The young chief made the circle of the sun's course twice, and then pointed to the zenith.
"Then there is just a chance that we may be able to save him after all."
"Yes. For why should the Wacondah speak a lie?" said the Indian earnestly.
"What do you mean? I don't understand you!"
"Why, Jamie, it's as clear as noon-day what he means. He says, 'Why should the Wacondah speak a lie?' That is, if the Great Spirit has put it into your heart to save this paleface hunter, why should he withhold the means to do it, when He is all-powerful? The lad's faith in his God is greater than your own. So cheer up, and we'll save him yet, or we'll know the reason why."
"Young Eagle, I thank you. You have lifted a load from my heart, and your faith is greater than mine, though I have been bred in a Christian country," said Jamie.
"Ugh! My paleface brother has often told me of the sacred writings in the land of the sun-rising, and how the Great Spirit has spoken to his white children; why, then, should he disbelieve the words of the Wacondah?"
This conversation was suddenly interrupted by an Indian whoop, which seemed to come from the distant camp.
"What can that mean? Listen! There it comes again," said Jack. This time it was repeated from several quarters.
"It simply means that they have been joined by another party of their friends," said the Indian.