CHAPTER VIII.
THE MANITOU MUST BE OBEYED.
The circus-rider was not yet done. He wished to show what his horse could do in the way of tricks, and for half an hour he kept up the performance. The white steed was a celebrated trick horse, and could waltz in a manner truly surprising.
All who have been to the circus know the many tricks performed by a horse. All of these Barry showed off before the Comanches, and the Indians enjoyed it all very much.
At length he thought it was time to stop, and going over to where the prisoners were still standing, he cut the bonds of the two whom he had saved by his beating the Comanche selected to ride with him. The medicine-man did not like this, and he stepped forward to put a stop to it.
Before he could open his mouth, a voice, coming as all the Indians thought from above them, cried out the words:
“Let Muchanaigo beware. He has dark thoughts in his brain. Let him not attempt to carry them out. His hand will be useless if he attempts to lift it above the head of one of the prisoners. He gave his word, let him break it if he dares. It is the Great Manitou that speaks. He must be obeyed.”
Instantly the Indian stopped still in his tracks.
There was no disobeying this order.
He said not a word, but turning, he sought his lodge, and did not make his appearance during the rest of the day.
He had found his match in the pale-face.