The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-01-22

vers. Three hundred armed bucks sur
rounded the square and the parapets of
the houses were literally lined with men
leveling their guns at the little band of
soldiers. Even the squaws were armed
with axes. knives and pistols.
capt. Augnr was trapped in desperate
position. But finding every opening
blocked he calmly turned to the interpre-
ter and said: TELL those Zunis that we
are United States soldiers and not afraid
to die. But if We are killed Others will
take our places, and if they are killed, still
others Tell them to consider before thew
hre, for our death will be avenged by the
destruction of all the Zuni race"
these words. but even more the I'M
daunted manner of Capt. Augur and his
men. evidently produced a deep impress
sion. The principal chief hesitated. but
there were among the Indians many indi-
VluualS who were anxious to see the white
soldiers massacred, as they certainly would
nave been had the signal tor the onset
been given. Finally the chief addressed
his men, who, in obedience, sullenly
opened path for the soldiers. But the
danger was not over. A sign of weakness,
the accidental discharge of gun, motion
OF one OF the men which could be con.
strued into menace or an insult, would
have resulted in the instant destruction of
the whole troop. With faces to the front,
with the utmost regularity and the most
Scrupulous care against the haste that
would have denoted fear, the little troop
marched between the threatening dark
lines which might at any moment close in
upon them and destroy them.
Their courage and soidierly training
saved them. They passed out of the viii
lage and as far as the creek, where they
intrenched themselves in the Indian
traders store. They Immediately sent a
courier to the fort for aid. as signs of an
attack were not lacking. Col. Hunt at
once sent five troops with Hotchkiss
compelled the Indians to agree to a con-
ference. and the offenders whose arrest
was demanded were at once given up.
When darkness fell the soldiers marched
back to the fort, and of those who came
under Capt. Augur and Lieut.. Suplee
there was not one who did not realize that
of Death.
1t is such incidents as this which show
that soldiers life on the plains. even in
these days, has desperate peril in it, The
night march back 70 the fort was neither
pleasant nor devoid of danger The
weather was bitterly cold, but the excite
ment OF the menwas so intense that diseom-
tort was hardly noticed. The march was
SO cleverly conducted that there was not
single accident. This may seem small
thing where there are good roads bnt in
trali knee deep i'll snow, and lying through
woods and across hilisides which are
sheets OF smooth ice, 1t requires good
Judgment to take q large command with
ont accident on moonless night.
Another incident OF life here may be
worth relating. The five Oriaba Indians
taken prisoners year ago last summer
were returned to their reservation Satur-
day, December 10. They were accompa-
MED by an escort of three men and a non
commissioned officer, commanded by
Lieut.. Harrison, as far as keams CANYON,
where they were turned over to the agent,
Mr.. Ralph Collins.
They appeared to entertain a violent dis
like for the school at the agency, and when
we left them there two of them refused 10
eat at the school, but came to US for sup
per. One, the old medicine man, started
for the village thirty miles distant, during
the night. 1t was bitterly cold, aud in
tense indeed must have been the hatred
which could cause man of his years and
feeble health to face such weather in such
a country
The Old fellow sent word to his tribe
some time before leaving here that he was
rapidly learning American ways, and that
if the school authorities did not leave HIM
alone be would bring the soldiers and wine
them oil the face of the earth" This re-
mark illustrates his feelings toward the
school and the soldiers. | cannot under
stand what causes their dislike 10 the
school. for the Indian children are better
fed, better clothed and better looked after
thar the average American school boy or
girl.
Before entering the canyon we met some
neatly dressed bows out walking among
the hills and mi.tOOk them for white BOYS
They wore cloth caps made to pull down
over the ears, neat, well-fitting overcoats.
good shoes, trousers and gloves. On
reaching the agency we were surprised to
ind that they we're MO0u!s and that all