r for a mighty purpose, and Dick was sure
that Bright Sun, sitting in the ring of his equals, urged on the
project, whatever it might be, and would be the dominating figure
through all.

Although they saw nothing, they were fascinated by what they
wished to see. The great lodge held them with a spell that they
did not seek to break. Although it was past midnight, they
stayed there, staring at the blank walls. Warriors passed and
gave them sharp glances, but nothing was said to them. The air
remained close and heavy. Heat lightening continued to flare on
the distant hills, but no rain fell.

The chiefs finally came forth from the great council. There was
no light for them save the cloudy skies and one smoking torch
that a warrior held aloft, but the active imagination of the two
boys were again impressed. Every chief seemed to show in his
face and manner his pride of race and the savage strength that
well became such a time and place. Some bore themselves more
haughtily and were more brilliantly adorned than Bright Sun, but
he was still the magnet from which power and influence streamed.
Dick and Albert did not know why they knew it, but they knew it.

The chiefs did not go away to friendly lodges, but after they
came forth remained in a group, talking. Dick surmised that they
had come to an agreement upon whatever question they debated;
now they were outside for fresh air, and soon would return to the
lodge of the Akitcita, which, according to custom, would shelter
them as guests.

Bright Sun noticed the brothers standing in the shadow of the
lodge, and, leaving the group, he walked over to them. His
manner did not express hostility, but he made upon both boys that
old impression of power and confidence, tinged now with a certain
exultation.

"You would know what we have been doing?" he said, speaking
directly to Dick, the older.

"We don't ask," replied Dick, "but I will say this, Bright Sun:
we believe that the thing done was the thing you wished."

Bright Sun permitted himself a little smile.

"You have learned to flatter," he said.

"It was not meant as flattery," said Dick; "but there is
something more I have to say. We wish to withdraw our pledge not
to attempt to escape. You remember it was in the agreement we
could withdraw whenever we chose."

"That is true," said Bright Sun, giving Dick a penetrating look.
"And so you think that it is time for you to go?"

"We will go, if we can,"