"Yes, but lodge empty. Want squaw."
"Send Warning is old. No child. Rather have daughter. He has taken the Knotted Cord for a son. All he needs now is a young squaw."
"Ugh! Good. All Apaches say Send Warning is wise. Know what he likes best. Buy young squaw. Braves get killed in fight. Plenty young squaws have no father. All glad to come into good lodge. Have plenty meat. Plenty nice blanket. Good for squaw."
The notion of Many Bears was one that fitted him very well, for, as chief of the band, it was his duty to keep an eye upon the fortunes of its "orphans." There could be no better "asylum" for one of them than the lodge of a wise old brave like Send Warning.
"No," said Murray, after a moment of silence. "Only one young squaw in camp for me. The great chief must let me have Rita."
Many Bears was as nearly startled as an Indian chief could be by this sudden and daring proposal. He shook his head. Only a chief who could bring rich presents could expect to buy the daughter of a great man like Many Bears. Something far beyond the power of a seemingly poor warrior like Send Warning.
"Good," said Murray, calmly. "Heap give. Suppose you say what you think. How big heap?"
There was a grim smile on the face of Many Bears as he turned and looked in the face of his friend.
"How much? Ugh. Suppose chief bring fifty ponies?"
"Good," said Murray. "Go on."