For some days he had scouted about Oak Heart’s encampment, and he had learned that something very strange was going on in that neighborhood. He saw in this meeting with the outcast Red Knife a chance to gain a more intimate knowledge of matters in the encampment before venturing himself in the lion’s mouth.
“Let Red Knife join Pa-e-has-ka upon this side of the brook,” the scout said, at last. “There shall be a truce between them. Pa-e-has-ka will share his meat with Red Knife; Red Knife shall smoke and sleep beside Pa-e-has-ka’s fire.”
If the young brave was astonished at this sudden proffer of friendship, he showed nothing of the kind in his face. He did not even hesitate. He crossed the brook straightly and helped prepare the camp in silence.
The fact was the young Indian had put himself in the hands of the spirits. He believed he was being led. Perhaps this white man had a good medicine which Red Knife might fairly obtain and so become a person of consequence in his tribe again.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE MAGIC CUP.
First of all, Cody desired to question the Sioux warrior, and as he prepared a hearty meal he proceeded to draw Red Knife out.
“When did my brother leave the village of his people?”
“It is a night and two days.”
“Is Oak Heart inclined to peace?”