"This man is no worse or no better than the rest. This morning, as I foresaw that you were about to speak to me about him, I wished to leave you liberty of action by telling you that I was only slightly acquainted with him; but it is possible that your opinion will soon be greatly modified, and, perhaps, you will regret the support you have hitherto given Don José, as you call him."
"Would you like me to speak candidly, Marksman, now that no one, but He above, can hear us?"
"Do so, my friend. I should not be sorry to know your whole thoughts."
"I am certain that you know a great deal more about the story I told you last night than you pretend to do."
"Perhaps you are right; but what makes you think so?"
"Many things; and in the first place this."
"Go on."
"You are too sensible a man. You have acquired too great an experience of the things of this world, to undertake, without serious cause, the defence of a man who, according to the principles we profess on the prairie, you ought to regard, if not as an enemy, still as one of those men whom it is often disagreeable to come in contact, or have any relations with."
Marksman burst into a laugh. "There is truth in what you say, Brighteye," he at length remarked.
"Is there not?"