"Mr. Chairman, gentlemen, and—Injin agent."
The slight pause before "Injin agent" did not promise well for the avoidance of provocation, but Ladd ignored it.
"I represent the cowboys and settlers who are in present possession of these lands. Possession is usually considered nine points of the law, and when backed up by repeatin' rifles it sometimes tallies up to ten."
"You mean that you are in forcible possession," said the chairman, "but of course you don't insist that might is right."
"Well, might comes mighty near bein' right, Parson. In my experience it's the best argument I'm acquainted with."
"You've 'jumped' these lands and, unless you get off, I shall be forced to get Captain Baker to assist my Indian police in putting you off."
Ladd had regained his composure and said this without feeling.
"You ain't agoin' to put us off, Mr. Agent, 'cause we've a right to be there. We hold two tracts under two separate titles—first, the lands formerly belonging to the Red Butte Ranch, we own them——"
"Under what sort of title?"
Every one turned to the speaker. It was the young chief of police who spoke, and even Ladd showed plainly his surprise at this obvious meddling in matters which did not concern him. McShay was about to ask him what business it was of his, but a second glance at the youngster made him think better of it, so he only remarked: