Three months with the wild indians

The following is a short story about events that began and ended in the County in which I now reside. Bosque County, State of Texas. It is, I believe, to be a true and factual account of events which began here in the year 1867. A time when this was a frontier and a man carried life or death, often his own, in the form of powder and shot. That is to say, when faced with a life or death situation, there were often no one to look to for help but oneself. This does not mean that there was no law here. There were just few enforcers and those far between.

The story is about a young boy, Ole T. Nystel. {Pronounced "Oley T. Nis`tle"} The son of Norwegian immigrants. And, in his own words, about his capture and release by Commanche Indians. I have spoken with lifetime residents of this county and looked at County records. I can find no indication, verbal or written, that this document is not a true account. One resident offered to show me the bluff that Mr. Questad jumped from. The County officers listed in the "Verification", were actually County officers. There are families living here today with the same surnames as those in the story.

Having said this, I will attempt to present here the short story as it was written, complete with mispelled words and all. The parsing of many sentences appear to be incorrect, but books and newspaper articles of the time bear a similar parsing, so may have been correct "form" at the time.

I make no attempt to justify, affirm or contest the authors point of view about The Commanches or religious beliefs. But bear in mind that this document was written in 1888 about expierences which happened even earlier on a frontier.

I came into possession of this little document a number of years ago at an auction in Valley Mills, Texas, when I purchased a large box of empty brass cartridges, (for reloading ammunition). There were thirty or forty boxes of empty cases in the box with this little book in the bottom. I did not realize the book was there until the next fall when I started to use the brass. I am quite sure it has quite a history behind it also. The Clifton Public Library has a copy of this book that is hard bound. The copy I have was never hard bound. These are the only two copies of this book I have ever seen, although I feel sure some of Mr. Nystel's decendants probably have some.

In presenting to the public these few chapters of my life, I shall have to ask its kind indulgence - indulgence to the extent that literary merit must not be expected. But this I claim for the work which I hope will somewhat redeem its many and manifest defects in a literary point of view, that all it contains is the naked truth, though unadorned, nevertheless the truth, which can be verified by many living witnesses in and around Clifton, Norse and Meridian, Bosque county, Texas.

For one to write for the public who feels and owns at the outset his unfitness for the task seems like presumption, and my only excuse is the interest I feel for the eternal welfare of mankind. It is the outburst of a heart overflowing with love to God and man, and an attempt to justify the ways of God to Man. The author's life as given in the following pages is, to his mind, an exemplification of this. Hence I feel that my lack of culture or inability for the task should not deter me from the duty (for such I feel it to be) of placing before the public my experience, so apalling, which shows the dealing of God with weak and helpless man; for I remember that "God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the mighty."

If the perusal of this little work shall cause one poor sin-burdened soul to pause and reflect and turn about and "seek God and his righteousness" I shall feel amply repaid for my labor of love.

May God's blessing attend this effort is my earnest prayer.

OLE T. NYSTEL,
Meridian, Texas.

November 14, 1888.

The author of this work, Ole Tergerson Nystel, was born in Henderson county Texas, January 4, 1853. My parents immigrated from Norway, Europe, to this State (Texas) in the year 1848, first settling in the above mentioned county. Here my mother died at the age of 28, I being 8 years old. My father then moved to Van Zandt county, this State, where we resided during the late civil war, removing to Bosque county in 1866, the place of my present home. My father followed farming for a livelihood, and like most Norwegian immigrants, possessed but little means, and being in a strange country, depending soley upon his daily labor for a support, it required the strictest economy to furnish even the necessaries of life for his family, consisting of himself, wife and three children - myself and two sisters, I being the older of the three. So I took my first lessons in the school of adversity, if enduring hardships and privations may be so called. But perhaps it was best as it develops traits and characteristics that are much needed in our battle for life.

Norwegian immigrants as indeed most all immigrants from the Old World, on comming to this country, or in going to any new country, settle together, forming colonies, thereby preventing to some extent that feeling of isolation and homesickness, which, more or less is the case with all foreigners, for the feeling of loneliness is never so complete as when surrounded by people speaking a strange tongue in which we can take no part, neither to give or recieve a word of encouragement or expression of kindness and sympathy. So to gratify the desire of our social natures as well as for mutual assistance, we sought out our countrymen on comming to America.

The Norwegians, like the Germans, are an eminently social people. Are never so happy, as a rule, as when at their gatherings for any festive occasion. Feasting, song and dance being their delight, they enter into these amusements with a zest but few other people manifest. But I do not wish to convey the idea that hey are unfitted for serious thought, I was merely giving a prominent characteristic. But I am diverging.

Now, as to myself, my youth was spent as most country lads of the poorer class, in helping to make a support for the family. In disposition, I was headstrong, self-willed and mischievious, though, withall, I think, kind at heart. I do not think there was anything low, cunning or cruel in my nature, my mischief generally taking the form of jokes, pranks, etc., for the purpose of having fun, the result of youth, good health and exuberant spirits. As an instance, when very young I had some calves for playfellows, and when I lacked one I would yoke myself up to complete the team.

My first serious trouble was the death of my mother, which occured in the eighth year of my age, of whom I was very fond. But I was too young to realize my great loss, than which there is none greater. She besought my father on her death-bed to look after me carefully, as I was so willful, and prayed that God might guide me in the way of righteousness. My welfare seemed to be the burden of her thoughts. I suppose she thought that I, being a boy, was exposed to more snares and pitfalls than my sisters.

All this had but little effect upon me then, but the time has since come in which I have felt its full power. And I would here earnestly impress all parents to pray for their children daily, for we have the promise that "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much," Jas. 5:16; and again we are commanded to "pray without ceasing," 1st Thess. 5:17. We never know when a kind word, a sympathetic look or an effectionate tear may reach the heart. Parents, pray for your children.

Time passes on with no particular incident in my life worth noticing until I reach the fourteenth year of my age, when an event occured which had a marked effect on my after life. It sobered my thoughts and gave a more reflective cast to my mind.

I wish to remark here that many seeming troubles and afflictions are but blessings in disguise, as my experience in this case has fully demonstrated, showing the truthfullness of Paul's language "that all things work together for good to them that love God." Rom. 8:28. There is an all seeing one who guides us - our helmsman, if we will but commit ourselves to His care. And as the poet has it:

"There is a divin ty that shapes our ends,

Rough hew them as we may."

When about fourteen a neighbor of ours, Mr. Carl Questad by name, stopped at my father's on his way to a cedar brake to chop and haul some poles: He wanted my assistance which was readily granted, although I was needed at home to drop corn, my father having commenced to plant that morning. It was the 20th of March, 1867, and the day was rather warm for the time of year, as I remember well, for everything connected with that day and a few months thereafter is indelibly stamped upon my memory. We started and soon reached our destination about five miles distant, among the hills and mountains, surrounded by dense thickets of cedar and other scrubby growth.

I was at the wagon and Mr. Questad had gone off about fifty steps to commence work, when I heard a noise, and on looking up I saw two Indians, made hedious with war paint. At about the same time they saw me, and giving a few blood-curdling yells, started towards me. It appeared to my excited imagination that they were devils who had come for me and really thought I could see great streams of fire issuing from their mouths. Having been taught that the "devil would get me" if I was not good, and having been described to me in such a horrible light, it is not very strange after all that I felt as I did, under the circumstances. But I take occasion here to enter my hearty protest against making such erroneous impressions upon the minds of the young. But to return. I really thought doom's-day had come. I started to run, and had got about forty yards when an arrow pierced my right leg, passing entirely through the flesh part, just above the knee, which still bears the mark of the wound. At this I fell, and one of them leveled a pistol at me and motioned me to come to him, which I was not long in obeying. My companion started to run at about the same time I did. In his course there was a bluff about twenty feet high, but on reaching it he never stopped to measure the distance - he had no time for his pursurers were close at his heels. He leaped at once down the precipice, landing safely below, none the worse except for a few scratches and bruses. During the chase he was fired at several times, one shot taking effect in his right arm. I never knew his fate until I was liberated, but I supposed from their broken English and gestures that he escaped, which on my return home was happy to know was so.

Mr. Questad told me afterwards that a third Indian ran to intercept him, but fear lending additional speed to his heels he finally escaped. Still he says one Indian could have caught him, but as he still held to his axe he was afraid to get in such close quarters for fear the axe be used on him, and the brush was so thick he could not shoot to any advantage, and so let him go. He did not stop until he had run about four miles, arriving back with nothing but his under clothing on, and they torn and bloody, the axe still in hand. His bloody condition and wild, excited appearence greatly alarmed those to whom he returned, but it was all soon explained and a party started in pursuit to rescue me, but to no avail, though they were close to us sometimes, camping one night only half a mile away from us as I have since learned, but soon lost our track and turned back.

It will soon be seen by this that I was taken captive and my companion escaped, and it is my firm belief that this was all in the order of God's providence, and served two purposes,
viz: to spare his life and give me an experience whereby I could learn to trust God and both designs were accomplished.

1. If I had not been with Mr. Q and been captured myself, he most assuredely would have been killed, though they would not kill me if they could get me alive, I being a boy. But it was their efforts to take me that let Mr. Q get away.
2. The pecular circumstances under which I went with Mr. Q shows that there was some wise purpose in it. Father just let me go with him for his accomodation and to please me, although as before remarked I was needed that very morning to drop corn and did not know why father consented for me to go. This shows the accomplishment of the first purpose mentioned, and the whole of my experience in the pages that follow will show how fully the design with regard to me was accompolished.

To my mind it is a plain case of God's providence. How wonderful are his ways! How He cares for us often, though we wander far from Him. Dear reader, lt us not be unmindful of his goodness, but strive day by day to serve Him with all our hearts and have sincere gratitude of heart for His continued mercies.

The Indians who took me in charge, led me off to their camp about forty yards distant where they had a fire. There were six in the party, three of whom were engaged in cooking a meal, consisting of broiled horse flesh and crackers. They had just killed a horse, the carcass of which was lying nearby, the choice portions being cut out for steak. I was offered some but refused it. They then offered me a cracker and when I extended my hand to take it, one interferred by saying brokenly that I got enough of that at home, when it was withdrawn.

It is needless for me to say that I was almost scared out of my senses, but tried to retain my self-possession as much as possible. Seeing that I was in captivity, I tried to decoy them down to the settlement by giving them to understand as best I could by words and signs that there were plenty of horses in that direction, they could get, but they would shake their heads as though they understood I was trying to get them into danger.

Commanches! Dreaded name. Synonym of all that is cruel and barbarious. What terror that name inspires along the defensless frontier. And it is amongst these monsters in human shape that I had fallen a helpless victim. By this time I was suffering severly from my wound, but to this they paid no heed nor applied anything to alleviate the pain, but after a day or two when it had gotten thorougly sore, they would carry it through a process of twisting and wrenching every now and then, I suppose to increase my already excruciating pain. They would kick and knock me about just for pastime it seemed, whip my bare back until it was perfectly bloody, with frequent repetitions fire their pistols held so close to my head that the caps and powder would fly into my face, producing powder burns and bruses, until I was very much disfigured. In fact I was used so roughly that when I got loose from them my head was a solid sore, and the scab had risen above my hair. Oh! horrible condition The Lord deliver any of my countrymen or anyone else for that matter, from ever being brought into it as I was. But I must return to the march.

After finishing their meal of horse flesh and crackers they went to one side and held a consultation in regard to myself, this I knew from their gestures. The results was, I was committed to the care of one of their number. We then left camps for the journey, but before starting they took off my overshirt and gave it to one of the party. I was placed upon a poor bony horse without a saddle, and you can imagine, better than I can describe my discomfort. We took a northwesterly course as they were then on their homeward march. They avoided the public highways, skulking through the bushes to prevent being seen.

We had traveled about three miles when we came upon a man and his son by the name of Fine who were hunting a horse that had been stolen by these Indians. When they saw us they ran to a live oak thicket near by, tying their mules and concealing themselves in the dense brush. The Indians immediately surrounded the the thicket and commenced firing into the brush. They both finally escaped but the old gentleman recieved a wound in his hand or arm.

The Indians took the mules which were left tied and we resumed our march. Just before sundown we came upon a negro man with a wagon. He saw us a half mile off and came running toward us begging for his life. At first they seemed disposed to heed his petition, but the thirst for blood triumphed over their better nature, and amidst his cries for mercy they stabbed him to the heart. He sank to the ground without a groan, save the death-rattle in the throat. One of them then pierced him through with his spear, it comming out his breast. They left him unscalped and showed by signs and grunts their disgust for such a scalp, and pointed to my head as if to show by contrast the difference; and that to possess such a one would give them great pleasure.

They commanded me to laugh at this horrible deed, but you can imagine what a sickly job it was, thinking every moment that my time would come next. However, they seemed satisfied with the effort for the time being sparing me, as I supposed, for some future occasion.

They killed a calf before starting again, cut off some of the flesh and ate it raw, offering me some, which I refused, not having any appetite especially for such food as that. On starting they placed the calf skin on my horse, the flesh side up, for me to ride on, which I had cause to regret as the future will disclose.

One of the savages now detached himself from the others and struck out diagonally across the country, towards what are now known as the Twin Mountains, Hamilton county. He returned about dark with the loss of an eye. I did not know how it happened then, but afterwards learned that he had killed another negro, and I suppose lost it during the encounter.

That night we made a short halt till the moon rose. In the meantime it had turned very cold, and while here, they took off the remainder of my clothing, shoes, stockings and all, leaving nothing at all, and in their place they gave me old man Questad's overcoat which he had left upon the ground where he {should be "I"} was captured. This left my legs perfectly bare, and so they wrapped them up with the calf skin on which I had been riding, the flesh side next to me.

The moon rising, we started at once, going at a trot or gallop, which we had kept up from the first, day and night. We traveled this way continously until the fifth night, and during this time I was never off my horse, except as I was lifted from one horse to another to rest the horse, having ridden with the flesh part of the calf hide next to my skin as mentioned above, which, while no doubt a great protection from the cold, yet when taken off, brought my skin with it.

In the afternoon of the fifth day we came to a mountain, which from the description of the country as now surveyed and divided, must be in Stonewall county, this state, where the Indians had some fire arms, a tent, blankets, etc., concealed which we took with us.

On the fifth night we stopped and went into camp for the first time since I was captured. They erected the tent for their own benifit it seemed as I was denied entrance. They knew there was no danger of my getting away by leaving me out during the night since I was dismantled, for my wound was too severe. I could not walk, and though I had to get wood, water, etc., I could only do so by crawling and pushing it before me on the ground. It became very cold during the night having commenced to sleet and snow. I was almost numb and stiff from cold, having no protection but the old overcoat as before mentioned. What should I do? I must find shelter or freeze, that was certain. So on looking around I saw an embankment near the tent and went down to it and found a small cave which I entered. I found my new quarters fairly comfortable. I lay down against something warm and hairy, perhaps some wild animal, I never investigated. I was soon asleep from which I did not awake till late the following day.

I heard some commotion in the camp which aroused me, and on comming out I discovered that my dusky companions were gone, the last one disappearing just as I came out. I went into the tent to await their return, for as I supposed they were looking for me. They soon returned from their fruitless search, and on entering the tent and seeing me, they appeared mystified, not knowing from wence I came, and made signs as to where I had been. Being always ready to answer a question on the spur of the moment when I understood what they wanted, and seeing the snow had filled in my tracks or path made in comming into the tent, so that they could not tell where I had come from; I pointed up indicating that I had been to Heaven. At this they showed signs of wonder and amazement, making quite a demonstration in their way. As they are very superstitious and ready to relegate anything not easily accounted for to the supernatural, this may have been of unmeasured advantage to me, as it doubtless made them believe that I was under the protection of the "Great Spirit." However it seems that they easily forgot such impressions and would return to their acts of cruelty.

We soon mounted and were on the march again, this being the sixth day of my captivity. We traveled all tha tday and camped at night again, as they now considered themselves out of danger from their pursurers. That night they allowed me to sleep in the tent, as I suppose they did not want me to make another ascension.

The next day we were up and off early as usual. Late in the day after traveling hard we came upon a pond of water, and stopped to water our horses. The mule I was riding being very thirsty and tired was slow about getting through taking his water and did not want to start when the others were ready. They punched it in the sides, but all to no avail, when finally one of the savages became so angry that he drew his pistol, placing it close to the mules ear and fired. The mule dropped, and I also on my head in the water and mud. They dragged me out and threw me on another horse with no more ado than if I had been a sack of corn. In a little while my coat was frozen to me bit I dare not complain.

On the following afternoon I was set to digging roots for food. One Indian stood near me who ate the roots as fast as I could dig them. I had no tools to dig with, but had to scratch them out with my fingers. (It was a root that grew in the edge of ponds and pools of water, from whence they were obtained). It being a very cold day, my fingers became so cold and numb that I could scarcely use them. I finally grew desperate and jumped up from my work, feeling that I could dig no longer, even if I was killed. At this the Indian knocked me into the water, I then arose and gave him such a blow that he fell to the ground, I started to run. I did not think it was possible to do so before this, as my leg was stiff and sore from the wound, but it was about the best time I ever made before or since. The Indian jumped to his feet and started after me, but soon found that I was too fast for him, so he got a pony and I was overtaken and carried back. (Note: The term "Pony" as used here, refers not to age or size of an animal. Indians often used Mustangs captured from the wild for riding stock. These animals were usually smaller in stature than horses used by the whites. The term "Pony" is used to denote a "Mustang".)This again seemed to awe them, to think I could outrun them, and probably brought to their mind my former feat of ascending to Heaven. While here surrounded by them I fell on my knees and prayed to God that if it was his will I might be free, but if not that I might have a saved soul. A shadow seemed to pass over me and a voice said, just as audible as any I ever heard in my life said to me: "Be in peace and you shall be free." Immediately peace and quietude came to my heart, and all my fears and anxieties vanished. From that time I never dispaired of my final escape. I felt that God would most surely do what he promised (for such I believed the voice to be), although I thought I must exert myself to that end. I did not know how it would be done, but the assurance that it would be was sufficient for me. Thank God for a belief that gives such consolation.

The Indians seemed to hear the voice also, though probably incomprehenible to them. But my actions together with my rapid running, etc., seemed to strike awe to their hearts deeper than ever and possibly led them to regard me as a "spirit" or something of the kind, as the heathen did Paul on one ocassion when on comming in contact with a venomous viper it did not hurt him. See Acts, 28:1-6. At all events they took me and wrapped me in a blanket and placed me by the fire where I slept till the next day. Their treatment of me thenceforward was much better than before.

The following day wich was the ninth from the time I was captured they gave me a little broiled beef it being the first food I had eaten since leaving home. Doubtless it was well they did not give me all I wanted, for it would probably have made me sick after doing without anything so long. It was several days before I got as much as I wanted, and after that had to eat raw meat all the time.

From here our course was still northwest. I still suffered greatly from my wound and from a lack of sufficient clothing. Our line of travel was now over the staked plains. We soon came to a steep and rugged mountain, and as it was about noon we stopped to rest and get our dinner. I sat down near a heap of leaves and dry brush and was moving the leaves about with my hands when there was disclosed to my view a great ball of shinning metal, about as large as a man's two fist. It was about as much as I could lift. I am confidient now that it was gold, almost if not wholly in a pure state, for I bit it, and it was soft enough for me to make dents in it with my teeth, which is said to be true of gold before it's mixture with any other metal. The indians saw me lift it up, and came and made me put it down again. From their signs and gestures I think some of them were in favor of taking it off and burying, though they finally concluded to leave it where found.

I have at times since thought of trying to find the place, but again concluded that it would be usless as it would likely prove a vain search, although I have found a rock bearing my initials a few years ago in traversing some of the country we traveled over which I had marked with my knife while with the Indians nearly twenty years before. But have never been out as far as the supposed gold was found, and even if I could find the place the precious metal, if it was gold, has no doubt long since been appropriated by someone else and so I dismissed it from my mind.

We had been traveling about three weeks as near as I can remember now, when we came upon the Indian wigwams. We had been there but a few days when several girls were brought me from whom I was to choose a wife according to their custom, but this I refused to do at which they did not seem to be offended. But one of the girls pressed her case and annoyed me greatly by her attentions to me. She was rather homely and not very young, and I suppose from her chances growing rather slim, which called for bold measures and in this respect reminds me of some of her white sisters. She annoyed me so much and so constantly that I had to result to force by giving her a sound thrashing before I could get rid of her botheration. She never troubled me anymore. This was not very gallant, perhaps, but it was the only thing left me to do, and it proved efficacious.

The duties assigned me in my new home were herding horses, carrying water, getting wood and running horse races and occasionally joining in a buffalo hunt. I had not been with them long until they had a shooting match with bows and arrows, a favorite amusement with them. My part of this sport was to stand near the target to act as judge and to collect the arrows. They had stripped off my overcoat the only clothing I had on. This left my skin exposed to the sun (and by this time the weather had become very warm) and I felt as if I would certainly burn up, not being accustomed to such exposure. I endured it until my sufferings became intolerable. My skin began to blister, but I knew it was no use to complain, so thought I would run out of it. I had not gone far when I was overtaken by one of them, who on comming within reach, kicked me in the back as I was running down a slope or hill, which sent me sprawling on my face. I was then led back to my post of duty where I had to remain till they finished their sport.

The skin subsequently cracked and peeled off my body from this exposure, which occasioned the greatest suffering I think I ever endured, not excepting the wound, the lashes nor the exposure to the cold. You can imagine somewhat how constant burning as if the very fire were all in your body, with the additional torture of the burning of the sun pouring its power down on your unprotected raw flesh would feel, though you can never have any conception of it until you experience it yourself. And on lying down to rest or sleep, that very effort to secure rest only increased the agony. But to stand up always was impossible. And one bad feature of it was, I must lie on one side all the while and give the other a chance to get well, for if I turned over that side would be made as bad and pain me as severly as the other. I had to go it "one side at a time." Oh! what intense suffering. It reminds me of the description of the pouring out of the fourth vial of God's wrath. (Rev. 16:8-10). Dear reader let us "flee the wrath to come."

Occasionally the Indians would move their camping place. I remember one of these occasions quite well. They had a bear's cub which they had cought on one of their hunting expeditions, and on this migration, as usual they had it in a sack, tied fast on a horse with ropes. Upon this horse an old woman was placed in front of the bear to ride. As we were traveling along a storm was seen aproaching. Great black, ominous clouds were gathering over us, the lightening played hide and seek among them accompanied by deafening peals of thunder, while in the distance was heard the march of the storm king. They wished to reach a certain spot to erect the tents before the storm broke upon us, so we began to travel at a fast speed. The bear became frightened at such a hub-bub and the shaking up it was getting, and began to sink its claws into the horses back, at which the horse began to squeal and increase his speed, and by jumping, rearing and kicking tried to unseat his ferocious rider, but to no avail. When I took in the situation, feeling sorry for the old woman, I immediately started in persuit and being mounted on a fleeter animal I soon overtook them, and on comming within reach drew my bowie knife with which my captors had previously supplied me, made a thrust at the rope holding the bear severing it which let his bearship drop to the ground, not much worse for the fall.

We had only time to get our tents ready when the storm burst upon us with all its fury. It was a boil storm and appeared to come down in bucketfulls at a time. I think it was the most severe one I ever witnessed. The old tents were completely riddled and afforded but slight protection, the new ones standing the storm very well. The Indians appeared to be freightened out of their wits, although brave and daring enough when threatened with danger from man or beast, yet let them be brought to face danger that they do not understand and they manifest that which is common to most people, fear. On the contrary I did not feel the least uneasiness or fright, for I had ever felt, since my wonderful experience on the eighth day that I had God's protection.

My life from this onward was as one of them. I joined in the chase and participated in all their amusements, such as feast, dances, &c. {should be etc.} I was soon initiated into the mysteries of the war dance. This consisted in forming a circle with hands joined , of young bucks and maidens and moving around in pretty quicj time with a jumping, jerky motion, the farthest removed from the graceful, accompanied by the beat of a kind of drum. Such vigorous excercise was too much for my wounded leg, so I thought I would perform part in a more civilized step, but it did not do justice to the ocassion, I suppose as they did not adopt it.

It was the custom of the chief when he got hold of a supply of coffee and sugar to have a grand feast. I have a very vivid recollection of the one held during my captivity. He did me the honor to invite me to the one in question. I being the only guest at his table. A large kettle full of strong coffee some seven or eight gallons I suppose with plenty of sugar constituted the bill of fare. This was enough: for two you no doubt think especially as one was no great drinker of that beverage. It was a pecularity of the chief that he never allowed anyone to leave his board until he got enough and the worst of it was, he was to be the judge of that. He insisted that hte sugar and coffe be in certain porportions, viz: two cups of coffee to one of sugar thorougly mixed. I soon got enough of this mixture and was anxious to be excused, but he would not hear of it. I suppose it would have been a breach of Indian etiquett. My stomach not being accustomed to such treatment rebelled by vomiting freely. This in no way disconcerted my companion. I thought he might have let me off then, but he didn't, his rules being very rigid. So from early morn until late in the evening we held one position with no change, except when I was vomiting, which was quite often. Thus ended the feast of coffee and sugar, an honor paid me which I shall never forget.

The idea of escaping whenever a favorable oppertunity presented itself, never left my mind. This long looked-for time, as I thought, came at last. It was one evening just after night fall, and a very favorable night too, dark and threatening rain. I proceeded cautiously, procuring one of their fleetest horses and started, directing my course eastward. I had traveled but a short distance when it commenced raining and continued to do so all night. I put my horse to about all he could stand and hold out for any length of time; but I was doomed to another diasppointment, and not to gain my freedom this time, for a little after daybreak I found that my pursurers were close at my heels, having somehow discovered my flight shortly after I left. When I found that they would certainly overtake me, my horse having given completely out, I dismounted and lay down in the grass. I was laighing when they came up. I tried to treat it as a huge joke so as to disarm them of anger. They ask me if I was trying to run away, and the only reply I made was a laugh, having learned that that was the best way to get out of trouble. But if I manifested sadness by crying or showing other signs of grief it only made it much worse for me.

On catching me this time they seemed to make up their minds that it would be best to get rid of me as I was giving them considrable trouble and appeared determined to get away. They could get a ransom for me by taking me to a trading Post or an Indian agent and that would be better than to let me go free. We were now at the Big Bend of Arkansas river, Kansas, which we crossed and found a trading Post kept by one Mr. Eli Bewell, and his family, togeather with two other men for protection. They occupied a little adobe house surrounded by a stockade in which they pinned their horses at night. Here they kept such supplies of clothing and provisions as the Indians neede d {should be "needed"} which they exchanged for peltries, furs and sometimes for prisioners that the Indians had captured. As well as I can remember this was near Smokey Hills, Kansas. Mr. Bewell proposed to redeem me and after some parleying it was agreed that $250.00 should be the price, to be paid in brown paper, blankets, tobacco, flour and sugar and perhaps some money, but as to the latter I am not certain. I was perfectly naked at the time and very much embarrassed. My new found friends kindly furnished me with a temporary suit of clothes till they could procure one of a better fit.

About a week after Mr. Bewell bought me we moved to Council Grove, Kan., on the Neosho River. Mr. B. and wife took a great liking to me and wanted me to stay with them. They treated me as kindly as anyone possibly could but I was anxious to return home to my people, I did every thing I could while with them to please them, always quick to anticipate their wants, and never slow about attending to all the chores that I could see needed doing, which seemed to make them love me, and let me say to my young readers who may chance to read these lines, that if you would always be respected and treated well, make your self useful to those with whom you may be associated. Be strictly honest and do your whole duty towards God and man and you will never regret it. Faithfulness is always rewarded, both in this world and in the one to come. If all boys and girls too, would act on this principle, I believe none would ever lack for friends or a home.

Mr. B. became so attached to me and was so anxious to keep me that for two months he moved from place to place to evade the search of the Indian Agent, knowing that if he found me he would send me home if I wished to go. He thought that by keeping me awhile I would become reconciled to remian with him. And if there had been a man with whom I could consent to stay, it was Mr. Bewell. But I was bent on going home. And let me say to the credit of Mr. B. that I do not think they wanted to keep me just for selfish purposes, to be a burden bearer for him. In fact their actions showed that they did not. They felt an interest in me and wanted to make something out of me. He promised that if I would stay with him he would adopt me as his son, and educate me and give half he had (and he was wealthy), and if I would not do that he wanted to educate me and make me his head clerk and book-keeper if I would stay until I was grown. He carried on a large buisness, running three stores all the time, and this position would have been a lucrative one.

During this two months of hiding and dodging I was sometimes left at other houses, I remember quite well, while at a hotel in Emporia, Kan., the proprieter gave me a room for occupancy which was considered "haunted" and scared everyone out who tried to occupy it. They did not tell me about it, but as soon as I had retired the rapping on the wall commenced. It was in an upper story room and I knew no one from the ground could reach it. So I raised up, opened my window and looked to see the cause of the disturbance, whereupon I saw the limb of a tree striking the house as the wind would blow it. Having discovered the cause of the noise I lay down again and went to sleep. Next morning the landlady ask if I had heard any noise during the night and I soon learned that they all considered it a "scary" room and supposed that I would not sleep in it that night but would run from the noise as others had done, but surprised to find that I did not. I then informed them that if they would give me a saw I would cure that "haunt" which seemed to greatly surprise her, but when I explained the matter to her, it was seen that there was nothing of it. And that is about the way all the "ghost tales" turn out if we would look into them.

It seems to have been by mere accident, looking at it from a human standpoint, that I got to come home as I did. The Indian Agent, Col. Leavenworth, had heard of me it seems, but Mr. Bewell being so anxious to keep me had informed him that I did not want to go home. But being pointed out to him one day he motioned me to come to him to have a friendly chat with me, and during the course of the conversation learned that I was very anxious to return home and promised that I would start the next day which I did. But before starting he gave me three dollars in money, a valuable blanket, buffalo robe, and bought a fine Indian bow and arrows which cost $15.00 and made me a present of it. On leaving Mrs. Bewell was so grieved that she ran off and hid to keep from bidding me farwell.

Col. Leavenworth had a talk with Mr. Bewell and the result was, we all went with him to the mouth of Little Arkansas River where he reimbursed to Mr. Bewell the amount he had paid for my ransom. Here I saw the same Indians that had captured me. I went with them to their tents and partook of their hospitality. They wanted me to return with them but I refused, telling them that I was going to Texas. At this they manifested great indignation and astonishment that I would go to such a state. They were willing for me to go to Kansas if I did not want to go with them, but would not hear of my comming back to Texas, suggesting to me that the Texans were "bad" and would "kill" etc. But I could understand the whole thing. The fact were just these. Here were these Indians recieving at the hands of the government in kansas and other points their supplies -tame indians you know- and still the same miserable creatures going off along the frontier of Texas, commiting their acts of atrocity, killing, plundering, stealing, etc., in the role of wild Indians, and they knew the difference between the people of Kansas and Texas too. They knew those of Kansas looked upon them rather in the light of civilized Indians and even if they commit crimes, were disposed to look at it, them, something as they would as they would those of a citizen of the State. Or at any rate they would not fight them as would the Texans. for {should be "For"} they (the Texans) would follow and fight them to the bitterest end, and they were afraid of them. And they were afraid too, that my return to Texas and the relation of my expierence would make the Texans still worse on them. So they said that if I did not stay in Kansas and remain away from Texas they would kill me, when one of them caught me by the wrist. In the scuffle which ensued, his blanket fell off revealing a Bowie knife, which he tried to use, I had a pistol which I involuntary drew as quick as thought and fired at his head. It took effect causing him to release me at once. I then run back to our camp, he running in the opposite direction. I never learned the result of that shot.

At this point I bid a sad adieu to my kind friends who had released me from bondage. Just before seperating from them I noticed Mr, {Should be "Mr."} Bewell going down off a branch, and having discovered by his conversation with Col. Leavenworth that he was sad, depressed and apparently much affected, I was confidient that he too, like his wife, was trying to hide away to keep from bidding me good bye. I hastily ran the opposite direction and headed him. I ask him why he did me that way just as I was leaving, that I wanted to bid him farewell, and thank him for his kind treatment. He sank to the ground choked up so that he could scarcly speak and said he could not bear to bid me adieu. I shall never forget his family.

From this point, - the mouth of the Little Arkansas River - I went to Ft. Washita in the Indian territory with a government train in charge of supplies for the Indians; thence to Sherman, Texas with an ox wagon, walking all the way my self; thence to Milford, Texas, walking most of this distance also. Here I was taken very sick, so that I became uncouncious. On regaining consciousness I found myself in a hotel, having been taken there by someone, but I know not who. I had been there three days I was so informed by the landlady who was very kind to me during my sickness. A physician was attending on me and everything being done just as if I were at home. I had been there about a week and was recovering from my sickness when some of my old acquaintances, Messrs. K. Hanson, Y. and K. Grimland, called by to inquire the way to Hillsboro, Hill county. On seeing them I jumped up and ran out, unmindful of my weakness, for I never felt it, and said: "Yes, Mr. Grimland, I can tell you the way." They seemed to be thunderstruck. Fear and surprise seemed to lock their mouths. Finally Mr. Y. Grimland spoke, asking where I came from etc. I then related to them my expierences and adventures with the Indians. Our excited conversation called quite a crowd around us. My expenses for board and medical attendance, which was only $16.00, a small amount as I thought, was arranged for, my friends standing surety for the amount, and once more I started with them for my home. Just before reaching home we met my father going after me, he having recieved word from the people at Milford that I was there. He was in a great hurry and did not notice me being with our friends and was passing by when I jumped out and stopped him. Imagine our joy at meeting after a seperation of six months; a six months filled with inexpressible anxieties, both on the part of father and myself. I reached home on Saturday, the same day in the week on which I was captured, and the same day of my liberation from the Indians. Captured on Saturday, brought back on Saturday and reached home on Saturday; a rather strange coincidence.

My father soon sent the amount of my indebtedness to Milford and settled my bill.

There are actually three more chapters to the book. However this ends Ole's expierence with the Commanche. The last three chapters reflect upon his later life and religious beliefs. Mr. Nystel went on to found the first Seven Day Adventest Church in the State of Texas.

It has been over 130 years since the above events unfolded. I am quite sure that if I were transported back to that time and expierienced these same events, my story would have made a sorry story. Remember that there was no TV, radio or internet to transfer information such as we have today. Newspapers of course existed, but the news was confined to what was available to a locality. There were no World or National Headlines, unless that news arrived days or weeks after the fact.

What must an immergrant family, who was not fluent in English, have thought of the Commanche? Ole handled his expierence admirably, considering what he may have heard or been told about the Commanche prior to this incident.

Although never a declared war, a state of war existed between these early settlers and the Indians. Both fighting for a way of life that differed tremendously. And many died on both sides. Ole fared much better with the Commanche than a Commanche lad would have if the situation had been reversed. There was a general consesus at the time that the "Only good Indian was a dead Indian". Other than occasions in which a captive Commanche was exchanged for a captive white, I can find no instance of a Commanche being bartered or exchanged in any way that would give him his freedom, before the Commanche was run out of Texas.