The chief arose, as the last strain died away, and said:
"My people, listen."
The plateau was silent. The Columbia could be heard flowing. The trees seemed listening. Benjamin came upon the platform, reeling, and seemed about to speak to his father, but the old chief did not heed.
"My people, listen," repeated the chief.
A wild shriek of pain rent the air, and Benjamin dropped at the feet of his father. It was his voice that uttered the cry of agony and despair as he fell.
What had happened?
The boy lay on the platform as one dead. The old chief bent over him and laid his hand on his face. He started back as he did so, for the face was cold. But the boy's eyes pitifully followed every movement of his father. Gretchen sunk down beside the body, and drew her hand across his forehead and asked for water. Benjamin knew her.
Soon his voice came again. He looked wistfully toward Gretchen and said:
"I shall never go to find the Black Eagle's nest again. It is the plague. My poor father!—my poor father!"
"Send for the medicine-man," said the chief. "Quick!"