The States and Union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1868-1872, 1871-02-22

and draw up behind them, with bag
gage heaped up for breastworks. Thel
we waited for the savages. .3anss 9
But they did not come just then
they waited till night.
Night came. Our defenses wer'
made. Our wagons were arranged
more closely, and the barrioade of bag
gage was made higher, deep, anc
more effective -.s.
Shortly after dusk the traulp- O
thousands Of hoofs shook the plain.
Down upon us thundered the Indians
>houts and yells burst around.
AT last our volley burst in thunder
upon them.
The effect was terrible. Many musi
have been wounded or killed, judging
by the awful uproar that arose. Fol
time there was u confused. hubbut
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 sound, outstanding our am.
munition, and not willing to waste q
shot. ...... ..-..s ...
AT last there arose a wild tramp oi
horses, the sound moving away from
us, and seeming to show that our enc
mics had retired baffIed from the as
sault. ... .-.... ... s..
Yet we were afraid Of some plot
Grignon made us keep our watch, and
all that night we lay on orr arms, ex-
pectlng every moment to hear the In
dian yell which announeed the assault
of the sayages.
After long night, which seemed
interminable, morning dawncd AS
the light illumined the plain VIC look
ed around anxiously for the, enemies
but saw none whatever. We took a
hasty breakfast, and then deliberatea
on what we ought to do. Grignon
gave it as his opinion that the Indians
were yet in the neighhorhood and
were waiting to attack US on the MAI ch.
He thought it would be better to wait
at least another day. We all yielded
TO his opinion, and waited as best we
could.
After q few hours, at about 10
o'clock. ten or 4 dozen horsemen ap
peared over hillock in the distance,
riding slowly toward us.
They wish to have a parley," said
Grignon. ''Some of you step forth,
and see what they want. l wish to
have little to say, but will wait"
One of our men was selected, and
went outside OF our incIusure to meet
them.
Meanwhile Grignon lifted a trunk
out of the wagon which belonged to
him, drew it outside and busted him
self caolly in arranging and turning
over the things. ~.
Our representative stood outside
waiting for the Indians. Ten OF them
dismounted, and walked toward Us in
a friendly manner, while the rest held
the horses. ........-
One of them addressed our men in
broken English. -.
The Indians, he said, did not want
our lives. They wanted powder.
They were very much in want of
bullets.
One OF us said in low voice that
bullets were tho only thing they would
get from us, but the Indians did not
hear him. Our representatives re-
fused very mildly.
The Indians stood talking with one
Grignon advanced toward
them. lie whispered something in a
low voice TO our representative who
Immediately withdrew.
Grignon then stood facing the In
dians.
care you the captain ?'' said the
spokesman of the Indians, suddenly,
as he noticed Grignon.
NO" I'm the medicine man, you
can't shoot these men, or these horses
l save them.
The Indian translated this to his
companions. who burst into roars of
laughter.
Grignon advanced more closely
He was lookin g steadily at the Indians
and we noticed that the latter appear
ed to be uncom Portable under his gaze
"See," said Grignon, you can't
shoot me. s'Here" he threw u
pistol from his pocket, a revolver
t.'fire at me-"
The Indian smiled.
"You don't want me to kill you?"
said he scornfully.
"You can't"
The Indians eyes flashed.
Shoot !" cried Grignon, folding his
arms. --'-''-
The Indian hesitated q moment
He looked at us suzpiciously. Then
ne looked at his companions, and said
in their language. They
III responded vehemently.
The Indian took aim. i
You tell me to shoot" said he.
"Shoot!" said Grignon again.
The Indian fired. 's
Gri2non smiled, and walking for
ward to the Indian, he handed him a
oullet. '.'.'' --
The Indian looked paralyzed.
Grignon showed him how to fire it |
gain. ''. ~
The Indian fired the other five shots
5rignon caught each bullet, some
lines seeming to catch it from his |
breast, sometimes from his face, and |
,acl, time he handed it to the Indian.
The other Indians were ROW in Il
tate of excitement.
They may all shoot if they choose"
aid Grignon, and saying this. he
vent to his trunk, drew out nine pis-
OILS, and coming up to them, proceed
ID to load each one. He took the pow
Ter and put it in, then the wadding
md bullet, and the Indians saw him
10 it. He handed pistol to each On
oading it. Suddenly, one of these
ellows took aim. and fired. Grignon,
Without seeming to have noticed him,
aised his hand and seemed to catch
,ullet from his forehead He tossed