"He will soon answer us; he is only indulging in a little pleasantry."
"Rather a bad time for jesting."
"I think we can be sure of one thing," added Howard a moment later.
"What is that?"
"That we are not in much danger. If we were he wouldn't wait so long to tell us."
"I don't know about that; it would be in keeping with his foolishness. I tell you, Howard, I will ask him once more, and if he doesn't answer me at once, I shall go forward and learn for myself."
"Well, do so."
"Tim, are those Indians or white men?"
"That's it, is it? Why didn't yez ax me before? They're a party of white men, be the same!"