The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1899-06-02


the two murderers were.
eve do not know where they are, "
promptly replied Two Moon, "but If
the ponies are not accepted we can get
them very soon, as they are some
where near the agency, but have SAID
that they will not be taken alive"
1--WE are ready; bring on your men"
Immediately the Indians dispersed,
the younger warriors, who had re-
NAMED mounted on the outer fringe
of the circle of assembled Indians, rid
ing at a gallop from camp to camp,
conveying the words of challenge, 9th
ers going after the criminals and the
remainder driving ponies off the
ground in front of the agency build
ings, that had been decided upon as
the scene of the approaching duel.
Agent Cooper and the InG.an police
men were standing in front OF the
agency building, guns in hand, when
the two murderers appeared on the
crest of a hill northeast of the agen-
cy. The firing at once commenced.
While dashing down the hill toward
the little group waiting to receive
them, Head Chiefs arm was broken
by bullet and Young Mules pony was
killed. The two Indians, one of them
dismounted, then retreated to high
er range of hills about 800 yards dis
tant from the government party. The
firing continued from that point for
some time, and many shots were ex-
changed.
Shortly after Head Chief crossed
from that range to another chain of
hills overlooking the agency. On
reaching the summit he encountered a
portion of the troops sent by Maj.
Carroll. The meeting was unexpected
to both Indians and soldiers, but it was
too late to retreat, and the daring
Cheyenne dashed directly through
the troops, wounding four of their
horses as he did so.
His broken arm was hanging loosely
at his side, and with the other hand he
was pumping" and firing his Winches-
ter rifle, which was resting across the
pommel of his saddle. Just as he
passed through the troops he received
several bullets in his body and fell from
his pony, being dead when he touched
the ground.
Young Mule, still on tie opposite
hill, saw Head Chief fall, and at once
realized that he had but short time
longer to live. He determined to die
fighting, and, chanting the death song
of his tribe, ran down the hill straight
toward the spot where Mr.. Cooper and
his Indian police were standing, shoot
ing as he ran and jumping from side
to side for the purpose of discomfort
ing the aim of those shooting at him.
When about 200 yards from the group
in front of the agency, Young Mule
suddenly altered his mind and took
refuge in a ravine that was convenient
ly at hand.
At this juncture party of young
Cheyenne warriors on ponies, who
were with the remainder of their peo-
pie on the adjacent hills watching
every phase of the tragedy, becoming
excited, began buckling their cart
ridge belts outside their blankets pre-
paratory to taking a hand in the bat
tie themselves, and assisting the
wounded Indian.
Agent Cooper fully realized the peril
OF such an act, but, urged on by duty,
summoned his interpreter and went up
to the scowling groups of Indians with
gun in hand. Through the interpreter
he threatened to kill the first Indian
that attempted to open fire on the
agency or police, or anyone connected
with the agency. He then went on to
hastily explain to the excited Indians
that the fight was as agreed upon by
their people and himself; that they
themselves would not be harmed, but
must not interfere. His brief but de-
termined talk quieting the Indians, he
ordered them to dispense, which they
did.
Agent Cooper, after quoting the
Cheyennes, started back toward the
group who were exchanging shots
with the concealed warrior. While
passing opposite the mouth of the
ravine he discovered that it would be
necessary to shoot with the ravine in
stead of sideways with it, in order to
strike and kill the Cheyenne, who kept
up fire from the place where he was
hidden.
At this juneture the mother of the
fugitive made sad appeal to the au-
thorities to save him from impending
doom. 1t was impossible to grant her
request, as the warrior continued fir
ing at his enemies, plainly showing
that he had determined to die as his
comrade had died. The mother realiz
ing that all hope had vanished and that
her son must die, staggered to the
open plain, and in accordance with the
Indian custom when they lose a rela-
tive or dear friend, slashed her limbs
with a knife from the knees down.
With the blood streaming from the
wounds and trickling to the ground
she chanted and walled the death dirge
OF her boy, while the bullets of the
police cut through the brush.
The agent had in the meantime
called some of his men to a point op-
poslte the mouth of the gully, told
them to be ready when another shot
was fired from there, to fire at that
spot. In a few moments a puff of
smoke burst forth from the ravine. It
was Immediately answered by the
agent and the few men with him. thew
aiming directly toward the.spot where
the smoke appeared.
After waiting to see the effect of
their volley, and no answering shot be-
ing bred, they became satisfied that