Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 3.djvu/289

Rh related by Mr. Jory: Before making a long drive over dry country to Green River, the immigrants found it necessary to lay in a supply of water. While busy filling his water keg he noticed two Indians standing close together by his wagon, evidently engaged in some small mischief. Slyly watching them he went on filling his keg until he thought it time to interfere. Going up to them he found that the Indian furthest from him, and partly concealed by the other, had removed from the wagon bed a screw which held the wagon cover down in one place. Pointing to the empty screw hole Mr. Jory demanded the return of the stolen article. It was promptly presented in the Indian's open palm. Mr. Jory then ordered by signs that he should turn the screw back into the proper place. This the Indian tried to do, but, using his butcher knife awkwardly, was making but sorry headway, but readily lent Mr. Jory the knife and received it meekly when the screw was properly restored. The crestfallen culprit was compelled to endure the humiliation of a very hearty horselaugh from his equally virtuous companion. Thus theft was not condemned, but a bungling and unsuccessful attempt at stealing was the object of extravagant ridicule.

Another incident of somewhat similar import came to Mr. Jory's notice at Fort Laramie, on the South Platte. The train was making a short stay for repairs. Sioux Indians in considerable numbers, with their ponies and half wolf dogs, were gathered about the fort. While one of the emigrants was greasing his wagon, watched by a number of Indians, the wagon hammer suddenly disappeared. An Indian was seen walking quickly away with his blanket drawn tightly about him. When about 50 yards off he was brought to a halt by a peremptory order from the owner, "Bring back that wagon hammer!" Turning about the Indian denied the theft