“Now, I am due at the fort, for I have important work on hand and do not wish to be delayed, so I will tie you to a tree here until my return, or I’ll take you to your cabin, for I am sure you have a camp near. Which shall it be?”
“I’d be eaten up by b’ar an’ sich ef yer tied me to a tree.”
“So I fear, and that would keep you from being hanged, so where is your cabin?”
“I got a den.”
“Then lead to it, and quick.”
The man saw that the scout was in earnest, so said:
“We has got ter climb and leave yer boss here, so untie my han’s, fer we goes up thet cliff.”
“I’ll do it, and if you attempt to run, look out for a shot.”
“I’m inter it now, so I won’t kick.”