“White man speak with straight tongue. Indian no say what not so. Indian——”
“I know,” interrupted Harvey, with a laugh. “You want to say you were mistaken, that’s all. Go ahead, no hard feelings, only I knew I could prove it was our bear, and I want my rights, even if you are on the warpath.”
“Bah!” grunted the redman again, as he turned to go back to his followers. Evidently they had seen how the dispute had ended. They were not to get the bear, and they were disappointed for doubtless, since leaving, they missed the rations given out at their reservation which they had deserted. In all probability they were hungry, and the bear meant a feast to them, even though the meat was not at its best. Harvey Brill must have known this, for ere Standing Horse could join the group of redmen, and secure his rifle from the Indian who held it, the Westerner called out:
“Hold on, Standing Horse. Just because I proved that this was our bear meat doesn’t say we want it all. There’s more here than we can use, and, after we take off a few steaks you’re welcome to the rest. Indians can have most of the bear.”
“Ya! Ya!” grunted the chief, evidently in surprised delight. And then, with his customary disinclination to showing any emotion, the chief motioned to his followers the further result of the dispute. The redmen could not restrain a murmur of delight, which showed their hunger. Pleased smiles took the place of scowls, and Ned breathed in relief, for he feared there might be hostilities.
“I guess this will do us,” remarked Harvey, as he cut off some of the best portions. “Take the rest, Standing Horse.”
The Indians needed no second invitation, and soon were at work cutting up the bear. Others began making a fire, while Standing Horse, taking his rifle from the warrior who had held it, stalked off by himself in gloomy silence.
“Come on, Ned,” suggested the miner, as he reached our hero, carrying the steaks. “I guess we’ve done enough hunting for one day. Besides, I want to get back to the others.”
“Why?” asked the lad, struck by something unusual in the tone of the miner.