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"That is for Kut-le to say," answered Rhoda
"Rhoda," said Jack, and his voice shook with earnestness, "listen! Listen toKut-le is Lord help us, girl, he's been , he's my friend still But, Rhoda, it won't do! It won't work out right He's a fine man for men But as a husband to a white woman, he's still an Indian; and after the first, that ain, Rhoda! I tell you, it won't do!"
Rhoda's voice still was clear and high, still bore the note of exaltation
"I have thought again and again, Jack There could be no end to the thinking, so I gave it up!"
Kut-le's eyes were on the girl, inscrutable and calm as the desert itself, but still he did not speak
Billy Porter wiped his forehead again and again on a cloth that bore no resemblance to a handkerchief
"I can't put up any kind of an argument All I can say is I don't see how any one like you could do it, Miss Rhoda! Just think! His folks is Injuns, dirty, blanket Injuns! They scratch themselves from one day's end to the other They will be your relatives, too! They'll be hanging round you all the time I'm not a enerallyto her! Let's take her away by force, Jack!"
Rhoda caught her breath and instinctively moved toward Kut-le But Jack did not stir
"No," he answered; "I've done all the chasing and trying to kidnap that I care about But, Rhoda, once and for all I tell you that I think you are doing you and yours a deadly wrong!"
"Perhaps I a At any rate, I' to stay with Kut-le"
"For heaven's sake, Rhoda," cried Jack, "at least co She'll never forgive ely
"Look here!" he shouted "Are you crazy too! You're talking about her h his teeth obstinately
"I've sweated blood over this thing as long as I propose to If Rhoda wants to marry Kut-le, that's her business I always did like Kut-le and I always shall I've done et Rhoda back Now that she says that she cares for him, it's neither your nor my business--nor DeWitt's But I want theive the"