Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 11.djvu/180

166 In August of the same year, his old friend, Dr. LaDow, had become much interested in the reported strike on Rock Creek, B. C, and having resolved to make a trip into that country, importuned Stockman to accompany him, believing that on his former trip he had become familiar with the route and could therefore guide him through without difficulty. Each strode a cayuse with provisions to last them through only, struck out. Reaching the Columbia near the mouth of the Okanogan, they found the canoes by which they had expected to negotiate the river on the opposite side and were unable to raise the proprietor. For two days they lingered here and their provisions became entirely exhausted. They built a raft of logs and attempted to cross the river by that means, but failed. In the hope of finding some means of crossing, they started up the river, subsisting on choke cherries, which were then in some abundance, though lacking much of being a choice article of diet. While pursuing their journey they were one day surprised to find themselves surrounded by fifteen Indians, who, hanging horizontally upon the opposite sides of their cayuses, with bow and arrow ready, and yelling like all-possessed, rode rapidly around them. Mr. Stockman bethought himself of a bit of information he had once received from an old mountaineer, which was, that if ever captured by Indians to ask to be taken before the chief, for by that course one might secure a more favorable sentence and would likewise prolong his captivity, thereby adding to the time he might have for considering his chances of escape. Calling to the Indians, he told them in Chinook that he wished to see the "hyas tyee" and was very glad to note the favorable effect of the communication. The camp of the Indians was not far distant and contained only a small party. On being conducted into the camp, a short talk was had with the chief, after which the older Indians of the party seemed to bestow but little attention upon them and the two white men assumed to act as though they had merely stopped for the coming night, instead of being detained as captives.