The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1898-04-23
NERVE AND BRAVERY.
How n Noted New Mexico Trader Out-
witted Old Wolf and M. Hand
OF Indians.


John l.. Hatcher, a noted trader Of
New Mexico had such reputation as an
Indian fighter that his name was ter
ror to the savnges who infested the set
Elements. His caravan of Is wagons
loaded with furs and pelts, and handled
by as many men, was approaching
Wagon Mound one day in the summer OF
1859. The Indians were at peace with
everybody. but Hatcher knew that al
any moment marauding party OF
young braves might pounce upon him.
What did happen. as related by Col. In
man in ''The Old Santa Fe Trail"
showed that Hatcher's knowledge Of In
dian nature was accurate, and his nerve
Of the best.
The train, strung out In single wag-
ons. was suddenly charged from over 4
hill by 800 savages, feather-decked and
painted. They gave the sign OF peace
as they came up. Hatcher accepted tho
sign for the occasion, though he knew
the savnges would murder and rob hi4
whole party IL they could. He invited
the head men 20 some refreshment, a
was usual. and threw blanket on the
was served out. The warriors, having
fondness for sugar, helped themselves,
and expressed great delight at the way
they were being treated.
They were Comanches, under the com,
mand of Old Wolf. then an old NAM
whose name had long been terror to-
the white men. While the chiefs were
lunching Hatcher formed his wagons
into corral. He knew that nothing
but a desperate deed would save him
and his men, and he thought out the ono
thing TO do. He was small man, but
full Of muscle and perfectly fearless.
The chiefs had finished eating, and
were sitting close to the wagons, Old
Wolf leaning against wheel, with
Hatcher next TO him on his right
Hatcher asked the old chief to send hin
young men over the hill. and was so
earnest In his request that they all
stood up. Instantly Hatcher with his
left hand seized Old Wolf by the scalp
lock, and with his right drew out his
butcherknife and held IL TO the chiefs
throat.
No one had time TO move. The little
why man. surrounded by eight or nine
Comanche chiefs, stood firm, and said
to Old Wolf:
"Send your young men over the hill
at once, or I'll kill you right where You
are!"
The other Indians, knowing that
Hatcher would do what he had threat
ened II they tried 10 rescue their leader.
stood still.
Old Wolf shook his head defantly-
Hatcher, growing still more determined
repeated: "Send your young men over
the hill, l tell you!"
The chief shook his head again.
"Send your young men over the hill,
tell you, or I'll scalp you alive as you
are!"
Again the chief shook his head
Hatcher began slowly 10 make an In
cision in Old VOLTS head.
As the chief felt the blood trickle
down his forehead, he weakened. and
ordered the next in command to send
the young men over the hill and out of
sight.
The order was given TO the savages.
who were amazed spectators Of the
strange scene, and they quickly mount
ed their horses and rode away over the
hill, leaving only five or six chiefs with
Old Wolf and Hatcher,
Hatcher, still holding on TO the chiefs
scalplock, ordered his men to throw the
furs out OF the wagons and get inside.
When they were all under the cover OF
the wagon sheets, Hatcher let go OF the
chiefs hair. and told him and his friends
TO leave. They went or and did not re-
turn. Hatcher had taken the one
chance in hundred, and II had saved
him.