of them had revolvers
also. Such were the Akitcita or chosen band, and in this village
of about two hundred lodges they numbered sixty men. Dick did
not know then that in times of peace all guests, whether white or
red, were entertained in the lodge of the Akitcita.

Impressed as he had been by Bright Sun, he was impressed also by
these warriors. Not one of them spoke to him or annoyed him in
any manner. They went about their tasks, cleaning and polishing
their weapons, or sitting on rough wooden benches, smoking pipes
with a certain dignity that belonged to men of strength and
courage. All around the lodge were rush mats, on which they
slept, and near the door was a carved totem pole.

A form darkened the doorway, and Albert came in. He rushed to
Dick when he saw that he was conscious again, and shook his hand
with great fervor. The warriors went on with their tasks or
their smoking, and still took no notice.

"This is a most wonderful place, Dick," exclaimed the
impressionable Albert, "and Bright Sun has treated us well. We
can go about the village if we give a promise, for the time, that
we'll not try to escape."

"He's been here," said Dick, "and I've given it."

"Then, if you feel strong enough, let's go on and take a look."

"Wait until I see if this head of mine swims around," said Dick.

He rose slowly to his feet, and his bandaged head was dizzy at
first, but as he steadied himself it became normal. Albert
thrust out his hand to support him. It delighted him that he
could be again of help to his older and bigger brother, and Dick,
divining Albert's feeling, let it lie for a minute. Then they
went to the door, Dick walking quite easily, as his strength came
back fast.

The warriors of the Akitcita, of whom fully a dozen were now
present in the great lodge, still paid no attention to the two
youths, and Dick surmised that it was the orders of Bright Sun.
But this absolute ignoring of their existence was uncanny,
nevertheless. Dick studies some of the faces as he passed. Bold
and fearless they were, and not without a certain nobility, but
there was little touch of gentleness or pity, it was rather the
strength of the wild animal, the flesh-eater, that seeks its prey.
Sioux they were, and Sioux they would remain in heart, no
matter what happened, wild warriors of the northwest. Dick
perceived this fact in a lightening flash, but it was the
lightening flash of conviction.

Outside the fre