“Last sun Whirlwind had many braves,” replied the Indian, “but now, he has not one. The Sioux dogs trapped them like beaver, and they fell.”
Old Pegs was silent, because he did not know how the Indian might regard his share in the battle of the day before.
“My brothers fought against the Blackfeet, too,” continued the chief. “That was well, because the Blackfeet struck first when they did not know who they fought. Whirlwind would be a friend to Short Legs and the Beaver Captain.”
“I am willing to be friends,” replied Dave, “but you put an arrow through my shoulder, yesterday.”
“Yesterday we were enemies, to-day we will be friends.”
“And to-morrow enemies again.”
“Not if Whirlwind smokes a pipe with his white brothers. See; Whirlwind seeks vengeance on the Modoc Sioux, who have come into his country and killed his men. Short Legs and the Beaver Captain shall help him.”
“Do you wish to be a friend to the man who was with us last sun?”
“No!” replied the chief, sullenly. “Whirlwind will not smoke a pipe with him.”
“I am glad of that,” continued Dave, “for he is our enemy. Let Whirlwind bring a pipe and we will smoke.”