“Company, halt! Watch sharp, men!”
He glanced right and left, waiting to see if this was an attack. No—for, as the doctor suddenly said:
“Those first fellows act friendly, lieutenant. They have no arms; they’re holding out empty hands.”
“Forward!” ordered the lieutenant.
In a minute more they met the Indians from the timber. These Pawnees did indeed act friendly—and all too friendly! They crowded in among the soldiers, shaking hands, putting their arms around the soldiers’ necks, even trying to hug the lieutenant and the doctor and Baroney and the others who rode horseback.
The lieutenant got off, good-naturedly; instantly a Pawnee leaped into the saddle and rode the horse away. The doctor and Baroney lost their horses, also; Stub (who knew what the Pawnees were up to) was almost dragged down, but he stuck fast.
All was in confusion of laughter and jostling and pretended play.
“No, no!” the lieutenant objected, growing angry; and half drew a pistol. The men were getting together, wresting their guns from the Pawnees’ hands and holding them high, to keep them free.
More Pawnees, from the timber, had joined, with guns and bows and lances; and the Pawnees from the hillside had come in. They included two chiefs.
The two chiefs issued orders, and the play stopped. The horses were returned. Then all went on to the trees by the river, for a talk.