Page:Don Coronado through Kansas.djvu/118

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.
107
107

THE INDIANS FEEI> SPANISH YOKE. 107 exaisperated the Indians that they commenced to] make arrangments for the annihilation of theirj enemies, and in all probability they would have; succeeded but for Alonso ajid Monte. As before ^ stated Monte had friends among the natives. He made it a part of his duty to keep up and retain this ' good feeling in the interest of his beloved master. • not only for his protection, but he v^as able to obtain many articles of diet and comfort which the balance of the army did not procure. The last act which brought about the revolt of the subdued people was the lack of faith on the part of the Spaniards in not giving Whiskers his Uberty; for they had kept him as a hostage. This was the climax, and resulted in a secret arrangement between aD the villages for the purpose of driving the interlopers from their homes. Becaase Monte frequented the homes of some of the principal chiefs, also through his acquaintance with quite a number of Indians both of the village and among the army servants, he could not help but conclude that some secret move was on foot. There was no stir, in fact, there appeared to be a listless- ness and an abandonment to their fate; the purpose of which was to put the army off their guard. But Monte observed the under-current and informed his master of his suspicions. He was admonished by Alonso to keep a sharp look-out and report what he observed. Thus our young men had the advantage of the others, at least by being on their guard, but trouble came sooner than it was expected, for Monte had concluded nothing would be done until spring.