80 FREDERICKSBURG 
of making a sensation, and to convince us that he felt 
it a condescension to associate with us; but he after- 
wards became quite familiar, particularly with those 
who could hold a conversation with him in Spanish, 
which he understood well, and spoke a little. He 
asked one of our young men if he was married. The. 
latter, as such happened not to be the case, was some- 
what confused, not liking to acknowledge the fact, 
as he feared it would lower him in the estimation of 
his savage friend, who moreover might take it into his 
head to offer him one of his red-skinned sisters for a 
spouse, to refuse which would give mortal offence. 
‘Without replying, therefore, he exhibited a miniature 
of a beautiful woman, which he carried around his neck, 
and which quite enchanted the red-skin. He expressed 
great admiration at the picture, and never seemed tired 
of gazing at its mild countenance, with its bright eyes 
smiling upon him. The next morning before leaving, 
this young Indian made his appearance at the tent 
of the owner of the miniature, and endeavored to 
purchase it, offering in exchange his bow, arrows, tiger 
skin, and finally his horse. Failing to acquire it, the 
young man begged one more sight of the enchanting 
image, which he was permitted to enjoy ; he gave it one 
long and affectionate look, leaped upon his horse, and 
rode off. 
Chipota brought with him one mule, which I bought, 
and would gladly have taken more; but whether these 
people had them or not, no more could be obtained. 
I also offered them ten dollars each, or goods to that 
amount, if they would bring in the few mules we had 
lost ; but they adhered to their first assertion, that they 
