I told him that I was innocent of their blood, who was forced to be there to try to shoot vultures on the wing in order to save my white companions from a doom similar to their own.

He listened attentively, asking a question now and again, and when he had mastered my meaning, said with a most dignified calmness: "Now I understand, White Man, and am glad to learn that you are not cruel, as I thought.

My children," he added, turning to the others, "let us trouble this Inkoos no more.

He only does what he must do to save the lives of his brethren by his skill, if he can.

If we continue to plead with him and stir his heart to pity, the sorrow swelling in it may cause his hand to shake, and then they will die also, and their blood be on his head and ours.