"You don't need him now. He was only a pale-face. Many Bears is a great chief. He is your father now."
Something seemed to tell Rita that she would not be wise to arouse her friend's national jealousy. It was better to turn to some of the pictures and try to explain them. Very funny explanations she gave, too, but she at least knew more than Ni-ha-be, and the latter listened seriously enough.
"Rita, was there ever such a mule as that?—one that could carry a pack under his skin?"
It was Rita's turn now to be proud, for that was one of the pictures she had been able to understand. She had even read enough to be able to tell Ni-ha-be a good deal about a camel.
It was deeply interesting, but the Apache maiden suddenly turned from the page to exclaim,
"Rita, Red Wolf says the talking leaves must tell you about the blue-coat soldiers or he will burn them up."
"I'm going to keep them."
"I won't let him touch them."
"But, Ni-ha-be, they do tell about the soldiers. Look here."
She picked up another of the magazines, and turned over a few leaves.