“I am asking him to pass the news along, and spread it far and wide,” explained Dick, as he continued his gestures and forceful words; “and I think he knows. Here, let me do a little picture writing for him; perhaps that may help.”
He picked up a piece of smooth bark, and, using the point of Roger’s hunting knife, managed to scratch several crude designs upon it. Two of these represented the rising and the setting sun. Then a figure with a Dacotah head-dress stood half way between with arms outstretched.
Showing this to the brave, Dick once more began to speak and make gestures. While he could not of course be certain, still he had every reason to believe that the other understood what he was driving at, for he nodded, touched each of the boys on the chest, then shook his head in the negative, and said something in the Dacotah tongue which Dick fancied meant White Father.
“That’s the best I can do with him, Roger; and now we must be on our way again. Whether it works or not, at least we can feel that we have done the right thing.”
CHAPTER XX
THE RETURN FROM CAPTIVITY
They parted from the Dacotah brave with what was doubtless intended to be grateful gestures on his part.
“He seems to understand that we have played the part of friends,” said Roger, “and I think if the chance ever comes up he will stand by us.”
“I am of the same opinion,” declared Dick, “though for that matter I hope we may never need his help. After all, we did not lose much time, and it was worth while to save a life.”