The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-03-21
OLONEL vIGO was not

~ OLONEL woo was not long
held a prisoner, Hamilton
~ dared not exasperate the Gre
oles beyond their endurance,
for he knew that the sava ges
would closely sympathize with their
friends of long standing, and this
might lead to revolt and coalition
against him,-a very dangerous
possibility. Indeed, at least one Of
the great Indian chieftains had
already frankly informed him that he
and HIS tribe were loyal to the Ameri-
cans. Here was dilemma requiring
Consummate diplomacy, Hamilton
saw It, but he was not Of a diplo-
matte temper or character, With the
Indians he used a demorauZing system
Of bribery, while toward the whites
he was too often gruff, imperious. rs
peIlant. Helm understood the whole
situation and was quick TO take ad-
vantage Of It. His personal relations
with Hamilton were easy and familiar,
80 that he did not hesitate to give
advice upon all occasions. Here his
lovial disposition helped him
You'd better let Vfgo return to
St. Louis" he said. They had a bowl
Of something hot steaming between
them. 81 know him. Hes harmless
If you don't rub him too hard the
wrong way. He'll go back. if you
treat him well. and tell Clark how
strong you are here and how foolish
IL would be to think Of attacking you.
Clark has but a handful Of men,
poorly supplied and tired with long,
hard marches. If yOuu think a mo-
ment you cannot fail to understand
that you'd better be friends with this
man Vigo. He and Father Gibault
and this old priest here, Beret, carry
these F'renchmen IN their pockets.
I'm not on your side, understand. I'm
an American, and I'd blow the whole
OF you TO kingdom come in a minute,
II I could: but common sense is com
mon sense all the same There's no
good to you and no harm TO Clark
III mistreating. or even holding this
prisoner. What harm can he 90 you
by going back 10 Clark and telling
him the whole truth? Clark knew
everything long before NiSo reached
here. Old Jazon. my best scout left
here the day you took possession, and
you may bet he got to Kaskaslda in
short order. He never fails But
he'll tell Clark to stay where ne is,
and Vigo can do no more"
What effect Helms bold ar- ap.
parently artless talk had upon. Ham
g. L.
meager historical facts at command
show that VigO was released and per
mitted to return under promise that
he would give no information to the
enemy on his way to Kaskaskit-
Doubtless this bit Of careless diplo-
NANCY on the Governors part did
have a somewhat soothing effect upon
A large class Of Frenchmen az Vim
cennes: but F'arnswOrth quickly neu-
tralized 1t TO a serious extent by a
foolish act while slightly under the
influence of liquor.
He met Father Beret near R0Us-
sillon place, and feeling his ribs
squirm at sight of the priest. ne &C
costed him insolently, demanding In
formation as to the whereabouts of
the missing flag.
A priest may be good and true
Father Beret certainly was-and yet
have the strongest characteristics of
a worldly man. This thing Of being
bullied day after day, "a had recently
been the rule, generated nothing 10
aid in removing A refractory desire
from the priests heart-the worldly
desire to repeat with great increment
OF force the punch against Farms
Worth's lower ribs
Il order you. sir, to produce that
rebel flag" said F'arnswOrth. You
will obey forthwith or take the con
sequence. 1 am no longer in the hu-
NOR to be trified with. Do you under
stand?"
II might be forced to obey you. if
I could" said the priest, drawing his
robe about him; but, as I have often
told you, my son, do not know where
the flag is or who took it. I do not
even suspect any person Of taking it