"About that," rejoined Mr. Harkness, resuming his conversation with the Indian agent. Suddenly they heard his voice raised as if in expostulation.
"Don't do any such thing, Mayberry!" the boys heard the rancher exclaim. "You are mad to attempt it!"
"Oh, I know, duty is duty, but it's no man's duty to place his head in a trap. Why, man alive, it's courting death, you——"
"He's rung off," he exclaimed, turning to the inquiring group behind him. "I don't know what I wouldn't give to be able to stop him in what he is about to do."
"Is he in trouble?" asked Harry.
"No, my boy, but he soon will be. He is going to 'reason' with the Indians. Reason with them!" he burst out bitterly. "Reason with a rock, a rattlesnake, a coyote, or anything else senseless or cruel, but don't reason with an Indian."
"If you're enjoyin' this here present life," put in Blinky sagely.