“Look here, Brother Brigham, you never said I'd have to go,” objected Raymond. “I got business of my own to attend to.”
“If Mr. Raymond is unwilling—” began Benson.
“Oh, he's willing enough,” said Young, rather grimly. “You'd better take Hickman, too.”
“He won't need me if he's got Bill,” said Raymond doggedly.
“Yes he will. Understand you'll be paid, well paid. Mr. Benson expects to be fair and liberal with you.”
“I don't want his money,” muttered Raymond sullenly.
Hickman, who had seemed vastly amused by something in the situation that was not patent to Benson, now slapped Raymond on the back.
“Oh, come!” he cried. “You want anybody's money; that's your kind, Tom Raymond. You needn't be scared about the Indians, they're all in my contract.”
And in spite of Raymond's reluctance to take part in Benson's quest, he led his pack-mule when Hickman and the lawyer rode out of the city at dawn the next morning.
“I am sorry that he seems to be going with us against his inclination,” said Benson. He was disposed to have a greater liking for Raymond than Hickman had been able to inspire him with, and he thought he understood the former's objection to being of the party, and liked him none the less for it.