FIGHTING PAWNEES AND CHEYENNES. 377 



was drawn up directly opposite, and facing the eastern end 

 of this bridge, and about 100 yards from it. The right 

 flank, which might be turned, was protected by eight 

 or ten dismounted Indians posted in the loopholed 

 stable of Plum Creek Stage station. The Cheyenne 

 leader undoubtedly believed that the advancing force was 

 United States cavalry. His plan was to permit them 

 partially to cross the bridge, and then, by a vigorous 

 charge, with the usual yells, to frighten the restive and 

 not well-broken cavalry horses, render them unmanage- 

 able, and thus throw the whole force into confusion in a 

 most difficult and dangerous position. The Pawnees 

 advanced by the flank, left in front. As soon as the 

 leading files passed the bridge they rapidly inclined to 

 the left, giving room for those in the rear to come up 

 into line. When nearly half the company had passed, 

 the Cheyennes charged with furious yells. When they 

 had arrived within fifty yards, the Pawnees threw off hats 

 and overcoats, and with a true Indian yell dashed at the 

 enemy. The latter, entirely surprised and stampeded, 

 wheeled their horses, and fled in utter dismay and con- 

 fusion. The Pawnees took sixteen scalps, two prisoners, 

 and a number of animals, without a single man or horse 

 being even scratched. So little danger is there in a 

 c stampeded ' Indian. 



In fighting with white men, a surprise is always 

 made when possible ; when this cannot be done the 

 Indians use other tactics, modified to suit the circum- 

 stances of the case. A pitched battle on anything like 

 equal terms as regards numbers is impossible ; first, 

 because the army is so small and so widely scattered 

 over our vast country that it is everywhere greatly 

 outnumbered ; and, second, because the Indians, not being 

 hampered with waggons, pack mules, or other impedi- 

 menta, can always avoid such a battle, and would never 

 be brought to accept it unless they outnumbered the 

 soldiers at least five to one. 



