After Raven had finished Little Thunder made reply, apparently
in strenuous opposition. Again Raven spoke and again Little Thunder made
reply. The dispute waxed warm. Little Thunder's former attitude towards
Raven appeared to be entirely changed. The old subservience was gone.
The Indian stood now as a Chief among his people and as such was
recognized in that company. He spoke with a haughty pride of conscious
strength and authority. He was striving to bring Raven to his way of
thinking. At length Raven appeared to throw down his ultimatum.
"No!" he cried, and his voice rang up clear through the din. "You are
fools! You are like little partridges trying to frighten the hunter. The
Great White Mother has soldiers like the leaves of the trees. I know,
for I have seen them. Do not listen to this man!" pointing to Little
Thunder. "Anger has made him mad. The Police with their big guns will
blow you to pieces like this." He seized a bunch of dead leaves, ground
them in his hands and puffed the fragments in their faces.
The half-breed and Little Thunder were beside themselves with rage. Long
and loud they harangued the group about them. Only a little of their
meaning could the Inspector gather, but enough to let him know that
they were looking down upon a group of conspirators and that plans for a
widespread rebellion were being laid before them.
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