Every one present understood fully the significance of the affront Treachery was rapidly unfolding into death. None durst show alarm; and though each was anxious to catch the eye of the others, none must indulge in a significant glance, lest it should be made the signal for what all felt was impending. True, no guns were visible, but revolvers could be plainly seen beneath the raiment of the savages.
Calmly the general rose from his seat, again referring to his early acquaintance with different tribes of Indians, and pleasantly related that one tribe had elect(3d him chief, and given him a name signifying " Indian's friend ; " and another had made him chief, and given the name of the " tall man; " that he had never deceived them, but had always dealt fairly with them; that he was there that day by order of the president of the United States; that he had no authority to remove the troops, who were there by the president's order, and also to see that everything was done that was right, by both Indians and settlers.
Sconchin replied with the demand that they should be given the Willow Creek or Hot Creek country, and that the troops should all be taken away. While his speech was being interpreted. Jack arose and walked around behind Dyar's horse. At the same time two Indians, carrying several guns each, suddenly appeared, as if arising out of the ground. Jack returned to a position in the circle opposite to Canby, and as Meacham demanded, "What does that mean ? " Jack gave the word in his own language, which meant "all ready," and drawing a revolver from his bosom fired at Canby who was within a few feet of him.
When the Indians carrying guns first came in sight, all but Toby Riddle had sprung to their feet. Toby lay flat on the ground. Simultaneously with Jack's attack on Canby, Sconchin fired on Meacham, and Boston Charley on Thomas.
At the first motion of Jack to fire, Dyar, who was a
