he proposed journey.

"I'd like t' be obligin'," he said, "but I can't go. I didn't know
there was goin' t' be any travellin'. There's business that'll keep me
here."

"Why, man!" cried the colonel, "I've made you a good offer."

"I ain't a-sayin' y' didn't," was the curt answer.

Colonel Cummings knew to what "business" he referred; but realised that
a discussion of it would not aid in bringing the desired consent. He
pretended to guess at reasons for the refusal.

"There's scarcely a possibility of trouble during the journey," he said.
"Indians don't like to fight in the snow, especially when their families
are with them and their war-ponies are feeding on cottonwood bark.
Besides, their head chief will be sharp enough to see that he'll have to
treat and not fight if he wants to save the necks of his favourites.
Then, as far as the safety and comfort of my men are concerned,
everything is being done. Better reconsider, Matthews."

"Can't do it."

Colonel Cummings left his library, where he had been talking, and sought
Lounsbury's advice. The two held a short, whispered conversation in the
entry.

"Let me have a few words with him," said the storekeeper. Matthews'
balking was not altogether a surprise. Nevertheless, it was a keen
disappointment. He had hoped to be able to send Squaw Charley across the
river soon with good news. "Let me see him. Maybe I can bring him
around."

They entered the library.

"Matthews," began Lounsbury, "you might as well go along. If you stay,
you can't get a hold o' that claim." He looked at the colonel's clock.
"It's midnight. Your six months are up. If you did have a chance, it's
gone. Possession's nine points in law, and Lancaster's up at Bismarck
nailing the tenth."

If the storekeeper's blunt assertions were of any particular interest to
the other, he failed to show it. He occupied himself with finding a
cigar, cutting it carefully, and lighting it at the stove. Then he
turned about to Colonel Cummings, his glance, as it travelled, utterly
ignoring Lounsbury.

"Not to mention the risks you run with the boys," added the storekeeper
easily, amused by the play of indifference.

"Oh, I guess Shanty Town can take keer of itself," observed Matthews,
sending up smoke rings.

Lounsbury walked out.

There was but one thing left for Colonel Cummings to do: Ask this man to
interpret in the Medicine Lodge, that at least the Indians might learn
their position. Knowing it, they