Part 4 (1/2)
This was evidently a point of view that had not occurred to the redskin, for he was at a loss for an immediate reply He looked first at one man and then at the other, after which he repeated half aloud, half to hi of the words--
”_When the moon is round, and they rise out of the silver waters---- _”
”Yes, yes!” interrupted Arnold, and speaking at guesswork ”That is true We know that--'out of silver waters'--but is anything said about bonds?”
The old man shook his head He was deeply puzzled
”The pale-face speaks true, and it
There are round
How shall the redht?”
Then Arnold assuh not without a certain sneer in his tone--
”Does Swift Arrow ask a question of his white brothers, or does he talk as old squaws chatter--foolish words like running water? We could tell him much, but it is well to knohom one speaks Words may be wasted as rain upon rocks”
”Let the pale-face speak,” returned the Indian with dignity, though it was plain that he wastones
”Then listen We who came 'out of the silver waters,' as you put it, can tell you much But how can we speak in bonds? The pale-face is a chief
He will not speak as a slave to his master”
But the old man shook his head
”It cannot be so, lest you return to the waters from whence you came----”
”Oh, that's it, is it?” exclaihtenment ”If that's all, it's easily settled Look here--you know that when a pale-face says he will do a thing he will surely do it?”
”My white brother's word is ever truth”
”And e say ill not do a thing, you know that ill keep our promise?”
The Indian bowed assent
”Well, look here! If you will reht and not to run aithout telling you first that we intend to do so We will go with you where you will We are not foxes to hide behind bushes; we are no half-breeds to hide behind forked words I have spoken”
The old man was immediately impressed by this view of the situation He retired for a few minutes to consult with his friends, and afterwards sole men
”My white brother has spoken well,” he said ”The redman will take the word of his white brother” Then he turned to the braves, gave a brief order in Indian, and the next moment Arnold and Holden stood up free
”What next, I wonder?” questioned the latter, as he looked inquiringly at Swift Arrow
He was not kept long in doubt, for the old lishroup Afterwards the coh the woods to the north-east
[1] Manito = God