The Idaho world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1864-1918, 1872-07-18

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This was declared to be "getting the
thing into shape" and we all cordially
agreed to it. Ben arose, and motionee
importantly to the envoy. That nude
parsonage gravely rode up, received
our reply with stolid decorum, and was
out of sight in a minute
"We'd better load up in the mean
time, boys" remarked Indiana; for il
it don't suit 'em, they'll be after us in
short order"
The idea was voted mot bad;" and
we not only charged our rifles and re-
volvers, but flung our logs together in
such a manner as to form very eff
cient defence, if required. Herndon
then kindled fire, procured water, and
commenced cooking dinner. In about
twenty minutes the envoy returned
Our proposition had met with great ia
vor he briefly informed us; but would
not be accepted unless the distance was
shortened to ten PAGES. He also stated
that the contest would be expected TO
continue until one of the principles was
killed, and then knives or tomahawks
must be allowed to be used after the
discharge of the rifles.
That's pretty close quarters, boys"
commented Ben. Il got slug once
on Just such a timetable. But | guess
it's all right, though. They know they
can't shoot with us. Let's give the
poor devils chance"
To this we all assented. For the tom
ahawk provision, we cared nothing; we
knew the first shot would settle the
matter one way or the other.
The messenger then went on to say
that the warriors of the tribe would be
assembled to meet us in one hour, at the
crest of the lofty eminence, which he
pointed out to US, about half mile dis
tant-we to be punctually on hand; aud
he galloped of again.
Next came the task Of casting lots for
the post of peril. We began to real,
ize that blood was to be shed Ii was
a solemn moment, forno one could predict
the result Of the encounter. Indiana
tore up one of his mothers letters. and,
plainly writing each mans name upon
one Of the slips, placed them all In a hat
together. TexiCan was then blindfoldcd.
and dcputed to draw; whocver's name
was on the slip he picked ont was TO be
our champion. He drew has olcn.
Its all right. boys" said he, when
the result was ascertaiued. You
couldn't please me better" Further
than this he said nothing.
Then cnsucd along and awkward s. |
lence, for we all had our misgiyings /
When our dinner was ready, we dis /
patched it quickly. smoked a few mo- /
ments without conversation, and then
mounted our ponies.
On arriving at the designated battle /
ground. we found several hundred Osa- /
yes awaiting us. all armed and painted. /!
and most Of them entirely naked, with
the exception of brccch-clouts. Two
anccs were stuck into the turf about
Ten PAGES apart-these indicated the
positions Of the combatants. We were
received with neither friendly nor hos
lie demonstrations. As soon as we
lismountcd. Texican rifle in hand, walk
I'd calmly forward to the nearest lance,
md halted. In a few moments. tall
foung brave stepped out of the crowd
md sta'ked proudly up to the other |,
vas appointed to give the signals
In order to disturb their accuracy of
lim as little as possible, was requested
o stand halfway between them, and
wo PAGES back from the line OF fire.
There was no danger of being hit by
uch marksmen as they were. In my
light hand ] held a lance, from the point
# which dangled red flannel streamer
when raised it they were to aim,
md when | lowered it they were to fire.
And then we waited for Red Cloud,
he chief of the tribe 1t was an i'm
'ressive scene. Texican leaned his
haggy chin upon his hands, on the
nuzzle of his long rifle, and with a :
LEAN of malicious triumph glared
ercely across at his foe. He was
eckless of his own life, and felt sure !
f his prey, for his aim was death.
The young Indian seemed to read his
houghts; but standing erect with a !.
raceful and careless indifference, gazed
raop,ily off "a Tho nu4bc-arJ ,,bara