This lava bed country being at an altitude of four thousand five hundred feet, and immediately under the lee of high mountains on the west, is subject to heavy storms.
While we were talking, a black cloud overspread the rocks and a rain-storm came on.
Gen. Canby remarked that “We could not talk in the rain.” Captain Jack seemed to treat the remark with ridicule, though the interpreters omitted to mention the fact. He said “The rain was a small matter;” that “Gen. Canby was better clothed than he was,” but “he (Jack) would not melt like snow.”
Gen. Canby proposed to erect a council tent on half-way ground, where subsequent meetings could be held.
This proposition was agreed to, and just as the storm was at its height.
No agreement was made for another meeting, although it was understood that negotiations would be continued.
CHAPTER XXVII.
CAPTAIN JACK A DIPLOMAT—SHOOT ME IF YOU DARE.