"It is a lie—Rain Cloud had many of his warriors with him. We have seen them—hiding behind the trees and rocks. What is more, we have captured one of Rain Cloud's men—he who thought to play the fox in the bundle of skins."
At this there was a murmur of rage from the Indian, a murmur that was taken up by others who had heard the conversation. They now knew why they had not received the signal agreed upon.
"Then my white brother will not give aid—will not open the gates?" questioned Rain Cloud.
"I'll not open the gates to-night," answered James Morris. "And I want Rain Cloud and his warriors to go away. He can come in the morning, but he must come alone, and he can bring the sick man with him if he will. Then, if all goes well, I will release the rascal I caught in the bundle."
"My white brother will not give medicine now—will not let the warrior in bundle go?"
"No."
"But if Rain Cloud attack post, what then? My white brother's warriors are gone—he cannot fight. Better be friends with Rain Cloud and open gates."
"If you start to fight we'll do our best to defend ourselves," answered James Morris. "And, remember, at the first shot fired by you, the red man who was in the bundle dies," he added, determinedly.