The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1878-01-31
A Texas Episode.

Tall, Slnewy, ueep-cnesteu, ana atm
letic! l never remember to have seen
one of his race who so forcibly reminded
me of the imaginary Indian of Cooper's
novels as did Jdndmdtd, or the Red Buff
falo. He was Lipan chief whom l once
met in the wilds of Texas.
An unerring marksman, perfect ath-
lete in riding, running, and in hurting
the spear, Janamata was the ideal of an
Indian warrior. He was brave and daring,
and his hate of the Comanches made him
friend to their enemies, the whites.
AS an illustration of his daring, let me
relate the incident by which he won the
sobrtquet of Red Buffalo.
Being once out with his band, engaged
in procuring their winter supply of meat,
he encountered savage buffalo bull,
who "ripped up his horse. Instead of
retiring from the contest, as he might
have done with honor to himself, jana
mata attacked the buffalo on foot.
Throwing away his bow and arrows,
he calmly awaited the animals charge.
AS he approached, he dexterously leaped
over its bowed head, and landing upon
the animals back, plunged his knife sew
eral times into his body, then, jumping
off behind, he seized it by the tail, and
before the animal could turn upon him,
severed its ham, strings by the cut of his
knife.
In company with an old Texan, named
John Worth, had started on a hunting
expedition up the Guadalupe. One
day, upon reaching the little settlement
of Queno, about noon, we found the in
hoh c
committed by the Comanches.
A young girl, of great beauty, only
seventeen years of age, the daughter OF
an old settler named Lockhart, had gone
out upon the plain that morning to gath
er flowers. While there, within sight OF
her fathers house, Comanche rode rap
idly out of the woods near her.
She saw him, and ran, screaming, to-
wards the house. But the Indian over
took her, and, without checking the
speed of his horse. stopped in his saddle
and throwing his arms about her waist,
lifted her before him, and galloped fu-
riously away. Her shrieks for help were
heard. Before assistance could reach her,
however. the savage was far on the road
to the mountain with his prize.
The whole population was out, and the
settlement was the scene of the widest
confusion. 1t seemed as if they had lost
their senses. Half dozen men had
their horses saddled, but no one had start
ed in pursuit. They stood listening to
old Andy the girls father who, with DISNEY
eled gray locks, red, swollen eyes, and
broken voice, appealed to every one to
aid in recapturing his daughter.
~ Ill
the river to arouse the settlers, and it was
expected that at least fifteen would re-
spond to the call. AT the old mans sug-
gestion, another had also been dispatched
to Lipan camp, about two miles below
TO request their chief, Janamata, to join
in the pursuit.
The Indian soon appeared, but still the
party were not ready to start. They
seemed ignorant Of the fact that every
moments delay made the chance of sue
cess more uncertain. Finally, my COM
panion, John Worth, rode into the circle
and said:
Boys, I'm John Worth, one of Hayes S
Rangers. I'm stranger TO you, hut if
you'll follow me, I'll bring back the old
mans DAUGHTER, or | won't come back
myself. Who'll GOT"
Thirteen men responded TO the call,
and, with hearty Texas yell, we started.
We soon struck the Comanche's trail.
The Lipan followed it like a hound on a
scent.
1t was terrible ride-through chap
arral So dense that We were Obliged to
dismount and lead our animals; through
masses of cactus, whose long thorns tore
our clothes and flesh, and cut the legs of
our horses; over broad prairies, covered
with flowers; through valleys filed with
underbrusb, until we reached the bank
of the river.
Nowhere upon the other side could we
discern any signs of trail. After some
time spent in searching for it, the keen
eyes of Worth, who had ridden in ad-
vance, discerned tracks on the opposite
shore.
Calling the Lipan, Worth asked him TO
swim his horse aud ascertain if that was
the Comanches trail, or if the tracks
were those of some animal that had come
down to the water tor drink. In short
time the Indian returned, and reported
that bay horse, ridden by an Indian,
had crossed there. The next moment,
the whole party plunged into the stream,
and crossed to the other side.