It is true that they called him "Big Chief," but there was more affection in the nickname than even the boys suspected.
But John was like many another man--and boy--who, when he gets what he wants, finds that he doesn't want it so much, after all.

It was not only that John longed for the greater reaches and the free life of the West; he felt a call to return to and to aid his own people.

There were plenty of men to teach in colleges; there were few who could help the Indians as John could.
And he agreed to direct Injun and Whitey's studies until the time came for them to go away to school, which would not be long.
So, with Henry Dorgan safely in jail awaiting trial, and a vacation in prospect, pending John Big Moose's return, something must be done.
Wouldn't do for the boys to sit around twirling their thumbs.

They began to talk about this, or rather Whitey began to talk and Injun to slip in a grunted word now and then; and suddenly Whitey had an idea.
Often on the plains and in the mountains Whitey had thought of the pioneer days of the West; thoughts such as the country arouses in the minds of all boys and of some men.

Whitey could close his eyes and imagine that he saw an old wagon train wending its way across the prairie, its line of white-topped schooners drawn by drooping, tired horses, its outriding guard of scouts, clad in buckskin, alert, keen-eyed, each with a long rifle resting in the hollow of his arm.