The Chugwater came by its name because of a rock along its course, which stands abruptly out of the level valley and resembles a chimney, and "chug" is an Indian name for chimney. Hence Chimney creek, or Chugwater.

The traders at Fort Laramie became impatient for the fur of the Indians and sent over with the complaint a "hollow wood" (keg) of firewater. In the succeeding debauch a drunken fight occurred, and Bull Bear, Yellow Lodge, and six of their personal friends were killed.

The traders of the American Fur Company became known all over the west as Long Knives, because the ramifications of their business extended over such an extent of country. At the station of this company that once stood near the mouth of Mollie's' Fork, Old Bull Tail appeared with his beautiful daughter, Chintzille. She was indeed an attractive Indian maiden, but the trader observed that she had been weeping.

Long Knife, the trader, quickly discerned

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

what was the matter, for Old Bull Tail commenced with a diplomatic suggestion that it was not well for Long Knife to live alone.

For several days previously the old scoundrel had been a visitor at the post, offering furs and ponies and the beads and blankets off his back for a hollow wood of firewater. This intimation that single blessedness was not well for him, and Chintzille's nervousness had seen what was coming.

After some sparring for an opening, which was cleverly avoided, the old villain came out plainly and wanted to trade his beautiful daughter for a keg of whiskey.