The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1893-12-23

ASsAn ukN'u Tic tItiI OS0T WHICH uc udu
come. saw two horsemen leading pack
animals and riding toward him ut q
galiop
They proved to be young men who
were on their way home t.. Tennessee.
They had heard Of Mack a, Lavigne's
three days before. and ha4i ueen trying
to overtake him.
ward to take part in the great struggle
then going forward: but they intended
to join the southern army. while he was
going to join the Union forces.
Partner" said one Of the southern
sEa lets stick together aud fight TO-
gether through this here Indian ooun-
Try, and after we get home we'll fight
each other"
"Al right" said Mack; Its agreed.
Northerners IL northeruers and south
erners il southerners. but Injins u
pizen."
So these deadly enemies Of the near
future won't on together, comrades in
danger. Every man Of the three was
equipped with q stout muzzle loading
rife and large Colts revolver.
They set out together on the trail and
lad advanced but few miles from the
burned station when they sighted
squad Of mounted Indians, who had Just
broken camp ut = mountain spring b.
side the trail. They were several hum
bred yards in advance when they were
discovered. and were Just riding out Of
the depression which gave rise to the
spring
On account Of his long experience in
the country Mack had been given the
leadership by the Tennesseeans. He
came to halt and told his companions
to get of their horses, hoping they
might possibly escape notice: but even
while they were dismounting the In
dams caught sight Of them. and wheel
ing their ponies about came buck Ut .
gallop straight down the trail. They
spread out in sort Of fan shape a. they
came. and Mack counted twenty-six.
'Git ready for business. boys" said
he quietly. behind your horses, re-
volvers handy. and rifles across saddlesr'
The Indians came on vt q reckless pace
until within about hundred yards,
when Mack. stepping out from behind
back.
They pulled up suddenly. One Of
them slipped from his pony. and hand.
ing the rein and his gun to comrade
came forward on foot, gorgeous in q col.
ored blanket. n white SLOUGH hat STUCK
with ravens feathers and variety Of
brilliant paints daubed upon his face
and breast.
He was big fellow and walked with
, swinging stride.
.'How! howr' said he. rs he halted .
few ua4,es distant and grinned hideous
Ily through his painta
"How do you dor answered Mack
What do you wantY"
The Indian shook his head in tokeR
that he did not understand English.
"Hablan ustedes Espanolr' do yor
speak Spanish, asked the Indian.
Mack. who had picked up a smatterinl
of Spanish. answered that he did. IL
this tongue the Indian asked where the,
were going.
Mack answered that they were goinl
home to the land where the sun rose
and asked in turn what the chief-fo
such the Indian undoubtedly was
wanted.
The Arapaho told him If the whit.
men would surrender their horses. mules
guns and ammunition they might kee
their blankets and 60 on, and he woul'
not let his warriors modest them.
For reply Mack indicated. partly i
Spanish and partly by gestures. that tn
Indians might have the ammunitio
, through the muzzles of the guns an
the weapons and animals after thel
owners were dead.
, At this the Indian grinned. and trie
to turn the matter of as joke. He the
asked il Mack and his party were goin
to camp at Big Medicine springs thu
! night. and upon being told that the
! were. said that his camp was there. an
, that he and his braves would keep tt
white men company.
But the white men might. no SAIL
travel in advance. since In this way the
, would escape the dust the Indians hors'
| would make.
Il Mack declined this courteous offer, b.
told the Indian that he and his compal
Z ions would follow. They did not min
travelling in the dust ut all. especial
| q there was no dust on the sun bake
plain.
. The Arapaho laughed again. Knight
unpleasant" N one Of the Tennesaeea,
! put It. and wheeling about strobe bae
/ to his men.
Aftera moments conversation vii