“I can prove that I speak the truth. I will take them to his grave, and will show them his body.”
“It will be hard even for the Snake to show that which is not to be found.”
“But I have seen it. You thought your secret was safe with you and Jose; but he has confessed, and has shown me where you buried the old man.”
“You may be able to make Jose say many things; but he could not show you that which he has never seen himself.”
“I have seen the body of the Big Medicine, and I can take the old men to his grave, where they can see it themselves. I wish to save you, Dove-eye. I wish you to live and to be my wife. If you will marry me, you will be safe; if not, I will tell the tribe of what you have done.”
“If all you say were true, I had rather die than become your wife; but I am not afraid of your lies.”
With this reply the girl turned away and left him.
Boiling with indignation at the contempt with which he was treated, the trader hastened to the village, and went at once to the lodge of Black Horse, whom he requested to call together the old men as he had a matter of the greatest importance to communicate.
The chief summoned the council, the door of the council-lodge was closed, and Wormley was about to commence his accusation, when he was interrupted by an uproar without.