198 BAD TREATMENT OF INDIANS. 



by barter, either one or both of my animals. Not 

 caring about handing my pets over to one whom I 

 considered likely to be the reverse of a humane 

 master, I declined politely but firmly. No way 

 rebuffed, he told me that, as he would pay a good 

 price for them, I had better reconsider my decision, 

 and, as an inducement to do so, gave me a large 

 cake of cavendish tobacco. 



We had been now several days in this camp, and 

 every hour made me dislike my company more. For 

 the sake of my animals I should have preferred to 

 be able to stand it a week longer ; but I almost 

 feared the possibility of my doing so, for some 

 wretched half-starved Indians, who arrived to-day, 

 received such treatment as made my face burn with 

 shame that possibly they might regard me as one of 

 the same crew. In order to avoid witnessing again 

 such scenes for I had not the least power to prevent 

 them I shouldered my gun, and took a stroll to the 

 north. The country was well wooded along the margin 

 of the streams, and, if I mistake not, trout were 

 abundant in their waters ; for several fish broke the 

 surface after the manner of these beauties when 

 feeding on flies. 



Deer-trails led in every direction, and, although 

 I only saw a couple of these animals, they certainly 

 frequented this locality in immense numbers. The 

 impressions in the soil produced by some of their 

 feet appeared quite as large as those of two-year-old 

 heifers. 



