“You said when the title is settled,” Gasbang said.
“The title is settled as far as the Government is concerned. As you—the settlers—and the Government were on one side, and the Don on the other, I guess he now naturally supposes I must regard the title as settled, since the principal opponent (the Government) has thrown up the sponge,” Darrell answered.
“But we haven't,” said Mathews; “and as long as we keep up the fight I don't see how the title can be considered settled.”
“It is settled with the Government, which was the question when I made my location,” Darrell answered.
“But you ain't going to desert our cause?” Hughes asked. “You'll be our friend to the last, won't you?”
“Such is my intention, but what I might think I ought to do, circumstances will point out to me. Probably we will see our way better after the survey is made. Meantime, as the Don don't trouble any one with orders to vacate, the best thing to do is to keep quiet.”
“And spare his cattle,” Romeo added, looking at Mathews.
“You seem to want to pick a quarrel with me, youngster,” growled Mathews.
“What makes you think so? Did you ever shoot any of the Don's cattle, that you should appropriate my remarks to yourself? If you never did, I can't mean you.”
The boys, the young men, all laughed. Mathews arose, too angry to remain quiet.