Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 2.djvu/98

82 back the lost stock; neither did they demand any pay. So much for the success of Doctor Keil's method.

In the Snake River Valley there was encountered an immense host of the Snake Indians, who, with their ponies and parties, seemed to fill the valley and to number thousands. Indeed, they strongly reminded the immigrants of a vast herd of buffaloes that they had seen in the Platte Valley. Though, as Mr. Rapps expressed it, it made them feel "rather drowsy" to look at such a party of savages. There was -no trouble. The doctor again brought out his store of Indian goods and distributed to the chiefs small presents of tobacco, sugar or bright colored cloths, and the women of the train had small articles of dress in readiness to give to the Indian women, and the scene became at length one of friendly entertainment.

On the John Day River (1855 being the year of the Indian outbreak in Oregon) they were met by the ranchers or rangers of the upper country hastening to The Dalles, and at Fifteen-Mile Creek they thought it necessary to keep watch all night, fearing that the Yakima Indians, who had been defeating Haller, would cross the Columbia and attack The Dalles; but this alarm proved unfounded, and Portland and Willapa were reached at last without any realization of the threatened and justly feared dangers. The train of six wagons led by Peter Klein had also reached the same place without accident or loss, and the various families composing it were finding homes.

An incident related by Dr. Giesy as to the trial of Dr. Keil for inciting the Indians to disturbance—which was in fact farcical—was not witnessed by Mr. Rapps, as he was occupied otherwise at the time.