The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-06-09
Pueblo Indian Traits.

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To sum up the Pueblo's character in 9
few words, and to omit many illustra-
tions which might amplify the hasty
enumeration Of his more general traits.
we found him social in disposition. cley.
er as an artiticer, shrewd at bargain,
gentle in his family, controlled by the
precepts Of the elders; maintaining a sys.
tenn OF government curiously complete in
all fundamental principles of civil law;
shepherd, caring for immense flocks of
goats and sheep; an agriculturist; and,
Withal, an Indian, priding himself in the
mark; still using the bow, the eagle
plumes, the barbaric fineries Of dress; and
though falling on festal days to the Level
of the brute in the observances of his
heathenish rites, yet seldom COZ 1Gmitting
upon his fellow any act of injustice OF
cruelty. Recalling the goat-skin which
he sold us as cinnamon bear hide, we
smile and forgive him; as we'll as for the
theft Of the missing sketch-book-we re-
gard the latter as indicative of prom
ising tendency toward art. But when
we bring to mind hishospitality, his jovi-
ality, and picture him as our modern
Arcadian free-liver, it is impossible to
think Of him as other than good fellow.
His quick wit was exhibited on many
occasions, but notably in connection
with bargain for coat and trousers
of buckskin attractively displayed over
the wearer's fine physique. We were
quite willing towait and receive the pur-
chase from the hands Of the man through
his window or door, but he too we'll un-
derstood the importance of working the
hot iron. A moments thought. series
Of rapid contortions, and the tight.fitting
garments were drawn off and thrown at
our feet, Before payment could be made
the ludicrous had impressed itself upon
the crowd, and hardly had the money
been clapped into his mouth than, adroit-
ly snatching blanket from bystander
and wrapping himself therein, the youth
scampered off, hands over ears, towards
the village. A long, lean man, garrul-
GUS in witticisms, followed him with
banter gobbled out Of: a turkey throat.
But the annoyance was soon left behind
in company with a puff Of dust which
followed the red bandana and flying
locks, over the edge Of the gulch.
On another occasion one Of those small
skin-lined saddles, dangling multipli-
city of straps, awakened an interest.
"Quanto:" (how nuahti,, Six fingers are
instinctively presented Sward, with an
undecided seventh threatening the per-
pendicular. Obedient to instructions,
we lose all interest Immediately and as
sumo the expression Of total indifference.
(Exit.)
Tableau II perhaps comes off next
day. We notice our friend Lucero has
frequent occasion to drag his saddle back
and forth before our door. At length
We mutually discover each other. We
smile, and raise three fingers, which OBJ
serving the change of countenance this
awakens, is finished off as something bee
tween military gesture and u sidewalk
salutation, and the saddle moves on.
Before both have gone far there is a
sudden decision. One man stops short,
and returns five-finger salutation, very
much as an auctioneer elevates his ham
mer for last call. The proposition
for compromise is submitted to greater
experience within, but meets with no
favor.
"He'll stick you yet on your own bar
gain and don't you forget it," says our
interpreter,
Juan Lucero is softened into approach
by the indicision; butthe Western mans
promptings are obeyed to the full extent
of indifference, (Verytfasty exit-pres-
sing engagement.)
Still the saddle was seen often, We
had already taken seats on the morning
of departure, with the impedimenta ad-
justed to fit: but the man and the sad
die were on hand. At the right mo-
ment he emerged from the shadow of an
adobe wall. Three fingers this time,
and an evident swallowing Of emotions
as an accompaniment to the mods affirm
alive. The whole bespoke the obstinate
wrestling of flesh and spirit over the de-
cision. For want Of room we tied it to
the axle, where, for seventy-five miles
1t required constant watching, as it had
way of.inching on to the wheels, and
marvelously defying all sorts Of knots.
! Some time after, when saunterine
through the plaza Of Santa Fe, the words
OF the Western man we're brought to
mind by seeing quantity Of pack-sad-
dies at one dollar apiece.
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The Train Dispateher.