rd, fearing that his horse, which was none of the
best, would not hold out till the end of his journey, asked the Indian,
whose horse was young, strong, and spirited, to exchange with him. This
the Indian refused. The Spaniard therefore began a quarrel with him. From
words they proceeded to blows. The aggressor being well armed, proved too
powerful for the native. He seized his horse, mounted him, and pursued his
journey.

He was closely followed to the nearest town by the Indian, who immediately
complained to a judge. The Spaniard was obliged to appear, and bring the
horse with him. He treated the Indian as an impostor, affirming that the
horse was his property, that he had always had him in his possession, and
that he had raised him from a colt.

There being no proof to the contrary, the judge was about dismissing the
parties, when the Indian cried out,--"The horse is mine, and I'll prove
it!" He immediately took off his mantle, and with it instantly covered
the head of the animal; then addressing the judge,--"Since this man," said
he, "affirms that he has raised the horse from a colt, command him to tell
of which eye he is blind." The Spaniard, who would not seem to hesitate,
instantly answered, "Of the right eye." "He is neither blind of the right
eye," replied the Indian, "nor of the left."

The judge decreed him the horse, and the Spaniard to be punished as a
robber.

INDIAN POLITENESS.

The politeness of these people in conversation is indeed carried to
excess; since it does not permit them to contradict or deny the truth of
what is asserted in their presence. By this means they indeed avoid
disputes; but then it becomes difficult to know their minds, or what
impression you make upon them. When any of them come into our towns, our
people are apt to crowd around them, gaze upon them, and incommode them
when they desire to be private; this they esteem great rudeness, and the
effect of the want of instruction in the rules of civility and good
manners. "We have," say they, "as much curiosity as you, and when you come
into our towns, we wish for opportunities of looking at you; but for this
purpose we hide ourselves behind bushes where you are to pass, and never
intrude ourselves into your company."

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Stories About Indians, by Anonymous

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