Daily Yellowstone journal., 1886-02-12

freshly filed pipe, when he leaned over,
spat full in my face, and Kissed out, ~
he left the lodge;
Baby Log"
He had come to insult and degrade
me il not to provoke an excuse for kill
ing me on the spot. and after he had de.
partedI fully realized that with such an
enemy in camp could not feel certain
of living another hour.
did not leave my lodge again until
night, at which time went 10 lodge
few yards awav TO secure supper. The
occupant was IN aged squaw. who had
/ not only been ordered to feed me. but |
had gained her W ,titnde by healing
rank sore on her n-'ik. first caused by a
splinter from load Of fagots she was
carrying. he hid an unusually hearty
supper ready. and as she saw that had
but little appetite she looked cautiously
about her and then made signs for me
to eat all conld. When my look en-
pressed wonder she resorted to the sign
language to demonstrate man alone
on the plains striving to escape from
something or somebody.
Had my Indian friend taken her into
his confidence had hardly asked my
self the question when she answered IL
by pointing TO the meat in the kettle.
and then to the tree under which had
agreed to meet him. When she saw
that comprehended she smiled and
nodded her head. The grateful old
squaw wished me Godspeed.
| II.
In an Indian village, when there il
nothing of Importance going on, most
of the people have turned in by 8 O'CLOCK
in the evening, and at 10 only the dogi
are astir. Had been strange to thesG
brutes could not have stepped outsid,
the lodge without creating a rumpu
and without being attacked. hat
moved about among them so long. how
ever, that. although every canine in the
village. from the oldest veteran down
to the smallest pup, hated me. they lei
me pass to and fro unchallenged
1t was after 10 o'clock. and the vii.
lage had been quiet for some time. he.
fore I moved. | reasoned that the
boldest way was the best. and when
once outside the lodge started off like
one having perfect right to 90 and
come. My footsteps must have been
heard in some Of the lodges. but no one
reused out to halt me or make inquir.
les. maintained an even pace to the
outskirts Of the village. and then halted
for five minutes to listen Everything
was quiet. even to the dogs. and when
satisfied of this made straight for the
tree.
The Indian was there holding horse.
The animal was bridled and saddled.
and ! soon discovered that he was one
captured from the soldiers A blanket
and a quantity of provisions were
strapped behind the saddle. As came
mp the Indian extended his hand to
grasp mine and whispered;
Hurry. Ride two days Come TO
fort Keep straight this wayn'
God bless you" ! said, as wrung
his hand.
Take rifle Take powder Take
bullets" he said as mounted the
horse and the articles were handed up
i one after another
''Cooi -hye"
Hurry Ride fast. Maybe Dog Killer
come after youn'
He hurried away in the direction Of
the village. and headed to the north.
east, walking the horse for half mile.
and then urging him to a canter and
holding him to it for two hours had
made successful start, and was highly
elated thereat The only drawback was
the fear that might not preserve the
proper direction. II vas dark. star.
less night. and il would have tested the
powers of an Indian to keep dead TO the
northeast.
MY horse did not get breathing
spell until about o'clock in the morn.
ing. ! was then at least thirty miles
from the village. and had heard nothing
to alarm me. | dismounted on the open
plain. removed the saddle. and had
rested with the horse for perhaps half
an hour when he suddenly threw up his
head and looked keenly into the dark.
ness toward the southwest. ] put my
ear to the ground, and the thud, thud
of horses feet on the plain was dis.
tinct. II was some one coming up on
my trail. and il must be an enemy
saw my steed draw a long breath
and throw up his head, as il to utter a
neigh of welcome, and had him by the
jaw in second. | could not make him
lie down. and dared not let 90 my
grip. Thud thud. came the hoof. beats,
and after two or three seconds n
horse and rider passed within fifty
feet Of us, headed to the north
east. 1t was simply blacker spot on
the dark night. and my heart was in
my mouth as it came opposite. ! felt
certain that it was Dog Killer on my
trail. When could no longer hear the
hoof beats released my horse and ga,
down to plan my future course. Tn,
chief could not be following my trail il
the darkness, but he was pursuing my
direction. Ny escape had been discov
cred, and he, In all probability, reasoned
that ! would make FOR the nearest post
He may have depended on accident B,
overhaul me during the night. IL thi
did not occur he could pick up the trai
when daylight came, and perhaps nigh
even be able to see me.
To ride ahead was to encounter him
Therefore, as I saddled up, ! determine,
to ride to the east for full hour, ant
then bend back toward my true course
In this way. IL he was waiting for me.
would tank him. rode a distance o
about eight miles and then turned
square to the north, and kept moyinI