ing to free himself by sheer strength; but he could not budge
his head and shoulders from their vice-like imprisonment, and something
like despair must have settled over him when all doubt that he was
swelling fast was removed.

It was at the same instant that two of the warriors on the outside,
seeing the hapless position of their chief, seized his feet, and began
tugging with all their power.

They quickly let go, however; for the impatient sachem delivered such a
vigorous kick that both went over backward, with their feet pointed
towards the clouds.

"Red Feather," said Melville, standing close enough to the hapless
prisoner to touch him with his hand, "if I help you out of that place
and do not hurt you, will you and your warriors go away?"

The Sioux nodded so vigorously that he struck his chin against the wood
hard enough to cause him some pain.

"Me go away--all Sioux go away--neber come here 'gin--don't hurt
nuffin--hurry way."

"And you will not come back to harm us?"

"Neber come back--stay way--love white folks."

"I don't believe you will ever love them, and I don't ask you to do so;
but you know that my father and mother and I have always treated your
people kindly, and they have no reason to hurt us."

"Dat so--dat so--Red Feather love fader, love moder, love son, love
pappoose of white folks."

"You see how easy it would be for me to shoot you where you are now
without any risk to myself, but I shall not hurt you. I will help to get
your head and shoulders loose; but I am afraid that when you mount your
horse again and ride out on the prairie you will forget all you promised
me."

"Neber, neber, neber!" replied the chieftain, with all the energy at his
command.

[Illustration: "Oh, Mel!" called Dot "don't hurt him."--Page 30]

"You will think that you know enough never to run your head into that
window again, and you will want to set fire to the house and tomahawk
us."

The Sioux looked as if he was deeply pained at this distrust of his
honorable intentions, and he seemed at a loss to know what to say to
restore himself to the good graces of his youthful master.

"You are sure you won't forget your promise, Red Feather?"

"Red Feather Sioux chief--he neber tell lie--he speak wid single
tongue--he love white folks."

"I counted five warriors with you; are they all you have?"

"Dey all--hab no more."

Melville believed the Indian spoke the truth.

"Where are the rest?"

"Go down