To Elsie, Curtis said: "Do not be alarmed."
"There is no danger," he signed to Black Bull. "The white man's body has been found near the spring. He was shot by two men with horses. The white men are coming to see me about it, but there is no need of alarm. Tell your people to go quietly to their camps. I will protect them."
The old chief's face grew sterner as he flung his blanket over his arm. "I go to see," he said. "The white men are very angry."
"Wait!" called Curtis. "Keep your people quiet right where they are. You must help me. I depend on you. You must not alarm them."
"I will do as you command," Bull replied, as he went away, but it was plain he apprehended violence.
"What is the matter?" inquired Elsie.
"The settlers have discovered the body of the herder who was killed, and Crow brings word they are angry. I don't think there is any danger, but I wish you and Jennie were at the fort for a few days. I don't like to have you disturbed by these things."
It was their first meeting alone since their return from the camping-trip, but Elsie was too much concerned with the serious expression of his face to feel any embarrassment.
"You don't think there will be trouble?"
"No, only a distracting wrangle, which may prevent your getting models. The Indians are nervous, and are even now getting out for the hills. But I hope you will not be alarmed."