_General Smith._--Come down, I want to talk.

_Chief._--Who are you, and what do you want to talk about?

_General Smith._--I am the chief at the fort, and want to see you.

Three Indians then advanced, and came slowly down the hill to where
General Smith and Boyer were. When the chief, who was in his war-paint,
came up, General Smith held out his hand, but the chief refused to take
it, saying, "My brother was killed over there at the Phil. Kearney
massacre, and I swore never again to shake hands with a white man."

_General Smith._--Who are you, and who are those Indians on the hill?

_Chief._--I am a chief, and the warriors are part of Red Cloud's band.
Here is his son (at the same time pointing to a young man who sat on a
pony by his side).

_General Smith._--What have you come here for?

_Chief._--We have been on the Laramie road, fighting the Snakes.

_General Smith._--You were expected at the big talk at Laramie by the
Peace Commissioners.

_Chief._--I was there, and they promised that this country should be
abandoned by your troops in two months. The two months are up, you are
still here, and I see no sign of your moving.

_General Smith_ (sharply). We have made some preparations to go, and
will leave as soon as all is in readiness; but if your warriors commit
depredations, or kill any more white men, we will not go at all, but
stay here, kill you and drive off your game.

_Chief_ (not noticing this threat). I want you to give me something to
eat for my young men, and I will go over there and camp on the creek
to-night.

_General Smith._--I have nothing to give you, but I want to warn you to
restrain your warriors from committing any depredations around here.

At this stage of the interview, a company of cavalry, which General
Smith had ordered to saddle up and stand ready for any emergency, was
seen filing out of the gates of the post, and as soon as the Indians
caught sight of the troops, they whipped up their ponies and did not
stop till out of sight.

General Smith was very much provoked at this interruption, by a stupid
officer coming out when he had no business to do so,--and the
impression of treachery on his part made on the minds of the Indians
caused them to refuse to come back again to have another talk with him.
Near sunset, the Indians were seen crossing the plateau near the creek
where the chief indicated he would camp. The evening gun fired as they
crossed the stream, and the whole