"I am a great chief from the Hills of the Mighty Men, come to be your
king," was his reply.

"He is your king," cried Pierre in a strange voice from the shadow of the
gate, and he thrust out his gun-barrel, so that they could see it.

The Indians now saw Pierre and the half-breeds in the gateway, and they
had not so much awe. They came a little nearer, and the women stopped
crying. A few of the braves half-raised their spears. Seeing this, Pierre
instantly stepped forward to the giant. He looked a child in stature
thereby. He spoke quickly and well in the Chinook language.

"This is a mighty man from the Hills of the Mighty Men. He has come to
rule over you, to give all other tribes into your hands; for he has
strength like a thousand, and fears nothing of gods nor men. I have the
blood of red men in me. It is I who have called this man from his distant
home. I heard of your fighting and foolishness: also that warriors were
to come from the south country to scatter your wives and children, and to
make you slaves. I pitied you, and I have brought you a chief greater
than any other. Throw your spears upon the ground, and all will be well;
but raise one to throw, or one arrow, or axe, and there shall be death
among you, so that as a people you shall die. The spirits are with us.
. . . Well?"

The Indians drew a little nearer, but they did not drop their spears, for
the old chief forbade them.

"We are no dogs nor cowards," he said, "though the spirits be with you,
as we believe. We have seen strange things"--he pointed to Young