January 1903: We arrived at the reservation near Oak Cliff Pond east of Grizzly. Although it was a little further north than the Cumberland Woods, there were high-temperature steam spewing out from large holes in the ground from time to time. Large and small hot springs are formed in the hot springs and depressions, and the climate of the reservation is comparable to that of the south. There are some Indian women and children living here, as well as a few men led by Chief Papeete. They run around all day long for the livelihood of the tribe, and sleeping is their only pastime.
It had been a long time since John had enjoyed such a beautiful morning. Every day in the past few months, he had been either checking on the members to keep out the cold or standing sentry with a heavy gun. But now he finally had time to empty his mind and think about nothingness. But interesting stuff.
John closed his notebook after writing today's diary and was planning the day in his mind. He saw Grimes walking over carrying a thick book. This was a habit she had developed recently.
"Hi! John, do you know what Catherine called this place? Plow Village where it doesn't snow. I think she probably fell in love with this place."
"I'm glad to see the sun shining on your faces. We are adjacent to an Indian tribe. Have you made any new friends?"
"No...but I tried, but every time those red-skinned ladies and ladies always turn around and chirp, I can't understand them at all."
At this time, Bibo came over with a big bag on his back, "Hey! Grimes, let's go hunting."
"What's in the bag?" John asked.
"Just some bedding and carpets... I think you understand, sir." Bibo said hesitantly.
"Let young people do some things. The pedantic busyness is always reserved for people like us." Thomas said meaningfully, "The Indian glutton comes to you for something. Considering that you haven't officially met yet, let me to convey his will.”
"Where is he now? I'll go find him."
"In the woods around the camp."
Selousi was squatting on horseback, staring straight ahead, as if he was practicing meditation. John called him several times but did not reply. After a while, a faint sentence floated out of his mouth: "This is a peaceful camp, peaceful." People often relax their vigilance, ignore the signs of danger and allow it to develop, and now the threat has begun to take shape..."
"Taotie!" John raised his voice.
"Mr. Coster." Selosi seemed to suddenly wake up from a dream, "I'm a little obsessed."
"I don't know whether I should call you by your name or...Mr. Wilga. I think you should value your title very much."
"Like Taoist Lion? Although this name is not very pleasant, it can indeed alert me."
"I heard that you came to see me for something, is that true?"
Sailuoxi nodded: "Father has always been very exclusive, and the fact that he can open his heart to you shows that you are indeed not ordinary white people. It's hard for me as a son to say anything, but to truly win my trust, you must show what you have to offer." Order the real deal.”
"I don't think you're here to ask for a share of our food or bullets."
"Of course not. I would like to invite the famous John Coster to eliminate a threat. Do you have any experience in hunting any large beasts?"
John bit his lip and nodded.
"Great! There are recent rumors that a legendary mountain lion has migrated to this area. Although I have not seen it with my own eyes, I can imagine that it is an extremely ferocious beast."
"Wait a minute...you want me to kill a lion, just to prove our strength."
Selosi snorted: "Killing wild beasts is a great achievement in Indian customs, which means that everyone's attitude towards you will change, even if you are a foreigner."
"I just need your father's trust," John said, although he knew that saying so might anger Selousi.
Sailuoxi was as calm as ever: "But I must seize this opportunity to establish my prestige."
"you?"
"My father is already old. I believe that it won't be long before he will be embarrassed by his big job. There are two options for the succession of the chief's position - me and Anrube. And my father has been so partial to Anrube recently. I have to give up." Something he came around to.”
"Your brother, that diplomat, I really can't see that you still have a competitive relationship."
"As people get older, they become stupider. Two years after I was born, my father had an affair with an Irish woman and gave birth to my brother, an alien. In the past few years, he has been fawning over white people everywhere, eager to save our tribe from those bastards who exterminated our clan. An Everything Rube did was to please him while ostracizing me, and I don’t want to see a coward leading our tribe in the future.”
"I can't control your family affairs. Your father's acceptance is enough for me."
"Mr. Coster, to put it bluntly, you are too short-sighted. If Anrube takes over his father's position, he will kick you away like a burden and even report you to some white people in politics. There is no life-saving grace in my eyes, only profit comes first. And I..."
John made a decision in his heart, so he raised his hand and interrupted Selousi: "For the sake of your sincerity, I agree. Do we still need manpower?"
"Thank you! Sir, I will remember your decision today. It is a bit difficult for two people to subdue the mountain lion, but three people are enough."
"If you've heard of John Coster, then you should know Miller Jedson, a sharpshooter of my own caliber and my brother."
"Hunting an animal requires more than just gun skills. We may need some bait...I can't tell." Sailuoxi closed his eyes.
