Then strange cries broke from the lips of the Indians, and they pointed excitedly at Van Dorn.
Around Van Dorn’s waist, pricked into the white flesh with needle and Indian ink, or some similar substance, ran a perfectly-made belt, formed of many curiously-wrought designs.
These marks or tokens, as they are called, express much in little, and often tell a long yarn to the beholders with the aid of a few cabalistic characters.
Black Arrow gave one glance at the token belt, and then his deep voice rang out in command:
“Kan, Kan gee whock.”
Instantly the Indians formed two lines straight up and down from the white prisoner to their chief, and then Black Arrow walked slowly forward and gazed intently at the curious signs encircling the white man’s waist.
He walked around him in the most sober and profound style, and being somewhat learned in the curious lore of his nation, soon deciphered the whole story presented by the token belt.
Then, with his own hands, he severed Van Dorn’s bonds, and led him beneath a tree.
He seated the gratified villain on the grass, and then turned importantly to the waiting warriors.
They knew that there was a story hidden beneath the curious designs of the belt, and they were burning with impatience to hear it.