Omaha daily bee., 1896-05-03

which that historic river is noted, the scouts
struck the trail on tie opposite bank and
pushed rapidly forward. Although they knew
that the Sioux them three to
one, the Pawnees were eager for the fray
an eagerness shared in by their intrepid
commander. Chanting their war songs, their
keen eyes scanning the country, ahead from
the summit CT each sandhilL. they pushed
onward with the remorselesS persistence OF
blood hounds up the trail of fleeing fugi-
tiyes.
About three miles from the river, on reach
ing the top of a sand-hill, the enemy was
discovered a mile ahead, moving carelessly
along, Obvious Of the fact that they were
being pursued. Concealed by the crest Of
a hill, the Pawnees halted to view the sit
%uation, and Lieutenant Creole covered the
hostiles with his field glass. An impreca-
tion came from his lips as he studied the
scene in front, and crying out a sentence
In the Pawnee tongue, his warriors crowded
about him. His experienced eye had shown
him that they were Yankton Sioux, then
at peace with the whites. He took in the
situation in a moment. They had learned
of the departure of the Pawnee village on
a buffalo hunt, and were after them to
stampede and capture their horses, kill all
of their hated enemy they could and escape
back to their reservation.
All this he told to his warriors, and the
field glass in the hands Of various members
Of the party corroborate1 the fact that. as
United States scouts, they had no right to
modest the Yankton bands. The impetuous
warriors chafed like Gagged lions, and de-
manded in vigorous terms that the chase
be resumed. One cool-headed old man, d
chief Of some importance to the tribe, ad-
dressed Lieutenant Creole substantially as
fellows:
"Father, you are a white man, an officer
under the great war chief at WASHINGTON,
and you would rouse his anger by battling
with Indians not at war with him and his
soldiers. We are Pawnee Indians, and the
men yonder are our hated foes. They go to
attack our people, to Kill our fathers, sons,
brothers, the squaws and children, and steal
their horses. 1t is our duty to protect our
people. 1t is not your duty to help us.
Go back, father, to our camp, and we, not
as soldiers, but as Indians, Will push on
to the defense OF our people. Listen to
the words of wisdom and go back"
The situation was a trying one. The lieu
tenant well knew that II he led his scouts
against the Yanktons he would have to face
serious trouble at Washington and meet with
severe censure from General Augur, then
commanding the Department of the Platte.
He realized that his official position would be
endangered, and that he might even subject
himself to arrest and trial in the United
States courts for his action. For some mo-
ments he stood with his eyes bent upon the
ground In deep reflection, the Indians cycling
him keenly and almost breathlessly awaiting
his reply. 1t was a tableaux. thrilling, we'll
worthy The brush OF a painter. The hid
eously painted faces OF the Indians scowling
with rage; their blazing, eager eyes reflect
Ing the spirit OF impatience which swayed
their savage souls; the hardy, faithful ponies
cropping al the ecant grass which had
pierced the sand; the lieutenant standing as
immovable as a rock, his face betraylng no
trace OF excitement, calmly, silently gazing
at the ground. carefully Weighing the respon-
sibillties resting upon him-all went to make
up a picture so Intensely thrilling that the
mind can scarcely grasp its wild features.
When the lieutenant spoke, he did so
quietly and calmly. There was a light in
his eyes which boded no good 10 tbs pur-