CRUELTY. 423 



Some had already dismounted to secure him, when, 

 placing his pistol to his head, he blew his brains out. 

 The Indians fled away in consternation, not only not muti- 

 lating the body, but not even despoiling it of arms, &c. 

 I have heard of several similar instances. 



An officer of the army, blessed with a magnificent 

 ' auburn ' beard, of the length, thickness, and beauty of 

 which he is just a trifle vain, was one day receiving with 

 me a visit from a party of Indians, who professed the 

 greatest friendship. One of the Indians was greatly 

 struck with the appearance of that beard, and his favour- 

 able appreciation was so marked as to attract attention. 

 At last, seeming unable to contain his admiration, he 

 reached forth his hand as if to touch and smooth it. The 

 officer, very much flattered, passed his own hand over the 

 ornament, and asked the Indian if he liked it. Compli- 

 ments were given and received and all was amiability and 

 good feeling, until the Indian unfortunately let out that 

 he so admired the beard because it would be such fun to 

 hang the officer up by it to a tree and shoot at him with 

 arrows. The ' mutual admiration society ' was imme- 

 diately dissolved, and the officer, turning to me, said, 

 emphatically, ' Colonel, if I am ordered on an Indian 

 expedition this summer, I swear I'll cut this beard off.' 



