“Where is your friend now?”
“That’s what I should like to know, myself,” responded Reuben, as he peered intently about him in all directions.
“What are you going to do about it?” inquired Rat after a brief silence.
“It’s strange where Jean could have gone,” said Reuben slowly, almost as if he was unconscious of the presence of his companion. “He isn’t a man likely to be drawn into trouble. I have been wondering if the redskins got him.”
“If they did they carried him off.”
“But there are no signs of any scuffle,” protested Reuben, as once more he examined the ground around where the fire had been.
“He may not have put up any fight.”
“You don’t know Jean,” said Reuben positively. “It’s strange. The ponies are gone. There isn’t a sign of the packs, and Jean isn’t to be seen anywhere.”
“What are you goin’ to do about it?” repeated Rat. “You know I can’t stay here forever. I’ve got to look after my own job. I usually find that if I ever have anything or get anything done it is because Rat True looks after it. Ever noticed that, boy?”
“I wonder where Jean can be,” repeated Reuben, almost as if he had not heard the inquiry of the giant.