However, before they talked further, he would be certain he understood her correctly, and he asked, "Is it this way, then? Did you believe you were doing as well as you could by presenting me with the gold coin?"
She simply nodded.
Because her hand still remained within his own, he squeezed it before he said, "I see now I have been wrong about this and about you. I freely admit it to you, and I hope by telling you of my mistake, your concerns will be eased. Know this: I will help you with what you have asked simply because, as I once told you, you are now one of my women.Noohk,you owe me nothing, except perhaps your friendship."
"But, Mr. Stands Strong, I fear you already have my friendship. I have freely given it to you. Indeed, you might be my only friend in this country. Were it not so, I would never have been able to ask for your service, coin or not. Please forgive me for giving you the impression I did not value your friendship." Again, she sniffled. "I am sorry I angered you. Truly, I am. I…I didn't know what your people have suffered because of the greed of others."
"Greed?"
"Yes, have you no one in your society who selfishly believes he may steal or kill so as to obtain what he must have, yet who cannot obtain what he needs by honest means? Or perhaps you are aware of evil men, who, parasite-like, can only live off the backs of other men?"
"We do have such men," answered Stands Strong. "But, their counsel is never sought. A true man overcomes the urge to steal from or kill others in his tribe who might stand in the way of attaining glory. Only a boy in a man's body does this."
"Yes. But, I cannot possibly ask you to endure the hardships involved in helping us without my giving you something in return. I am well aware that by aiding us, you could lose your life, same as us. And, Mr. Stands Strong, I have nothing else to offer you in exchange for your help, except the coin. Indeed, if you will not take it, I know not what to do."
"Wáíai'taki tsaahtao'," he repeated.
"I am sorry, sir, but I do not understand your language."
"I know."
"Please, won't you translate it for me?"
What was wrong with him? Could he not control his tongue while he was in the presence of this beautiful woman? Once again, the words had slipped out of his mouth without first thinking the thought through.
He shrugged in response to her question, pretending his statement meant little to him. But, in truth, he would rather face an enemy warrior than translate what he had said.
"Please?" she asked again. And, when he didn't answer, she repeated, "Please?"
He was going to have to tell her. He would not lie to her nor would he refuse to answer, since only a coward would seek to avoid the truth. And, he was no coward.
Stands Strong took a deep breath, summoning up his stamina before saying, "Become my woman. Marry me. Then it is my duty to do as you ask."
