Page:The Boy Land Boomer.djvu/238

224 "Is this the animal?"

"It is.

"I found him in the possession of a run-away Indian, Yellow Elk. If he is your property you are welcome to him," and Pawnee Brown leaped to the ground.

"Humph! That is all right, but what are you doing here? Don't you know you are on forbidden ground?"

The scout's coolness was a great surprise to the official.

"I would be—under ordinary circumstances, sir. But just now I am on a mission to the agency: a mission I am convinced you will not attempt to hinder."

"What is it?"

"I wish to expose a great criminal, a man who is now in the active service of the United States, although he ought to be in prison or on the gallows."

The official was much surprised.

"I would like to know some of the particulars, Pawnee."

"Are you bound for the agency?"

"Yes."

"Then we will go together, and you can see what takes place. It will probably be well worth your while."

"This is no trick—I know you are itching to get into Oklahoma."