The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-06-19
An Indian Tale.

1t was about the middle of the after.
noon one day in the summer of 1867
that we arrived at the Forks of the
Trinity and Klamath Rivers. Our
arrival at the river was soon noticed by
the owner of the ferry, which plies
across the river, the river being too
deep to ford, but sooner by numerous
indians, who, much to our surprise.
seemed OH perfectly good terms with
the whites. Here at this ferry three
men were stationed, surrounded by a
wild tribe, of Indians. 1t seemed the
hight Of rashness. However, felt the
greatest desire to have q nearer view of
them, when Oh turning around, found
several Indian boys quite near, gazing
at us with the most intense curiosity.
AS we entered the ferry boat-whicll
was moving across by pulling upon a
strong rope fixed firmly at either side of
the river-these boys very silly crept on
to cross at the same time, but perceived
by the ferryman and ordered to get off,
they lightly leaped onto the shore, and
ascending high rock, which hung over
the river, boldly threw themselves into
the deep and rapid stream. Swimming
with remarkable rapidity, they gained
the opposite shore first, where they
stood laughing at their exploit.
We found the log cabin of the ferry
man surrounded by swarm Of naked
Indians and squaws who seemed to
have no hostile inclinations and 10 mis-
trust of our peaceful intentions. Though
not large, they were finely formed, and
evidently possessed great powers Of en-
durance. Their faces expressed consid-
cradle intelligence and Kindness of dis
position-but, back of all, there was a
look Of native ferocity and coarseness,
which characteriZes all wild Indian
tribes.
However, at this time they wero per-
fectly gentle, and we did not hesitate
to mingle with them. They were ex-
tremely observant of dress, and every
article person wore was subjected to
the most rigid scrutiny. The ferryman
Mr.. Durllie-said that though we
found him leving in such apparent con-
lidence among these Indians, and
though they seemed 50 gentle and harm
less, he would not trust himself unarm-
ed III their company a moment; that
should he happen to have knife, or
leather belt upon him, or any tritling
article that had previously taken their
fancy, they would probably kill him, as
the readiest means Of getting possession
Of it. So, said he, my pistol and my
knife are always at my side. I watch
their every action, and it is this constant
watchfulness that prevents their taking
a thousand liberties here.
But I found the Indians had the
greatest yeneratian f6fMr. Durkie. He
had always treated them well and had
never deceived them, and they had the
greatest confidence both in his surpris-
ing powers and in his good will. He
had had occasion once to send an Indian
some distance upon the trail Of the
packers, alone, and, fearing that the
Indian might be shot if met by any
traders, he wrote note for him to
carry, which simply said 'the Indian
was peaceable - This note he was to
show should he meet any whites on the
way. He did, indeed, meet a man, who,
alarmed, leveled his rifle, and was on
the point Of firing, when the Indian
drew the note from his belt. The white,
Immediately lowering his gun, approach
ed, read it, narrowly watched, mean-
while, by the Indian; who. probably,
could have no idea of the power of COM
municating by writing. The man re-
turned the note and patted. the Indian
on the back, who, delighted as it's
mysterious effect, continued his way
unframed, fully believing in the super
natural powers Of the ferryman. 1t was
by such means as this that he won their
good will, but they were nothing but
untutored sayages, and the slightest
cause might excite their rage against
him.
But he had lived among them for six
months, and from his past experience
he had nothing to fear. lie had little
idea that danger was then lowering
over his head. threatening him and ali
Of us with terrible death. Our Jour-
ney on the next day was but ten miles,
and feeling no urgent Murray to start,
we had determined not to, till the mid
die of the forenoon, which gave us an
opportunity of learning the habits and
customs of the Indians. A larger num-
Der than had visited us the day before
collected about us on that daY, but all
perfectly we'll disposed, and we carried
on with them very unsatisfactory but
highly amusing conversation by signs.
1t was while thus engaged that our at
tention was attracted by the appearance
Of single Indian OH an eminence near
by, who uttered q loud and piercing
cry. lie then said q few words in his
unknown language, which had an in
stant and powerful effect upon the In
dians about us. I never beheld such
locks Of terror, rage and grief as their
cOuntenanceS exhibited. One moment
Of indecision, and they all turned and
fled to this solitary Indian. The ferry
man, who was usually able to interpret
their singular actions, was perfectly at
a loss in this instance, but to be on the
safe side, he advised that we all-eight
in number--retire within the log cabin,
through the cracks of which we could
see all that was going on and be govern
cd accordingly.
1t was only after repeated efforts
that he was able to get one Indian suf-
ticiently near to address him, and being
acquainted with their language, he ask
ed the Indian why they had left us so
hastily. The Indian made q short re-
ply, which almost bewildered the ferry
man. TO our anxious inquiries Mr..
Durkie said: eve have no time to
talk, we must act. Bar the door; have
every rifle and pistol loaded. We shall
be attacked"
AS he said this, we perceived the In
dians were really approaching, their
numbers greatly increased. There was
a terrible significance in their painted
and wild cOOntanancas in their hant