Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-11-16

] hole, their bases spread to form gen
 erous circle, supported a covering ot
 tanned buffalo hides scanned witt
 buckskin thongs. Here, barely aI
 hour after Matthews arrival at Fort
 Brannon, Squaw Charley entered has
 tily and thrust some red coals under
 a stick pile at the center of the lodge And at cnce, by the flickering light of his fire, the warriors of the band en-
 tered the low entrance and seated themselves in a semicircle.
 When Colonel Cummings learned that an interpreter had been found he promptly ordered the completion of preparations for the Jamieson eXpedi- ton and the calling of a council, un- satisfactory but necessary. The red skins jailed in the stockade must know both the object of the trip and his terms, so that they, realizing their per il, would reveal the whereabouts of the winter camp of the hostiles.
 His interview with Matthews threat ened change in his plans. The lat ter, having listened to the story of the captured women and to the scheme for their rescue, astonished the command ing officer by declining absolutely to take the proposed journey.
 I'd like t be obligin'," he said, "but I cant go. I didn't know there was goin' t be any travelin. There's busi- ness that'll keep me here"
 "Why, man," cried the colonel, i've made you good offer.'
 T ain't a-sayin' y didn't was the curt answer.
 Colonel Cummings knew to what "business" he referred, but realized that discussion of it would not aid in bringing the desired consent. He pretended to guess at reasons for the refusal.
 There's scarcely possibility of trouble during the journey" he said. Indians don't like to fight in the snow, especially when their families are with them and their war ponies are feeding on cottonwood bark. Be sides, their head chief will be sharp enough to see that he'll have to treat and not fight if he wants to save the necks of his favOrites. Then, as far as the safety and comfort of my men are concerned, everything is being done. Better reconsider, Matthew's"
 Cant do it."
 Colonel Cummings left his library. where he had been talking, and sought Lounsbury's advice. The two held q short whispered conversation in the entry.
 Let me have few words with him." said the storekeeper. Matthews balk- ing was not altogether a surprise Nevertheless 1t was q keen disappoint- ment. He had hoped to be able to send Squaw Charley across the river soon with good news. Let me see him. Maybe I can bring him around"
 They entered the library.
 Matthews" began Lounsbury. you might as we'll go along. If you stay you can't get hold Q that claim" He looked at the colonels clock. Its midnight. Your six months are up. If you did have a chance it's gone. Possession s nine points in law. and Lancaster s rp at Bismarck mailing the tenth
 If the storekeeper's blunt assertions were of any particular interest to the other he failed to show it. He occu- pied himself with finding cigar. cut ting it carefully and lighting it at the stove. Then he turned about to Colo mel Cummings. his glance as it tray cled utterly ignoring Lounsbury.
 Not to mention the risks you run with the boys" added the storekeeper easily. amused by the play of indiffer- ence.
 "Oh. guess Shanty Town can take keer of itself" observed Matthews. sending up smoke rings
 LOunsbury walked out
 There was but one thing left for Colonel Cummings 10 do: Ask this man to interpret in the medicine lodge, that at least the Indians might learn their position. Knowing if. they might he prevailed upon to select ore of their own number tO accompany the expedi- ton and repeat the terms. The com officer. rather provoked at I.Ounsbury. who. he thought. had harmed and not heInad his cause. i'm UeliateIy suggested this course tO Matthews
 T can parIeyvoo for you there. all right" agreed Matthews patronizingly. But how you Coin'E-
 You and I alone"
 Matthews stared '-CarTy any gunsT- le asked
 Not when I go into the stockade- The Indians are without weapons. And I Ike to show them that trust hem
 The other laughed You go t tell aome redskins that they g gnin' r Is trung up and Y don't take TO gun Nell. not for me coI0neI.~-
 Then we'll have a guard
 70 K I'm with Tou--
 \ soOEt wIso uEsTer@soasl the sign was dispatched to tlBe stock de And hr the time rhe brares were ertlezi down bef0re tho blzze Colonel ' 'uEmIuES. Natfkews aBI a detail of -ue-d mea were IeEoTe the aperture ] tle E1CliciEe E9dze- Tbe soldiers wsEteI ogts5Ie the big i=Eau. where ter made themselves ]