"Who lives longest will see the most. It is best to be prudent," responded Samuel.
The squatter, half angry at his brother's manner, gave up the conversation, and, spurring his horse, disappeared.
"Now," said Samuel, with a smile, as the other rode off, "you may be satisfied. Joshua is sufficiently annoyed at my opposition to become seriously obstinate. Nothing will make him change his mind now."
"Perhaps you went a little too far."
"Not a bit, I only stimulated him."
"But what you said about the Indians made me seriously uneasy. Are there any about?"
"I suppose so, as we are in the very centre of their territory. They may not attack us if let alone."
"But this valley may belong to them."
"Then we shall have to negotiate with the tribe to which the place belongs. We shall buy it of the redskins—a thing done every day."
"You ought to know Joshua better by this time. He will take the land, and refuse all compromises."