Part 16 (1/2)

At the post-office Dan found a brief letter from his father, stating that he was well, and that if no more fighting came off in the near future he would come home on a short visit. So far there had been no regular enlistments in the Texan army, and volunteers came and went pretty much as they pleased.

From the storekeeper Dan learned that several bands of Indians had been seen in the vicinity, moving to the west and north. Some were Comanches, and others friendly Caddos.

”Well, I don't mind the Caddos,” thought the boy, ”but I don't want to fall in with any more Comanches.”

He had thought to go home that afternoon, or evening, as it is called in Texas, but, after learning about the Indians, resolved to remain in Gonzales all night and make the journey the first thing in the morning.

On the outskirts of Gonzales was the farm belonging to Henry Parker's father, and thither he went, satisfied that he would be sure of a warm welcome. He found Henry at home, and also Mrs. Parker, Mr. Parker being away on business.

”Why, of course you must stay,” said Mrs. Parker. ”I am glad to have company.”

The balance of the day pa.s.sed pleasantly, and after supper the young man and Dan took a stroll up into the town to learn if any later news had come in.

They had just gained the main street of the town when Dan saw before him a figure that looked familiar. He quickened his pace, and soon ranged up alongside of the man, who proved to be the half-breed, Hank Stiger.

Stiger was partly under the influence of liquor, or otherwise he would not have shown himself in Gonzales at that time, when the Indian raid was still fresh in the settlers' minds. He glared angrily at Dan when he saw the boy.

”Stiger, I want to have a talk with you,” said Dan, with more firmness than is usual in one of his age.

”What you want now?” demanded the half-breed.

”I want to know what you have done with my father's papers.”

”What papers do you mean?”

”The papers you stole from my father's cabin while we were out after the Indians.”

”I was not near your house--I took no papers!” cried the half-breed, fiercely. ”Who says so tells a lie.”

”I know you did take them, and unless you give them up I will have you placed under arrest.”

”Ha! don't you talk to Hank Stiger that way, or you will be sorry for it.” The half-breed's hand stole under his coat, and he showed the handle of his hunting-knife. ”Do you see dat?”

Dan sprang back, for he knew how treacherous the man before him could be. But now Henry Parker stepped up.

”None of that, Stiger,” he said, sharply, and placed his hand on the handle of the pistol he carried in his belt.

”He wants to make trouble for me. He says I stole some papers,” growled Hank Stiger, sullenly.

”And I guess he is right, too,” returned Henry. ”If I understand the matter, he has proof against you.”

”Ha! did Big Foot tell----” Stiger broke off short, realising that he was exposing himself.

”Yes, Big Foot told me everything,” said Dan. ”And you must give up those papers, or take the consequence.”

Hank Stiger's face grew as dark as a thunder-cloud.

”I'll pay off that Injun for it!” he cried. ”I knew he wasn't to be trusted, the skunk! But I ain't got no papers, never had 'em! This is a put-up job to get squar' on account o' that deer,” he continued, trying to change the subject. ”You got the deer, what more do you want?”

”I am not talking deer now,--I am asking for those papers,--and the other things which were stolen,” resumed Dan, doggedly. ”What have you done with them?”