Chapter IX · Chapter 9

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Even if I had a pack-horse and a grub-stake, it would be on a par with chasing a rainbow for me to start on a lone hunt for Hank Rowan's _cache_.

later than; following

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading AN IDLE AFTERNOON.

without aim; in an aimless manner

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

Having no one else present.

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading AN IDLE AFTERNOON.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

eagerly desirous

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Even if I had a pack-horse and a grub-stake, it would be on a par with chasing a rainbow for me to start on a lone hunt for Hank Rowan's _cache_.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

plural of “body” — the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

plural of “building” — a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

a grouping of a number of similar things

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

a hidden storage space (for money or provisions or weapons)

From this reading Even if I had a pack-horse and a grub-stake, it would be on a par with chasing a rainbow for me to start on a lone hunt for Hank Rowan's _cache_.

soreness or irritation of the skin caused by friction

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

-ing form of “chase” — go after with the intent to catch

From this reading Even if I had a pack-horse and a grub-stake, it would be on a par with chasing a rainbow for me to start on a lone hunt for Hank Rowan's _cache_.

carefully weighed

From this reading I damned Major Lessard earnestly for what I considered his injustice to MacRae, and wondered if he would send his troopers out to look for that hypothetical gold-dust.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

expletives used informally as intensifiers

From this reading I damned Major Lessard earnestly for what I considered his injustice to MacRae, and wondered if he would send his troopers out to look for that hypothetical gold-dust.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

in a serious manner

From this reading I damned Major Lessard earnestly for what I considered his injustice to MacRae, and wondered if he would send his troopers out to look for that hypothetical gold-dust.

divisible by two

From this reading Even if I had a pack-horse and a grub-stake, it would be on a par with chasing a rainbow for me to start on a lone hunt for Hank Rowan's _cache_.

at any time

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

produced by or subjected to forcing

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I damned Major Lessard earnestly for what I considered his injustice to MacRae, and wondered if he would send his troopers out to look for that hypothetical gold-dust.

destroyed or killed

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

English writer known for his interest in mythology and in the classics (1895-1985)

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Even if I had a pack-horse and a grub-stake, it would be on a par with chasing a rainbow for me to start on a lone hunt for Hank Rowan's _cache_.

the act of shooting a gun

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Even if I had a pack-horse and a grub-stake, it would be on a par with chasing a rainbow for me to start on a lone hunt for Hank Rowan's _cache_.

a coil of rope or wool or yarn

From this reading Even if I had a pack-horse and a grub-stake, it would be on a par with chasing a rainbow for me to start on a lone hunt for Hank Rowan's _cache_.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

past form of “help” — give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading I damned Major Lessard earnestly for what I considered his injustice to MacRae, and wondered if he would send his troopers out to look for that hypothetical gold-dust.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

pursue for food or sport (as of wild animals)

From this reading Even if I had a pack-horse and a grub-stake, it would be on a par with chasing a rainbow for me to start on a lone hunt for Hank Rowan's _cache_.

based primarily on surmise rather than adequate evidence

From this reading I damned Major Lessard earnestly for what I considered his injustice to MacRae, and wondered if he would send his troopers out to look for that hypothetical gold-dust.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

not in action or at work

From this reading AN IDLE AFTERNOON.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Even if I had a pack-horse and a grub-stake, it would be on a par with chasing a rainbow for me to start on a lone hunt for Hank Rowan's _cache_.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

the state of being inactive

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

an unjust act

From this reading I damned Major Lessard earnestly for what I considered his injustice to MacRae, and wondered if he would send his troopers out to look for that hypothetical gold-dust.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Even if I had a pack-horse and a grub-stake, it would be on a par with chasing a rainbow for me to start on a lone hunt for Hank Rowan's _cache_.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I damned Major Lessard earnestly for what I considered his injustice to MacRae, and wondered if he would send his troopers out to look for that hypothetical gold-dust.

lacking companions or companionship

From this reading Even if I had a pack-horse and a grub-stake, it would be on a par with chasing a rainbow for me to start on a lone hunt for Hank Rowan's _cache_.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading I damned Major Lessard earnestly for what I considered his injustice to MacRae, and wondered if he would send his troopers out to look for that hypothetical gold-dust.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I damned Major Lessard earnestly for what I considered his injustice to MacRae, and wondered if he would send his troopers out to look for that hypothetical gold-dust.

of greater importance or stature or rank

From this reading I damned Major Lessard earnestly for what I considered his injustice to MacRae, and wondered if he would send his troopers out to look for that hypothetical gold-dust.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Even if I had a pack-horse and a grub-stake, it would be on a par with chasing a rainbow for me to start on a lone hunt for Hank Rowan's _cache_.

not able to be found

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

not any; not one

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Even if I had a pack-horse and a grub-stake, it would be on a par with chasing a rainbow for me to start on a lone hunt for Hank Rowan's _cache_.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading I damned Major Lessard earnestly for what I considered his injustice to MacRae, and wondered if he would send his troopers out to look for that hypothetical gold-dust.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Even if I had a pack-horse and a grub-stake, it would be on a par with chasing a rainbow for me to start on a lone hunt for Hank Rowan's _cache_.

(golf) the standard number of strokes set for each hole on a golf course, or for the entire course

From this reading Even if I had a pack-horse and a grub-stake, it would be on a par with chasing a rainbow for me to start on a lone hunt for Hank Rowan's _cache_.

past form of “poke” — poke or thrust abruptly

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

affix in a public place or for public notice

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

an arc of colored light in the sky caused by refraction of the sun's rays by rain

From this reading Even if I had a pack-horse and a grub-stake, it would be on a par with chasing a rainbow for me to start on a lone hunt for Hank Rowan's _cache_.

plural of “redcoat” — British soldier; so-called because of his red coat (especially during the American Revolution)

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

made known or told about; especially presented in a formal account

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

plural of “ridge” — a long narrow natural elevation or striation

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

possessive form of “rowan” — Eurasian tree with orange-red berrylike fruits

From this reading Even if I had a pack-horse and a grub-stake, it would be on a par with chasing a rainbow for me to start on a lone hunt for Hank Rowan's _cache_.

cause to go somewhere

From this reading I damned Major Lessard earnestly for what I considered his injustice to MacRae, and wondered if he would send his troopers out to look for that hypothetical gold-dust.

lacking brightness or color; dull

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

a smallest army unit

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Even if I had a pack-horse and a grub-stake, it would be on a par with chasing a rainbow for me to start on a lone hunt for Hank Rowan's _cache_.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I damned Major Lessard earnestly for what I considered his injustice to MacRae, and wondered if he would send his troopers out to look for that hypothetical gold-dust.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

plural of “trooper” — a soldier in a motorized army unit

From this reading I damned Major Lessard earnestly for what I considered his injustice to MacRae, and wondered if he would send his troopers out to look for that hypothetical gold-dust.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

except if; if not

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

migratory

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

in the company of; together with

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.

past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something

From this reading I damned Major Lessard earnestly for what I considered his injustice to MacRae, and wondered if he would send his troopers out to look for that hypothetical gold-dust.

showing curiosity

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading For the next hour or two I poked aimlessly around the post buildings, chafing at the forced inaction and wondering what I would better do after I'd gone with the squad of redcoats to those graves and helped bring the bodies in.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I didn't know the Writing-Stone country, and a man had no business wandering up and down those somber ridges alone, away from the big freight-trails, unless he was anxious to be among the "reported missing"--which he sure would be if a bunch of non-treaty Indians ever got within gunshot of him.