noon
With a wealth of wild gesticulation and deep growling tones that at times rose to almost a shriek in a higher note they examined the horn and appeared to pay it the most awed reverence . The Scouts seeing that they were so deeply interested did not attempt to repossess themselves of their treasure for some minutes , and then Rand was met by a most firm refusal on the part of the leading Indian to give it up . The other Indians surrounded him in a defiant attitude -- the first sign of insubordination that had yet appeared among them , and the boys seeing that they had encountered a mystery which could not at once be unraveled , and that the relic had some almost overpowering importance to the Siwashes , determined to drop the matter for the time being , and put it up later to the commander of the camp . The aborigines went back quietly to their labor in the afternoon , and the boys who were at work with the miner , laying out the foundation for the sawmill , took occasion in the intervals of their labor to tell Swiftwater the story of the narwhal 's horn , and the incident that had taken place at noon . The guide listened with close attention , and at the finish of the incident his face was rather grave . `` I 'll talk with that main guy Siwash , some time this afternoon . Meantime , I wish you would all leave this matter in my hands .