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[217]
on soft grass, and drink from wholesome springs.
There you shall find swift ponies and abundant game.
Come up with me into the country of Green River, and see the Great Spirit face to face!”
They listened to his words; not only Manuel and the younger bucks, but Cornea, Sabeta, and other chiefs.
Green River is the chief water in the Ute territory; draining the great dip between the Elk Mountains and the Wahsatch chain.
Regarding that valley as their ancient home, the bands were not surprised to hear a call from their Great Spirit to return.
Their fathers had received such messages of grace.
The seer was only calling them, according to their Indian legends, to the happy hunting-fields they had been forced to leave.
Cornea listened to the seer, as to a voice from heaven.
His tribe was moved, and Cornea, acting on a popular impulse, gave the sign to them to go.
Striking their tents, the Indians packed the jerked antelope and pounded maize.
But they were poor in ponies, and the journey to Green River was a long and arduous ride.
“ Let us go out and steal,” cried Manuel and the younger bucks.
“No,” urged the prophet, “you must only borrow what you want.”
1875.
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