whom was of stern
presence, looking every inch a warrior. They had discarded the
last particle of white man's attire, keeping only the white man's
weapons, the repeating rifle and revolver. Every one wore, more
or less loosely folded about him, a robe of the buffalo, and in
all cases the inner side of this robe was painted throughout in
the most vivid manner with scenes from the hunt or warpath,
chiefly those that had occurred in the life of the wearer. Many
colors were used in these paintings, but mostly those of cardinal
dyes, red and blue being favorites.

"These," said Bright Sun, speaking more directly to Dick,
"are mighty chiefs of the Sioux Nation. This is Ta Sun Ke
Ka-Kipapi-Hok'silan (Young-Man-Afraid-of-His-Horses)."

He nodded toward a tall warrior, who made a slight and grave
inclination.

"I'd cut out at least half of that name," said Dick under his
breath.

"And this," continued Bright Sun in his measured, precise
English, "is Ite-Mogu'Ju (Rain-in-the-Face), and this Kun-Sun'ka
(Crow Dog), and this Pizi (Gall), and this Peji (Grass)".

Thus he continued introducing them, giving to every one his long
Indian appellation until all were named. The famous Sitting Bull
(Tatanka Yotanka) was not present. Dick learned afterwards that
he was at that very moment in his own tepee making medicine.

"What we wish to know," said Bright Sun--"and we have ways to
make you tell us--is whether you saw the white troops before we
took you?"

Dick shivered a little. He knew what Bright Sun meant by the
phrase "we have ways to make you tell," and he knew also that
Bright Sun would be merciless if mercy stood in the way of
getting what he wished. No shred of the white man's training was
now left about the Indian chief save the white man's speech.

"I have not seen a white man in two years," replied Dick, "nor
has my brother. We told you the truth when you took us."

Bright Sun was silent for a space, regarding him with black eyes
seeking to read every throb of his heart. Dick was conscious,
too, that the similar gaze of all the others was upon him. But
he did not flinch. Why should he? He had told the truth.

"Then I ask you again," said Bright Sun, "where have you been all
this time?"

"I cannot tell you," replied Dick. "It is a place that we wish
to keep secret. It is hidden far from here. But it is one to
which no one else goes. I can say that much."

Rain-in-the-Face made an impatient movem