508 CHARACTER OF THE PIMAS. Book III. 
my presence, and that in this bargain I had considerably 
the advantage of her. The modest demeanour, bright eye, 
and pleasing manner, which I noticed in our intercourse 
with these people — features so peculiar to them — produce a 
most agreeable impression, and they often presented 
genuine scenes of idyllic life. Here and there, under the 
shade of an old algarobbia or of one of our waggons, 
might be seen sitting or standing a merry, innocent group : 
old men stretched out upon the ground ; women and 
children sitting by their side ; boys standing near in pairs, 
one with his arm round the other's neck, and the latter 
leaning on his bow ; pretty girls, in their semi-paradisic 
costume, walking quietly and naively among our drivers 
and muleteers, who never ventured any rude gallantry — 
all this formed such a pleasing scene as quite to call forth 
every gentle feeling in us, who were accustomed to meet 
the Indian only armed for attack or defence. To com- 
plete the picture of this Indian tribe, I must add that 
it unites such decided courage with his peaceful and ami- 
able qualities, as to inspire even" the savage Apaches with 
respect. I believe that the character of the aboriginal 
Americans can be seen to such advantage among none 
of the remaining tribes. 
