"Wah-na-gi," he said, "I bought this for you the last time I was in Denver." And he rapidly showed her its simple mechanism. "Learn to use it. You might need it some day, and if you don't, no harm done." And he dropped it in the beaded pouch that hung from her waist.
CHAPTER VII
"Howd'y, boys?" said the agent in his most genial tones as he shook hands with McShay, Silent Smith, and Orson Lee. "Howd'y? By the way, McShay, I asked Captain Baker to come over from Fort Serene. I hope that is agreeable to you."
"Sure," said the big cowman. "Sure. Baker's all right. Who represents your side besides yourself?"
McShay had not made his way in the world by subtlety. The inference was too obvious to be ignored, but Ladd chose to assume the attitude of the righteous man who is not easily offended.
"I don't represent any side, McShay," he said with an amiable smile.
"Ain't you over-modest?" McShay's tone made it obvious that he did not expect quarter, and it was pretty well known that in a fight he didn't give any. Still the agent preserved his equanimity.
"Like Captain Baker, I'm just an officer of the Government."
"Not even Cadger, the Injin trader; ain't he in the game?"
"Not unless you personally desire his presence," said Ladd genially and without a trace of the amusement he felt at the idea.