The Indian relapsed into indignant silence.
“You did not tell me the truth the first time I saw you,” said Frank. “Why should I not ask the question?”
“No know um then.”
“And, now that you know me, you are ready to shoot me in a moment. Still, I want you to come back to the cabin. Dick need not fear that I am going to take him away to school right off. I have no thought of doing so now, and he’ll not have to go until he is perfectly willing. If you, Crowfoot, know where Swiftwing is to be found, I want you to take me to him. I shall be glad to pay you in any possible way for your trouble.”
The Indian stood still and looked at the boy. Frank also looked at Dick, who immediately said:
“I am going back to the cabin, Joe. Won’t you come?”
But the old fellow seemed offended.
“No,” he said; “not now.”
Dick knew it was useless to try to persuade Old Joe, and so he did not make the attempt.
“Mebbe come in one, two day,” said Crowfoot. “Mebbe not come at all.”