José — page 223: what you’re looking at

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

916 JOSE. some time, when at last he slackened the speed of his animal and beckoned his two followers to ap- proach. “Part of our work is done as good as could be, and I think we are safe from hot pursuit,” he said, turn- ing to Green; “one thing, alone, is resting on my mind, which you may be able to relieve. What became of that chit of a boy whom the Apaches carried off prisoner with you? If he were in the village, the Indians doubtless would have kept you together. What do you know about him?” “Tt is really a lorg story but I will cut it short in a few words,” replied the addressed, with a heavy sigh as if he, too, had a heavy load upon his heart. “We arrived at the village day before yesterday, and the chief who was wounded in the attack, as near as 1 could learn on his arrival, found a message from a southern branch of the tribe awaiting him; he rode away with an escort of five Indians a few hours later and compelled Jose to follow him.” The old hunter frowned and averted his face, gazing in the direction whence the drove came speeding across the plains with the sound of distant thunder. “You are right; there is no time for long stories,” he said. “Notwithstanding, a report of all you have heard and seen will prove of the utmost importance by and by. I think between now and noon we shall be far enough away to venture to encamp; we shall then talk further about this. Don’t be alarmed, freighter—come across,” he cried, as Bill drew rein on the opposite shore; “a bit of quicksand like that isn’t dangerous. You can, right here, transfer the animals to your master; they are part at least of his stolen property.” » Eomichookssco m