Securely roped, he is thrown back into the teeppe while the Council decides his punishment. Quite frankly the Cherokee have grown fond of the Pony Express Rider. They admire his bravery in all his ordeals. He never whimpers or whines, but takes what is dished out to him without complaint.

So the Council decides his punishment will not be too severe, just painful enough to discourage him from making another attempt at escape.