Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1893-08-12
not give two. Let Nookamiss re-

But the Indian turned with con-
tempt upon the interpreter, ana
scornfully replied: "Lamozee has
dwelt so long among the white men
that he forgets he is an Indian.
Soon his tongue will refuse to speak
the language Of his fathers. II the
white chief has but one heart SO has
Nookamiss," and the old savage left
the would-b peace-maker in disgust.
Lamazee, OF all the Tonquin's peo-
pie, seemed to observe the cloud
gathering upon the social horizon,
and he felt great concern for the
safety Of his employers
Again and again he besOught Capt.
Thorn to store away his goods and
not attempt further trade at that
time but to stand ready in case of an
outbreak, but the sailor laughed at
his red friends fears and persisted in
the mistake that many another, be-
fore and since, has made, of ignoring
an unseen danger, and despising a
sleeping enemy. Impetuously he
paced the deck Of his vessel, his foot
steps followed by the persistent In.
dian Nookamiss, who at every turn
held up another skin which he wished
to barter at his own price.
At length finding that the captain
was obdurate, the manner of the saw
age changed and he began to upbraid
the white man for his penuriousness
and to ridicule him for his lack Of
knowledge of mercantile affairs: This
was too much for the Quick TEN pefed
sailor. Driven frantic by the IN
dams jibes, the doughty mariner
seized the belt from his tormentor's
hand and vigorously rubbed it on the
swarthy face of the owner, after
which he unceremoniously kicked the
offender over the rail of the vessel,
throwing the otter-skin, source OF the
trouble, after him.
The Indians who were on board the
ship stood aghast at the indignity
and insult heaped upon their chief,
and hurried to follow him on shore,
while the Interpreter in great alarm
besought the captain to prepare for
instant departure.
Meanwhile Mr.. Mckay and his COM
panion, not knowing what had occur
red, put off to the ship. having been
treated in the most friendly manner
by old Wicananish.
Upon reaching the Tonquin these
two men, although old Indian
traders, and familiar with the dispo-
sition of the aborigines, seemed to
feel no great alarm at the turn affairs
had taken. They were encouraged in
their belief of security by the two
hostages who laughed at the matter
and ridiculed the old chiefs actions
as heartily as anybody.
The day and night that followed
passed sereneiy, but with the morning
sun came several canoes whose occu-
pants, appearing to be unarmed and
supplied with gOodly array of skins.
were allowed to come on board, until
more than two hundred thronged the
deck.
A grave error in the white men to
allow so many savages a foothold
upon their vessel at one time; but
they seemed peaceful and anxious
now to trade at the terms offered by
Captain Thorn the day before, conse-
Quently hurried barter commenced.
The savages in nearly every case
demanded knives in return for pelts. |
This circumstance at last began to |
arouse the suspicious of Captain |
Thorn, and although late he accepted |
the advice Of the interpreter and |
ordered the ship gotten underweighl
The trade did not at once cease,
but was carried on by Mr.. M'Kay and |
the clerks Seven of the sailors went
aloft to loosen the sails, while the
others manned the windIass
When the anchor was nearly up
the captain in loud and peremptory
tone ordered the ship to be cleared.
At this a signal yell was given,
which was echoed on every side, and
IN an instant knives and War-clubs
we're brandished, and the savages
rushed upon their victims
The first to receive the fIlFv of the
Indians was young Lewis, the ships
clerk. He was leaning with folded
arms over a bale Of blankets engaged
n bargaining, when he was stabbed
n the back, and fell, seriously
down the companiUn-way.
INTO the cabin.
In the mean time Captain Thorn
made desperate fight against fear
'ul odds. He was powerful man,
but he was caught without weapons.
He was singled out by Shewish, a
young chief, who rushed upon him
1t the first outbreak.
The mariner had but time TO draw
4 clasp-knife. with which at q, single
blow. he laid the savage dead at his
feet But he was no match for the
horde of exasperated demons, around
him, and be soon fell, covered with
many wounds.
The deck of the Tonquin was now
4 scene of carnage. The seven sailors
who had gone aloft to loosen the sails,
looked upon the sight beneath them
with horror.
Knowing that loaded muskets were
kept in the cabin, they resolved to
make an attempt to reach them.
Reachinp the deck three of their