I call the great Spirit, who knows
the hearts of his people, to witness that I beg not for my life. I
have not a split tongue nor am I an impostor. I have guided you to
the place of gold. I have kept my promise. You Mexicans came with
evil hearts. You fought your own brothers. You abandoned your sick
companions on the trail to the coyote. You have broken the law of
hospitality toward me, your guest, as no Spaniard has ever done
before. Therefore, has your God punished you. He has changed the good
gold of these waters to shimmering mica and shining dross. Fool gold
He gives to fools! As you serve me now, so shall the Apaches do to
you. Never more shall you taste of the waters of the Rio Grande, so
says the Spirit in my heart!'
"The Indian's dignified bearing and his inspired words on the
threshold of eternity moved my conscience and caused a feeling of
respect and pity for him in my breast as well as in others of our
party. When Juan de Dios Carasco, who was known and despised by all
for being a good-for-nothing thieving coward, drew his gun to shoot
the Navajo in the back, I could not control my anger. 'Stop,' I
shouted, 'you miserable hen thief, or you die at my hands, and now.
This Indian should die, but not in such a manner.
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