human
Ho! exclaimed Redhand, who still continued to turn over the pages of the book,
gpt
I cannot easily tell where it was we met him; but I remember well that it was just a day's ride from the spot where our horses were stolen.
human
Were there others with him?
gpt
No, he was alone.
human
Ha! at least he said so, I fancy.
gpt
Yes, he did; and I had no reason to doubt him.
human
You're not used to the ways o' the redskin, sir, replied Redhand, looking meditatively at the fire.
gpt
Did he chance to mention his name?
human
Oh yes, he called himself Big Snake, at least one of my men translated it so.
gpt
I thought as much. A greater thief and villain does not disgrace the prairies. He's the man that took yer horses; sich a fellow as that never goes about alone; he's always got a tail following him as black as himself. But I'll see if we can't pay the rascal off in his own coin.
human
How so? inquired Bertram.
gpt
He must be far from this spot.
human
Not so far as you think. I know his haunts, and could take you to them in a few days overland; but it'll take longer by the river, and we can't quit our canoe just now.
gpt
But, good friend, said Bertram quietly,
human
I cannot presume on your hospitality so far as to expect you to carry me along with you for the purpose of redressing my wrongs.
gpt
Make your mind easy on that pint, returned Redhand;