For some time the Indians had been troublesome, stealing, and just in a general way. One time, it seems to me now there were several hundred of them that came here in those days, roamed around and turned their horses in a little pasture we had. Uncle Alvin asked the Captain to take them out. The Indians disregard his request and started to help themselves to the fruit melons - and, in fact, anything they wanted. Early one morning, Uncle Alvin, Rob Covington, my brother Will, and myself - I was just old enough to ride a horse - went out to drive the Indian horses out. We had them about gathered when the Indians came out and came between us and the horses, crowding us close together. Most of them had guns or bows and arrows. Uncle Alvin tried to reason with them, I could not tell what was said but I am sure he was getting no place with them, Suddenly, he got off his horse, rolled up his sleeves and said, "all right, if you want to fight, come on. I'll start with Captain Frank." He squared his shoulders and waited. Captain Frank gave a sharp command in Indian and the circle broke. The horses were taken out of the pasture.
Father came to Moccasin a day or two later. They talked this affair over carefully. Rob and Will were sent up the canyon and came back with two large steers, Captain Frank was sent for, talked with for some time, then was given his choice of the two steers. From this event on, Uncle Alvin's and Father's word was law as far as the Indians were concerned.
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