"Yes; I remembered, chief, that you had fallen into our ways and drink tea."
"Tea is good," the Indian said. "It is the best thing the white man has brought out on to the plains."
"That is so, chief, except tobacco. We did not bring that; but I reckon you got it from the Spaniards long ago, though maybe you knew of it before they came up from the south."
The meat was now cooked, and Tom took it off the fire and handed the pieces on the ramrod, that had served as a spit, to the others, together with some bread, poured out the tea from the kettle, and placed a bag of sugar before them. There was little talk until after the meal was over. Then the Indian and Jerry smoked steadily, while Tom took a single pipe, having only commenced the use of tobacco since he had left Denver. Presently the Indian arose.
"In the morning I will see my white friends again," he said, and without further adieu turned and walked gravely back to the fort.
CHAPTER IV — LEAPING HORSE
"He is a fine fellow," Jerry said, after the Indian had left him. "You must have a talk with him one of these days over his adventures among the 'Rappahoes and Navahoes, who are both as troublesome rascals as are to be found on the plains. An Indian seldom talks of his adventures, but sometimes when you can get him in the right humour you may hear about them."
"He talks very fair English," Tom said.