Page:The Indian History of the Modoc War.djvu/140



Bogus Charley could talk better English than any of the braves. He had lived among the white people in Yreka, California, the biggest part of his life. He was at this time of his talk with General Jeff C. Davis, about thirty years of age. "Well, General Davis, when we go get him, Black Jim, and all him Injuns," broke in Scarface, the General walked up to one of his officers and said : "Lieutenant, go get the boy? ready. We might just as well go after Black Jim and his band right now. After we get him, then we shall go in sPirch of Capt. Jack and Schonchin. They cannot escape u f > (vhen we have his own men hired as scouts." The officer .saluted and hurried off to get everything ready for the Indian hunt, as they called it, two hours after the lieutenant got his orders

Bogus Charley and the other three scouts were talking very earnestly to about thirty soldiers, Captain Anderson in command. They were about two miles southwest of the Fairchild's Ranch, California. Bogus Charley was saying to Captain Anderson : "We left them people right over that point of timber up there," pointing to the top of Sheep Moun- tain. They may be there now, maybe not; might be close to Yreka, California. Now we can't tell. You see, Captain, it has been six days since we left them."

Captain Anderson said : "Scarface Charley what do you think is the best way to go at our little business we have in hand?"

Scarface Charley : "Me, Captain, me no no, suppose me boss, me tell you pretty quick what me do; me can do noth- ing, me no boss."

Captain Anderson : "Well, tell us, Charley, what do you want to do. You know, Charley, you are a government man now. You see, Charley, I want to take them Indians with- out any more fighting."

Scarface: "Well, Captain, I tell you now what we do. I think we no fight. You all soldiers stay here. Me, Bogus Charley and Hooker Jim, go look for Modocs. Shaknasty Jim he stay with you. Spose we see him Injuns, me talk him good, puty soon him all come out heap