He could not see the two Indians anywhere in the dark interior of the car. At the same time, the freight’s heavy engine gave a sharp toot. The long string of cars began to move.
Again Brad shouted to the two Indians. Though he could not see them, he knew they must be in a dark corner of the car. The train was moving faster now.
“You must stay!” Brad shouted. “The turquoise has been found! Old Miquel didn’t die! He’s told everything!”
The words carried, for from the darkness of the car, the two Indians suddenly emerged. They stood framed in the open doorway, and as Brad again pleaded with them, listened attentively.
The train now was moving so fast that the boys could not keep up.
“It’s no use,” Dan gasped. “They’re gone.”
But even as he spoke, the two Indians leaped from the train. They landed on their feet and came back to talk to the boys.
Brad related what had occurred since the two Indians had left the cave, stressing that Old Miquel never had been responsible for his strange actions.
“You can’t punish him for something that wasn’t his fault,” he ended. “Won’t you go to the hospital now—tonight—and tell Miquel that everything is all right again? That he can go back to the tribe?”
“We go,” White Nose promised. Gravely he and Eagle Feather shook hands with the two boys before departing.
Ten days elapsed before the Cubs saw the Indians again. Their appearance came most unexpectedly at a weekly meeting of Den 2 at Mr. Hatfield’s home.
“A little surprise, boys,” declared the Cub leader.
He then introduced not only White Nose and Eagle Feather, but Old Miquel as well. The old medicine man had almost fully recovered from his injuries and now was able to be about.
The three Indians made little talks, thanking the Cubs for the collection of clothing which was to be sent to the Navajo reservation. White Nose related the story of why the turquoise toad was so highly treasured by his people, and ended by presenting Brad and Dan with small pieces of carved gems.
“We return to our tribe tomorrow,” White Nose said in conclusion.
He was assured that the old medicine man would accompany his two Indian brothers to New Mexico, there to resume his rightful place in the tribe.
Never before had the Cubs enjoyed such an unusual meeting. Not only did the Indians tell them many fascinating stories, but they recited chants and gave several dances. Finally, at a late hour, the meeting broke up.