Page:Hugh Pendexter--Kings of the Missouri.djvu/317

 "There were cords through his bones and wolf-hairs under his skin and bird-claws in his flesh. With my medicine I took them all out and showed them to him. But there is an evil spirit in him my medicine can not reach. My warriors stand about the lodge to shoot it when it comes out, but my medicine can not drive it out."

Bridger turned and nodded lightly to Lander, rapidly explaining:

"Chief has a sick Injun on his hands. Afraid he's going to die an' that his reputation as a poisoner will make other bands in the tribe think he was murdered. That shows it ain't a cut or a gunshot." Then to Gauche:

"Bring our horses and guns, and lead the way. We are in no hurry. We will stop long enough to look at the sick man. I am full up to my neck with this talk."

The horses and weapons were brought up; and, equipped once more and mounted, the white men rode side by side with the Assiniboi'ns in front and bringing up the rear. Lander anxiously murmured:

"But you can't cure the sick man."

"White medicine is stronger'n red any time," replied Bridger. "If it's something very simple