“How!” arose as with one voice from the entire circle. Then the chief continued in a long and impressive speech to set forth the story of Kleki-Petrah’s murder, and the attempt of the white men to build a railroad through the Indians’ lands. It was a speech establishing our guilt and pointing to our death, and was interrupted at intervals by the acclaiming chorus of “How!” from the tribe.
“At the hands of any other Indians,” Intschu-Tschuna said, “who knew what we know of these men, they would be given over to torture at once; but we will be obedient to the teaching of our White Father, and be a just judge; we will not condemn our enemies unheard, but they shall be convicted out of their own mouths. You have heard,” he continued, turning to Sam, “what I have said. You shall tell us the truth; answer the questions I will put to you. You were with the white men who measured for the road of the fire-steed?”
“Yes, but we three did not measure your land; we were there only to protect those who did. And as to the fourth, who is called Old Shatter—”
“Silence!” the chief interrupted. “You shall only answer my questions, and speak no further. You belong to these pale-faces? Answer yes or no.”
“Yes.”
“And Old Shatterhand measured with them?”
“Yes,” replied Sam reluctantly.
“And you protected these people?”
“Yes.”
“Then are you more guilty than they, for he who protects a thief deserves double punishment. Rattler, the murderer, was your companion?”