“Because they don’t like him. He is a regular bully, and they were probably glad to see somebody stand up to him. Besides, they are expecting a good deal from you.”
Scott ignored the last remark. “And my last question. How did you find out about it so quickly?”
The old man hesitated an instant. “That is the part that puzzled me. Vic stopped in here and told me about it herself. That would not have surprised me because she usually tells me everything, but she asked me not to let her grandfather hear about it if I could help it. That is what astonished me. Ordinarily she would have gone to her grandfather on the run and wanted him to kill the whole tribe. He’ll try to do it too if he ever hears about this and his own tribe, too, for letting it happen. I think Vic must have realized that. Didn’t know the kid had so much judgment. She did not say anything about your rescuing her, either,” he mused.
Scott was thoughtful a minute. “Well, I certainly appreciate your help, Mr. Sanders. I think I understand it a little better now, but,” he added slowly, “I don’t think I shall ever understand how a father could sit still and see a drunken man treat his daughter like that.” And he arose to take his leave.
“Old Jarred wouldn’t understand it, either,” Mr. Sanders said, as he rose to show his guest to the door. “I wish you would help me to keep him from finding it out. The kid does not want him to know, and I like her.”
“So do I,” Scott replied. “She fought like a wildcat. I admire nerve in anybody. I admire the old man, too, for holding out alone against that big gang, and I am going to protect him all I can.”
He was out on the porch now, and the old man was standing in the doorway. “Good night, and thank you again.”
“Good night, and be careful,” the old man warned him. “Foster Wait is a dangerous man and he’ll never be satisfied till he gets his revenge for this insult. He won’t stop at anything and you must be on your guard all the time.”
“I’ll try to watch him,” Scott replied simply.
“Do that,” the old man called. “I’ve taken a fancy to you and I don’t want to see you shot for nothing.”