COPPER MINES. 
315 
(beckoning to Dalgadito). Do you come here and 
speak for your nation. 
Dalgadito . — Let my brother declare the mind of 
his people. 
Commissioner . — I wish to explain to our Apache 
brethren the reasons that have actuated us in this thing, 
and what we can do for the master of these captives. 
We know that you have not done this thing secretly, 
or in the dark. You came as braves in open day, 
and brought your captives amongst us. We are 
obliged to obey the orders of our great chief in Wash- 
ington as much as you warriors are obliged to obey 
your commanders. -*The great chief of our nation says : 
“You must take all Mexican captives that you meet 
among the Apaches, and set them at liberty.” Now 
this you must know we cannot disobey. For this reason 
we have taken your captives from you. 
Dalgadito . — We do not doubt the word of our 
brave white brethren. The Americans are braves, we 
'know it ; and we believe a brave scorns to lie. But 
the owner of these captives is a poor man ; he cannot 
lose his captives, who were obtained at the risk of his 
life, and purchased by the blood of his relatives. He 
justly demands his captives. We are his friends, and 
we wish to see this demand complied with. It is just, 
and as justice we demand it. 
Commissioner . — I will now tell my Apache brethren 
what can be done for them. The captives cannot be 
restored. The Commissioner cannot buy them, neither 
can any American buy them ; but there is here in our 
employ a Mexican who is anxious to buy them, and 
restore them to their homes. We have no objection 
