“All Indians are at peace in the spirit-land,” replied the pseudo prophet, “and all languages are mingled into one, I have been so long speaking the language of the spirit-land, that it is natural to me to use it; but I will soon become accustomed to the speech of my own people.”
Silverspur, having been duly tutored by Dove-eve, then mentioned the names of several distinguished warriors who had fallen in battle, and told of their pursuits and progress in the spirit-land, together with the messages which they had sent to their friends—all of which was highly satisfactory to his credulous auditors. He concluded as follows:
“My children have done well to make war upon the Crows, to punish them for their cruel and unprovoked attack, in which so many of our warriors were slain. They have done enough. They have taken a great revenge. The Great Spirit is satisfied, and our warriors in the spirit-land are satisfied. Let them now make peace with the Crows.”
“What our father tells us is hard to do,” replied Black Horse. “If we should now send to the Crows to ask for peace, they would kill the messengers.”
“You have a white captive, whom you call Burnt Face. He is a friend of the Crows, and has great influence among them. Release him, and send him to the Crows, and he will make peace for you.”
“The Big Medicine knows every thing. It shall be as he says. Does our father wish to say any thing more to his children?”
“Nothing; except that you must not visit me again until six suns have passed. Then I will be strong and well, and I can take my children by the hand and talk to them.”
The Indians silently left the lodge, and the procession wended its way down the mountain. Dove-eye watched them until they were out of sight, and then hastened back to Silverspur, who had thrown aside his disguise.
“Was it well done?” he asked, as he greeted her joyfully “Do you think they can suspect any thing wrong?”
“It was very well done. Silverspur is a wonderful man. Why did you tell them that they must not come here again until after six suns?”