They dashed at a gallop to the north side of the
passage, and skirted it for a considerable distance, as if looking for
a place of escape. Failing to find one they dashed wildly to the other
side, where they met with no better success, and then they halted and
consulted.
Presently one of their number rode out and waved a white cloth. Upon
this I approached alone and made signs for them to dismount and lay
down their arms. They did so, and at another sign withdrew in a body,
when my men picked up everything and collected their ponies.
I was certainly surprised at such a bloodless result of my strategy,
and, after shaking hands with the chief, began my return march to
camp.
We had gone but a short distance when I overheard Private Clary, one
of the mounted men, who was riding near me, say to Private Hoey beside
him.
"D'ye moind the cut uv thim chaps' hair, Jarge?"
"Indade I do that, Tom," replied George.
"Thim's no Navihos!"
"Not a bit uv it. I'd as soon expict to see one in currls!"
I had a wholesome respect for the opinions of these old soldiers, for
they had campaigned against Indians in Texas, Utah, Colorado, and New
Mexico long before I had seen a more savage redman than the indolent,
basket-making descendants of the Passamaquoddies and Penobscots.
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