Not wishing Red Feather to know his decision, he stooped over and whispered in her ear—
"No, Dot, I will not hurt him; but don't say anything, for I don't want him to know it just yet."
It is more than likely that the distressed Sioux saw enough in the bright face to awaken hope, for he renewed his begging for mercy.
"Red Feather love white folks—he been bad Injin—he be good Injin now—'cause he love white folks."
"Red Feather," said he, lowering his voice so as not to reach the ears of the other Sioux, drawn to the spot by the strange occurrence; "you do not deserve mercy, for you came to kill me and all my folk. There! don't deny it, for you speak with a double tongue. But she has asked me to spare you, and perhaps I will. If I keep away all harm from you, what will you do for us?"
"Love white folks—Red Feather go away—won't hurt—bring game to his brother."
Having rested a few minutes, the Sioux began wriggling desperately again, hoping to free himself by sheer strength; but he could not budge his head and shoulders from their vice-like imprisonment, and something like despair must have settled over him when all doubt that he was swelling fast was removed.
It was at the same instant that two of the warriors on the outside, seeing the hapless position of their chief, seized his feet, and began tugging with all their power.
They quickly let go, however; for the impatient sachem delivered such a vigorous kick that both went over backward, with their feet pointed towards the clouds.
"Red Feather," said Melville, standing close enough to the hapless prisoner to touch him with his hand, "if I help you out of that place and do not hurt you, will you and your warriors go away?"