Then he was dragged forth to the council of braves!
But astonishment was painted upon the faces of all as they saw that his hands were free, and that the scout had disappeared.
"Some traitor has done this!" thundered the chief. "What has become of the other prisoner?"
"That is more than I can tell," responded the physician, who had determined upon his line of conduct. "As to my being untied it was done by spirits. Ask your great Medicine. He will tell you, for he is familiar with them."
"The pale-face talks like a squaw!" sneered the chief.
"What says the great Medicine of the Sioux?"
At the command of the old trickster other ropes were brought. With these he fettered the prisoner in the most complex manner, and he was again thrust into the wigwam. Then wild and dismal groans were heard, low whisperings and frantic laughter, and the physician stepped forth free again, carrying his bonds in his hands!
Although far less superstitious than the majority, the chief was nonplussed—knew not what to say. It was a thing that had never occurred before, and he was at a loss how to act. But, something must be done, and he drew the old Medicine aside and consulted with him. The latter was pale with rage, not unmingled with fear. He had been fairly beaten with his own weapons—fooled before all the tribe. Then he thundered forth:
"Let the pale-face tell who was concealed within the wigwam and untied his bonds, or his tongue shall be torn from his mouth and trampled under foot."
"No one but spirits."