Added to this, the Indian would shoot wolves and collect the bounty, and, when not otherwise engaged, act as the faithful watchdog for the Overland Riders.
"You Big Friend," was Willy's only comment when informed of his new job, but they observed that he puffed more vigorously at his pipe, and gazed more intently into the fire than usual.
"Do you see things in the fire ?" questioned Emma, sitting down by the Indian.
He nodded.
"Tell me what you see," she urged in a confidential tone.
"See white girl fly like bird." The girls broke into a merry peal of laughter.
"He has your measure," laughed Tom.
"See owl up tree.

Mebby come see white girls," added the Indian, and then, to their amazement, the raucous voice of an owl was heard in the branches high above their heads.

The owl continued his hoarse night song, the Overland girls interestedly watching Emma Dean's rapt expression as she listened.
"He is trying to say something," she half-whispered, holding up a hand for silence.

"He is speaking, perhaps, of the mysteries of the universe--our immediate universe." "Yus-s-s-s," observed Hippy solemnly.

"Tell me, I prithee, little bird-woman, what is the wise old owl saying?
Has he a message for me ?" "Yes.