ike to work[50] and help my people as
much as I am able.

FOOTNOTES:

[46] These are not the words of the Editor, but of Geronimo.

[47] They were in Alabama from May, 1888, to October, 1894.

[48] The Indians are not allowed to sell the cattle themselves. When
cattle are ready for market they are sold by the officer in charge, part
of the money paid to the Indians who owned them and part of it placed in
a general (Apache) fund. The supplies, farming implements, etc., for the
Apaches are paid for from this fund.

[49] The criticism of Lieutenant Purington is from Geronimo. The Editor
disclaims any responsibility for it, as in all cases where individuals
are criticised by the old warrior.

[50] Geronimo helps make hay and care for the cattle, but does not
receive orders from the Superintendent of the Indians.

PART IV

THE OLD AND THE NEW

CHAPTER XX

UNWRITTEN LAWS OF THE APACHES

_Trials_

When an Indian has been wronged by a member of his tribe he may, if he
does not wish to settle the difficulty personally, make complaint to the
Chieftain. If he is unable to meet the offending parties in a personal
encounter, and disdains to make complaint, anyone may in his stead
inform the chief of this conduct, and then it becomes necessary to have
an investigation or trial. Both the accused and the accuser are entitled
to witnesses, and their witnesses are not interrupted in any way by
questions, but simply say what they wish to say in regard to the matter.
The witnesses are not placed under oath, because it is not believed that
they will give false testimony in a matter relating to their own people.

The chief of the tribe presides during these trials, but if it is a
serious offense he asks two or three leaders to sit with him. These
simply determine whether or not the man is guilty. If he is not guilty
the matter is ended, and the complaining party has forfeited his right
to take personal vengeance, for if he wishes to take vengeance himself,
he must object to the trial which would prevent it. If the accused is
found guilty the injured party fixes the penalty, which is generally
confirmed by the chief and his associates.

_Adoption of Children_

If any children are left orphans by the usage of war or otherwise, that
is, if both parents are dead, the chief of the tribe may adopt them or
give them away as he desires. In the case of outlawed Indians, they may,
if they wish, take their children w