The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-06-09
H0STIu KgR.
JOHN WILLIS HAYS.

Northward of Fort Defiance and some sixty miles away, are the Maya foe mountains in the midst of the res- ervation set apart for the Indians of this name. These mountains are very rugged, but being well watered and timbered are finely adapted for graz ing purposes, and long since would have been divided into homesteads and ranches had not immigration been re- stricted.
 Hostin Kar, for many years chief of the Navajoes, was a quarrelsome old savage, and before these mountains were given to his people was hostile toward white settlers desiring to enter them. And so jealously has he guarded the hills since they were his that, till within few years, no "Pel- ecano" had ever returned to tell what he might have found in their fast nesses.
 In the course of the western surveys, it became necessary for the engineer to enter these Navajoe mountains. A young man, whom we may call Her bert, was despatched, with several as- sistants and an Indian guide, to do there the necessary topographic work. Fancying the report of Hostin Kar's bad temper was mere rumor, he neg lected to communicate first with the chief, or take the precaution of mill itary escort. With his little party, and followed by the necessary pack mules bearing instruments and camp equipage, Herbert entered the reser- vation and pitched his camp one even- ing about ten miles from the Navajoe hills.
 "We had been in camp but little while," so he afterward said, "when an old Indian came riding along, and stopped by our fire to beg for tobacco and food, or any thing else we would give him.
 "He seemed to be an unusually good -natured old fellow, and, after he had eaten something and lighted his pipe, informed us that he was on his way to 8 great dance to be held that night near the foot of the mountains. As we questioned him, he told us more of it. It was to be big occa- sion, and his people were coming from all parts of the reservation.
 "There would be no objection to our going, so he answered, and, partly from curiosity, as well as to make friends with those we might meet, we determined to accompany him.
 "Ten miles through the piny wood, following the old Indian along the moonlit trail, was but an airy jaunt for youths accustomed to the saddle. As we neared the mountains, the trail wound among the hills, and presently from ap elevation we looked down into level glade. The ground was dotted with hundreds of camp fires, and moving among these were crowds of dusky jewellers, while in strange contrast to the traditional stolidity of the red man came sounds of bolster ous merriment mingled with the voices of women, the cries of children and the barking of dogs.
 'sIt was hardly minute after rid ing through the circle of camp-fr before the whole camp seemed to know that Pelecanoes were among them, and came crowding about our mules begging for tobacco. A small quantity had been brought for 8 peace-offering, but this was soon ex- hausted, and hundred hands, angry at being empty, were thrust toward us, while the request for 'natto' fast became demand.
 "Already we had discovered that whisky was among them, and under its influence many were eager for mis- chief. We had chosen bad time for our visit.
 ".You liel you liel you liep went up with 6 babel of voices, as we de- clared we had given all we had, and forthwith they desired to search our saddle pockets.
 A mule is restive in the presence of Indians, and the blow that gave a marauder's hand was hardly necessary, for my animal began to strike out dangerously ss they crowded near.
 "The suggestion was followed up, and backing our mules gently, tho swsrthy circle gave way till we were somewhat free, when, turning, we rode