ANECDOTES. 225 
were suddenly surprised “by seven Camanches, who, circling 
round them, made every hostile demonstration. 
The white man, being mounted upon a fleet blood mare, 
proposed to run for camp, when Beaver turned to him, and 
cocking his rifle, said, very quietly, “ May be so you run, may 
be so I shoot you.” He continued his determined manner 
towards the Camanches, and the consequence was himself 
and companion returned safely to the train 
They are very proud of their race, and nothing insults 
_ them more than to be called out of the name of Indian. 
An officer was sent off with a detachment of our party, and 
took Jackson as hunter and guide. To our surprise, the Indian 
returned alone, looking very sour and angry. He said, “Dat 
man he say you dog, you no hunt deer. Me no dog, me In- 
dian ; me not can kill deer, me not see him close. Me kill deer, 
me see him. Me not stay, me not dog, me Indian,” raising 
himself proudly to his full height and striking his hand 
forcibly upon his breast. At heart they hate the white man, 
but are shrewd enough to know that it is for their interest to 
be friendly and faithful. ce 
Their extraordinary powers of endurance and perseve- 
rance have been frequently tested, An officer once ordered 
one of them to follow a trail and see where it led to. He - 
returned shortly and said it led off into the prairie and to 
no particular spot. He was told this was not satisfactory and 
_ must follow it up and find out certainly. Te left immediately 
and for weeks nothing was heard of him, when no sooner had 
ce 20 
