Page:Hugh Pendexter--Kings of the Missouri.djvu/181

 repeated something Lander thought was gibberish, but which was a Snake charm against, evil medicine; for Baker was as superstitious as the Indians among whom he had lived.

"How'd ye git lost?" he abruptly asked.

Lander explained, adding:

"Bridger laughed at my thinking you might pass the outfit without knowing it. But here you are. The laugh will be on him."

"Most likely," gravely agreed Baker. "Ye're a queer young cuss. Can't ye see ye got ahead o' th' outfit? Meetin' me proves that. Ye walked fast, prob'ly a bit skeered. Bridger halted an' sent men back to find ye. He must be cussin' in a way that'd do a man's heart good by this time. While his men was goin' back ye swung out one side an' passed th' outfit. I suttinly want to be round when Jim lets out on ye."

Saying this Baker fished out his medicine bag and cautiously opened it, screening the act with his body. Tired of being ignored and criticized. Lander took his rifle and strolled toward the bluffs.

Baker was absorbed with his medicine and took no notice of Lander's departure until he was well under the bluff. Replacing the bag he glanced