“Yes, we used some of it.”
“He has to go a long way for that wood.”
“Well, what of it?”
“I understand he has asked for payment. I pay six dollars a cord for firewood delivered by these Indians.” [[257]]
“Yes, he did ask for payment—”
“How much?” I inquired, thinking the Indian might have overreached.
“Early this morning he arrived, and demanded fifty cents.”
“A very reasonable charge, don’t you think?”
“Reasonable! We come seventy-five miles into this barren desert, and are denied firewood! Do you call that hospitality? Is that the way you educate Indians to view the public that supports them? A fine sense of courtesy!”
Having delivered himself of this rejoiner, the gentleman turned away to signify that the interview was finished; but the policeman happened to be standing at the door.