Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/319

Rh shelter of the rocks, appearing again on a high ridge, gesticulating and uttering demoniacal cries expressive of their rage and disappointment.

Seeing that they were working themselves up to a fighting pitch, and would probably attack at some other point, it was thought best to return and hold a talk. Acting on this plan, the wagons were corraled, and Tolman with a half a dozen others, making a great show of arms, went back to within speaking distance, and challenged them through one of the guides who could speak the jargon, to come and fight. Like all people who practice treachery they feared it, and not knowing what might be inside the wagon covers declined; but the head chief proposed to meet the interpreter unarmed and talk with him.

While the interview was progressing at a safe distance apart of the interlocutors, it was observed by Mr. Tolman that every now and then a Modoc had tied his bow to his toe, secreted his arrows, and pretending to be disarmed, joined the chief. The interpreter, on being warned, ordered the Indians sent back, and the chief seeing no opportunity for obtaining an advantage, agreed to return whence he came, and leave the party to pursue its way unmolested. It had not proceeded far, however, before it discovered a reserve of Indians mounted, who had been placed where they could intercept any persons escaping from the narrow pass along Tule lake. Finding themselves outwitted, they also retired, hoping for better luck next time. Camp was made that night fifteen miles from Tule lake, and a severe cold rainstorm prevented a night attack, which, being reserved till the morning, was averted by a very early start of the train.

On the twenty-third of August, at nine o clock in the evening, Tolman s camp was visited by a man on a poor and jaded horse, whose condition excited the utmost pity in all hearts. He had to be lifted from his horse and fed and nursed back to life before he could give any account of himself. It then appeared that he belonged to a party