“I was hidden in a buffalo wallow while the robbers were in our camp, and I have walked every step of the way from there. But I don’t mind that. What troubles me is the bad news I heard on the way. I have come here to talk to you about it, for you are the only friend I have in the settlement.”
“O no, George; don’t say that,” exclaimed Mr. Gilbert, quickly. “If you knew what a commotion your disappearance has created among the neighbors, you wouldn’t talk so. Everybody likes you and everybody is a friend to you.”
“I am very glad to hear it,” said George, drawing a long breath of relief and looking a little more cheerful. “I want them to show their friendship now, and not be too hard on Ned. You know what I mean.”
“Yes,” said Mr. Gilbert, heaving a deep sigh and fastening his eyes on the floor, “I know all about it. The settlers are going to meet at Cook’s to-morrow and talk it over. They are very angry, and I don’t know what they will make up their minds to do.”
“Are you going to be at Cook’s with them?”
“Of course. I am as much interested in the matter as anybody.”
“Well, you will do your best for Ned, won’t you? He is my cousin, you know. You won’t let them hurt him, will you?”
“I’ll do the best I can, certainly; but you might as well try to stem the Rio Grande with a straw, as to stand in the way of a whole settlement, when every man in it has made up his mind to a particular course of action. It was a most outrageous act, and Ned richly deserves punishment.”
“I know it; but if the settlers are such friends to me they will let him off this time, and I’ll promise that he will never do the like again. Remember, Mr. Gilbert, that he is young and foolish, and that when the horse came into his possession he didn’t know it was stolen.”
“Horse!” exclaimed Mr. Gilbert, opening his eyes. “Stolen! What are you talking about, George!”