human
It's his life or mine,
gpt
He could kill you to-day, and he let you go,
human
That's a lie! blustered Mabyn.
gpt
How do you know?
human
He tak' your knife from you. I saw it in his belt, said Rina.
gpt
And he let you go.
human
He say to me he not 'urt you, if you keep away from there,
gpt
Keep away! Mabyn fumed.
human
This is my place! I'll go where I choose on it! He's trespassing on my land! I've a right to drive him off! I've a right to kill him if he doesn't go!
gpt
He will hear you!
human
Let him hear me! said the man--nevertheless he lowered his voice.
gpt
They're a quarter-mile off,
human
Listen!
gpt
Loon, him three miles off,
human
That was a good scheme of yours, going to the camp to set the girl's arm, he said.
gpt
Now we can find out all they do!
human
I not go to find out, said Rina sadly.
gpt
I go for I sorry I 'urt her. I shoot her jus' lak a breed I am!
human
Keep your eyes open when you're in their camp every day, he urged.
gpt
See how much food they have; find out where he keeps the shells for his gun. If you could only steal the gun!
human
He carry it always on his back, said Rina.
gpt
He never put it down.
human
I know, he's on his guard now, said Mabyn.
gpt
But if you act friendly all the time, he'll forget. We've got plenty of time; do nothing for a few days. I'll keep away from there too. He'll think it's all right. _Then_ --Mabyn's whisper was pure venom--
human
Will you do it?
gpt
I believe this smooth-faced young whelp has cast an eye on you too, he snarled.
human
You're false to me!
gpt
she whispered painfully.
human
You my 'osban'! All men I hate, but you!
gpt
Then do what I tell you,
human
she pleaded rapidly and urgently.
gpt
Let them go! What have they got to do with us? To-morrow I go to him. I tell him how to mak' her well. The man will give me a horse and things. An' you and I will ride to the Rice River people. They are my people. They will give me a gun. We will be so ver' happy, and not think of this man and this woman any more!
human
You can go, and be damned to you! said Mabyn sullenly.
gpt
I stay on my own place!