The Indians had been out of meat for several weeks, and a large herd of cattle which had been promised them had not arrived.
As soon as I said I had been after "Whoa-haws" old Satanta began questioning me closely.

When he asked where the cattle were I replied that they were only a few miles distant and that I had been sent by General Hazen to inform him that the herd was coming, and that they were intended for his people.

This seemed to please the old rascal.

He asked if there were any soldiers with the herd.

I said there were.
Thereupon the chiefs held a consultation.