Page:Lost with Lieutenant Pike (1919).djvu/103

 "What the American chief says, sounds true," remarked Iskatappe, while Skidi glared and his friends jostled and murmured. "But maybe Skidi is right, too. He should have another knife."

"We are not here to trade knives. When an honest man finds what belongs to another, he returns it," Chief Pike replied.

"Much time is being wasted over a matter of no account," growled Iskatappe. "Here is your knife," and he plucked it from Skidi's waist. "I am not stingy, so I give him one to take its place." And so he did.

Chief Pike passed the knife to the medicine-man. The medicine-man was wise. He immediately passed it back to Iskatappe.

"It is now yours. Keep it. By this you see that we did not come for the knife; we came for justice."

"You show us that your hearts are good, after all," Rich Man granted. "I think you have done well."

The faces of the Pawnees cleared, even Skidi seemed satisfied, and after shaking hands once more Chief Pike led out for the column and left the Pawnees to go their way also.

The Americans under the second chief were a long way ahead. Chief Pike acted as if in no hurry. He and the medicine-man cantered easily and chatted