Before Hal replied he saw what the answer would be, saw it in the relentless face, the mocking eye.
"That was your idea, that they had been moved, not mine."
Any hesitation the agent may have felt was gone. Irresolution vanished. He put on his hat! And he put it on with decision, as if in his opinion the conference was over. Then for the first time he noticed that Wah-na-gi had left her position as custodian of the armory, had mounted the steps of the store, and stood for a moment by the window like a cat waiting to spring, every nerve and muscle tense, and as Cadger raised his gun she stepped in front of him. The trader drew back swiftly and tried to step to one side. She followed him.
"Git out of my light! Can't you see I can't see?"
He executed a rapid movement to push her aside. Again she covered him.
"Git away from my store winder or I'll break your face, you——" and Cadger called her a name not used in good society.
All those present got up and turned at this sudden and untoward disturbance. Hal was the only one who did not look back. He could see what was happening in the agent's face.
"Have Cadger step here a moment, will you?" said Hal to Ladd.
"What for?"
"Bill," said Hal to the cattle-boss who was manoeuvring in the background, greatly puzzled by what was going on at the window. "Ask the Indian trader to step here?"