“I was over at Pine Ridge to-day.”
“That’s what your sister said.”
“I went for two reasons. Jim Crow has smelt out preparations for Sun-dances. We can’t locate where they are going to be held, or when. I went over to consult Jackson, and also to see how he’s getting on over there. He’s having the same trouble getting the Indians to look at any work. Little Black Fox is about again. Also he sees a heap too much of that white familiar of his, Nevil Steyne. By Jove, I wish we could fix something on that man and get the government to deport him. He’s got a great sway over the chief. What the devil is his object?” Jimmy Parker’s face flushed under his exasperation.
“I’d give a heap to git a cinch on him,” Seth replied thoughtfully. “He’s smart. His tracks are covered every time. Howsum, if things git doin’ this spring, I’ve a notion we’ll run him down mebbe—later.”
The Agent was all interest. 214
“Have you discovered anything?”
“Wal—nothin’ that counts your way. It’s jest personal, ’tween him an’ me.”
The other laughed cheerfully.
“Couldn’t be better,” he exclaimed. “I’d sooner it depended on you than on the government.”
Seth let the tribute pass.