of "Iiarding" had now- developed 5nto
an emubryo city.  We had nearly two thousand inhalitauts, representing every grade of civilization and
barbarisn, principally the latter.  At night the place
presented aD animate'd spectacle; for about every third
shanty was either a drinking den or a gambling hell.
All were brilliantly lighted and wide oper to the street,
fromn which you could see the excited groups around
the gaming tables, or before the bars.  Ever)y man
went alrned to the teeth.  Fights and affrays were of
almost daily-nay, hourly-occurrence.   The crack of
the pistol became a very familiar sound in my ears, and
so frequent were the scenes of violence and murder,
that I began to think that the men I was among were
a 
worse than the savages with whom my lot had been
cast in forrner years.
To such a pass did the insolence and brutality of
these desperadoes come at last, that the better class of
the miners began to talk among  themselves of the
necessity for doing something to check it; but none
seemed disposed to take the lead, and things went on
fro-n bad to worse, until the arrival of a new actor
uponi the scene orouight them to a climax, and disorder
aid violence cul-inated in a sudden and severe spasm
of justice.
The new arTival, who was destined to be the prin
pa.1 figure in the tragic scenes about to be enacted,
wtS  J Kentuckian, named PReid. He was some twenty   ht or thirty yesars of age, of medium size and finely
tpopoltioned. b)ut verv athletic.  Hie had a frank aid
c-....ain, expression of countenaince, and nothing in
his aplearanee woitid seem to indicate the hardened
rulbi~n; vet he was reported to have slain thirty-two
men in afrays or personal difficulties since'!e came
into the mining co-untry.  From tie very day of his
ar"iv-," this man beca-me the acknowledged leader of
aUl the lhtwless elemients of oTr community; and as he
seemed to be thirsting for notoriety, outrago followed
o)utrage in rapid succession.
Among our own origilal party was a quiet, inoffen
sive German, named Sehaeffer, than whom a more
peaceabie man could nowhere be foind.  Against him
Peil seemed to have a special spite from the moment
281
a 
hfe first encountered him; and finallfy, meeting him
one evening in the "E1 Dorado" saloon, he forced a
quarrel on him, and then shot poor Sehaeffer dead,
before the latter had time to make a movement iii
his own defense.  He apparently supposed that this
would be passed over in the same manner as his previoIus ill deeds; but for once he was mistaken.  Il
killing Schaeffer he had roused against him a deterii'ned and bitter enemy, none other than N-ed Harding himself, wvho was now acting as mnayor, or alealde,
)of' the town named in his honor.  Ned quickly gatl,bred together our own party, and some twenty-five of
tihe leading men in the place, and announced  Iiis
determination to form a " Vigilance ComnIIittee," and
rid the town of the desperadoes who infested it.  The
,ntire party acquiesced in the wisdom of the proposal,
Ulna the cormnittee was organized then and  there.
After some consultation, a plan of operations was
gcreed upon, and at once put in practice.
The next morning a neatly written note appeared
)osted in several prominent places in the camp, warnin' all objectionable characters to leave town withini
twentv-four. hours, or their lives would be forfeited.
This document was signed, "The Vigilants," and naturaily created considerable stir and excitement among
the parties at whom it was directed, and many of them
took the warning and departed; but some of the more
desperate, in all about twenty in number, banded
themselves together under the leadership of Reid, and
282
a 
283
swore that they would never leave town, except of
their own free will, and defied the Vigilants to touch
any one of their number.
At the expiration of the twenty-four hours, we determined to arrest all the members of Reid's party,
and deal with them as they deserved.  Accordingly,
wve mustered our forces, and at the same time made
known our intentions to most of the more prominent
t,ien in the camp.  When all our arrangements were
(c)oipleted, wve proceeded in search of our gamne, and
in a couple of hours had caught and caged every
mtiembler of the gang, with two exceptions. One of
these had in some way become aware of our intenricnis, and hlie found it convenient to seek another
lo{ality without delay.  The other man was no less a
pe,rson than Reid himself; and he went about boasti;, that no man dare arrest him, and threatening with
instant death any man who should attempt it.  This
(iduty -ed Harding had reserved for himself, and wheil
all was in readiness, he set out to accomplish it.  As
he was not known to be a "Vigilant," and was noted
as a man of very quiet and peaceable character, no
suspicion attached to him of being concerned in tie
',ntter.  Arming himself, he went into the. main
-:Street of the village, and entering one of the principal
saloons, confronted the desperado. The latter must
have seen in Ned's eye that he meant mischief, for he
made a motion as if to draw a weapon; but before he
could do so, he was seized by the throat, and thrown
a 
284
to the gr urd with the full force of Ned's musc'iar
arm.  Other "vigilants," to the number  of about
twenty, closed in around the fallen,man and his cap tor, with drawn revolvers, and guardrad against any
attempt at rescue.  Reid was secuiely bound, lifted cc
his feet, and placed in close confinement in one of the
shanties belonging to olur party, under the guard of
two well-armed and determined men.
Two hours later all the prisoners were brought up)
for execution.  The miners tulrned out in large nmubers, and forming in solid colimn, armed to the teeth
they marched up the principal street and  nalted il
front of the building where most of the prisoneirs weec
confined. The doomed men were quickly brought
out, and informed of the fate in store for theni, at the
samne time Ned Harding mrade his appearan(e, leaiing Reid, and the same announcement was maile to the
latter.  Such a scene as ensued, I hope never to see
again. These apparently fearless desperadoes, wlho
had repeatedly imbrued their hands in human blood
without an instant's hesitation, were transformed Oil
the moment, into a pack of whining cowards; begging and entreating in the most abject manriner, that
their lives might be spared.
Reid, the ringleader of all, was the most utter
craven of the whole number, and shrieks, curses an(!
prayers for mercy rolled unceasingly from his lips, until the rope choked his utterance. Just outside the
oamp, stood a considerable grove of trees; to this we
a 
285
repaired with our prisoners, and in ten minutes more
they were rin up, one after another, and each hung
convnlsed in  the death  agony,  at the end of a
ria't.
To me, the utter cowaradice displayed by these ruf fians was surprising-but there is s,omyething about
the desperado nature that is unaccoimtable —at least,
it. seems unaccountable, and it is this.  The true des,)erado is gifted with splendid courage, and yet he
wNil take the most infamous advantage of his eie'eny;
armed and free, he will stand up before a host aind
fight until he Is cut to pieces, and yet, when  brouigilt
intder the gallows, he wvill plead and cry like a eitild.
The case of Reil, was especially notable, from his
I,,sody reputation, and the many instances of courage
he Lhad shown in his conflicts with other outlaws.
Yet, when brought face to face with death, in a different fornn, he seemed the veriest poltroon that ever
walked.
WTords cost nothing, and it is easy to call him  a
coward (as all executed men, who fail to die " game"
are invariably called by unreasoning people), and when
a man like Reid, so exhausts himself by tears, prayers and lamentations, that he has scarcely strength
enough to stand under the gallows, it seems hardly
possible that he could be otherwise.  Yet he had frequently defied and invited the vengeance of banded
RPocky Mountain cut-throats, by shooting down their
C amrades or leaders, and never offering to hide or fly;
a 
286
he had shown himself to be a man of unquestioned
bravery, for no coward would dare do such things.
We often read of the most brutal and cowardly mnurderers, who, when on the gallows, make their last dying
speeches without a treinor of the voice, and are swung
off, into eternity, with what seems like the calmest
fortitude. Hence, it seems clear, that in such low and
degraded natures, it cannot be moral courage that sustaint them.  But if moral courage is not the requisite
quality, what is it that such men  as Reid, lack?
Bloody, desperate, reckless, and yet kindly mannered
and urbane gentlemen, who never hesitate to warns
their enemies of their intention to kill them on sight,
when next they meet.  It seems to me a question
w-worthy of study and solution.
The executions over, we returned to the town, first
detaching a party to remove and bury the bodies.
Then the assemblage quietly dispersed, and that night
our little community saw the first peace and quiet it
had known for many a day.
The condition of affairs in the new mining districts
was peculiar. One reason why murder and outrage
were so prevalent, was, that the rough element generally predominated, and among this class a person is not
respected until he has "killed his man,"  as they
express it. When any new arrival came into camp,
no one thought of inquiring if he was honest or industrious, but, had he killed his man? If not, he was
a person of small consequence, and unworthy of firthle
a 
287
notice; if he had, the cordiality of his reception, and
his standing in the community was graduated accord ing to the number of his victories.'
No man could rise to any position of influence, with
bloodless hands, without long and weary labor, but if
he were known to have killed half a dozen men, his
worth was at once appreciated, and he became a man
of note in the community.
Hence, it is not surprising that many men were
killed without the pretext of provocation; so impatient
were these persons to achieve distinction and emerge
from their obscurity, and become shining lights among
the fraternity of desperadoes.  "There goes the man
that killed Jack Smith," was the sort of celebrity
mostly coveted by this class of people; and I know of
several cases, where persons tried to "kill their men,"
for no other reason, and in some instances were successfuli, in others, got killed themselves for their
pains.
In such communities it is utterly impossible to convict a man of murder, arising from one of these public
brawls or affrays, and it is only when patience ceases
to be a virtue, and the long-suffering miners and others
of the law-abiding classes, rise in their might, and by
an indiscriminate execution of all persons of bad
character, clear the atmosphere for a time, that such
erimes are ever punished.
The desperado stalked the streets with a swagger,
graded according to the number of his homicides, and
a 
a nod of recognition from him, was sufficient to make
an humble admirer happy for the rest of the day.
The deference that was paid to a desperado of wide
reputation and who kept his "private graveyard," as
the phrase went, was marked and cheerfuny accorded.
Wnen hle moved along the sidewalk in his excessively
long-tailed frock coat, shiny stump-toed boots, ant with
dainty little slouch hat, tipped over his left eye, the
small-~ry roughs made room for his majesty; when he
entered the restaurant, the waiters deserted bankers
and merchants, to overwhelm lrim with obsequious
attention; when he shouldered his way to the bar, the
shouldered parties wheeled indignantly, recognized
him, and-apologized.  They got a look in reply, thiat
made them tremble in their boots, and by this time, a
gorgeous barkeeper was leaning over the counter,
proud of a degree of acquaintance that enabled him to
use such familiarity as "how are yer Jack, old feller;
glaId to see you; what'll you takle? the old thing?"
meaning his usual drink of course
The best known names in the mining towns, were
those belonging to these blood-stairned heroes of the
revolver.  Governors, politicians, capitalists, leaders
of the legislature, and men who had made big strikes,
enjoyed some degree of fame, but it seemed local and
insignificant, when compared with the celebrity of
such men as these.  There was a long list of them.
They were brave, reckless men, and carried their lives
in their own hands.
288
a 
289
To do them justice, they did their killing principally
among themselves, and seldom molested peaceable
citizens, for they considered it small credit to add to
their trophies so small an affair as the life of a man
;vho was not "on the shoot," as thley termed it. They
killed each other on slight provocation, and hoped and
expected to be lled themselves, for they considered
it almost disgraceful for a man not to die "with his
boots on," as they expressed it.
Gradually their ranks were thinned by the ever
ready pistol, but it was not so much this, as the change
in public sentiment, that caused them mainly to  appear from the older mining  communities.   Now,
except in newly opened diggings, the genmine desperado is a thing of the past.
19
0 
CIIHAPTER XXX.
CONCLUSION.
BOUT  this time rumors were rife that the In      dians were contemplating a raid on the mine,
and operations were  temporarily suspended.
M!eetings were called, and a committee of detence organized, with a view to taking such measures
as would place the settlement in a position to succee
fully resist ali, or any attempts of the savages. Those
who had had any experience in Indian warfare were
called to the council, and consulted on the best means
to avert the impending calamity. The panic was more
painfully apparent among those who had come upon
the scene hampered with goods and chattels of various
kinds. These worthies were brimful of wrath and
whiskey, and gave free vent to the expression of their
opinions regarding the outside world generally, and
Indians in particular.   They were fertile in sugges
tion; and the many schemes they advanced for the
total destruction of all who threatened their private
interests would have reflected credit, not to say renown, on a Don Quixote.
The thought of my enslaved wife was never absent
a 
291
from my mind. Day and night, sleeping and waking,
her image haunted me.  I ifancied her suffering every
degree of misery; and the consciousness that I was
powerless to snatch her from the toils of relentless
captors, caused me the most poignant anguish. I had
a vague, half formed notion of seeking her unaided,
and by once more assmuing my Indian trappings and
cognomen, advance in to the Apache country, penetrate to their villages, and by a bold dash, seize my
wife and bear her defiantly off in the very teeth of
my adversaries.  This would have been very spirited
and chivalrous, no doubt, but unfortunately, the obstacles that opposed  themselves to this plan were
legion. No sooner did I convince myself of the impracticability of such a mode of procedure, than other
plans would present themselves, which, in their turn
would have to be relinquished when submitted to the
rigorous test of praticability. This constant strain on
my mind interposed stumbling blocks to my material
prosperity, as I had no heart for my work, and wandered about the diggings aimlessly. I was rallied by
my comrades on my morose temper, and recommended to try work as an effectual antidote for the causes
that were preying on my health.
One balmy afternoon, as I sauntered among the
working parties, gazing abstractedly at their operations, my attention was attracted to a group, who
seemed to be very much excited by some event.  A
few had gathered about an object lying upon the
4D 
-292
ground, while other, were running frantlcally in difterent directions as if they were possessed.  My curiositv being excited I approached the group, and founul
that the cause of this alarm was one of their comrades,
who had been bitten by a snake. The poor fellowv
was moaning piteously; and so sure was he that h,is
death was only a matter of a few hours time, that hit
had begun to make the few bequests that would dispose of all }is woildly goods, including the little
hoard of "'dust," so long,  lnd patiently sought for.
One of his friends knelt at his side, and w.ts cnrdeavoring to pour the contents of a flask of whiskey down
bis throat.  The poison had taken immediate effect,
and he doubtless would have been a corpse in a few
hours.  I was immediately recognized, and one of the
niners accosted me with " Hullo! Eastman, just the
man we want; now is your time to produce some of
those marvelous herbs you have told us ablout, and see
what you can do for this poor fellow."
Mv sympathies were awakened; my  minild threw
off its semi-stupor; and hastily glancing about me on
the ground, I sought for some of those simple herbs
and plants, that I had seen so effectually used inr
similar cases. Hiastily gathering what 1 needed, I
soon had leaves bandaged about the swollen parts,
and then turned my attention to making a decoction
of the herbs. This I forced the patient to take, and
after caring for him assiduously during a few hour's, I
Bad the satisfaction of noting a marked change for the
a 
293
better.  I was deluged with congratulations, and in a
shorf-, time the fame of this new exploit in the heialing
art was noised abroad throughout tile mine.
3/[y new friends were nct miners, in the proper
sense of the term, but a party of "mountain men,"
who had been allured hither by exaggerated reports
of the immense wealth that was represented as scatered broadcast over the surface of the earth, and was
oily waiting for a claimant.  Arriving on the ground
tlhey had staked out a claim, anaifell to work without
any delay.  It is needless to add that they did not realize the immense riches they had so fondly anticipated.
The result was that they had sickened of their bargain, and many were for pulling up stakes and returning to the free and easy life amongo, the mountains.
A short time after the episode just related, there
came to our camp one day, a trapper, who had but
just retir-ned from his traps, and was on his way to
the nearest trading post, to exchange his peltries for
powder, wearing apparel, etc.  From him we learned
that the Indians were preparing for some extensive
raid, as he had seen numerous parties wl.o were in
their war paint. Among other items, he related how
he had been captured by a band of Apaches, and had
remained among them eight days before he succeeded
irn eluding the vigilance of his guard. From him I
gained the first information concerning my wife. He
had been captured by some of Mahtocheega's band,
and by the description he gave of the white captives
a 
294
at that time in the village, I felt sure that my wifo
was one of the number. Learning that on his return
he would proceed to the same locality in quest of
"beaver plew," I determined to accompany  him.
About half a dozen signified their intention of following my example, and a party was soon made up. The
trapper bade us adieu, promising to return as soon as
his skins were traded for the supplies of which he
stood in need. Gathering together what little money
I had, I purchased a Rorse, rifle and pistol, and prepared to go in search of my lost wife.
We had not long to wait for our new friend; he
returned in less than a week's time, and all being in
readiness, we gathered up our traps, and took a final
leave of the mnine of San Ildefonso.
Passing out at the northern end of the settlement,
we struck the Santa Fe' road, and followed its sinuous
windings for some days. We passed through the
sleepy Mexican towns, that were situated along the
route, without disturbing in the least degree the
habitual dlowsiless of their inhabitants.  On  the
fourth day we made a stretch of sixty miles through
that terror of travelers in this section-the "jornado
del muerto." After having crossed in safety, we rested
one day to recuperate the animals, and soon after arrived in Santa Fe', halting at the inn that had been
the scene of the shooting affray on my former visit.
Our stay in the capital of New Mexico was not of
long duration, and once more we resumed our journey,
a 
295
striking out in a westerly direction towards the
mountains.
Our first encampment was on the banks of one of
the tributaries of the Rio Colorado. Staking our
horses out, as is the custom, we gathered around the
camp fire, discussing our evening meal of fresh antelope steaks. Many were the stories told of trapper
life, and as we filled our pipes for a smoke before
iretiring, the subject of conversation was upon food.
All had some anecdote to re]ateand after each had spun
his yarn, Harding, who up to the present had been
silent, drawled out, "Wal, I'spect as how yer have
had some tol'rable bad jints in yer time, but I think I
kin jest lay over anything in this yer party in the way
o' supper.  Howsimever, I will give yer a chance to
hear how this nigger once got his supper up on the
Yallerstone, last season.
"Yer see, I had been in them parts arter beaver,
which war plenty, an' no mistake; an' one day, when
I had gone to cache some skins, I left my rifle ill the
grass near my traps, like a gosh darned fool. Who
should come along but a party of them black niggers,
the Crows; and the first thing they sot eyes upon was
my shootin' iron.  In course, I seed it all, and jist
had to lay low and cuss my tarnal stupidity, while
them'ere Crows hopped around like mad at finding
miy rifle and things. They was so pleased,'peared
like they forgot theirselves, and didn't foller up mytrail, but galloped off, carryin' my plunder along with
I
0 
296
them.  He! he! they mount a did as well, and let ole
Harding alone."
"I reckon that, too," remarked one; "'taint like
they made much out of that spekalashun."
"Yer see, I war cleaned out, an' left with jest a pair
o' leggins, better than two hunderd miles from anywhur.  The company's post war the nearest, so I jest
took down the river in that direcshun.  I never seed
varmint so shy. They wouldn't a been, blast'em, if
I had er had my traps ~ but there wa'n't a critter, from
the miiners to the bulffler, that didn't take on as if
they knowed how this nigger war fixed. I could get
nothing for two days but lizard, an' scarce at that. I
tihawed up the old leggings, until I was as naked as
Pike's Peak."'
"Golly! was it winter?"
"No,'twur calf time, and warm enuff for that
mantter.  I didn't mind the want o' garments in that
way, but I kud a eat more o' it. I soon struck a town
of sand rats, and! made snares of my hair, and
trapped some on'emn, but they grew shy, too, cuss'em,
and I had to give up that claim.  This war the third
day, and I wur gettin' powerfil weak.  I'gin to
thinkl this child's time had come, and I would have ter
pass in my chips.'Twar a little arter sun up, an' I
wur sittin' on the bank, when I seed something
cur'ous like floatin' down stream. When it kim
closer, I seed it wur the karkidge of a buffier, and a
couplle of buzzarts floppin' about on the thing, pickin'
a 
its peepers out.'Twur far out, an' the water deep;
but I said I was goin' to fetch it ashore, an' I did. I
took to the water an' swum out. I could smell the
animal afore I wur half way.  I wur soon close up,
and seen at a glimpse that the calf wur as rotten as
punk.  The birds, they mizzled.  I wa'n't agoin' to
have my swim for nothin', so I tak the tail atween
my teeth, and wagged my flippers for the shore. I
hadn't made three strokes when the tail pulled out.
I then swum round and pushqd that'ere thi-rg afore
-me, until I had got it high and dry on a sandbar.
'Twur like to melt when I pulled it out o' the water.
'Twa'n't eatable nohow.  I see the bizzarts still flying,
a,01out, and fresh ones comin', an' I took a idee that I
iight get some, so I laid down  close to thle buffler,
and played possum. I wa'n't long there'fore a big
c om a floppin' up, and lit on tile ka'rldge.  I
rabbed him by the leg.  The cussed thing war nearly
as stinkin' a: the other; but it wur die dog, buzzart,
or buffler'  so I skinned the buzzart."
"And ate it?' inquired one.
'No-o," slowly drawled the trap,er, "it ate me."
A general laugh followed this remark.
"The rest o' the birds got shy, and kept away on
t'other side.'Twa'n't no uve tryin' that dodge over
again.  Jest then I'spied a coyoat comin' lopin' down
the bank, an' another follerin' upon his heels, an' two
or three more on the same trail. I kuow'd it would
t)e no joke grippin' one o' them by the leg, but I made
297
4D 
298
ap my mind to try it, an' I laid down jist as afore,
'side the calf.'Twur no go! they smelt a rat, an'
kep' cl'ar. Then I tuk a fresh idee in my head. I
went for some o' the driftwood an' made a pen around
the buffier; an' in the wink o' my eye I had six o' the
varmints in the traps."
"Then you had'em, eh, old boy?" said one.
"You bet; I jest took a lot of stones, clomb up on
the pen, an' killed the hull kit o' them.  Such a
jumpin' an' yowlin, as, when  I peppered them  varmints; he! he! he! ho! ho! Arter this I had some'at to eat; an' in a few days reached the company's
post."
"Did you ever see any of those redskins again?" I
inqultired.
" Wal, you jest better believe I did.  Yer see those
five notches on this ere rifle? wal, they stand for
Crows, they do."
A general laugh followed this yarn, and all averred
that his experience in the eating line was unequalled.
After the trapper had finished his story, we wrapped
ourselves in our blankets, and were with the exception of the horse guard, soon in a deep slumber.
The next morning we were up and moving at sti.rise; and after a march of twenty miles, came
to a small stream heading in the Pifion range. It was
fringed with cottonwood trees, and there was grass in
abundance for our horses. We made a halt for an
hour, and then proceeded on our journey. We had
a 
299
not gone far when we made a discovely that changed
all our plans. Iharding had been riding about a hundred yards ahead of the main party, when we observed him suddenly stop, bend down, and then throwing up his hands, beckon us on.  We  were soon up
to the spot, askini, in a breath what was  the matter.
He pointed to the ground, and sententiously replied,
"fresh Injun s,gn."  A  consultation was held, and
after an interchange of opinions, it was agreed that the
trail was made by Apaches, and that from the trampled nature of the ground, it indicated the presence
of a large party.  We had no doubt as to their intentions.  They were evidently bound southi on their aniiual foray.  Now w"as my time beyond peradventure.
Never could I have had such another opportunity;
perhaps even if I waited pat;ently for years.
I briefly related to muy companions the circumstances of mliy capture, captivity, and subsequent escape,
and asked their aid in rescuing my wife. Each
grasped me cordially by the hand, and expressed their
willingness to "see me through;" and after a few moitents more spent in consultation, we agreed on the
following plan:  To push on at once and as speedily
as possible for the Indian village, secrete ourselves in
the adjacent mountains until nightfall, and then leaving the horses concealed in the bushes that frinige the
ba,se of the mountain, advance on foot to the chief's
lodge.  Once within its portal, it would be the work
of a moment to seek out my wife, apprise her of what
a 
300
was traispiring, and quietly leading her out, hlasten to
o'iimnais, mount, and ride away.  This plan seemned
feasible, and as moments were preciouis, we resunie
tie march.
About noon we debonched through the monntaii
p   ass             into a  country of "  openings;" small prairies
bLpuinded by jungly forests, and interspersed with tim ber islands. These prairies were covered with tall
g     rass; and buffalo signs appeared as we rode into
thlem.  We  saw their "        roads," "chips," and  "wal lows." These signs filled us with pleasurable antici pa tions; as who has not         longed for the  delicious
'hunp                  ribs," which, when once tasted in all thlieir
jtficv richness, are never to be forgotten. The fiullgr,own forms of the cacti were around us, bearing red
and yellow fifiit in abundance.  We plucked the pears
of the pita-haya, and ate them greedily; in short, we
diniea on fruits and vegetables of many varieties, indigenous only to this wild region.  But our stomachs longed for the favorite food, and we  pushed on
through the openings.  We had ridden about an hour
among the chaparral, when Harding, who was riding
in advance, pointed downward, and intimated by signs
that he had struck fresh buffalo tracks.  Very soon aftier
the animals came in view, and by using the bushes as
cover, we made a very effectual  "surround," killing
some three or fomu. That night we regaled ourselves
on buffalo, and the following morning pushed on with
renewed vigor, and in the best of spirits.
a 
301
Near evening on the fourth day following, we arrived at tThe foot of the Sierra; and directly in front
of us. about midway u-p the valley, or pass, more prop(c']y speakngi, lay the Apach-e village.  An  exclama-i-on of joy escaped nmy lips.  At last, then, the hopes
ard longings of nine wearv yea;rs were ab)out to be satisfied.   ivy reflections were abruiptly terminated -)by
Hlarding remarking that it was higllyl  iiitportant that
we seek cover and approach the village cautiously, if
we expected or' efforts to be crowned with success.
All felt the justness of this oblservation, and seeking
the cover of the mountain, we proceeded on our journey.  In a short time we had advanced as near as we
d(eemed it prudent, until the night should close in. Our
reins were tightened, and we sat on our weary horses,
looking over the plain.  A magnalificent panorama und.er anv circumstances lay before us; but its interest
was hleighliten-ed by the peculiar circumstances under
which we viewed it.  The lodges were dotted over
the plain in picturesque profusion, the smoke  curling
gracefully up in their dreamy  spirals.  One  lodoe,
stood apart, and from i' size and decorations, we  at
once guessed it to be thle abode of the chief. Harding
confirmed our conjectures. Several droves of horses
were quietly browsing on the open prairie. The sun
was setting.  The mountains were tinged with an amber colored light; and the quartz crystals sparkled on
the peaks of the southern Sierras. It was a scene of
silent beauty.
4L
a 
302
We remained for some time gazing up the valley,
without any one uttering his thoughts. It was the
silence that precedes resolve. Ar hour has fled; the
sun sinks below the horizon, and the mountains take
on a somnbre hue. It is night. We urge our lorses
forward once more, keeping close to the mountain foot;
conversing in whispers, we crawl around and among
the loose boulders that have fallen fiom above, and
after an hour's ride wve find ourselves opposite the town.
The night passes slowly and silently; one by one
the fires are extinguished, and the plain is wrapped in
the gloom of a moonless night.  The swan utters its
wild note, the gruya whoops over the stream, aid tile
wolf howls on the skirts of the sleeping village.
Dismnounting, we gather in a little knot, and consult as to what plan we shall pursue. It is finally
determined that Harding and myself shall penetrate
into the village, enter the chief's lodge, abduct my
wife, and hastily rejoin our comrades, who will hold
tlemrnselves in readiness to cover our retreat and, if
the worst comes te the worst, keep our pursuers at bay
until we have made good our escape.
Hastily divesting ourselves of all unnecessary accoutrements, we started out on the plain, and cautiously
approached the chief's lodge, which loomned up iii the
~darkness like some hideous genii.
An  Indian dog that was lurking about the door
gave the alarm, but Harding's knife entered his vitals
ere he could repeat it.
a 
303
Now was the critical moment. Drawing the flap
side that served as a door, I peered cautiously in; all
was silent; a small fire was burning in the center of
the lodge, its fitfl gleam dimly illuminating the interior. A number of low coueches were ranged around
the wall.
But at this juncture a dilemmina presented itself.
Eere were a number of women, one of whom was certainly my wife; but how was I to ascertain in which
of these couches she reposed. If I should trust to
chance, advance to the first one and peer in, and by so
doing startle its inmate, even though that inmate were
my wife, the peculiar nature of the visit would so
startle her that she would not be enabled to recognize
the intruder.
Hlowever, I determined to approach the first bed
.ti.; trust to the chapter of accidents for the rest.
Advancing noiselessly to the side of the couch, I lifted
the curtain of dressed buffalo hide.  The fire cast a
dim light over the face of the sleeper, and, oh, joy, it
was the loved features of my wife. I tried to speak,
whisper her name; mly tongue clove to the roof of my
mouth.  I trembled like an aspen, and had to grasp
the bed for support.  This movement awakened the
sleeper, and with an half-suppressed exclamation, she
spring to a sitting posture.
To breathe her name, clasp her in my arms, and
rush for the door, was the work of an instant, and
hastily snatching a robe that was suspended from the
a 
304
side of the lodge, I enveloped her in it, and rapidly
gained the cover of the mountain. In a few moments
ouLr party was in full gallop down the valley.
Leaving the Indian Village, we started with  ai]
speed on our return.  1 did not anticipate pursuit, and
we mnade no attempt to conceal our trail.
Indeed, my mind was so occupied with the grand
fact that I hlad recovered my long-lost darling, that I
thought (,f nothing else.  As we rode along, each ie counted to the other the story of their toils, trials,
and su:ferings; a thousand questions were asked as-d
answered; and in the joy of the present and hope for
the future, we were for a time happy.
About th, middle of the f)renoon we approached.
thick helatrral, and were just enteling it, when  a
party of about sixty Apaches suddenly lnished out
from its leafy coverts, and with the rapidity of thougiht
we were surrounded and captured.  My wife was able,
by her influence with the leadel of the party, to save
us from indignity, and a lengthy parley followed.   I
made known to the chief my  desire to recover my
wife, and endeavored to arrange some termls of purchase or barter.  In this I was, after a time, s1icessiul, and, after an interminable siege of pipe sm)okirng
and discussion, relative to the price, we came to termis,
and in a few minutes I had p-urchased my wife at the
cost of ali my worldly possessions.  But I cared not
for this; on the contrary, I was only too glad to recover my wife at any cost, and felt no regret at parting
a 
$05
from the accumulations of two years of toil and hardship.
Resuming our journey, we reached Santa  6  in
saiety, in a few deys, and commenced making preparations for our return to the East. The kind-hearted
Mexican womnen overwhelmed my wife with attentions,
and she was soon provided with apparel more suitable
than the barbaric, although beautiful, Indian costume.
My principal difficulty was the want of money, and I
was much perplexed to know how to secure a sufficient sum to enable us to return to our friends.  It is
probable that had I freely stated our circumstances
and narrated our sad story, generous hearts might
have been fbund among the many American miners
and trappers sojourning in the town; for mamy a noble
heart beats beneath a rough and unpromising exterior;
but my pride shrank from appearing in the character
of a mendicant, and I finally came to the conclusion
that we must remain at Santa Fe' for a time, until I
could find some employment by which to earn sufficient means to enable uis to return to our former home.
I had forgotten the fact that I possessed a warm friend
in Ned Harding, or, if I had thought of him in this
connection, it was not with any idea that he could
aid me.
In this I was mistaken, as the sequel will show. On
the third morning after my return, Ned called me out
mtid     er pretence of taking a walk, and after strolling
aboa         t fo        r a time in  silence, he opened his mind as fol                        20
I
a 
306
lows:  "Well lad, what are ye goin' to do next  I
sup ose you don't intend to stay here in this'ere God
forsaken hole, that these yaller-bellies calls a city; the
Lord forgive their ignorance; if they could only see
Lannon, once-well, as I was a sayin', you can't stty
here, and you can't take your little girl back into the
mining kenty, very well; so what do you mean to do?
let old Ned know, and don't go round, keepin' as close
as an ister, and never sayin' nothin' to nobody." Tiues
admonished, I forgot my reserve, anid fully explained
to himn my dilemma. He listened in silence until I
had finished, and then broke forth with-" Why, Lord
bless ye, lad, yer gettin' foolish, certain, ho! ho! yer
little woman has turned yer head, sure; why, yer fo,'got al1 about the mine, and I reckon there's vally
enough to that to send ye home like a nabob, if you
like to travel that way."
" The mine!" I exclaimed in surprise, "why Ned,
I thought we had abandoned it altogether, you don't
mean to tell me that I can realize anything from the
clai.~ ~,"
l You bet, I mean just that;" said HIarding, lhis
featuires expanding into a broad grin as he marked my
look of utter astonishment.  " Why lad, if we were all
agreed oLi the thling, I've got a party here that'll give
us five thousand apiece for our claimin-1 ain't such a
fool as I look, and it wa'nt for nothin' that I left Pete
there a holdin' possession, aLd there he'll stay till he
hlears from me-so now if you're willin' to take five
a 
307
thousand for your sher, just say the word, and we'll
have it settled in no time."
Further inquiry elicited the information that d ring
the two days previous, while I had spent my time in
unprofitable cogitation, Ned had been "kinder prospectin' round among the speckilaters," as he termed
it' and had found parties willing and anxious to buy the
claim held jointly by Ned, Pete Jackson, and myself,
for fifteen thousand dollars in cash. Ned had brought
with him some specimens of the quartz which he had
shown to the intending purchasers, and some of which
they had subjected to assay, and the result of this had
determined them to buy the claim if everything could
be satisfctor4i.y arranged.
It did not take me long to decide, in fact, I fairly
jumped at the offer. The sum mentioned seemed a
princely fortune at the time, and, in fact, to one in my
situation it really was so, for wealth is but comparative,
after all.  The following morning the trade was
arranged, the necessary papers drawn up, and Ned
left the same afternoon for the mine in company with
the buyers, to deliver the property and complete the
transaction. In a few days he returned, and I soon
found myself in possession of five thousand dollars in
gold coin, the largest amount of money I ever owned.
I now hurried the preparations for our departure,
and a few days later we joined an eastward bound
train, and journeyed with it towards the rising sun!
With the details of our journey I will not weary the
~~~~~ -40
*            ~~*                       T;, 
v A  
308
reader, suffice it to say that we made the trip without
trouble or molestation of any sort, and reached St.
Lomus in safety. How strapge it all seemed, to walk
about the streets of the great city of the West, and as
the residents fondly term it "the fature great city of
the world;" everything seemed so unreal, after the
long years of my captivity and wild life among the
mountains, that I used sometimes to fancy that it was
all but a dream and I would presently awake to find
myself again in the temple with Wakometkla, in that
strange and far off land hidden among the mighty
mountains of the Sierra Madre.
-We remained but a few days in the metropolis of
the West, and then journeyed to a point further castward, wheremy wife had relatives living, or at least
supposed that some might yet be surviving.  On our
arrival we found sach to be the case, and a joyful reunion was the result; we being received as two risen
from the dead.
And now our cup of happiness was indeed full;
reunited after so long a separation and such bitter
suffering  we had returned at last to friends  and
home!
In conclusion, I can only express my thanks to those
kind readers who have followed me patiently through
all my wanderings, and listened to my simple, yet I
hope not uninteresting narrative of the hardships and
perils through which I have passed.
If the story of our captivity has proved a source of
0 
4
309
entertainment to the reader-if it haply excites a feeling of sympathy and interest for the many wretched
captives who yet remain in a servitude worse than
death among the rude tribes of the West-if it renders
the general public more familiar with a region of
which so little is known-if should chance to afford to
those offi-ials of our government, to whom the subject
is relegated, any new views in reference to the proper
method of dealing with the Indians-if it accomplishes
any of these ends, I shall be more than repaid for my
labor in its preparation.
My  thanks are also due to my kind friend  Dr.
Clark Johnson, without whose opportune aid this book
would never have been written.
And  now kind reader, for the present at least,
faew.
TEHB
.
0 
TO THE PUBLIC
As there has been considerable inquiry concerning the remedy to which
allusion is herein made, I will, by way of explanation, make the following
statement, whibtch will relieve me from a large amount of correspondence
with anxious inquirers.
The remedy is the most remarkable purifier of the blood that I have ever
known; it is A tonic, a diuretic, a nervine, and a gentle laxative. It is
slterative, sudorific, soporific, and deobstruent.
Tlnese qualities, harmoniously blendsd into one single remedy, make one
of the very best combinations which can possibly be taken into the human
system.
It is a very remarkable remedy in diseases of the stomach. Dyspepsia
cannot exist for any length of time if this remedy be taken as directed,
tnsatwy after eating.
All Diseases of the Liver and Bowels readily succumb  to  is magic
Influence, while all nervous diseases'and all diseases of the blood are
sipily eradicated by the peculiar elements in its composition, which act
directly upon such difficulties.
We have thoui  ds upon thousands of certficates from persons who have
been afflicted with various maladies, and who have been cured by the use of
this remedy; and I am, myself, frequently made surprised to learn what
wonderful results follow the use of this medicine.
The remedy, Dr. CLARaX JoHwSON's IbDAN BLOOD XSYRauP, is sold by
agents in nearly every post-village in the United States; but wherever it
happens that I do not have an agent, I shall be glad to make one, and would
invite honorable persons to communicate with me upon the subject of an
agency.
1 rqt,ir. no "e~frma -            e   as the  nwdidn  ars sold.
Trusting that the afflicted will make a trial of this remarkable remaedy,
which has providentially fallen upon my notice,
I am, with respect,
Yours, truly,
C. JOHNSON,
.Tarormev co, NO.X
-A* Io,. 1ir
S
t
0