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CHAPTER XXIX.

MY MISSION OF PEACE.

HE Indians stood behind, the two offi cers came towards me together, and I told them hurriedly that the Indians wanted peace if they could be left alone about the base of Shasta, and that I had come from them to say this.

My Indians, seeing me stand quietly and let the officers approach, had dismounted, and stood watching every movement, lariats in hand.

I began again excitedly, but the officer forgetting himself, called out sharply to his corporal, and then said to me,

"What! are you the - I sprang into my saddle in an instant. a Tokadu ! Kisa /" I called to the Indians, and they laid their hands on their Mexican horses manes, and sprang to their backs even as they ran, for these horses sniff danger as quick as an Indian.

A volley of shots followed us and scattered bits of