The travellers slept late on the following morning, for the weariness of
weeks was upon them, and the little bunk-room they occupied adjoined the
main building and was dark. When they came forth they found Chakawana in
the store, and a few moments later were called to breakfast.

"Where is your mistress?" inquired Boyd.

"She go see my sick broder," said the Indian girl, recalling Cherry's
mention of the child ill with measles. "She all the time give medicine to
Aleut babies," Chakawana continued. "All the time give, give, give
something. Indian people love her."

"She's sort of a Lady Bountiful to these bums," remarked Fraser.

"Does she let them trade in yonder?" Boyd asked, indicating the store.

"Oh yes! Everything cheap to Indian people. Indian got no money, all the
same." Then, as if realizing that her hasty tongue had betrayed some
secret of moment, the Aleut girl paused, and, eying them sharply,
demanded, "What for you ask?"

"No reason in particular."

"What for you ask?" she insisted. "Maybe you b'long Company, eh?" Emerson
laughed, but she was not to be put off easily, and, with characteristic
guile, announced boldly: "I lie to you. She no trade with Aleut people.
No; Chakawana lie!"

"She's afraid we'll tell this fellow Marsh," Fraser remarked to Emerson;