Would they yield up their weapons peacefully was the question all asked, and no one answered satisfactorily.
Yes, there was one who felt that they would not, that there would be trouble; but this trouble the troops were able to subdue, for the redskins were surrounded, and, it seemed, almost at the mercy of the Boys in Blue.
When the sun rose a cordon of cavalry began to form in three parts of a square before the Indian camp, while the Hotchkiss guns, Light Battery, under Captain Allyn Capson, were ordered to an advantageous position by Colonel Forsythe.
In the open space before the tepees of the redskins and the camps of the soldiers, and near their line, the Indians were moving about in a sullen and uneasy manner, watching their foes with angry glances.
Nearest to them stood an officer calmly surveying the situation, and he was accompanied by two of the Indian police, mounted, one of whom held the horse of the lieutenant, who was Kit Carey.
He was watching the face of each Indian as he appeared, for he was on the watch for Red Hatchet, whom he still feared meant mischief of some kind.
Soon Colonel Forsythe left his quarters and moved down toward the open space, where he was joined by Major Whiteside, and with both officers were their adjutants.
Then the Indians were called upon to approach the soldiers' tent, in which was Big Foot, their chief, lying ill.
As they came up they were counted by Lieutenant Nicholason, and then came the demand that sunk deep into their hearts:
"Chiefs, you and your warriors must give up your weapons!"