CHAPTER XXI.

BURYING THE HATCHET——A TURNING-POINT.

A Settlement of Old Difficulties——Trouble Ahead——The Modocs Taunted with their Poverty——Agent Knapp——His Character—— Captain Jack Applies to Knapp for Protection——Is Treated Coolly——Schonchin John——Captain Jack and his Band Leave Klamath——Old Schonchin Removes to Yainax——Captain Jack Contemplates making his Home there——An Unfortunate Occurrence Prevents——One more Effort for Peace——Jesse Applegate——Letter of Instructions to John Meacham——It is Conciliatory but Firm—— Departure of The Commission——Humanity and Common Sense—— Fortunately the Commissioners go well Armed——Assassination Intended——Prevented by Captain Jack——His Loyalty Doubted by the Modocs——Schonchin Intrigues for the Chieftainship——Captain Jack only a Representative Chief——Republican Ideas for once a Curse——Captain Jack Argues the Cause of his People with Great Skill and Force——He Refuses to go on to the Reservation again—— Agrees to go to Lost River——How Bloodshed Might Have Been Avoided——The Author’s Reports referred to——The Modocs become Restless——They Violate their Pledges——The White Settlers Annoyed——They demand Redress and Protection——Captain Jack not blamed by the Whites——He was Powerless 342