From the Indian’s expression, the boy knew that his words were not being understood. A theory was taking shape in his own mind. From Miquel’s words, he believed that the old medicine man had been injured some time before in a fall from his horse.
This fall, perhaps, had shocked his entire nervous system, causing a lapse of memory.
So perhaps Old Miquel had wandered away from his tribe, unaware of his own identity! Now the fall into the pool and another hard jolt had restored some recollection of the past!
“Don’t you recall coming to Webster City?” Dan questioned him.
Once more Old Miquel shook his head negatively.
“Do you remember anything about a turquoise toad?”
At this question, the Indian’s entire body seemed to stiffen.
“It was entrusted to my keeping,” he replied briefly.
“And where is it now?”
“Where?” Old Miquel probed deep into his memory. “I—I—cannot remember.”