With a great show of brotherly feeling they cautiously approached one by one.

The traders not wishing to commence the conflict, began to move on, leading their animals and with their rifles cocked, watching every movement of the intruders.

The mounted Indians followed along, quite surrounding with their large numbers the little band of white men.
Two of the mules lagged a little behind.

One or two of the bolder of the savages made a dash at them and shot dead a man by the name of Pratt, who had them in charge.

It was the signal of battle.