"And what is your name, and who are you?"
"I am not here to answer questions, miss. I am a government official, let that be enough for you to know."
As he spoke Louis Vorlange caught Nellie by the arm.
"Let go of me," cried the frightened girl, and attempted to pull away, but Vorlange held her tight.
"You come along with me. No one, and especially Pawnee Brown, has any right in this territory just now, and it is my business to see that all such people are kept out. I presume you belong to that crowd of boomers, since you say you were carried off from Arkansas City?"
"I shall answer no more of your questions, sir. Let me go!"
"You'll come along with me," muttered Vorlange. "I take it you know what the boomers intend to do, and, if that is so, your information is just what the government wants."
So speaking he attempted to drag Nellie up the rocks to the opening before mentioned. The girl resisted with all of her strength, and Vorlange received a box on the left ear which made that member of his body hum for a long time after.
"You little wretch!" he cried, as he caught her up in his arms. "I will get square with you for that."
"You are no gentleman! Let me go!" replied Nellie. Then she attempted to scream, but he promptly clapped his hand over her mouth.