Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-11-19

trlo or ,WarrlOrS. One or them, q DIE
 bony fellow in splendid bonnet, ask
 ed what we wanted. The tnterprete
 told him. The Indian said that tn,
 head chief was very sick and that h,
 could not leave his lodge. He told u
 we night accompany them to the vii
 lage, which lay few miles farther up
 Of course rejected the proposal.
 "Well, saw there was no use t
 haggle in that fashion. ordered thu
 interpreter to go into particulars. H.
 proceeded to state your terms" At this point in the narrative Colone
 Cummings stood still. Captain Oliver
 advanced toward him a step and me-
 his eyes in curious, helpless way.
 Tt was queer," he continued, "bu
 what MT. Matthews told them didn't
 seem to scare them any"
 "Oh, it didn'tv' cried the colone
 angrily and once more began to pace.
 "No, they grinned at him and chat
 tered together. Then they rode away
 When dark came on, fearing treachery
 we left the grove for sheltered place
 farther down. Our scouts then set out
 for the Indian village, going across the river and far around to the right. On their return they said that the Sioux camp numbered several hundred wig
 wams, while just above was village of dog soldiers.
 "The night passed quietly. In the morning single brave came riding to- ward us. He stopped beyond rifle reach. I sent the interpreter out He returned to say that the chief promised him fair treatment If he would come alone. I took it that the camp was anxious for little entertainment and that one white was to furnish 1t. didn't consider this second proposal minute. It was worse than foolish, I thought. But"-he looked toward the cot-"Mf. Matthews didn't agree with me. He went. It was a magnifi- cent bit of courage, sir"
 The colonel wheeled. By Jupiterw he exclaimed. "You did that?'
 Matthews smiled and crossed his legs awkwardly. "Oh, 1t want nothin'," he said, forbearing to glance up. q savvy Injuns, you know. IT was willin' to take the chances
 Colonel Cummings looked down. Aft CT moment and without changing the position of his body he turned his face slowly in Divers direction The eyes of the two officers met and flashed messages of doubt.
 When the commanding officer looked at the interpreter again it was on his lips to say, But you were afraid to enter the stockade with me-" He checked himself, however, and instead reached for Matthews hand. Ut was a magnificent bit of courage" he agreed. "Tell us what happened"
 Matthews fingered the blanket on the cot. q seen the chief" he said, "and told him what you told me to tell him. When I got it all out he says to me: The white women ain't here. They're with the Wyomin' band, and the Wyo- min bands up in Canada. Now,' he says, the band Il come south in the spring. So tell Colonel Cumr1in's if he do no hangin' I'll send the white women home then.'"
 A low groan came from behind the stove. Young Jamieson came out, his features distorted with grief and shin Ing with tears. Think of it! Think of 1t! Not till spring! Are they well? How are they treating them?"
 "Oh, so so," said Matthews signifi- ,antly.
 Young Jamieson understood. He went back to his seat sobbing with he hysterical weakness of q sick man. He's bungled the business, colonelw le said bitterly. "Oh, God, if you had )nly let me go.'
 "Yes, yes, my dear boy" answered i he other soothingly, but please re- member that you couldn't have talked with them. The conference would have )een carried on through MT. Matthews ust the same" There was q silence, broken only by | Iamieson's weeping.
 "Is that-allY' asked Colonel Cum | nings at last, addressing himself to he interpreter.
 'Yes, sir"
 Shortly afterward, when he was 'one, the two officers left the library or the reception room and discussed he expedition fin low tones.
 q have a feeling. colonel, that our wasn't fair in this thing" vas Captain Oliver's first confidence. hey were standing at front wiidow. 'atching Matthews cross the paraue round to the barber shop.
 'The same thought occurred to me-" And yet-it doesn't seem possible"- "0h, if Bond had only come soonerr' "Bondl He hereT'
 "Yes-just half a day too late" While they were talking Matthews as losing his tow beard and mus che and a good length of hair. This Ter and his supper eaten, he reappear- at headquarters and went with olonel Cummings to the stockade. Much to his chagrin he found the 'angelist there. ready to be present the interview with the hostages. but e Indians understood his predicament d accepted the speech he made for e little it was worth. It was a speech at, repeated by David Bond. set 'lonel Cummings last suspicion at st
 Lounsbury arrived at Fort Brannon e next day. appearing in time for eakfast His early advent, which he plained away nOnchalantly. was the