human
Yes, it's settled, Powell; and as soon as we are done here with the boomers, I'll get to work and find out what the claim is worth.
gpt
How about being shadowed in the affair?
human
I'm not afraid--I'm laying my plans too well, answered Louis Vorlange.
gpt
I would go ahead at once, but to throw up my position under the government just now might excite suspicions.
human
Have you the papers with you?
gpt
No; I left them at the cavalry camp. They are too valuable to carry in one's coat pocket.
human
Supposing the camp moves?
gpt
I have my belongings secreted in a nearby cave where they are as safe as in a deposit vault of a bank.
human
Well, Vorlange, what am I to do now I am out here?
gpt
Remain in Arkansas City for the present and take it easy.
human
You promised me a hundred dollars on my arrival.
gpt
And there it is.
human
New money, eh? was Dike Powell's comment.
gpt
Been printing some out here?
human
Not much. I know better than to go into the counterfeiting business.
gpt
My father's money was in new bills,
human
I reckon this is drinks on me, said Powell, arising.
gpt
Come down to the bar before you go back to the cavalry camp.
human
I'm in a hurry, Powell, but I'll take one glass,
gpt
He is the man--I feel certain of it! burst from Dick's lips, when he felt safe to speak.
human
Rasco, there is some mystery here. My father----
gpt
I know wot's in yer mind, Dick. I've heard yer father go on in his sleep, and war talkin' ter Pawnee Brown about it. An' Pawnee knows this air Vorlange. The two air enemies from school days. Pawnee said Vorlange wasn't squar nohow!
human
He is evidently in the employ of the government.
gpt
Yes; a land-office spy, now workin' ag'in the boomers fer the cavalry as intends ter keep us out of Oklahoma.
human
It will be hard to bring such a man to justice, without some direct evidence against him, Rasco.
gpt
Don't yer try ter do it--yet, lad. Take my advice an' watch him. An' afore yer come down on him yer hed better question yer father about Vorlange.
human
Rasco, my father's manner is against him--I know that. But I'm certain he never committed a crime in his life.
gpt
I believes yer, Dick. Yer father's a gentleman, every inch o' him; I seed thet the fust I clapped eyes on him. But knowin' the truth is one thing an' provin' it is another, especially in the wild west. This air Vorlange may hev yer father in a mighty tight hole, and if you show him up as the thief who stole the deeds an' the money, he may turn on yer dad and squeeze him mightily, see?
human
I see. But what shall I do just now?
gpt
Follow Vorlange and spy on to him all yer can. It ain't no ust ter hurry matters, with your father flat on his back. Powell will remain here and Vorlange will be with the cavalry, so yer will know whar ter clap eyes on ter both of 'em if it's necessary.