"Not yet. Be careful, Steve. If you see them you must not speak to them. Contrary to rule."
"Not speak to them?"
"Not till the chief himself introduces you. Even after that you must not say too much."
"Well, yes. I suppose they are jealous about their squaws. Just like the Lipans."
"That's it, exactly. All Indians are. Besides, you are a young brave and a pale-face. They may not be quite so particular about a white-headed old warrior like myself."
"I'm white. I'll speak if I get a chance."
"And get kicked out of the village for it, or worse? No, my boy, you must be prudent. You haven't been asked to make yourself at home as yet."
Steve did not want to make himself at home, but he was well pleased, as he looked around him, to see how very strong was that band of Apaches. It seemed as if he had just so much more reason to feel safe about again falling into the hands of the Lipans.
True, he was among the wildest kind of wild Indians, but he was not a prisoner here, and the Apaches had no claim on him.
"They will not care whether I go or stay," he said to himself.