was ordered by a cavalry company under Colonel Biddle, but nothing was seen of the Modocs. According to a previously expressed desire of Jack's, a messenger was sent to Yainax to invite Chief Sconchin and sub-chief Charley Riddle to visit him, an invitation seconded by the commissioners. After several days of deliberation, Sconchin reluctantly consented, feeling convinced beforehand how useless would be his intervention. At starting he said, " Let me once look into their eyes, and I will know what to report." Thereupon he went, and looked into the eyes of Jack and his brother, and returning assured the commissioners to hope for nothing, that all future negotiations would be unavailing. There could be but one reason why the outlaws wished to see him, which would be an appeal to him for that assistance which had already often been refused to the messengers sent to Yainax. That communication was kept up between the loyal and the rebel Modocs there was plenty of evidence; indeed, the messenger sent to bring in Sconchin found Long; Jim, one of the warriors under indictment, at Yainax.
On the 13th Biddle, while reconnoitering in the vicinity of the lava beds, captured thirty- four horses, and mitjht have killed a number of savages had not his orders forbidden it. The capture of the horses, though an act of hostility not entirely consonant with peace measures, was thought necessary to lessen the chances of escape from the lava beds before a surrender could be effected. In the meantime negotiations had been carried on by means of the Indian women living about the settlements, one of whom after visiting the stronghold brought word that Jack wished for a conference, but was afraid to come out of the lava beds lest Canby should not be able to control his soldiers, in proof of which he mentioned the taking of his horses. Being afraid to come out, he wished Fairchild and Meacham to come to him in his stronghold.
