"What is it, George?"
"I must return to the agency."
"That means we must all go?"
"I suppose so. The settlers seemed determined to make trouble. They have had another row with Gray Man's band, and shots have been fired. Fortunately no one was hurt. We must leave here early. Say nothing to any of our guests till we are safely on the way home."
Elsie, walking with Lawson, was very pensive. "I begin to understand why Captain Curtis is made Indian agent. He understands these people, sympathizes with them."
"No one better, and if the department can retain him six years he will have the Tetongs comfortably housed and on the road to independence and self-respect."
"Why shouldn't he be retained?"
"Well, your father may secure re-election to the Senate next winter."
"I know," she softly answered, "he dislikes Captain Curtis."
"More than that—in order to be elected, he must pledge himself to have Curtis put out o' the way."