But at the moment of Dick's salute, Sam Bolton cried out sharply behind
him. The young woodsman instantly whirled to confront the Chippewa.

"He reached for his knife," explained Sam.

The ejaculation had also called the attention of every member of the
band to the tableau. There could be absolutely no doubt as to its
meaning,--the evident anger of the red, his attitude, his hand on the
haft of his knife. The Chippewa was fairly caught.

He realised the fact, but his quick mind instantly turned the situation
to his profit. Without attempting to alter the malice of his expression,
he nevertheless dropped his hand from his knife-hilt, and straightened
his figure to the grandiose attitude of the Indian orator.

"This man speaks crooked words. I know the language of the saganash. He
tells my brothers that he gives this robe to May-may-gwán because he
holds it the dearest of his possessions, and because his heart is good
towards my brother's people. But to the other saganash he said these
words: 'It is a little thing, and I do not wish to carry it. What shall
I do with it?'"

He folded his arms theatrically. Dick Herron, his narrow eyes blazing,
struck him full on the mouth a shoulder blow that sent him sprawling
into the ashes by the fire.

The Chippewa was immediately on his feet, his knife in his hand.
Instinctively the younger Crees drew near to him. The old race
antagonism flashed forth, naturally, without the intervention of