But at the beginning of these harvests the Cayuses were sickening and dying, and the mission was powerless to stay the pestilence.
A secret council of Cayuses and half-breeds was held one night under the hunter's moon near Walla Walla, or else on the Umatilla.

Five Crows, the warrior, was there with Joe Lewis, of Whitman's household, and Joe Stanfield, alike suspicious and treacherous, and old Mungo, the interpreter.

Sitkas, a leading Indian, may have been present, as the story I am to give came in part from him.
Joe Lewis was the principal speaker.

Addressing the Cayuses, he said: "The moon brightens; your tents fill with furs.

But Death, the robber, is among you.