The children leaned forward expectantly, Pet’s eyes sparkling.
The Indian never showed by the movement of a muscle nor a glance of the eye the irony with which he had purposely led his questioners to this point.
“Half dollar,” he replied, in his slow, guttural tones. “Moll find it where white hunter, that man,” indicating Ruel, who was standing near, “drop it in bushes when he go pray.”
All turned and looked at Ruel, who flushed to his hair, but stood his ground.
“How do you know he prayed?” asked Mr. Percival gently.
“Wife find where he two knees go down on moss. Half dollar drop out. Wife say no keep. I say yis, keep him for work an’ wet blankit.”
Mr. Percival smiled in spite of himself at the man’s confession; nevertheless he looked troubled.
“Do you mean to tell me, Sebattis,” he said sternly, after a moment, “that you have never seen this girl’s watch? If half a dollar fell out of a pocket, so could a watch. Come, my man, own up and give it back, and I’ll let you go this time.”
The Indian’s brow darkened, and he drew himself up to his full height.
“Sebattis no see watch. Know nothing ’bout him.”