Seeing the weapon, Red clutched Dan’s hand in a tight grip. He held his breath, fearful lest he draw attention to himself or his mates.
The Cubs were more afraid for Miquel than for themselves. But the old Indian medicine man remained undisturbed.
Observing White Nose and Eagle Feather on the ledge above him, he murmured, “Ah-hah-lah-nih,” in affectionate greeting.
White Nose and Eagle Feather leaped down in front of the old Indian, their attitude hostile. They spoke rapidly, fiercely in their own tongue.
Brad, Dan and Red could not understand what was being said, though they caught one word “turquoise.”
They guessed, however, that the two Indians were accusing the old medicine man of having stolen the turquoise toad from the tribe.
Old Miquel began shaking his head in a bewildered way. Abandoning the fire, he backed away from his accusers.
Step by step, White Nose and Eagle Feather pursued him.
Old Miquel backed nearer and nearer the edge of the ledge.
To the horror of the Cubs, he suddenly toppled backwards into the deep pool. He struggled briefly and went down.