While Sennett stormed, the two chiefs, Elk and Two Horns, drew near, and lifting his hand, Curtis, using the sign language swiftly, said to them:
"I am your new agent. The Great Father has heard that the old agent is bad. I am here to straighten matters out. I am Swift Eagle—don't you remember? I came with Bear Robe. I was only second lieutenant then."
The faces of the old chiefs lit up with pleasure. "Ay, we remember! We shake your hands. We are glad you have come."
Curtis then asked: "Who is your interpreter—one you can trust, one who can read this paper."
The two men looked at each other for a moment. Elk said, "Joe?"
Two Horns shook his head; then, catching sight of a man who was regarding the scene from a door-way not very distant, he said, in English: "Him—Nawson. Hay, my friend," he called, "come here!"
This observer at once responded to Two Horns' sign. As he came up the chief said: "My friend, here is a paper from Washington; read it for us."
Curtis said: "I am Captain Curtis, of the cavalry, detailed to act as agent here. This is my commission."
The stranger extended his hand. "I'm glad to meet you, Captain Curtis, very glad, indeed." As they shook hands he added: "I've read your articles on the sign language, et cetera, with great pleasure. My name is Lawson."
Curtis smiled. "Are you Osborne Lawson? I'm mighty glad to meet you. This is my sister, Mr. Lawson."