Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1899-10-06


north, to the south, to the east and
west; but when the troops got to the
spot, after forced marching, there was
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 life time were writ upon
his face. And it was a pltiably 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-
ISOLATION. He thought the remorse
healthful, and he knew, besides, that in
such cases a 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 runner from
the hostles-a dish-faced, stra ght-lock,
ed creature of sinews-who spoke
through the White Mountain interpre-
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 unguarded-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 if 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. st have"
he said.
"Get out" said the captain, incredu
lously.
II mean what l say" said Mack
worth, "and | shall consider your Der
mission to go the greatest and the only
favor you can do me. Something NAV
be effected by it."
"Your death, that's all; and a little
preliminary torture"
The lieutenant shrugged his shoul-
ders. Shall you let me go?' he in
sisted.
mot 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 Dar
leyed together for a time, then Mack
worth mounted his horse and went. H
did not expect to come back, and the
officers and men did not expect to see
him again. They watched him go off
into the distance of the pain, toward
the mountains, following the hostile.
who swung on at the long, untlring dog
trot.
After four hours they came to the
mouth Of 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 hoStlles 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 cow-skin spread under
cedar tree. Four of them rose and
s'ouched forward. There was pro-
longed scrutiny upon both sides.
The chief waited for Mackworth 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 untllnch 'ng 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 XIII 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 qulvered,
and the heart of the red man was filled
with admiration. One movement of
fear would have cost Mackworth his
life then; but he was not afraid, not
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