Pursuing this tunnel some little distance they became aware of a light that grew as they moved toward it into a fire set in the middle of a wide cavern.

The cavern was of irregular shape, with high-vaulted roof, open to the sky at the apex and hung with glistening stalactites.

The floor of this cavern lay slightly below them, and from their position they could command a full view of its interior.
The sides of the cavern round about were crowded with tawny faces of Indians arranged rank upon rank, the first row seated upon the ground, those behind crouching upon their haunches, those still farther back standing.

In the center of the cavern and with his face lit by the fire stood the Sioux Chief, Onawata.
"Copperhead! By all that's holy!" cried Cameron.
"Onawata!" exclaimed the half-breed.

"What he mak' here ?" "What is he saying, Jerry?
Tell me everything--quick!" commanded Cameron sharply.
Jerry was listening with eager face.
"He mak' beeg spik," he said.
"Go on!" "He say Indian long tam' 'go have all country when his fadder small boy.
Dem day good hunting--plenty beaver, mink, moose, buffalo like leaf on tree, plenty hit (eat), warm wigwam, Indian no seeck, notting wrong.