weeks, as the large herd of cattle which had been promised them had not
yet arrived, although expected by them.

The moment that I mentioned that I had been searching for the
"whoa-haws," old Satanta began questioning me in a very eager manner. He
asked me where the cattle were, and I replied that they were back only a
few miles, and that I had been sent by General Hazen to inform him that
the cattle were coming, and that they were intended for his people. This
seemed to please the old rascal, who also wanted to know if there were
any soldiers with the herd, and my reply was that there were. Thereupon
the chiefs held a consultation, and presently Satanta asked me if General
Hazen had really said that they should have the cattle. I replied in the
affirmative, and added that I had been directed to bring the cattle to
them. I followed this up with a very dignified inquiry, asking why his
young men had treated me so. The old wretch intimated that it was only "a
freak of the boys"; that the young men had wanted to see if I was brave;
in fact, they had only meant to test my bravery, and that the whole thing
was a joke.

The veteran liar was now beating me at my own game of lying; but I was
very glad of it, as it was in my favor. I did not let him suspect that I
doubted his veracity, but I remarked that it was a rough way to treat
friends. He immediately ordered his young men to give me back my arms,
and scolded them for what they had done. Of course, the sly old dog was
now playing it very fine, as he was anxious to get possession of the
cattle, with which he believed "there was a heap of soldiers coming." He
had concluded it was not best to fight the soldiers if he could get the
cattle peaceably.

Another council was held by the chiefs, and in a few minutes old Satanta
came and asked me if I would go over and bring the cattle down to the
opposite side of the river, so that they could get them. I replied, "Of
course; that's my instruction from General Hazen."

Satanta said I must not feel angry at his young men, for they had only
been acting in fun. He then inquired if I wished any of his men to
accompany me to the cattle herd. I replied that it would be better for me
to go alone, and then the soldiers could keep right on to Fort Larned,
while I could drive the herd down on the bottom. So, wheeling my mule
around, I was soon re-crossing the river, leaving old Satanta in the
firm belief that I had told him a straight story,