He informed all of them that I was there, insisting on going to Sitting Bull's camp, and that such an errand would not only result in my death, but would precipitate the outbreak then brewing, and for which he was not at all prepared.

He besought all of them to instruct me to return to Mandan.
While he waited for replies to his dispatches I hunted about the camp for someone who knew just where Sitting Bull was located and how to get there.

I also wanted a first-class interpreter, as I would have matters to discuss with Sitting Bull beyond his mastery of English or mine of Sioux to express.

At last I found a man who agreed to go with me as guide for five hundred dollars, which I promised him without a protest.
Then I went over to the post-trader's store and bought all manner of presents which I knew would be acceptable to Sitting Bull, his squaw, and his children.
When I returned to Colonel Brown's quarters he endeavored once more to put me off.

But I would not be put off.