Page:The Pima Indians.pdf/49

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44
THE PIMA INDIANS
[ETH. ANN. 26

ambush into which the Pimas were lured in the Santan hills. One other Pima was killed in this engagement and many were wounded, but no injury was inflicted on the Apaches.

The Pima Kwakrsân was surrounded by the enemy, who clung to him and to his horse and sought to pull him down; but he had spurs on his feet and striking them deeply into his horse's flank he caused the animal to rear and throw the man who was holding its head, high in the air. In the confusion he escaped.

Salt River. The Apaches came one moonlight night to steal horses. Leaving their own mounts tied in the brush, they crept toward the houses near which were the Pima ponies. They were discovered and pursued to the river, where all were killed in a running fight.

1847–48

Gila Crossing. The Rsânûk villagers went to Kâʼmatûk to hunt deer, They were seen coming by the Apaches, who lay in wait at the spring, and two were shot before they could reach cover.

Salt River. The Apaches came to Santan early one morning and killed four Pimas. They were chased, overtaken, and five of them killed before pursuit was abandoned.

1848–49

There is no record for this year upon either calendar stick.

1849–50

Gila Crossing. Three Apaches were discovered approaching the villages and a party was sent out on horseback to attack them. They fled to a hill near Tempe, where they hastily built up a wall of stone, behind which they maintained themselves until nearly sunset, when a Pima led his party inside the Apache breastwork and the enemy were killed.

1850–51

Gila Crossing. The Yumas came again to attack the Maricopas. They surprised the village, killed several, and carried their property to a hill near by, where they sang and danced, saying that they were waiting for the Maricopas to bring their friends, the Pimas, to be defeated next. But they underestimated the number and valor of the Pimas, who soon put them to flight, leaving many of their dead upon the field. One of their chiefs, known to the Pimas as Vĭsaki-kitoʌaȷ(t), when he saw most of his men fallen, came back saying he did not wish to escape alone. He had but a knife in his hand and was killed with arrows.

The remnant of the party took refuge in a thicket near the Estrellas, where the pursuers rushed in upon them with horses and killed all. Many Pimas were wounded but none killed. A strand of hair was