While his new friends were at dinner Joe strolled over to where
Colonel Zane sat on the doorstep of his home.
"How did you get on with the boys?" inquired the colonel.
"All right, I hope. Say, Colonel Zane, I'd like to talk to your
Indian guide."
Colonel Zane spoke a few words in the Indian language to the guide, who left his post and came over to them. The colonel then had a short conversation with him, at the conclusion of which he pointed toward Joe.
"How do—shake," said Tome, extending his hand.
Joe smiled, and returned the friendly hand-pressure.
"Shawnee—ketch'um?" asked the Indian, in his fairly intelligible
English.
Joe nodded his head, while Colonel Zane spoke once more in Shawnee, explaining the cause of Silvertip's emnity.
"Shawnee—chief—one—bad—Injun," replied Tome, seriously.
"Silvertip—mad—thunder-mad. Ketch'um paleface—scalp'um sure."
After giving this warning the chief returned to his former position near the corner of the cabin.