"I never believed the truth of the charge myself; but when I am in the company of sundry persons, they try to persuade me into the belief of it, in order to raise trouble. I repeat, it is not my belief at this present moment, and I will not be persuaded into believing it again." Then turning to me, he said, "Beckwourth, I have done you a great injustice by ever harbouring such a thought. I acknowledge it freely, and I ask your forgiveness for the same. Let us be as we formerly were, friends, and think no more about it."
Friends we therefore mutually pledged ourselves, and friends we have since remained up to this day.
While in town I called on General Ashley, but he happened to be away from home. I was about leaving the house, when a melodious voice invited me in to await the general's return.
"My husband will soon be back," the lady said, "and will be, doubtless, pleased to see you."
I turned, and really thought I was looking on an angel's face. She moved toward me with such grace, and uttered such dulcet and harmonious sounds, that I was riveted to the spot. It was the first time I had seen the lady of General Ashley.
I accepted her invitation, and was shown into a neat little parlour, the lady taking a seat at the window to act as my entertainer until the return of the general.
"If I mistake not," she said, "you are a mountaineer?"
I put on all the airs possible, and replied, "Yes, madam, I was with General Ashley when he first went to the mountains."
Her grace and affability so charmed me that I could not fix my ideas upon all the remarks she addressed to me. I was conscious I was not showing myself off to advantage, and she kept me saying "Yes, madam" and "No, madam," without any correct understanding of the appropriateness, until she espied the general approaching.
"Here come's the general," the lady said; "I knew he would not be long away."
Shortly the general entered the lodge, and fixed his eye upon me in an instant, at the same time whipping his pantaloons playfully with his riding-whip.
