284 THE MEDICINE SHOT. 



with them ; yet, on such occasions, they have uniformily declared the armis- 

 tice a temporary one, and in force only for the time being. 



Instances have been known of trappers penetrating into their villages 

 unawares, who received the treatment of guests during their stay, and 

 were allowed to depart unmolested upon expressing their wishes to that 

 effect. 



The bright spots in the character of these Indians are more fully devel- 

 oped in the following example : 



Several years ago, two trappers, in their excursions for beaver, dis- 

 covered a Blackfoot engaged in butchering. Thinking the present a favor- 

 able opportunity to reduce the number of their enemies, they cautiously 

 approached the unsuspecting operator with the design of affording him a 

 speedy transition to the . JSpirit Land. 



Having advanced within gun-shot, they were almost in the very act of 

 firing, when a casual glance revealed the dusky forms of savages who 

 surrounded them at no great distance, and in such a manner as to preclude 

 all possibility of escape ; but as yet, however, the intended victim was 

 ignorant of their presence. 



On observing the danger of their situation, they rushed up to him, and, 

 seizing his hands, claimed his protection. The excitement of the moment 

 having subsided, he replied : — 



" Your lives belong to me, — you might have taken mine ; it must not 

 be said that the Blackfoot is ungrateful. Come with me and you are 

 safe." 



Upon this he led the way to the village near by, and made them the 

 guests of his own family. 



Everything that generous hospitality could devise for comfort and pleas- 

 ure, was placed at their disposal. The villagers seemed to vie with each 

 other in their attestation of friendship and good will, and repeatedly soHcited 

 them to remain and join the-tribe. 



However, on expressing a wish to leave, they were escorted for some 

 distance en route, and left to choose their own course of travel, with the 

 parting monition : " We are now friends. — When next we meet it will be 

 as enemies !"* 



* The Blackfeet are generally accounted brave, though instances have been 

 known of three or four whites defeating a large party of them. On one occasion, 

 three trappers fell into an ambuscade of these Indians, and two of them were instantly 

 ehot from their horses, but the third was left untouched, and spurring his animal to 

 the height of its speed, broke througli the whole throng and was soon out of reach. 



Four mounted Indians immediately started in pursuit, and gained rapidly upon 

 him till they came within shooting distance, when the lone trapper turned upon them, 

 and with his double-barreled rifle picked off two of their number, and again lied. 



Confident of securing their intended victim, now that they supposed his fire-arms 

 were uncharged, the remaining two hurried after him, and in a few moments were 

 wthin range of pistol-shot. The trapper then again halted, and the discharge of a 

 pistol brought the third to tlie ground. 



Drawing forth a second from his belt, the work of slaughter would have been com- 

 plete, had not the terrified savage, in his turn, fled with the utmost precipitancy. The 

 trapper pursued, but was far in the rear when the Blackfoot regained his com- 

 rades, and hurriedly exclaimed : 



" Haste, ye ! flee ! It was the Big Medicine we pursued, and at his word three 

 of our warriors breathe not, and of four I only have escaped ! His single medicijae- 



