“This is not the first time I have been among the cowboys, and I always keep eyes and ears open wherever I am. I have managed to pick up such knowledge as I possess concerning them by watching and listening. They have ever been very interesting to me.”
“Mr. Merriwell, I congratulate you!” cried Sadie Rodney. “I am surprised to find a ‘tenderfoot’ knows so much about cow-punchers.”
“I’d never faound aout half that if I’d lived right with them a year,” declared Ephraim Gallup. “They’re darned pecooler critters, an’ I guess this one comin’ this way is one of the most pecooler ’mongst ’em.”
Indian Charlie had left the others, and was sauntering toward the little party on the veranda.
Sadie Rodney looked serious, and shrank close to Inza, in whose ear she murmured:
“I am afraid of that man. He has asked me to marry him. I have refused him a dozen times, but he persists, and he says he will have me in spite of myself. I do not dare anger him, for there is no telling what he might do.”
Frank heard her words.
“The fellow deserves a good thumping!” he mentally exclaimed.
CHAPTER XXVIII—INDIAN CHARLIE IS SURPRISED
Indian Charlie came swaggering up. He regarded the boys with a glance of supreme contempt.