"Why, what is going to happen?"
"Just this: we're goin' to have the man that killed Cole or we'll cut this whole tribe into strips. That's all," and they moved on, cursing afresh.
Parker fell back aghast, and watched them in silence as they saddled their horses and rode off. He then hurried to the office. Wilson, after going in to see his chief, came back to say: "The Major will see you in a moment. He's sending out his police."
A few moments afterwards six of the Indian policemen came filing out, looking tense and grave, and a couple of minutes later Curtis appeared.
"What is it, Parker?"
"What is going on, Captain? I am very anxious."
"You need not be. We've reached a compromise. Wait a moment and I will go over to the house with you."
When he reappeared, Lawson was with him. Nothing was said till they were well in the middle of the road. Then Curtis remarked, carelessly:
"You attended to that matter, Lawson?"
"Yes, Crane's Voice is ten miles on his way."