"Chief, you are only seeking a quarrel; but that does not signify. I would rather you had told me frankly that your wish was to pillage and steal our horses and cattle, than give me a reason without common sense. We should be at war with the Comanches, if you really meant what you say. Therefore, chief, mock me no more, but proceed to facts. What is it you demand?"
"My father is cunning," he said. "Listen; thus say the chiefs: 'This land belongs to us: we will have it.' The white ancestors of my father had no right to establish themselves in it."
"That pretext is, at all events, specious; for my ancestors bought this land from one of your _sachems_."
"The chiefs in assembly round, the tree of the Master of life have determined to return to the great white chief, without reserve, all the articles formerly given to the _sachem_ in exchange for the land, and to resume the country belonging to them, in which they will no longer have the palefaces."
"Is that all you were deputed to tell me?"
"It is all," said the chief, bending his head.
"And how much time," answered the major, "do the chiefs allow the governor of the _presidio_ to discuss these proposals?"
"Very well," said the major coolly. "And if the governor refuses, what will my brothers do?"
"The _sachems_," replied the Apache, emphatically, "have determined to resume the ownership of their territory. If the palefaces refuse to restore it, their village shall be burnt, their warriors put to death, their wives and children carried away as slaves."
"Ah!" said the major; "Before you obtain that result, all the whites in the _presidio_ will have been killed in its defence. But it is not for me to discuss the matter with you. I will carry your demands to the governor, precisely as you have made them; and tomorrow, at sunrise, you shall have your answer. Hostilities must be suspended until then."
"No; it is for you to stop them. We cannot stay here inactive; so be on your guard."
"Thanks for your frankness, chief," replied the major. "I am happy at meeting an Indian who is not altogether a rascal. Good-bye, till tomorrow."
All were struck with admiration at the coolness of the veteran.
The major retired as slowly as he had come, without manifesting apprehension.