News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1910-12-07
TCoNTINUED.l
Copyright. 1909, by Harper q Brothers

Constantine hesitated slightly befor
answering. Me go work for Cherry.
"Why?'
"She good to my little broder Yo1
Savvy little chil'ren-so bigY
Yes, I've seen him. He's a fine lit
tie fellow. By the way, do you re
member that night about two weeks
ago when | was at Cherry's house
the night you and your sister went
outY'
81 member"
"Where did you go?
Constantine shifted his walrus soled
boots. What for you ask?"
Never mind! Where did you go
when you left the house?"
ME go Indian village. What for
you ask?'
Nothing. Only if you ever have
any trouble with Mr.. Marsh / may be
able to help you. l like you, and |
don't like him."
The breed grunted unintnlligibly and
was about to leave when Boyd reached
forth suddenly and plucked the fell
lows sheath knife from it's scabbard.
With startled cry, Constantine whirl-
ed, his face convulsed, his nostrils
dilated like those of a frightened
horse.
But Emerson merely fingered the In
dams weapon carelessly, remarking:
"That is a curious knife you have.
have noticed it several times"
He eyed him shrewdly for moment,
then handed the blade back with a
smile. Constantine slipped it into it's
place and strobe away without a word
1t was considerably later in the day
when Boyd discovered the Indians to
whom he had given the note talking
excitedly on the dock. Seeing Constan-
tine in argument with them, he ap- |
preached to demand an explanation, |
whereupon the quarter breed held out |
a silver dollar in his palm with the
words
"These men say this money no good"
what do you mean?"
"1t no good. No can buy grub at
company store"
1t was evident that even Constan-
tine was vaguely distrustful
Another native extended a coin, say
ing:
eve want money like this"
Boyd took the piece and examined it,
whereupon a light broke upon him.
The coin was stamped with the initials
of one of the old fishing companies,
and he instantly recognized a ruse
practiced in the north during the days
of the first trading concerns. 1t had
been the custom of these companies to
pay their Indians in coins bearing
their own impress and to refuse all
other specie at their posts. thus COM
pelling the natives to trade at COM
pany stores. Seeing that his words
carried no conviction, Emerson gave
up at last. saying:
IF the company store won't take the
money I'll sell you whatever you need
from the commissary. We are not 60
ing to have any trouble over a little
thing like this"
He marched the natives in a body to |
the stOrehOuse, where. he saw to it that
they received what provisions they
needed and assisted them in loading
their canoes.
But his amusement at the episode
gave way to uneasiness on the follow
ing morning when the Aleuts failed to
report for work, and by noon his anx-
iety resolved itself into strong sus-
picion.
Bait had returned from the banks ,
earlier in the morning with news Of a
struggle between his white crew and
Marsh's men. Georges boats had been :
surrounded during the night. nets had
been cut and several encounters had :
occurred, resulting in serious injury to
his men. The giant. in no amiable ;
mood, hadreturned for re-enforcements,
stating that the situation was becom- 7
Ing more serious every hour. Hearing
Of the desertion of the natives, he -
burst into profanity, then armed him y
self and returned to the banks, while !,
Boyd, now thoroughly alarmed, took T
launch and sped up the river to Cher f
rvs house in the hope that she could !,
prevail upon her own recruits to re- i
turn.
He found the girl ready to accom- h
)any him, and they were about to en- h
park when Chakawana came running
rom the house as if in sudden fright. >,
"Where you go?" she asked her mis-. \
ress
81 am going to the Indian village. q,
lou stay here" =
"No, no! I no stop here alone. | go -
long too" She cast a glance over her =,
houlder. :,
But, Chakawana. what is the mat -,
er? Are you afraid?" .,
yes" Chakawana nodded her pref
Y head vigorously. he
what are you afraid OFF, Boyd Fl
sked. but she merely stared at him 81
nth eyes as black and round as OK {
cart cherries, then renewed her en- ~
reaty. When she had received per- al
''ssion and had hurried back to the l
1use her mistress remarked, with a Ill
Izzled frown: TO
Il don't know what to make Of her. ST,