The circle was a large one. In order that every one might hear, Jeanette established herself in the center of the circle, following the ancient Indian custom.
"You remember the Indian legend Lina related to you. I shall not repeat it in detail. You recall that long ago a young Indian lad, White Heart, was presented with the silver arrow, not because he understood the arts of war, but for wisdom and kindness, the arts of peace.
"We were under the impression that this was merely a legend, a myth, and that no Indian tribe at the present time was in possession of the famous arrow of silver. Well, in a way, no tribe is in possession of it. The arrow fell at our feet and I was first to pick it up.
"The boy confided to father that he was the son of a chieftain whom father happens to know personally. No one outside the tribe is supposed to be informed, but from generation to generation a silver arrow has passed from one chieftain to the next. This arrow he is to guard with his honor and life. The silver arrow is supposed to show the greatness of his tribe and the long line of his descent.
"The Indian lad we observed had stolen the arrow from his father. It is said to bring one good fortune. He had concealed the silver arrow among others he carried in his quiver, and one afternoon by mistake he fired it into the canyon. From that day to this he has been seeking what he had lost. If the arrow is not restored he fears his life will prove a forfeit."
Possessing the dramatic gift, Jeanette made her voice low and appealing.
"I trust you will agree that the silver arrow is no longer ours to keep. If it is true that the 'Club of the Silver Arrow' still wishes to present the arrow to me after what I have confessed to you, then I ask you to allow me to return it to the Indian boy. Some day he hopes to be chief of his tribe."
By and by, when the club had agreed with her point of view Jeanette slipped away and joined her stepmother and friend, Mrs. Perry.
She thrust an arm in each of theirs and the three of them began walking slowly up and down.
"I presume you have given up all thought of going East to school this autumn, Jeanette? I shall not stay on at Rainbow Castle many months longer. I am sure Mr. and Mrs. Colter must wish to return to their own home and are too considerate to ask me to leave. So I shall miss seeing you."