"Is that your husband?" asked Rupert, in a tone that betrayed his surprise.
"Yes. What yer gawkin' at? He's enough sight better'n my first husband, who was a white man. Isn't he, Sal?"
"You bet, mam!"
The Indian, who had an air of natural dignity, seemed pleased with their tributes to his excellence.
"Yes," continued Sal's mother, "he's my man now. John, this boy wants you to take him to Giles Packard's ranch."
"It's a long way," said the Indian, slowly.
"Yes, I know that," answered Rupert, "but I am willing to pay you. That is, I haven't money with me, but Mr. Packard will pay you fifty dollars, and I will give you my gun besides."
The Indian seemed most impressed with the last part of the offer. He held out the gun and examined it closely. Then a look of satisfaction overspread his face, and he said "Good."
"He seems straight, though he's only a boy," remarked the woman. "You'd better go. Fifty dollars is a good deal of money."