my poor, doomed friend, I pity you. You betrayed me, but I
forgive you. You too will beg for your life before the sun
sets; so, my friends, let us not go."
Canby said: "Well, gentlemen, it is time for us to start; let's go." Riddle says: "Hold on, General, I want to have that talk with you and the other generals, also Fairchild, be- fore we start." Canby said: "All right; we go too, General Gillem." He taking the lead, the others following, all walked into General Gillem's big tent, and found all the officers in. Canby said : "Brother officers, Riddle wishes to have an under- standing with you gentlemen in regard to our council with the Modocs today." General Gillem spoke he being the head officer "All right, Mr. Riddle, what is it?"
Riddle said: "It is this: These men, General Canby, Rev. Thomas, Col. Meacham and Mr. Dyar are going to meet Capt. Jack and his men in council today against my will, also against the wishes of my wife, Tobey. We have warned them time and time again of the danger. As I tell you now, gentlemen, they will be killed today. I know it. I and my wife have done our best to prevent this council, but Canby don't seem to be- lieve us. What I want you gentlemen to know is this : If I happen to make my escape, I want my hands clear. I don't want any blame to fall on me or my wife, if she escapes, for as I said a few moments ago, we did our best to save these men ; that's all I have to say."
Gillem said : "All right, Mr. Riddle. I'll see you through, but do you really believe these Indians will undertake to kill the Commissioners?"
Riddle: "Yes, sir, I do. I know they will."
Canby : "Well, brother officers, I bid you all a last fare- well. From what Riddle says this is my last day." Laughing, he started for the peace tent, closely followed by Thomas. Canby had a box of cigars under his arm for the Modocs. When the interpreters, and Dyar and Mr. Meacham, arrived at the peace tent, Canby and Thomas was there, and eight In- dians all smoking General Canby's cigars. They was all laugh- ing and talking, having a good, joyful time.
Meacham w r as the first to dismount. Meacham took the
