For some time the employers and employed agreed amazingly well, and as nothing is cheaper than military titles in the United States, the half-breed became Colonel Overton, with boots and spurs, a laced coat, and a long sword.

Cunning as were the Yankees, Overton was still more so; cheating them as he had cheated the Indians.
The holy alliance was broken up; he then retired to the mountains, protected by the Mexican government, and commenced a system of general depredation, which for some time proved successful.

His most ordinary method was to preside over a barter betwixt the savages and the traders.
When both parties had agreed, they were of course in good humour, and drank freely.

Now was the time for the Colonel.

To the Indians he would affirm that the traders only waited till they were asleep, to butcher them and take back their goods.