Volume 1

THREATENED RUPTURE OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS. 393
horse, but he would not listen to me. One of the Big Belly
war chiefs had offered him one of his wives, two horses, and
the value of 50 skins in goods, but in vain. I met the fellow
on this horse, and proposed once more to
bargain, offering
him the value of 100 skins in prime goods and my own
horse ; but he would not even return me an answer.
Having reached the eminence whence we had first
seen
the Schian camp we stopped, and formed into line abreast.
Here both parties again disputed and argued with each
other until many worked themselves up into
such a frenzy
as to foam at the mouth, especially the Schians, who appeared
quite undaunted, and, I
believe, would have fought
like heroes. It was surprising to see what expert horsemen
these people are ; the agility of the beasts and the
dexterity of the riders were astonishing. We proceeded,
and soon overtook the women ;
when, observing the enemy
still on the hill, in a menacing position, orders were given
to halt. The women with the pack horses were placed in
the center, and a large body of men were stationed around
them as a guard. Le Borgne, accompanied by a large
party, well armed, with their guns loaded and fresh primed,
and balls in their mouths, returned to the Schians, who
awaited their approach. We remained in suspense for
some time, observing the motions of Le Borgne and his
engaged in
party, whom we every moment expected to see
battle ;
but, after a short conference with the enemy, they
returned, having, as they said, frightened the Schians back
to camp.
Orders were given to push on with all speed possible,
and instantly obeyed. Old men dispersed throughout the
party, haranguing and encouraging the women to drive on
fast, whilst young men were dispatched in every direction
upon the hills to see that we were not surrounded. Thus
we continued on our march until dark, when orders were
given to halt and camp for the night. We found plenty of
excellent water, which both men and beasts greatly needed,
and I found it the pleasantest cordial I ever tasted.