"It is not likely that you will have much fighting. Our dangers will be
those of the desert; but we will endeavour to provide against them in
the best manner possible.
"I have learned, from a reliable source, that our enemies are at this
very time about starting upon a grand expedition to plunder the towns of
Sonora and Chihuahua.
"It is their intention, if not met by the Government troops, to extend
their foray to Durango itself. Both tribes have combined in this
movement; and it is believed that all the warriors will proceed
southward, leaving their country unprotected behind them.
"It is my intention then, as soon as I can ascertain that they have gone
out, to enter their territory, and pierce to the main town of the
Navajoes."
"Bravo!" "Hooray!" "Bueno!" "Tres bien!" "Good as wheat!" and
numerous other exclamations, hailed this declaration.
"Some of you know my object in making this expedition. Others do not.
I will declare it to you all. It is, then, to--"
"Git a grist of scalps; what else?" cried a rough, brutal-looking
fellow, interrupting the chief.
"No, Kirker!" replied Seguin, bending his eye upon the man, with an
expression of anger. "It is not that. We expect to meet only women.
On his peril let no man touch a hair upon the head of an Indian woman.
I shall pay for no scalps of women or children."
"Where, then, will be your profits? We cannot bring them prisoners?
We'll have enough to do to get back ourselves, I reckon, across them
deserts."
These questions seemed to express the feelings of others of the band,
who muttered their assent.
"You shall lose nothing. Whatever prisoners you take shall be counted
on the ground, and every man shall be paid according to his number.
When we return I will make that good."
"Oh! that's fair enough, captain," cried several voices.
"Let it be understood, then, no women nor children. The plunder you
shall have, it is yours by our laws, but no blood that can be spared.
There is enough on our hands already. Do you all bind yourselves to
this?"
"Yes, yes!" "Si!" "Oui, oui!" "Ya, ya!" "All!" "Todos, todos!"
cried a multitude of voices, each man answering in his own language.
"Let those who do not agree to it speak."
A profound silence followed this proposal. All had bound themselves to
the wishes of their leader.
"I am glad that you are unanimous. I will now state my purpose fully.
It is but just you should know it."
"Ay, let us know that," muttered Kirker, "if tain't to raise har we're
goin'."
"We go, then, to seek for our friends and relatives, who for years have
been captives to our savage enemy. There are many among us who have
lost kindred, wives, sisters, and daughters."
A murmur of assent, uttered chiefly by men in Mexican costume, testified
to the truth of this statement.
"I myself," continued Seguin, and his voice slightly trembled as he
spoke, "am among that number. Years, long years ago, I was robbed of my
child by the Navajoes. I have lately learned that she is still alive,
and at their head town with many other white captives. We go, then, to
release and restore them to their friends and homes."
A shout of approbation broke from the crowd, mingled with exclamations
of "Bravo!" "We'll fetch them back!" "Vive le capitaine!" "Viva el
gefe!"