“Wait! Let Joe be our spokesman, since he has already done so well. Tell him the truth, Joe, and see that the whole blame falls where it belongs.”
The chief repeated his question, and Joe, getting as near to him as he could, replied, rubbing his eyes:
“I tell you wot, cap’n—it’s all a mistake.”
“No un’stan’.”
“You see dis man?” pointing to Captain Meinhold.
The Indian nodded.
“He is our chief. He good man; we all goody men, except him,” pointing to Hare.
“What do you mean, you black rascal?” said the excited man.
“Keep still, Hare,” replied Cody authoritatively, “or you will be compelled to. This matter has got to be explained. You would not take our advice, and you must now bear the blame of your own actions.”
“I did what I thought was right.”