Recalling that the Shawanoe spoke English tolerably well, Wharton, holding his rifle ready for instant use, addressed him:
"Yes--much hurt--can't walk--can't stand."
Had the wily red man been less prompt with his reply he might have deceived the youth. The latter could feel no pity for him, even though he knew he was suffering, but there was an eagerness in his manner which convinced Wharton that he was shamming, and was not injured to such an extent as to be unable to help himself.
Blazing Arrow spoilt everything by adding, before the other could make response:
"Help Shawanoe up--maybe he den walk," and he reached out his hand toward the boy.
"I rather guess not," replied Wharton, with a faint smile and a meaning shake of his head; "if you can't rise to your feet you can stay there, for all I care."
"Help little bit," persisted the Shawanoe, making what seemed to be a futile effort, and sinking back with one hand still extended, as though he were a child.
"No, sir," replied the youth more emphatically, "I wouldn't trust you, Shawanoe."
"No speak lie--Blazing Arrow no double tongue."
"You have always had a double tongue; you have always spoken lies. Was it not you who tried to kill me when we were about to run a race?"
"Shawanoe drink fire-water--didn't know nuffin'."
"You knew enough to run off in the woods before my friends could punish you. Why have you chased me so far to-day?"
"Want to catch you," replied the warrior frankly, evidently perceiving that this was an occasion in which truth would serve better than falsehood.
"Yes--run hard--run like thunder--brudder much run--beat deer--beat antelope."
"Then I can beat you?" asked Wharton with a meaning look at the subtle miscreant, who nodded his head with great vigor as he made reply:
"Yes--beat Shawanoe--run faster--much more run."
If Blazing Arrow hoped by "acknowledging the corn" in this fashion to win the confidence of the youth he was mistaken. He could afford to own up when the only one that heard him was his conqueror. Little fear of his ever making the confession to his own people.
"That's the first truth you have told in a long time. What would you have done to me if you had outrun and captured me?"
"Den get away--like do now. No hurt brudder."