Indian said
that the head-chief was very sick, and that he could not leave his
lodge. He told us we might accompany them to the village, which lay a
few miles farther up. Of course I rejected the proposal.

"Well, I saw there was no use to haggle in that fashion. I ordered the
interpreter to go into particulars. He proceeded to state your terms."

At this point in the narrative, Colonel Cummings stood still. Captain
Oliver advanced toward him a step, and met his eyes in a curious,
helpless way.

"It was queer," he continued, "but what Mr. Matthews told them didn't
seem to scare them any."

"Oh, it didn't!" cried the colonel, angrily, and once more began to
pace.

"No, they grinned at him, and chattered together. Then they rode away.
When dark came on, fearing treachery, we left the grove for a sheltered
place farther down. Our scouts then set out for the Indian village,
going across the river, and far around to the right. On their return,
they said that the Sioux camp numbered several hundred wigwams. While
just above was a village of Dog Soldiers.

"The night passed quietly. In the morning, a single brave came riding
toward us. He stopped beyond rifle-reach. I sent the interpreter out. He
returned to say that the chief promised him fair treatment if he would
come alone. I took it that the camp was anxious for a little
entertainment, and that one white was to furnish it. I didn't consider
this second proposal a minute--it was worse than foolish, I thought.
But"--he looked toward the cot--"Mr. Matthews didn't agree with me. He
went. It was a magnificent bit of courage, sir."

The colonel wheeled. "By Jupiter!" he exclaimed. "_You did that?_"

Matthews smiled and crossed his legs awkwardly. "Oh, it wa'n't nothin',"
he said, forbearing to glance up. "I savvy Injuns, you know. I--I was
willin' to take the chances."

Colonel Cummings looked down. After a moment, and without changing the
position of his body, he turned his face slowly in Oliver's direction.
The eyes of the two officers met, and flashed messages of doubt.

When the commanding officer looked at the interpreter again, it was on
his lips to say, "But you were afraid to enter the stockade with me." He
checked himself, however, and, instead, reached for Matthews' hand. "It
_was_ a magnificent bit of courage," he agreed. "Tell us what happened."

Matthews fingered the blanket on the cot. "I seen the chief," he said,
"and told him what you told me to tel