Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1910-12-02
BY REX BEACH

: eoPYRienr. 1909. ~
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It was considerably later in the day
when Boyd discovered the Indians to
whom be 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?"
ut no good. No can buy grub at
company store"
It was evident that even Constan-
tine was vaguely distrustful.
Another native extended coin. say.
ing:
1--WE 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 be instantly recognized q 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
polling the natives to trade at COM
pany stores. Seeing that his words
carried no conviction, Emerson gave
up at last, saying:
III the company store won't take the
money Iii sell you Whatever ycu need
from the commissary. We are not go
ing to have any trouble over a little
thing like this."
He marched the natives In body to
the storehouse. where be 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 tho morning with news Of n
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. hadseturned for re-enforcements.
stating that the situation was becom-
ing more serious every hour. Hearing
of the desertion Of the natives. he
burst into profanity. then armed him
self and returned to the banks. while
Boyd. now thoroughly alarmed. took
launch and sped up the river to Cher
rvs house In the hope that she could
prevail upon her own recruits to re-
turn. -'
He found the girl ready to accom-
pany him. and they were about to en-
bark when Chakawana came running
from the house as If In sudden fright.
"where you go?' she asked her mis-.
tress.
II am going to the Indian village.
You stay here"
"No, no! I no stop here alone. 80
Tong too" She cast glance over her
shoulder.
"But. Chakawana. what Is the mat
ter: Are you afraid?"
Eyes" Chakawana nodded her pref
ty head vigorously.
what are you afraid OFF, Boyd
asked. but she merely stared At him
with eyes as black and round as OK.
heart cherries. then renewed her en-
treaty. When she had received PEI.
mission and had hurried back tn the
house her mistress remarked, With
puzzled frown:
II don't know what to make Of her.
She and Constantine have been acting
very strangely Of late She used to be
the happiest SOFT Of creature. always
laughing and singing. but she has
changed entirely during the last few
weeks. Both she and Constantine are
forever whispering to each other and
skulking about until am getting
nervous myself" Then. as the Indian
giri came flying back with her tiny
baby brother in her arms. Cherry add
ed: "she's pretty. isn't she? I can't
bear ugly people around me-"
AZ the native village. in spite Of
every effort she and Boyd could make.
the Indians refused to 60 back to
work.
'.siuce they can't use your money at
the store. they don't seem to care
whether It IL good or not" Cherry an
nounced after time. "Oh. but it's
maddeningr' She stamped her foot
angrily. "And I was 80 proud Of my
work. I thought I had really done
something to help at last But don't
know what moro We can do. I've
reached the end Of my rope"
$50 have l." he confessed. Even
with those dfty Aleuts we weren't run
ming at more than half capacity, but
We were making q showing at least.
Now!" He flung up his hands In a
gesture Of despair. George Is In
trouble. al usual Marsh's men have
cut our nets, and the yacht may ar
i've at any time"
1.-THE yacht! What yacht?"
"Alr. Wayland's yacht He IS max
Ing a tour OF this coast with the other
officers Of the trust and-Mildred."