Dan Carter and the Great Carved Face Part 19

"Tell us about other dances," urged Dan.

Now that his tongue had been loosened, Eagle Feather was willing enough to talk. He described other versions of the fire Dance, the Feather Dance and one which he called the Plumed Arrow.

He then told the Cubs a few Navajo words. Medicine man, he said, was _Hah-tahnc_, and sand painting, _ee-kah_.

"Your _ee-kah_ very bad," Eagle-Feather added, a suggestion of a smile lighting his grim countenance.

"I know that," Dan admitted with a laugh. "But then, it's the first sand painting I ever attempted. The second, to be exact. Our first one was ruined-by the wind I guess."

"Tell us some Indian stories," urged Mack. "One about medicine men."

The request brought a strange reaction from the two Indians. Immediately they seemed to become less friendly and more grim. Even the tone of Eagle Feather's voice changed as he said:

"I will relate a tale of truth, one that concerns a medicine man of our own people."

"A traitor and a thief," muttered White Nose.

"This medicine man once was highly respected by his followers," related Eagle Feather. "He was trusted by the people who placed in his hands many valuable tribal treasures."

"Ancient turquoise rings found in the old cliff dwellings," murmured White Nose. "Sky blue and hard as gla.s.s. Silver necklaces and discs."

"The greatest treasure of all was the turquoise toad," went on Eagle Feather, his voice as flinty as stone. "It was a handsomely carved piece, worth a large sum."

"What became of the turquoise toad?" Mr. Hatfield inquired as Eagle Feather became silent.

"One day the medicine man vanished. With him went the turquoise treasure.

But the vengeance of the tribe will follow him! He will never escape!"

A fierce expression came over Eagle Feather's leathery face. As the Indian straightened up from a crouched position, Chips instinctively backed away. Thrown off balance, he collapsed against Mack.

A strained silence had fallen upon the Cubs.

Eagle Feather's story had produced an unpleasant effect on everyone. Even Mr. Hatfield felt strangely uneasy in the presence of the two Indians. He tried to hide his own misgiving by saying pleasantly:

"Thanks for telling us so much about the Navajos. I'm sure it's been very interesting. Goodbye."

Eagle Feather's thin lips loosened into a hard smile.

"We may return," he said. "White Nose and I have a mission."

The two Indians turned and with dignity moved off into the woods. Not even the rustle of a dry leaf or the crackle of a stick marked their leave-taking.

For a long while after the pair had gone, no one spoke. Finally Brad broke the painful silence.

"Friendly chaps, eh?"

"I'll bet a Lincoln penny they took Professor Sarazen's blanket!" Chips burst out. "Or at least they know who did!"

"Not so loud, Chips," Mr. Hatfield warned. "They may be within hearing."

"What did you think of that tale they told about the medicine man?" Dan asked Mr. Hatfield, keeping his voice low.

"It gave me an uncomfortable feeling. I don't know what those two Indians are doing in Webster City, but I'm afraid they're here for no good purpose."

"Shouldn't we report 'em to the police?" suggested Midge.

"So far they've done nothing that would warrant a complaint," Mr.

Hatfield replied. "All the same, I dislike the way they're apparently watching our camp."

"Do they think we're hiding someone?" demanded Dan.

"They're after that guy who does the carving at the ravine!" Brad exclaimed. "Y'know we ought to tip him off. White Nose and Eagle Feather could be very bad medicine, if one met 'em on a dark night."

Mr. Hatfield spoke firmly.

"The Cubs," he said, "will concern themselves with organization affairs.

We're not getting mixed in any tribal feuds. Get that straight!"

"Yes, sir," replied the Cubs, speaking as one. And Red added: "I wouldn't have anything to do with 'em, even if you'd give me a prize turquoise toad!"

"From now on," said Mr. Hatfield, issuing a further order, "no one is to remain in camp alone. Mr. Holloway or I always will try to be here. But, if for any reason, we're called to the house, two Cubs always must stay to look after our stuff."

The Cubs accepted the order soberly. With more than their usual care, they began gathering up their belongings for the night. Though Mr.

Hatfield hadn't said so in plain words, they knew that he distrusted the two Indians and was afraid that they might cause real trouble.

CHAPTER 12 EXPLORING THE CAVE

The following day, Dan and Brad discussed the discovery of the underground stream and cave with both Mr. Hatfield and Mr. Holloway.

Acting on a theory that the swift river current must connect with Lake James at a slightly lower level, the two men went on a tour of inspection. They found the point upstream where the underground river flowed into the larger stream, but not where it later emptied into the lake.

Dan pleaded for a chance to explore the cave, pointing out that the lost paddles might be caught somewhere deep in the cavern.

"We need those paddles too," he added persuasively.

"You wouldn't be interested in exploring for its own sake?" the cubmaster joked.

"Sure," Dan grinned. "It would be top adventure! Our secret is too good to keep from the other Cubs."

Mr. Hatfield and Mr. Holloway were of the same opinion. So when the Cubs had their next gathering, they were told of the discovery.

Immediately there was a clamor to explore the cavern.

"Right now!" Midge insisted. "Lead us to it!"