Bud rose, and with a certain amount of assumed dignity said, "I demand it in my official capacity." As he moved towards Bill he felt Tabywana creeping behind him. Irritated, he turned and faced the Indian as he said, "Say, we 'ain't got to take Indians into our confidence, have we?"
Bill, who saw that he might accomplish more if left alone with Bud, said, kindly: "Tabywana, get Baco up, will you? I want him."
Tabywana knew that he was dismissed, but he trusted Bill, so he only muttered a warning as he started to do his bidding.
"All right, I can take care of myself, Chief."
Then the Indian left him.
"Come on, Bud, I call you. You got to show me your hand."
"Well, if I want an election it's up to me to make good with Cash's outfit, ain't it?"
"So you're due for a grandstand play, eh?" was Bill's comment. The way events were shaping themselves worried him. These rough-shod political aspirations often led men like Hardy to play to the gallery in order to win a high-handed election.
Bud went on, sure that Bill would see the reason of his adventure, "I have always had the bullet that killed Cash, and that's been the only clew I've ever had."
Dryly, Bill interrupted. "It hasn't led you very far, Bud."