Part 11 (2/2)

Seth made no response, but walked over to the bush he had been looking at

The scout saw hist the branches and withdraw it holding so

”What you find?” he asked, when Seth ca”

Then, a moment later, Seth asked suddenly: ”How far froht--nine hour,” Ji

Seth looked long and thoughtfully at the split skull on the ground Then his eyes sought the bullet hole in the wo

A little later the two it on to see the Agent,” Seth observed, while the horses o by Reservation?”

”Yes”

Jim Crow surveyed the prospect in silence They reached the trail, and their horses stood preparatory to parting co,” said Seth

The Indian turned and looked away to the north It was the direction in which lay the great Reservations Then he turned back, and his black, slit-like eyes shot a sidelong glance at his coo--alone?” he asked

The other nodded indifferently

”Then I say sleep little and watch much--I, Jim Crow”

The two men parted The scout moved off and his hand went to the pocket of his trousers where his fingers crumpled the crisp five-dollar bill he had received for his services Nothing else reallya tune without ent's house he carried out the scout's advice of watchfulness; but for a different reason Seth had no personal fear of these stormy Indians His watchfulness was the observation of a man who learns from all he sees He slept some hours on the prairie while his horse rested, and arrived at the Agency the next day at noon

Jireeted him cordially in his abrupt fashi+on

”Ah, howdy,” he said ”Prowling, Seth?” His words were accompanied by a quick look that asked a dozen questions, all of which he kneould remain unanswered Seth and he were old friends and understood one another

”Takin' a spell off,” replied the far it in on the Reservation”

The Agent smiled briefly His face seemed to have worn itself into a serious caste which required effort to change

”Many huntin' 'passes' these times?” Seth inquired presently

”None Only Little Black Fox says he's going hunting soon” The Agent's eyes were fixed on the other's face

”See you've got Jim Croorkin' around--south” Seth waved an arain caood distance froh How did you know?”