had time to grasp the full meaning of the legend that he had related.
Then he lowered his voice and spoke with deep meaning that was not
difficult for the Englishmen to understand--

"Yesterday the moon was round. Two white spirits came from the lake that
is silver without canoe for sailing, without arms or tomahawk for
fighting. The fiery totem called, and was answered.... By another sun
Mighty Hand will lead the white spirits of the water to the camp that is
called Peaceful!"

CHAPTER IX

THE TEMPTATION

It needed no great knowledge of Indian character and Indian ways to make
clear to the Englishmen all that was implied in this story that
Thunder-maker had recited. Nor had they any reason to doubt that he had
spoken the truth, for the evident pleasure that it gave him to watch the
effect of his revelation was almost a sufficiently convincing argument
in itself.

Of course Thunder-maker had only the evidence of his ears to inform him,
for the tent was in darkness, the convenience of lamps not being a usage
of the redskins, who either retire to sleep at nightfall, or rely upon
camp-fires for illumination. But the Medicine Man could hear his
companions give slight gasps of horror when the climax was reached. His
ears were quick to interpret the faintest sounds of pleasure, pain, or
surprise.

The trio sat in silence for a time, until at last the soundless night
became too oppressive, and Holden was forced to speak his thoughts.

"Why have you told us of this, Thunder-maker?" he asked. "Were you sent
to us by Mighty Hand?"

The Indian made an impatient movement of his body, and grunted meaningly
at the question.

"Mighty Hand send Thunder-maker?" he exclaimed, in an undertone that
conveyed a sense of the uttermost contempt for the chief of the
Dacotahs. "My white brother speak foolish words--the words of women and
papooses. Mighty Hand do the wish of Thunder-maker. The chief of
medicine no slave to run when any man speak."

"Then why have you come to us to-night?" urged Holden.

"It was not out of friendship for us," added Arnold.

"Huh! It true what the redmen say, that the pale-face have heart of
buffalo skin that keep out the love of brother," responded the Indian,
in fawning tones that caused the listeners to feel as though they would
have gladly kicked the speaker out from the tent. There was low cunning
in his voice--such cringing craft as all brave men naturally despise.
But it was the insti