Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1899-10-21

nothing.
1t went on for two months; and all
the while Mackworth's dependency
grew. The weight of years was upon
his yet barely squared shoulders, the
troubles of lifetime were writ upon
his face. And it was pitiably young
face, despite the growth of yellow
beard. He would not be comforted. He
was silent and morose. He would not
lift up his beautiful baritone in song,
be the camp never so dull Only his
captain knew why, of courSe-and, he
didn't tell Neither did he attempt con
sola ton. He thought the remorse
healthful, and he knew, BESIDES that in
such cases man has to work out his
own conclusions and salvation. This is
the way Mackworth eventually tried to
work out his.
There came one day a runner from
the hostiles-a dlshfaced, strai ght-lock-
ed creature of sinews-who spoke
through the White Mountain nterpre-
ter of the troops and said that his chief
was ready to go back to the reserva-
ton, but that he must go upon his own
| terms. And the chief stipulated, more
over, that one white man-one, alone
and nguarded-should go to the hos,
tile camp and discuss those terms. If
force attempted to come he would re
treat with his braves and stay out all
winter.
Morley made answer that he had no
fear Of the chief staying out all winter
among the mountains when the agency
was so comfortable. but that II he did
the white man could stand it as long as
could he. Moreover, he said that none
of his soldiers had any intention what
ever of walking into a death trap of
| the sort.
Then Mackworth spoke up. IT have"
he said.
"Get out" said the captain, incredu-
lousy.
III mean what I say" said Mack
worth, land shall consider your per
mission to go the greatest and the only
favor you can do me. Something may
be effected by it,"
Your death, that's all; and a little
preliminary torture"
The lieutenant shrugged his shout
ders. Shall you let me go?' he in
sisted
Not by long sight"
Il wish to go, Capt. Morley"
Morley considered, and he decided
| that 1t might not be wise to refuse.
There was no knowing just what the
set-faced boy might do. So they par
leyed together for a time then Mack
worth mounted his horse and went. He
ala not expect 10 come back, and the
officers and men did not expect to see
him again. They watched him go off
into the distance of the plain. toward
the mountains, following the hostile.
who swung on at the long, untiring dog
trot.
After four hours they came to the
mouth of a narrow canyon. The runner
had given no sign or sound, and the
fixed look had not gone from Mack
worth's face. Well within the canyon
the hoStiles were in camp. They had
hobbled their lean little ponies, the
squawS were gathering wood, and the
bucks were squatting upon the ground
or playing monte with cards of painted
hide, around a cOw-skin spread under a
cedar tree. Four of them rose and
slouched forward. There was a pro-
longed scrutiny upon both sides
The chief waited for MackwCrth to
begin; but the white mans instincts
were good. He beat the sullenly silent
redskin at his own game, and In the end
the chief spoke. The runner displayed
for the first time his understanding,
and interpreted. Mackworth made an,
swer with decision, offsetting his own
terms. The bucks scowled, and the
chief began to argue. The white man.
with the unfinching eyes, would not
compromise. Tell him." Mackworth
said. that this is my will. If he will
not do this, | go back to the soldiers
and we follow you and kill you all, man
and woman" The face Of the chief
grew black, a growl rose from the
crowding bucks, and the watching
squaws began to chatter in voices sweet
as the tinkle of glass bells.
The chief stepped suddenly forward
and caught the bride above the curb
shanks. Not so much as an eyelash of
the stern, white. young face quivered,
and the heart Of the red man was filled
with admiration. One movement of
fear would have cost Mack worth his
life then; but he was not afraid. not
though he knew that torture might
await him. He sat looking coolly down
at the lowering, cruel faces. The chief
turned and spoke to the bucks, and
there was a growl of protest; the
squaws Joined with a shrill little CHORUS