José — page 129: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

122 | JOSE. “T think we had better not continue in this direc- tion,” he said. “If you desire to extend your ride, the ground on the opposite side is more desirable, and nearer the fort.” “T shall place you under no further sacrifices of time, Mr. McGregor, and shall be glad to return to the house, if you prefer,” replied Mary, turning her horse. , “As you please,” said the young man, with a nod; and both rode back over their former route in silence. They were soon met by the escort, and by Brown, who, evidently in high spirits, was listening to the recital of one of the horsemen. “T declare, those are great deeds that have been performed here, and that are still in contempla- tion!” he laughingly exclaimed, with his face directed toward the returning couple; but when he had given a second look at their faces, his brow contracted into the semblance of a frown. — “Anything new or important?” McGregor asked, addressing one of the men, as if to evade Brown’s look. | “We were only speaking of the half-breed whom they call Metopah, the Strong Bear!” was the reply; “the old squaw who comes begging about the fort, now and then, said last evening, that he would probably turn up with the dark nights of the new moon.” “None of the red’ tribe must be admitted to the fort hereafter, unless we want all our plans dis- covered beforehand,” said the young man; “an Indian can smell things that no one else would dream of!” As if now relieved of all further obligations, he Eomichooks, co m