The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-12-21
Real Estate and Loans.
HALF-BREED GUILE,
eros VENTURES WARRIORS AMBUSHED AND WIPED OUT
STORY PITCHED NORTHERN MONTANA
wR1EN YINDEpEND

which were very bountlful in Montana al
that time. The marauders reached the
Sweet Grass hills in the latter part of Octo-
Der, after travelling about day and hall
from ON their own camp. ,,
look about for signs of the enemy, upon
whose herds they designed making a raid.
1t Was not long before they were more than
gratitied by the discovery of large camu
composed of half-breeds of the north.
They possessed fine herd of ponies, which
in this northern country comprises, with
his gun, the entire wealth of an Indian.
1t was about II O'Clock in the day when
they made the discovery and the warriors
decided to lie low until night when they
could make a successful raid and stampede
the stock. But, unfortunately for them,
one of the half-breeds happened to ride
upon an elevation for the purpose of taking
an observation of the country for game or
party. He pretended not to have
seen them, and completing his observation
rode leisurely off toward camp. At this
time the war party was in small ravine
out OF sight of the camp, and could not see
the apparent excitement and hurried move
anS ren secured q, horses s.ta, and nd
seen all this they might have Sc
cured safe retreat in the higher hills in
the timber. But they were totally uncon-
scious of any threatening danger. About
nifty well-mounted and well-armed half
breeds struck out in a northerly direction
from camp and when they had gone about
nalf mile concealed themselves at the
base OF small butte, Immediately after
ABOUT dozen head men of the tribe rode
ont to where the war party was in hiding.
They rode up to within about 400 Yards and
"a pam view OF the Indians and signaled
n n toll
the half-breeds was friendly in its nature.
Tor had they wished to attack the war party
they would certainly have come with
stronger force. So reasoned the Indians.
After consultation the war party sent
two of their men to have talk. The half
breeds treated them with great cordiality.
Pretending to be glad to see them, and
after smoking pipe of peace. invited the
whole party to camp to n feast of buffalo.
Their actions were SO kind and friendly
and their apparent ignorance of the true
nature of the expedition of the Gros Ven
tres SO we'll feigned that the latter were
completely thrown off their guard and &C
cepted the invitation.
The war patty stated as an excuse for be-
ing in that neighborhood that they were
searching for camp of their own tribe
which Was somewhere near by. The lead
ers of the half-breeds rode slowly back to-
ward camp followed by their unsuspecting
IA
little over mile. It was situated on q
small stream, where the tepees were Get up
in a semicircle. A few old ponies we're
feeding near the lodges, while the main
body were grazing on the plain about
mile away. Squaws were busyiDg them
selves about the camp fires as if preparing
for the expected guests. A number Of
sneaky wolf like dogs sat and sprawled
about while others fought and Rrowled over
stray bones.
It was Just about two o'clock in the after
noon. The sky was overcast with heecy
clouds, through which the sun could be
family discerned 40 the lovely eyes of
woman through vexaiious veil. After
leaving the hills the country was almost
level, With here and there a slight elevation
Il was splendid place for contendinQ
forces to engage In battle with little advan-
tage for either. where the forces were equal.
The party in ambush were on the lookout
waiting signal from the head mem. It