But Colonel Scott would have none of that. He had then and has to this day a most disconcerting method of propounding a question, and then boring one completely through and through with a pair of gimlet-like blue-gray eyes that pierce as if made of steel. He could see that I was very green and young at the business of being an Indian Agent, but he would not permit me to retreat before his age and superior rank. “I propose first to go among these Indians, and learn something of their reasons for this refusal to obey the wishes of the Department,” he said. I remained silent. “I will go alone,” he said. I said nothing. “You do not think they will receive me unpleasantly?” “Oh, no!” I hastened to make up for lost time. “They are peaceful enough, so long as they are permitted to have their own way. Very likely they will receive you with much of courtesy and even hospitality.” “That is as I thought,” said the Colonel, who has always gone alone into hostile camps—a method of conciliation that would give most people pause. “I will reason with them,” he continued, “and I believe I can bring them to a sensible view of the matter we have to adjust.” I said nothing. “What do you think of my plan?” “Why, Sir, I would not presume to suggest—” “That is not the question. You should be somewhat familiar with these Indian people by now. Will my plan succeed?” His eyes punched through mine, straight back into the brain, out through the skull of my rear elevation, and I knew they were drilling on through the stone wall immediately behind me. “Considering the experiences of former agents, and even soldiers, Colonel Scott, and—” “Do you think my plan will succeed?” “It is a very good plan to try, Colonel. It has been your method with other tribes, and it may prove successful here.” “But what do you think?” There was no way of avoiding the truth. He would have it. “You will not succeed.” He studied a moment or two. “I have dealt with unreasonable Indians,” he said, slowly. “So I am informed, sir. But you have not dealt with the Hopi Indian, who is a religious fanatic; and since you pressed me for an opinion, I had to give it. I can ask only that these people be not promised anything that will not be fulfilled. That has provoked half the trouble of the past. The Department has threatened them, and then curled up. They are accustomed to being betrayed by soldiers. They will talk endlessly; but if you expect to bring a Hopi to reason without a show of force, it is too much. You will not accomplish it.”