The Bee took no offence at this rude speech, though for a second or two
the look in her eyes grew strangely like that which they had seen in
those of the snake when the fumes of the fire made it angry.

"If the white lord says I am a cheat, it must be so," she answered, "for
he of all men should be able to discern a cheat. I have said that I ask
no fee;--yes, give me a little tobacco from your pouch."

Hadden opened the bag of antelope hide and drawing some tobacco from it,
gave it to her. In taking it she clasped his hand and examined the gold
ring that was upon the third finger, a ring fashioned like a snake with
two little rubies set in the head to represent the eyes.

"I wear a snake about my neck, and you wear one upon your hand,
_Inkoos_. I should like to have this ring to wear upon my hand, so that
the snake about my neck may be less lonely there."

"Then I am afraid you will have to wait till I am dead," said Hadden.

"Yes, yes," she answered in a pleased voice, "it is a good word. I will
wait till you are dead and then I will take the ring, and none can say
that I have stolen it, for Nahoon there will bear me witness that you
gave me permission to do so."

For the first time Hadden started, since there was something about
the Bee's tone that jarred upon him. Had she addressed him in her
professional manner, he would have thought nothing of it; but in her
cupidity she had become natural, and it was evident that she spoke from
conviction, believing her own words.