Having told his story, he said,
"Tawaina friend to great white chief. Gave signal with arrow; save
little White Bird to-day. But Tawaina Indian--not like see Indian
killed. White chief promise not kill Indian women and children?"
Mr. Hardy assured the Indian that they had no thought of killing
women and children.
"If can take little White Bird without waking village, not kill
men?" Tawaina asked again.
"We do not want to wake the village if we can help it, Tawaina; but
I do not see any chance of escaping without a fight. Our horses are
all dead beat, and the Indians will easily overtake us, even if we
get a night's start."
"Mustn't go out on plain," the Raven said earnestly. "If go out on
plain, all killed. Indian two hundred and fifty braves--eat up
white men on plain."
"I am afraid that is true enough, Tawaina, though we shall prove
very tough morsels. Still we should fight at a fearful disadvantage
in the open. But what are we to do?"
"Come back to mouth of canyon--hold that; can keep Indians off as
long as like. Indians have to make peace."
"Capital!" Mr. Hardy said delightedly; for he had reviewed the
position with great apprehension, as he had not seen how it would
be possible to make good their retreat on their tired horses in the
teeth of the Indians.
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