all this trouble on our account, and we're riding canoe here slick as
carcajou in a pork cache while she pegs along afoot. Let's take her
aboard."

"Won't do," replied Sam, briefly, "can't interfere. Let those Injuns run
themselves. They're more or less down on us as it is."

"Oh, you're too slow!" objected Dick. "What the hell do we care for a
lot of copper-skins from Rupert's House! We ain't got anything to ask
from them but a few pairs of moccasins, and if they don't want to make
them for us, they can use their buckskin to tie up their sore heads!"

He thrust his paddle in close to the bow and twisted the canoe towards
shore.

"Come on, Sam," said he, "show your spunk!"

The older man said nothing. His steady blue eyes rested on his
companion's back not unkindly, although a frown knit the brows above
them.

"Come here, little sister," cried Dick to the girl.

She picked her way painfully through the scrub to the edge of the bank.

"Get into the canoe," commanded Dick.

She drew back in deprecation.

"Ka'-ka'win!" she objected, in very real terror. "The old-men have