"
"Him no got rope."
"How do you know? You go just the same and you go in a hurry. Don't
you dare to show your face back here unless you bring a rope, sir. If
you get back before dark, I shall make you a present of this rifle
that you have admired so much--"
"I beg your pardon, that's my gun you are trying to give away,"
objected Stacy.
"Never mind, you shall have another. Don't you think it's worth that
much to get Master Tad out of his difficulty quickly?"
"Of course it is. I didn't mean it just that way. Sure, give the
lazy Indian my gun, give him anything I have, only do something to
make him hurry."
The Indian's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "You give Indian gun?"
he asked. "Yes. Me ride um pony like fire from sky."
"Well, get off now," said the Professor. "We'll take for granted that
you'll do your best. But get back before dark."
The red man was off with a bound, and releasing one of the ponies
leaped into the saddle, plunging over the rough, rocky trail at a pace
that threatened destruction to pony and rider.
"They'll break their necks. But he certainly is making time," grinned
Walter.
"Hope he doesn't break any necks until he returns with a rope. I
don't care how soon after that he--"
"That's not a kind thing to say, even of an Indian," corrected the
Professor.
"Then I won't say it.
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