"We are," replied Joshua, rather doggedly.
"Then I have business with you. In the first place, by what right have you squatted in that place?"
"Really, except that you have force on your side, I should not answer so singular a question. Because I found it."
"I beg to inform you that it is private property. You are by no means the first occupier."
"And who may he be?" asked Joshua, furiously.
"Myself. It was given me by the chiefs of the Huron tribe. A deed, perfectly legal, exists."
"Can a man find no free land on earth?" he cried, "On the face of the earth? You claim it, then?"
At this moment, when all were busy, Tubash saw his opportunity, and ran. Two or three pursued, but the rest remained.
"Then," said Joshua, presently, "there is some truth in the story of the gold treasure in the valley?"
"Yes, and I have recently ceded all my rights to Tom Mitchell, chief of the outlaws."