Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1871-04-22

Shortly after dusk the tramp of thous-
auds of hoofs shook the plain. Down upon
US Numbered the Indians. Shouts and
yells burst around.
On they came, nearer and still nearer
We waited in breathless suspense.
At last our volley burst in thunder upon
them.
Shrieks arose from amid the gloom. We
saw not what the effect of our shots had
been, but could only conjecture that it had
been deadly.
There was wild uproar-the confused
sound of tramplipg horses, the noise of
men calling to one another, intermngled
with groans and cries of pain. Without
giving them time to recover from their
confusion, we poured in another volley,
and yet another, loading as rapidly as we
could, and firing revolvers where we had
them.
The effect was terrible. Many must have
been wounded or killed, Judging from the
awful uproar that arose. For a time there
was confused hubbub of sounds. Horses
were trampling, men calling; groans were
mingled with cries of rage. During all
this time we fired at intervals whenever
we heard a sound, outstanding our ammu-
nition, and not willing to waste shot.
At last there arose a wild tramp of hors-
es, the sound moving away from US and
seeming to show that our enemies had re-
tired baflled from the assault.
Yet we were afraid of some plot. Griy-
non made us keep our watch, and all that
night we lay on our arms, expecting every
moment to hear the Indian yell which
should announce the assault of the sava-
gcs.
After long night, which seemed inter-
minablc, morning dawncd. AS the light
Illuminated the whole plain we looked
around anxiously for our enemies, but saw
none whatever. We took Il hasty break
fast and then delibcratcd on what We
ought to do, whether to take advantage of
this respite and move on, or wait awhile.
Most of us thought We had better hurry
on; but Grisnon gave it as his opinion
that the Indians were yet in the nei ghbor.
hood and were waiting to attack us on the
march. He thought that it would be bet
ter to wait at least another day. We all
yielded to this opinion, and waited as best
we could
We did not have to wait long.
After few hours at about ten o'clock
ten or a dozen horsemen appeared over a
hillock in the distance, riding slowly to-
wards us.
They wished to have parlcy," said
Grignou. "Some of you step forth and
see what they want I wish to have lit
tie to say, but will wait"
One Of our men was selected, and went
outside Of our enclosures to meet them.
Meanwhile Grignon lifted trunk out Of
the wagon which belonged to him, drew it
outside, and busted himself coolly in ar.
ranging and turning over the things. We
all thought this was done for the purpose
Of assuming an air Of indifference. So
none of US noticed him particularly.
Our representative stood outside waiting
for the Indians. Ten of them dismounted
and walked towards Us in tr endly manner,
while the two others held the horses.
One of them addressed our man in brok-
en- English.
The Indians, he said, did not want our
lives, they wanted powder. If we would
give them what we had, they would let us
go in safety, and protect US from the other
tribes till we got beyond the plains.
Give them our powder! A pleasant re-.
quest 1t scarcely needed debate. We
refused.
Well, then, would we give them our
bullets They were very much in want of
bullets.
One of US said in low voice that bullets
we're the only thing they would get from
us, but the Indians did not hear him. Our
representative refused very mildly.
The Indians now stood talking with one
another. Grignon advanced toward them.
lie whispered something in low voice to
our representative, who Immediately with.
drew.
Grignon then stood facing the Indians.
care you the captain 2" said the spokes-
man of the Indians, suddenly, as he noticed
Grignon.
"No, I'm the medicine man; you can t
shoot these men or these horses / save
them."
The Indian translated this to his com.
panions, who burst into roars Of laughter
Grignon advanced more closely. He was
looking steadily at the Indian, aud we no.
ticed that the latter appeared to be uncom.
Portable under his gaze.
"See," said Grignon, you can't shoot
me. Here" and he drew a pistol from
his pocket revolver, " fire at me"
The Indian smiled.
"You don't want me to kill you?" said
he scornfuly.
"You can't"
The Indians eye flashed.
"Shoot!" Grid Grgnou, folding his
arms.
Tho Indian hesitated moment. He
looked at us suspiciously. Then he looked
at his companions, and said something in
their language. They all responded vehe-
mently.
The Indian took aim.