Slowly and cautiously the scout worked nearer the fires, where the festivities were going on as if there had been no break. Confident in their numbers and knowing that no strong government force would be in that part of the country, they cared little for the annoyances of prying settlers who might come to seek revenge for the loss of stolen stock or the murder of a family. Suddenly before the scout the tall form of an Indian appeared as if by magic. The scout would have sprung upon the red man to check any outcry, but was halted by a whispered word: “Long Hair?” “Yes,” answered the scout. “It is good--how?” The Indian extended his hand and the plainsman grasped it. “How!” he said, “White-man-runs-him?” “Why does Pa-e-has-ka walk into the arms of the red foe?” “To learn why the red man is a foe.” Buffalo Bill answered quickly. “The red warriors gather because they have been robbed,” said the Crow trailer. “But they are murdering and plundering innocent people who know nothing of treaty rights, as they go to join their chief.” “Pa-e-has-ka knows that there are no dead Indians on the white man’s ground, but there are many dead white men on the Indian’s land.” “Very true, because even when the red brother comes on the white man’s land to steal he is forgiven, but when the weak white man goes to the red man’s hills to dig gold or to the red man’s valleys to raise corn, he is slain.” “Pa-e-has-ka knows the Indian agents keep good blankets and give us bad; they feed good meat to the white children and rotting bones to the red papoose.” “And because a white rascal steals from the red men, the dusky warriors turn and slay innocent white squaws and little babes. White-man-runs-him, if the red warriors do not turn back and await a peaceful settlement of the dispute, it will mean the death of hundreds of both red and white men, and nothing will be gained. Who is in command of this party?” “Rain-in-the-face.” “Where is Sitting Bull?” “Big Horn Cañon.” “Is this force going south now to join Sitting Bull?” “Not till the snows run into the rivers again.” “What are the red warriors going to do till then?” “Make the white man sorry he came to the red man’s country.” “Can you lead me to the camp of Sitting Bull?” “Not yet, Pa-e-has-ka--there are many white brothers to warn. Does Pa-e-has-ka remember the beautiful knife?” The Indian pulled the shining pearl-handled blade from its sheath, and said: “Since Pa-e-has-ka gave knife to his red brother, me swear to be friend to palefaces, always.” “When will White-man-runs-him lead me to the tent of Sitting Bull?” “When the moon hides its face again----” The Indian was interrupted by a commotion among those about the fires. There was a scurry and much running about, followed by shouts and then hideous yells. The Crow warrior listened and then said: “Catch spy--mebby torture.” The scout grasped the Indian.