ACROSS THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS, ETC. 227 



were approaching from that quarter. He then threw himself, 

 with the remainder of his little band, behind the bales of goods, 

 and returned the fire of the enemy. He states that occa- 

 sionally he was gratified by the sight of an Indian tumbling 

 from his horse, and at such times a dismal, savage yell was 

 uttered by the rest, who then always fell back a little, but re- 

 tui-ned immediately to the charge with more than their former 

 fury. 



At length the Indians, apparently wearied by their unsuccess- 

 ful attempts to dislodge the white men, changed their mode of at- 

 tack, and rode upon the slight fortification, rapidly and steadily. 

 Although they lost a man or two by this (for them) unu- 

 sually bold proceeding, yet they succeeded in driving the brave 

 little band of whites to the cover of the bushes. They then took 

 possession of the goods, &c., which had been used as a defence, 

 and retired to a considerable distance, where they were soon 

 joined by their comrades on foot, who had utterly failed in their 

 attempt to obtain the horses. In a short time, a man was seen 

 advancing from the main body of Indians towards the scene of 

 combat, holding up his hand as a sign of amity, and an intima- 

 tion of the suspension of hostilities, and requested a " talk" with 

 the white people. Captain T., with difficulty repressing his in- 

 clination to shoot the savage herald down, was induced, in con- 

 sideration of the safety of his party, to dispatch an uiterpreter 

 towards him. The only information that the Blackfeet wished 

 to communicate was, that having obtained all the goods of the 

 white people, they were now willing that they should continue 

 their journey in peace, and that they should not again be molest- 

 ed. The Indians then departed, and the white men struck back 

 on their trail, towards Fort Hall. Captain Thing lost every thing 

 he had with him, all his clothing, papers, journals, &c. But 

 he should probably be thankful that he escaped with his life, for 



