"I have no reason for making any secret of the matter."
"Everyone is master of his own actions," continued Bright-eye, "and we have no right to inquire in any way into your affairs. We only desire to indicate you as new to prairie customs."
"I am not very learned in the matter, and am therefore wholly guided by my hunter, who, despite his youth, is an old runner of the woods. But as I see no motive for this conversation, I should be glad if it were abridged."
"One question first—Are you prepared as a dweller in the desert to submit to its habits and customs?" asked Bright-eye.
"As long as they are just and reasonable," said the other, "I pledge my word to be guided by them."
"We find that your friend here described you well."
"Still you must be aware that you are keeping me waiting."
"Two words will explain," said Bright-eye; "we demand the body of the wounded man yonder."
"What to do?" cried Clinton.
"To apply Lynch law to him," coldly replied the hunter.