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Updated: May 24, 2025
It was rare that a party of white hunters mustered above a dozen men. Moreover, she had mentioned a name twice mentioned it "Wa-ka-ra." No white was likely to bear such an appellation. The word was undoubtedly Indian especially as the huntress had pronounced it. I waited for an opportunity to interrogate her.
A tribal hostility of long standing older than the warriors themselves existed between Utah and Arapaho. Between the bands of Wa-ka-ra and Red-Hand the hostile inheritance had increased until it had reached the maximum of the most deadly vendetta. This will account for the hot haste with which we hurried on for the universal excitement that prevailed in the ranks of my Utah allies.
The Mexican had ascertained that Wa-ka-ra was still unhurt, and heading the pursuit. Having myself no further interest in the scene, I turned away from it; and, with Wingrove by my side, rode back towards the butte. Some words passed between us as we went. For my companion, I had news that would make him supremely happy. Our conversation turned not on that.
"On to the chief's tent!" counselled my companion, gliding to the ground, and preceding me on foot, "Yonder! the chief himself Wa-ka-ra!" An Indian of medium size and perfect form, habited in a tunic of embroidered buckskin, leggings of scarlet cloth, head-dress of coloured plumes, with crest that swept backward and drooped down to his heels.
He was in alliance with their chief: for the Utahs were at that time en paz with the settlements of the Taos Valley; and the Spanish trappers and traders went freely among them. Peg-leg had been on a trapping expedition to the Parks; and having fallen in with the Utahs, had become the guest of Wa-ka-ra.
The voice of Wa-ka-ra, calling to me to join him and his warriors, put an end to a dialogue, that had done but little to illustrate the story of the strange personage by my side. If possible, I was more mystified than ever. But it was not a time to be tempted by the lure of an idle curiosity, however interesting the theme.
"Mira!" exclaimed the Mexican, almost in the same breath "Mira! the signal-smoke of Wa-ka-ra! To horse! to horse! mueran los Arapahoes!" It was not the signal that called from my lips a convulsive exclamation. It was wrung from my agony, ere the smoke had been descried. It was drowned amidst the shouts of the savage warriors, as they crowded forward out of the chasm.
They honour me they give me all the hospitality in their power but I am not happy. Stranger, say you will relieve me from this terrible existence? Say you will take me with you?" "I freely promise it, if it be your desire. But what of these? Will they will he consent?" "Who?" "Wa-ka-ra." "Yes yes! He has said I may go, whenever an opportunity should offer.
Thus ran our reflections. It may be wondered why, in this emergency, we had not thought of Wa-ka-ra: surely he could have given us effective aid. With his mounted warriors, he could soon have overtaken the Mormon train, surrounded it, and dealt out the law to its leader? But we had already learnt the improbability of our appeal being acted upon.
The huntress replied by pointing to me. "He has been their captive," she added, "and has just escaped from them. He can guide Wa-ka-ra to their camp, where the Utah chief will find his deadliest enemy Red-Hand." At the mention of this name, the cloud that was gathering upon the brow of the Utah chief became darker by several shades, and the mild expression was no longer observable.
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