No sooner had the alarm been given than the _rancherías_ of the Indians were converted into a martial encampment; and while the mounted warriors were exhibiting their preliminary {303} feats of horsemanship, the squaws and papooses flew like scattered partridges to the rocks and clefts of a contiguous precipice. One-third of our party being Mexicans, the first step of the Indians was to proclaim a general _indulto_ to them, in hopes of reducing our force, scanty as it was already. "My Mexican friends," exclaimed in good Spanish, a young warrior who daringly rode up within a few rods of us, "we don't wish to hurt _you_; so leave those Americans, for we intend to kill every one of _them_." The Mexicans of our party to whom this language was addressed, being rancheros of some mettle, only answered, "_Al diablo_! we have not forgotten how you treat us when you catch us alone: now that we are with Americans who will defend their rights, expect ample [Pg086] retaliation for past insults." In truth, these rancheros seemed the most anxious to begin the fight,--a remarkable instance of the effects of confidence in companions. A crisis seemed now fast approaching: two swivels we had with us were levelled and primed, and the matches lighted. Every man was at his post, with his rifle ready for execution, each anxious to do his best, whatever might be the result; when the Indians, seeing us determined to embrace the chances of war, began to open negotiations. An aged squaw, said to be the mother of the principal chief, rode up and exclaimed, "My sons! the Americans and Yutas have been friends, and our old men wish to continue so: it is only a {304} few impetuous and strong-headed youths who want to fight." The stolen horse having been restored soon after this harangue, peace was joyfully proclaimed throughout both encampments, and the _capitanes_ exchanged ratifications by a social smoke. The little tribe of Jicarillas also harbored an enmity for the Americans, which, in 1834, broke out into a hostile _rencontre_. They had stolen some animals of a gallant young backwoodsman from Missouri, who, with a few comrades, pursued the marauders into the mountains and regained his property; and a fracas ensuing, an Indian or two were killed. A few days afterward all their warriors visited Santa Fé in a body, and demanded of the authorities there, the delivery of the American offenders to their vengeance. Though the former showed quite a disposition to gratify the savages as far as practicable, they had not helpless creatures to deal with, as in the case of the Indian prisoners already related. The foreigners, seeing their protection devolved upon themselves, prepared for defence, when the savages were fain to depart in peace. CHAPTER XVI