There was a pause of typical Indian silence, while the piercing eyes in the tepee looked him through and through, before Spotted Eagle asked him his business.
"I am Dusty Star," the boy said quietly.
If the Thunder-bird itself had pronounced the words under cover of its deafening wings, they could not have produced a more startling effect.
Spotted Eagle and his companions rose instantly to their feet. Although the old chief's face did not betray his feelings, his action, together with that of his followers showed how deeply he was moved.
"You have come?" he asked incredulously. "Lone Chief brought us your message that you would not come."
"Lone Chief spoke truly," Dusty Star answered, "but there was something within me which was stronger than my words. I have come to help my people against the Yellow Dogs."
The old chief bowed his head as an expression of gratitude, but said nothing.
"The Yellow Dogs are even now approaching," Dusty Star continued. "Yet the camp is unguarded. I came in from the south. No one challenged me."
"The Yellow Dogs do not come from the south," Spotted Eagle answered. "Their camp is far to the north. We watch the north. Also our scouts have been out to the east and west. Only a wolf could steal upon us from the south."
Dusty Star was not slow to catch the double meaning of the old chief's remark. His eyes flashed as he answered quickly.