“I know you are the chief,” I answered.
“I have come because you have been a short time among us, and have yet to learn politeness. Speak briefly, for I have no time.”
“What have you to do that is so important?”
“We are going to make the Apache dogs howl.”
“Why so soon? I thought you were going to take them to your village, and torture them in the presence of your women and children.”
“We wanted to, but they would hinder us on the war-path, whither we now go; so we shall kill them to-day.”
“I ask you not to do this.”
“It is not for you to ask.”
“Can’t you speak as civilly as I do to you? I only said I asked you; if I had commanded you, you might have had an excuse for being rude.”
“I want to hear nothing from you, and a command is out of the question. No pale-face shall meddle in my affairs.”