842

INDIAN TRAGEDIES AND ROMANCES.

pleasant voice. " There are," said the general, " three kinds of laughter   one from fun, another from deceit, and another from real joy." " Mine," said the liar, " is from real joy." So the council broke up with an understanding that Joseph and his brethren were to go on the reservation within a month. General Howard and his officers packed their baggage, well pleased at the peaceful prospect, and returned to Portland, Oregon.

Still, after thoughtful consultations, it was decided that Joseph, securing allies from other roaming tribes along the Columbia River, might change his mind. It was important to check any such movement. So on the 30th of May the general again started for the Indian country. He arrived at Fort Lapwai, and found the little post as peaceful as the valley in which it was located. Towards evening the officers were sitting out in front of their quarters, when a man was seen galloping down the valley in hot haste. He shortly reached the post, sprang from his foaming steed, and delivered a letter to Colonel Perry, the commandant. It came from Mount Idaho, sixty miles south-east of Lapwai, and contained information from an intelligent settler that the Indians under Joseph were evidently preparing for hostilities.

At early dawn a small detachment started from Mount Idaho to collect information. At noon two friendly Indians came in with excited stories of the murder of some settlers. Later still, another messenger arrived, confirming the previous reports. The idle little post was transformed into a scene of bustling activity. Arms were examined, ammunition prepared, horses brought in, and pack-saddles adjusted. Every face wore a serious look, and the busy hum of earnest conversation was heard on every side. In the morning the officers, the ladies of the post, and a number of friendly Indians assembled in an excited group on Colonel Perry's front porch. Messenger after messenger continued to arrive with reports of Indian outrages. Here is one of the letters received, all a-quiver with the excitement of the occasion: