Find the horse, if possible rescue the prisoner, and then travel east with all speed.
Joe left the lodge at once to begin the working out of the plan.
Luck favored him at the outset, for he met Silvertip before the council lodge.

The Shawnee was leading Lance, and the dog followed at his heels.

The spirit of Mose had been broken.

Poor dog, Joe thought, he had been beaten until he was afraid to wag his tail at his old master.

Joe's resentment blazed into fury, but he kept cool outwardly.
Right before a crowd of Indians waiting for the council to begin, Joe planted himself in front of the Shawnee, barring his way.
"Silvertip has the paleface's horse and dog," said Joe, in a loud voice.
The chief stared haughtily while the other Indians sauntered nearer.
They all knew how the Shawnee had got the animals, and now awaited the outcome of the white man's challenge.
"Paleface--heap--liar," growled the Indian.