eepee. We therefore beg that the chief
will hasten the peace-pipe. Afterwards he will lend a brave to guide the
white brothers back to their camp-ground."

While Arnold spoke there was silence among the Indians, and it was
obvious, from the chief's face, that his mind was disturbed with
indecision.

"Mighty Hand has listened to the words of the pale-face," the chief
said. "The white man's words flow as music, but--'_out from the silver
waters, when the moon is round_---- '"

The speaker's voice faded into thoughtfulness, and Holden whispered to
his companion--

"What is the fellow driving at? What does he mean by 'out from the
silver waters'? Of course we came out from waters, but what has that to
do with the moon, I wonder?"

"I can't think, unless--yes, I believe I've got it! It's full moon about
this time, Holden. There's some Indian superstition, I imagine, about
full moon and people being rescued from the water----"

"It sounds like that from the way he speaks. You remember Swift Arrow
said much the same thing."

"Then depend upon it we've hit the mark. In some way we've got mixed up
with a legend or superstition."

Mighty Hand had been consulting with Swift Arrow while the Englishmen
had been quietly summing up the situation, but now he again faced the
captives.

"Mighty Hand has lived long and seen many wonders and much great
medicine. But to-day there is a cloud in his mind. He understands but
darkly. It would be a shame that Mighty Hand should bring water to the
eyes of his white brother's papoose, but who can say if the Fiery Totem
be not calling this day? Behold!"

As he spoke the chief tore open his deerskin shirt, and when the
Englishmen bent forward in curiosity they saw--upon the naked
breast--the figure of a serpent tattooed in gold and red so cunningly
that it seemed as though a living reptile were there resting--a reptile
moulded from burning flames, with head raised in the attitude of
striking.

The men gave a gasp of wonder and surprise, and at the same instant the
Medicine Man jumped forward, pointed a finger towards the sign, and
turned with an evil grin towards the strangers.

"The totem of the Serpent Dacotahs!" he hissed through his teeth. "Can
the pale-face look upon it without fear? Can they not feel the
poison-tooth break the covering of their flesh?"

At this strange attack Arnold laughed aloud, and Holden smiled as he
said--

"The white men are not cowards! They do not s