122 



harmon's journal. 



I was dealing out spirits to the Savages, at the last 

 mountain, on the night of the 5th inst. an Indian, 

 who was much intoxicated, told me, that I should 

 never see another sun arise ; and he, unquestiona- 

 bly, intended to kill me. The night following, af- 

 ter I arrived at the north side of the Devil's Lake, 

 I was well received by the greater part of the Na- 

 tives there ; but as I have since been informed, 

 one of them had resolved to take my life. And 

 yet, this villain invited me to his tent, and I visited 

 it, without suspicion. He was prevented from 

 executing his purpose by my host, who was ac- 

 quainted with his purpose, and told him that he 

 must first despatch him ; for, he added, 6 Kitch-e- 

 mo-cum-mon' (that is Big Kife, which is the name 

 that they give me,) 6 is my brother, and has taken 

 up his lodging with me, and it therefore becomes 

 me to defend him and his property.' No Indian 

 will suffer a stranger, if he be able to defend him. 

 to be injured, while in his tent, and under his pro- 

 tection.' Therefore, he who had intended to 

 massacre me, thought it best to remain quiet. 

 This hostile Indian had nothing against me, but that 

 I was a friend to a person who he considered had 

 injured him ; and as this person was at a great dis- 

 tance, and therefore beyond his reach, he was re- 

 solved to avenge the affront upon me. It is the 

 custom of all the Savages, not to be very partial- 



