He halted at the command, as did the other Indian in the rear, and, while keeping a close watch on both to see that they drew no gun on me, I demanded in a defiant tone:
"Halloo, Satank, what do you want here?"
Satank made no reply, but motioned his companion to his side.
I recognized the man as a half-breed, called Mexican Joe, who had sometimes been used as an interpreter at Fort Wise. Joe was evidently to act as interpreter now.
In my defiant attitude and speech I was assuming much more self-confidence than I really felt; but I wished to impress them that I distrusted them, understood their intentions, and was prepared to stand them off or fight. However, neither of the savages made any threatening movement—the time was not ripe for declaring war—they had evidently come on a reconnoitring expedition.
As soon as the interpreter had moved up to him Satank spoke a few words to Mexican Joe, who asked in broken English:
"Where your pardners? Other mans? Where wagon?"
"Gone down to To hausen's camp," I said.
"He say, 'Maybe so you lie,'" said Joe, making the sign of the forked tongue; then continued, "Any mans in casa—house?" nodding toward the dugout.
"Yes," I replied.