"What kind of a track?"
"An Indian's."
"But this is the hunting ground of your people, the Utes, why should we fear?"
"There would be no war if the different tribes of men were content to stay in their own hunting grounds, but that track was made by an Apache," said Ulna, with more than usual seriousness.
"How do you know it was made by an Apache?"
"By the impression of the sole of the moccasin. The Mezcarillas have the sole in two pieces, sewed together down the middle; the Utes have their's in one."
"But the Apaches have recently made a treaty of peace with the whites; why should we fear them?" said Sam.
"The Apaches will break the treaty, or will defy it, if they can do so with safety. But they have never made a treaty with the Utes. For generations they have been at war with my people, and if they knew I was here they would be after my scalp with the hunger of wolves."
"They could not take yours unless they took mine," said Sam, reaching out his hand to prove his sincerity.
"I am certain of that, Sam; but I do not want to add to your dangers and troubles, if I cannot lessen them."