The Indian shook his head.
“Don’t you understandy?” asked Joe.
Again the chief made a negative gesture.
“Whare’s all de Injins, and de squaws, and de papooses?” continued the negro, looking around the room.
“My braves hunt. Squaws and papooses much scare and run.”
“In de woods?” asked Joe, pointing that way.
The chief seemed disposed to be noncommital on this point, and his visitor repeated his question.
“Um, sink in the ground,” replied the Sioux, gravely pointing downward.
“Debbil dey did!” said Joe, with a wondering stare; and then, after a pause, he continued:
“Tell you wot, old chap, I’se very hungry.”