Tom pulled it away with a look of disgust.
“I have no confidence in you,” he said. “I know how you treat your friends and benefactors.”
“I have indeed done wrong,” said Dionysius. “I am a weak, fallible man, but I never will wrong you again.”
“I don’t think you will, for I shall not give you a chance. Now tell me the truth about the horse. How did he escape from you?”
“I got off his back a moment, and he immediately turned and galloped away.”
“A little way,” answered Mr. Silverthorn, coughing apologetically; “but I soon gave it up. I said to myself, ‘He will seek his owner, and I shall be saved from committing a sin.’“
“You were resigned because you had to be,” he said. “Now, about Grant’s money! Have you got it?”
“It may have been two hours ago. I have no watch, and can only estimate the time.”
“They ran up and seized me. I stood still, for I knew that if I ran they would pierce me with an arrow.”
“When they caught me they searched my pockets and took the silver. Then I was glad that I had taken no more.”
“That is, you would rather Grant would keep his money than have the Indians get it.”
“Yes, Mr. Tom,” answered Silverthorn meekly. “It went to my heart to rob the boy, for he looked so much like my lost son. Forgive these tears!” and he drew out the red silk handkerchief, which the Indians had evidently not thought it worth while to take, and wiped his eyes.
“That man disgusts me, Grant,” said Tom. “He seems to have quite an affection for you.”
“It is all on his side,” returned Grant. “I don’t believe he ever had a boy.”
“Well, perhaps not. He seems a natural born liar. But it’s time we were pushing on. We have a long distance still before us.”
The wagon was put in motion, and the little procession started. Mr. Cooper drove the oxen, Mrs. Cooper sat inside the wagon, Tom led the horse, and Grant walked alongside. Sometimes Tom took his turn in driving the oxen, and sometimes Grant led the horse.
Dionysius Silverthorn started also, walking beside Grant.
“I will walk along with you, if you will let me, Mr. Tom.”
“I think you’ve got more cheek than any man I know. After the trick you played upon us, you expect us to tolerate your presence.”
“Please let me accompany you, Mr. Tom. I might meet the Indians again.”