"No use trying to follow an Injun who knows you're after him," agreed
Dick.

"It's that Chippewa, of course," proffered Sam. "I always was doubtful
of him. Now he's followin' us to see what we're up to. Then, he ain't
any too friendly to you, Dick, 'count of that scrap and th' girl. But I
don't think that's what he's up to--not yet, at least. I believe he's
some sort of friend or kin of that Jingoss, an' he wants to make sure
that we're after him."

"Why don't he just ambush us, then, an' be done with it?" asked Dick.

"Two to one," surmised Bolton, laconically. "He's only got a
trade-gun--one shot. But more likely he thinks it ain't going to do him
much good to lay us out. More men would be sent. If th' Company's really
after Jingoss, the only safe thing for him is a warning. But his friend
don't want to get him out of th' country on a false alarm."

"That's so," said Dick.

They talked over the situation, and what was best to be done.

"He don't know yet that we've discovered him," submitted Sam. "My
scouting around looked like huntin', and he couldn't a seen me pick up
that stone. We better not try to catch him till we can make _sure_. He's
got to camp somewheres. We'll wait till night. Of course he'll get away
from th' stream, and he'll cover his trail. Still, they's a moon. I
don't believe anybody could do it but you, Dick. If you don't make her,
why there ain't nothing lost. We'll just have to camp down here an' go
to trapping until he gets sick of hanging around."