The encampment was visited by runner after runner.

Some important crisis was pending.
Joe could not learn what it all meant, and the fact that Whispering Winds suddenly lost her gladsome spirit and became sad caused him further anxiety.

When he asked her the reason for her unhappiness, she was silent.

Moreover, he was surprised to learn, when he questioned her upon the subject of their fleeing together, that she was eager to go immediately.

While all this mystery puzzled Joe, it did not make any difference to him or in his plans.