José — page 66: what you’re looking at

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

JOSE, | 59 like degree of daring impudence, so near the pales of civilization. Coupled with the significant warn- ing of the Indian, the occurrence seemed an ill omen of impending danger from which none could escape. The freighters were silent. No bantering joke passed the rounds, not even the usual profanity in which a prairie man delights to vent his feelings after a moment of toil or danger, was heard. An additional number of guards were posted in silence as though an attack were imminent; silently the _ rest of the men stretched out upon the grass, and even Bill’s irrepressible humor flickered low when the Indian was gone. He gazed around him frown- ingly for the Mexican, whom he found seated, heavily bundled despite the warm atmosphere, near one of the wagons, and he sullenly spread his blanket at the youth’s feet. “You’re a capital marksman, and I reckon you'd. kill a redskin as easy as a chicken,” he said, finding Jose’s large eyes fixed upon him with a wide-awake expression. “[T had to learn it!” was the reply, given in a strange, deep tone, wholly foreign to his voice. “I fear the coyotes will leave precious little flesh on his bones by daybreak.” “Just what he deserves, and the same to the fellow that’s to be left tied to the wheel all night,” muttered Bill, turning upon his side. “This is the first time any one ever tried to spoil my first night’s sleep for me.” : Green had silently noticed every face around him, and with a troubled look turned to his companion, who had alone remained calm after the late stirring incidents and met the young American’s look with perfect composure. EOmicbooks.com