268 FORT ATKINSON. Book II. 
and girls, who seemed on the whole to be not badly treated. 
A light-haired, blue- eyed boy, with a fair complexion, and 
an open brow, must have come from a German settlement 
in Western Texas. When addressed in German, however, 
he did not answer. Another boy told us, in Spanish, that 
some years since he had been carried off with his sister 
from Mexico, and that his occupation during his detention 
consisted in herding his master's horses. 
In the evening, before dark, Okh-akh-tzo-mo exhibited 
his authority by ordering our Indian visitors to leave the 
camp and return home. To some, who did not obey 
immediately, he applied his horsewhip. Our camp was 
soon deserted, and we could at length enjoy our long- 
desired repose. 
These Comanches belong to the tribe which the 
Mexicans call Cibuleros, that is, Buffalo-hunters (from 
Cibulo, the buffalo) ; they live almost exclusively on buffalo- 
meat. They are on good terms with the Kiowas, who had 
a large encampment above the fort, and some of whom 
accompanied them on this visit. The language of the two 
tribes appears to differ entirely, but several of those present 
could speak both languages. 
On September 10th we reached Fort Atkinson. It is a 
group of adobe buildings, with canvas roofs, — something 
between a house and a tent. The word "fort," in America, 
does not always convey the notion of fortifications: the term, 
here, merely signifies a permanent camp of eighty foot- 
soldiers ; but to all these posts is attached a well-stored 
magazine where clothing, saddlery, ironmongery, tinware, 
and provisions may be obtained, from the indispensable 
flour and bacon up to preserved oysters and champagne. 
The travelling caravans lay in stores at these stations for 
their journey. We were, however, so well provided with 
