No; a treaty there was to be, and presents were to come from the red man's "great father at Washington," and that band of Apaches must manage to be on hand and secure all that belonged to it, and as much more as possible.
Red Wolf had nothing more to say about burning up leaves which had talked so well, and his manner toward Rita was almost respectful as he led her and Ni-ha-be away from the group of great men that was now gathering around the chief. Red Wolf was too young a brave to have any business to remain while gray heads were in council. A chief would almost as soon take advice from a squaw as from a "boy."
Mother Dolores had heard nothing of all this, but her eyes had not missed the slightest thing. She had even permitted a large slice of deer meat to burn to a crisp in her eager curiosity.
"What did they say to the chief?" was her first question to Rita.
But Ni-ha-be answered her with: "Ask the warriors. If we talk too much, we shall get into trouble."
"You must tell me."
"Not until after supper. Rita, don't let's tell her a word unless she cooks for us and gives us all we want. She made us get our own supper last night."
"You came late. I did not tell your father. I gave you enough. I am very good to you."
"No," said Rita; "sometimes you are cross, and we don't get enough to eat. Now you shall cook us some corn-bread and some fresh meat. I am tired of dried buffalo: it is tough."
The curiosity of Dolores was getting hotter and hotter, and she thought again of the wonderful leaf which had spoken to her. She wanted to ask Rita questions about that too, and she had learned by experience that there was more to be obtained from her willful young friends by coaxing than in any other way.