The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-06-09

 back to them good-byes in 8 most friendly spirit but once on the trail within the shadow of the pines, we made the stones rattle as we scurried away from the dangerous neighbor- hood.
 "It was late the next morning when we passed through the deserted camp ground on our way toward the hills. The dancers had scattered to their places, and only the smouldering fires and trampled turf bore witness to the nights revelry. After leaving the glade, the trail wound up canon opening back into the heart of the mountains.
 Not an Indian had been seen till near sundown, when we refined up at the hut of an old savage, who, with his squaw, occupied bit of arable ground away of there in the gorge.
 "Could we camp there? Did he have any corn? Might our animals feed on his land? He had heard of us through those at the dance, knew we were coming into the mountains, and was kindly disposed; so our camp was pitched there for the night.
 "Hardly were tents up and fires lighted, when two Indians were dis covered coming down the canon from the mountains.
 "Riding up to the hut of the old man, they entered into a barley with him, and by their signs and gestures soon made us aware that we were under discussion.
 Speaking in Navajoe, their words were unintelligible, but even among themselves signs are so largely used that our Piute guide, who observed attentively, readily understood what was conveyed His face was not so stolid but that it expressed some anx- iety as the two horsemen rode of down the canon.
 "We were at once informed that these were messengers from Hostin Kar. The big chief had heard of our intended journey into his mountains, and had sent couriers to cut off our retreat. The Navajoes along the canon, and those below, would have positive orders that we should not return.
 "The matter was assuming a serious aspect. Had more experienced frontiersman been in command, he would have taken the Flutes advice have followed the two Indians at once, and ended their mission before the lower canon was advised of the big chiefs orders but we hesitated to act with such severe decision, and when convinced that it was desirable, the opportunity was lost.
 "The bearing of the old Navajoe became altogether changed toward us, and when questioned, he was either silent or gave surly answers. He was sure his people would shoot us if we attempted to go back down the canon. Did not know what Hostin Kar would do, but thought he would shoot us, anyway. Pelecano had no business on Indians land.
 "The situation was unpleasant. It was impossible to leave the canon at that point; our path was either forward or back. The fate of the party was certain should we attempt retreat, and very uncertain if we kept on.
 "The young men were much de- pressed, and the Indian guide could offer no better plan than to keep or and take our chances with Hostin Kar At length, after much coaxing and a gift of tobacco, the old Navajoe ad- vised to this course also. He thought the big chief intended to kill us, but consoled us by saying that he would probably have a talk first. Therein lay our only chance for safety.
 "Without meeting an Indian, the journey was made the next morning to near the head of the canon; but tracks were numerous along the way, and more than once we fancied we were watched from the cliffs, and continu ally expected attack.
 "Leaving the Piute in camp with several men, I climbed out of the canon with the rest of the party, and having placed my instrument upon the bare summit of the mountain, be- gan the work for which I had been sent. At first no Indians seemed to be about, but turning my telescope presently upon an open glade below large number were discovered assem- bled and the crowd seemed continu- ally augmenting.
 My purpose was to finish the work upon the peak that afternoon, and, ii not discovered, leave early in the morning by another route. The sketch of hills and drainage was soon finished and not an Indian appeared.
 T began to hope that we might yet complete the work and escape undis- covered, and was swinging the big telescope around on its plate, reading the angles with all speed, when sud- denly, as I looked into the glass, there