"I hadn't noticed it."
"Haven't you seen the men talking in little groups, especially at the noon hour?"
"Yes, I have seen that."
"And have you noticed that, when a white man approaches, they quickly disperse?"
"Well, what does that mean?"
"I will confess that I hadn't attached any special significance to it, but, now that you speak of it, it does seem strange."
"That is the way the matter strikes me. It is none of our business, and yet it is. Some of our men are in the scheme, whatever it may be."
"Are you going to tell Mr. Penton?"
"No, not now," replied Rush after brief reflection. "He will tire of our running to him with every little thing. Besides, I give the superintendent credit for at least ordinary shrewdness. He undoubtedly knows what is going on just as well as we do, and perhaps a great deal better."