"You and your brother escaped," he said. "That was nearly two years ago, and you have not gone back to your people. Where have you been?"
Dick saw a deep curiosity lurking behind the intent gaze, but whatever he might owe to Bright Sun, he had no intention of gratifying it.
"Would you tell me where you have been in the last two years and all that you have done?" the chief asked.
"I cannot answer; but you see that we have lived, Albert and I,"
Dick replied.
"And that you have learned the virtues of silence," said Bright Sun. "I ask you no more about it to-day. Give me your word for the present that you will not try to escape, and your life and that of your brother will be the easier. It would be useless, anyhow, for you to make such an attempt. When you feel that you have a chance, you can withdraw your promise."
Dick laughed, and the laugh was one of genuine good humor.
"That's certainly fair," he said. "Since I can't escape, I might as well give my promise not to try it for the time being. Well, I give it."
Bright Sun nodded gravely.
"Your brother will come in soon," he said. "He has already given his promise, that is, a conditional one, good until he can confer with you."
"I'll confirm it," said Dick.