Finally they brought me before an important looking body of Indians, who proved to be the chiefs and principal warriors.

I soon recognized old Satanta among them, as well as others whom I knew, and I supposed it was all over with me.
The Indians were jabbering away so rapidly among themselves that I could not understand what they were saying.

Satanta at last asked me where I had been; and, as good luck would have it, a happy thought struck me.

I told him I had been after a herd of cattle or "whoa-haws," as they called them.

It so happened that the Indians had been out of meat for several weeks, as the large herd of cattle which had been promised them had not yet arrived, although expected by them.
The moment that I mentioned that I had been searching for the "whoa-haws," old Satanta began questioning me in a very eager manner.