CHAPTER XXX.
ASSASSINATION—“KAU-TUX-E”—THE DEATH PRAYER SMOTHERED BY BLOOD—RESCUED.
While these two parties are wending their way to the council tent, let us see what is going on around it. On the side opposite from the camp a small sage-brush fire is burning. It is not at the same spot where the fire was built when Meacham and Roseborough had the long talk with Captain Jack a few days since. Why this change? Think a moment. The council that day was in full view of the signal station. This fire is behind the council tent, and cannot be seen from the station. Around the fire loose stones are placed. This looks suspicious. But who are those fellows dressed like white men, sitting around that fire? Ah! they are Modocs waiting for the commissioners. That man with a slouched hat and well-worn gray coat,—nearest the tent, is Captain Jack. He looks sad and half melancholy, and does not seem at ease in his mind.
Near him sits old Schonchin, the image of the real savage. His hair is mixed with gray. His face indicates that he is a villain.
That fellow who appears restless, and walks back and forth, is Hooker Jim. He is not more than twenty-two; his face tells you, at a glance, that he is a cut-throat. He is tall, stout-built, very muscular, and would be an ugly customer in a fight. He is
accredited with being the best “trailer,” and the closest marksman in the Modoc tribe.
That other young fellow, with feminine face, and hair parted in the middle, is a brave and desperate man. That is Shacknasty Jim.
That dark-looking man, who reminds you, at the first view, of a snake, is Black Jim. He is of royal blood, and half-brother of Captain Jack. His hair is cut square below the ears, and, take him altogether, he is a bad-looking man.
The light-colored, round-faced, smooth-built man, who stands behind the chief; is “Ellen’s Man.” He is young, and is really a fine-looking fellow. He does not appear to be a bad man, but he is; and you will think him the worst of the company before we lose sight of him.
The talk around that council fire would freeze your blood could you hear it. They are making arrangements for the carnival of death that they propose holding.