Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-01-09

hole. their bases spread to form a gen.
erous circle, supported covering of
tanned buffalo hides scanned with
bnckskin thongs Here, barely an
hour after Matthews arrival at Fort
Brannon, Squaw Charley entered has
tily and thrust some red Goals under
q stick pile at the center Of the lodge.
And at once, by the pickering light Of
his fire, the warriors of the band en-
tered the low entrance and seated
themselves in semcircle.
When Colonel Cummings learned
that an interpreter had been found he
promptly ordered the completion OF
preparations for the Jameson expedi-
ton and tho calling Of q council, I'M
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-
H. would reveal the whereabouts of the
winter camp Of the hosties.
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, astonishcd the command
Ing officer by declining absolutely to
take the proposed journey.
I'D like { be obligin'." he said "but
I can't 60. didn't know there was
soin' t be any travelin', There's bust
ness that'll keep me here"
why, man" cried the colonel, give
made you q GOOD Offer"
Il amt a-sayin' y didn't" was the
curt answer
Colonel Cummings knew to what
business" he referred. but realized
that a discussion OF 1t would not aid
in bringing the desired consent He
pretended to guess at reasons for the
refusal.
There's scarcely a 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 a
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 a 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 90 along. If you stay
you can't get hold O. that claim"
He looked at the colonel's clock. IT'S
midnight Your six months are up.
If you did have q chance It's gone.
Possession s nine points In law, and
Lancaster 5 up at Bismarck mailing
the tenth"
II the storekeeper's blunt assertions
were Of any particular interest to the
other he failed to show 1t. He occu-
pied himself with finding a cigar, cut
ting it carefully and lighting 1t at the
stove. Then he turned about to Colo
mel Cummings. his glance as 1t tray
eled utterly ignoring Lounsbury.
Not to mention the risks you run
with the boys" added the storekeeper
easily, amused by the play OF indiffer-
ence.
ooh. 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 to do: Ask this man
to interpret in the medicine lodge, that
at least the Indians might learn their
position. Knowing it. they might be
prevailed upon to select one Of their
own number to accompany the expedi-
ton and repeat the terms. The COM
manding officer, rather provoked at
Lounsbury, who. he thought. had
harmed and not helped his cause. i'm
mediately suggested this course to
Matthews.
II can parleyvoo for you there. all
right" agreed Matthews patronizingly
But how you goin'?"
you and ! alone"
Matthews stared. "Carry any gunsY'
he asked.
Not when go into the stockade.
The Indians are without weapons.
And like to show them that l trust
them
The other laughed. you go T. tell
some redskins that they IS goin' t. be
strung up and y don't take no gun.
Well. not for me, colonel
Then wc'll have guard"
20. X. I'm with you
A scout who understood the sign
language was dispatched to the stock
ade. And by the time the braves were
settled down before the blaze Colonel
Cummings. Matthews and a detail Of
armed men were before the aperture
Of the medicine lodge.
The soldiers waited outside the big
wigwam, where they made themselves
comfortable by moving up and down.
Their commanding officer and the In
terpreter went In. At their appearance
the warriors rose gravely. shook hands
and motioned the white men to take
seats upon robe placed Mt Lame
Foot's left hand. The air In the place