t
Sun himself who resumed:

"But I spared you and your brother. I did that which caused you
to be absent when the others were slain."

"Why?"

"Because you were different. You were not like the others. It
may be that I pitied you, and it may be also that I like you--a
little--and--you were young."

The man's face bore no more expression than carven oak, but Dick
was grateful.

"I thank you, Bright Sun," he said, "and I know that Albert
thanks you, too."

Bright sun nodded, and then fixed an intent gaze upon Dick.

"You and your brother escaped," he said. "That was nearly two
years ago, and you have not gone back to your people. Where
have you been?"

Dick saw a deep curiosity lurking behind the intent gaze, but
whatever he might owe to Bright Sun, he had no intention of
gratifying it.

"Would you tell me where you have been in the last two years and
all that you have done?" the chief asked.

"I cannot answer; but you see that we have lived, Albert and I,"
Dick replied.

"And that you have learned the virtues of silence," said Bright
Sun. "I ask you no more about it to-day. Give me your word for
the present that you will not try to escape, and your life and
that of your brother will be the easier. It would be useless,
anyhow, for you to make such an attempt. When you feel that you
have a chance, you can withdraw your promise."

Dick laughed, and the laugh was one of genuine good humor.

"That's certainly fair," he said. "Since I can't escape, I might
as well give my promise not to try it for the time being. Well,
I give it."

Bright Sun nodded gravely.

"Your brother will come in soon," he said. "He has already given
his promise, that is, a conditional one, good until he can confer
with you."

"I'll confirm it," said Dick.

Bright Sun saluted and left the great lodge. Some warriors near
the door moved aside with the greatest deference to let him
pass. Dick lay on his rush mat, gazing after him, and deeply
impressed.

When Bright Sun was gone he examined the lodge again. It was
obvious that it was a great common hall or barracks for warriors,
and Bright Sun's simile of the Spartans was correct. More
warriors came in, all splendid, athletic young men of a high and
confident bearing. A few were dressed in the white man's
costume, but most of them were in blankets, leggings, and
moccasins, and had magnificent rows of feathers in their hair.
Every man carried a carbine, and most