CHAPTER XXVIII
Steve Harrison found his position a little awkward during the time spent by Murray with Rita in the lodge. The chiefs had too much dignity to seem to consult with so young a brave especially as he had not even one of the talking leaves to listen to. He knew that not only Dolores and Ni-ha-be, but half a dozen other squaws, old and young, were staring at him, and he could not understand a word of the low-voiced remarks they made. He was very glad, therefore, when his friend once more appeared, and he saw by the light on his face that he had no unpleasant news to bring.
"What find?" asked Many Bears. "Send Warning and Rita hear something?"
"Hear a little. Send Warning will take the leaves to his own lodge and hear more."
"What say now? Hear about big talk with blue-coat pale-faces?"
"Tell you what I think."
"The chief is listening."
"Break up village. Move west right away. More news come soon. Hear about treaty when you see the lodges of your own people. No time to lose."
That advice agreed so exactly with the notions of Many Bears that he was ready to accept it at once. He turned to his two councillors triumphantly.
"What did I tell you? It is wisdom. We will go. Tell the braves to get ready. Tell all the squaws to pack up. Send on hunting braves. Good many. Kill plenty meat."