The other kobolds around the room all gasped and began jabbering, at Devaguea's threat, some howling in fright at the idea. The chieftain looked worried, and shot the dragon a glance that was clearly more intelligent than he'd be showing so far. A DC 12 Sense Motive has his body language seeming to indicate a desperate plea for him to just play along. Almost theatrically, he said, "That is property of Sootscale tribe! It must be returned to its proper place!"