"Let the pale-face speak," returned the Indian with dignity, though it was plain that he was moved by the sneering tones.
"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?" exclaimed Arnold, with sudden enlightenment. "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 when we say we will not do a thing, you know that we will keep our promise?"
The Indian bowed assent.
"Well, look here! If you will remove these cords, my friend and I will promise not to fight and not to run away without 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 solemnly returned, accompanied by a couple of young men.