I climbed up on a small tree to watch them.

I was surprised to hear natives' voices, and, looking towards the hill, I saw from forty to sixty natives running towards the camp, all plumed up and armed with spears and shields.

I was cool, and told Sweeney to bring out the revolvers; descended from the tree and got my gun and cooeyed to Pierre and Kennedy, who came running.
By this time they were within sixty yards, and halted.

One advanced to meet me and stood twenty yards off; I made friendly signs; he did not appear very hostile.

All at once one from behind (probably a chief) came rushing forward, and made many feints to throw spears.