Swift Deer took off his boot, opened a secret
compartment, and took out a letter from The Hawk. "Seems real enough!"
commented The Giant, "And it says exactly what he said. I agree! It's
tempting. Freedom....the chance to live wherever you want.Whose orders
would we have to follow if we take you up on the deal?"
55 "Mine!" announced Swift Deer. "I will be in overall command. You will
have to follow my instructions. But how you divide up the leadership after that is entirely up to you."
56 "Sounds reasonable!" agreed the Giant. "I've got about five-hundred
men that will obey me, personally. The rest of the Chieftains in the other settlement have a little more or
a little less.
57 This whole mountain is full of caves.We've got a regular city here.
It's pretty comfortable most of the year, though you have to stick to the caves and keep the shutters closed,when
it's real hot!
58 The Trn army never comes this way. They know we're out here,
somewhere, but we're too much trouble to come after. I'm thinking,
though, if they win this war, they may be more anxious to get rid of
us, and have the time to do it. I think we might be doing ourselves a
big favor siding with you.
59 I'll call the chieftains together. After a little drinking I'll let
you get up and make your proposal. After that, you let me do the
talking, only answer questions if I point at you with my hand like this!"
60 Swift Deer agreed. While they were waiting for the meeting to be
organized, Swift Deer and the Giant talked. "You don't seem like the
kind of man," Swift Deer inquired, "who would be in a place like this. What happened?"
61 The Giant looked thoughtful. "I come from a