134 NARRATIVE OF A JOURNEY 



the destruction of so fierce and terrible a brute, is a feat that 

 may well entitle them to some distinction. 



We remained two hours at the spot where we halted, and then 

 passed on about four miles, accompanied by the chief and his 

 people, to their camp, where we pitched our tents for the night. 

 In a short time the Indians came to us in great numbers, with 

 bundles of dried salmon in their arms, and a few recent ones. We 

 commenced our trading immediately, giving them in exchange, 

 fish-hooks, beads, knives, paint, &c., and before evening, had 

 procured sufficient provision for the consumption of our party 

 until we arrive at the falls of Snake river, where we are told we 

 shall meet the Bannecks, from whom we can doubtless trade a 

 supply, which will serve us until we reach Walla-walla. 



While we were pursuing our trade, Richardson and Mr. Ash- 

 worth rode into the camp, and I observed by the countenance of 

 the latter, that something unusual had occurred. I felt very 

 certain that no ordinary matter would be capable of ruffling this 

 calm, intrepid, and almost fool-hardy young man ; so it was with 

 no little interest that I drew near, to listen to the tale which he 

 told Captain W. with a face flushed with unusual anger, while 

 his whole person seemed to swell with pride and disdain. 



He said that while riding about five miles behind the party, 

 (not being able to keep up with it on account of his having a worn 

 out horse,) he was attacked by about fifty of the Indians whom 

 we passed earlier in the day, dragged forcibly from his horse 

 and thrown upon the ground. Here, some held their knives to 

 his throat to prevent his rising, and others robbed him of his 

 saddle bags, and all that they contained. While he was yet in 

 this unpleasant situation, Richardson came suddenly upon them, 

 and the cowardly Indians released their captive instantly, throw- 

 ing the saddle bags and every thing else upon the ground, and 

 flying like frightened antelopes over the plain. The only real 

 damage that Mr. Ashworth sustained, was the total loss of his 



