"Well, of all peculiar things for him to do!" muttered Hodge, completely puzzled. "What the dickens is he up to?"
This question bothered Bart not a little, and, after a time, having made sure none of the ruffians were yet approaching from the south, Bart caught up his rifle and ran swiftly toward the thicket. On entering the tangled underbrush, he soon came in sight of Crowfoot, who, although he must have heard the other approaching, paid no attention whatever. The defender of the mines paused in amazement as he noted the Indian's occupation, for old Joe was busily at work, engaged with pick and shovel, digging in the ground.
"What in the name of all mysteries are you doing, Crowfoot?" asked Hodge, as he approached and stood nearer.
"Dig a little," returned the old man, with something like a joking twinkle in his keen black eyes. "Mebbe get some exercise. Strong Heart him great on exercise. Crowfoot hear Strong Heart tell exercise much big thing."
Now, Hodge knew well enough that the aged redskin was not expending so much energy and labor in mere exercise, and he lingered to watch a while longer. Pretty soon old Joe unearthed a long root that ran beneath the ground, which he immediately seized and dragged forth with considerable grunting. Hodge noted then that he had one or two similar roots lying near.
"Mebbe him be 'nuf," observed Crowfoot, as he severed the last root unearthed and placed it with the others. "Think him be. Joe he get plenty exercise for to-day."
Then, abandoning the pick and shovel where he had dropped them, the old man gathered up the roots and started to retrace his steps to the cabin. Still wondering at Crowfoot's strange actions, Hodge followed.
The sunshine lay warm on the valley, which seemed deserted save for themselves.
"Man git hand hurt, him no hurry back much," observed Crowfoot.
"Not yet," said Hodge. "But he will come and bring his dogs with him soon enough."
When the cabin was reached Crowfoot stood some moments looking at a little pile of wood lying in a corner near the open fireplace.
"You build a fire, Black Eyes," he said. "Joe him cold--him cold."
"Well, your blood must be getting thin," declared Hodge. "You can bake out in the sun to-day if you want to."