Page:Cathlamet On the Columbia.djvu/142

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soldiery, but of some lawless ranger, and that if they would submit they would be protected. Gradually with perfect skill and fearlessness he won back their confidence and obtained a renewal of their promise to go back to the fort.

One strange thing for Indians, they stipulated for, and that was that the soldiers should return and leave them free for twenty -four hours to bury their chief unobserved. When this condition was reported to the young Captain he was doubtful. On the one hand it looked like an Indian trick to escape without a battle, while on the other hand their Chief had been unfairly killed and they had a just right to susped the good faith of the white men.

After some hours of consideration he accepted the solemn promise of the Indians and marched his men back to the fort, leaving the