"I'm not afraid to go to Washington," said the agent, white with anger, "and I'm not afraid of an investigation," and he walked deliberately over to Calthorpe and said: "I owe this to you, Calthorpe."
"I told you," was the affable reply, "that I'd camp on your trail until I had your official head."
"I owe a lot to you, and I've got a damned good memory." And the agent turned on his heel and disappeared.
McCloud was the first to recover from his surprise and turn the situation to account.
"So you are acting agent, Captain Baker. Then you have discretionary powers now. This young woman is like my own daughter. I'm sure the Government will eventually let me adopt her. Will you trust her to me?"
"Dr. McCloud," said the soldier, a bit embarrassed by the strange situation, "we all know you. Everybody round here knows you. I guess I'll take a chance on you."
This disposition of the bone of contention seemed to the captain like a special providence, and he was immensely relieved.
"My squaw—my woman!"
Everybody had forgotten Appah.
"You get out of here. Savey? Go on! Get your people home."