El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1910-09-17

WITH STARTLED CRY, CONSTANTINE
WHIRLED, HIS FACE CONFUSED.
forth suddenly and plucked the fel-
lows sheath knife from its scabbard
With startled cry, Constantine whirl-
ed, his face convulsed, his nostrils
dilated ike 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 a moment,
then handed the blade back with a
smile. Constantine slipped it into its
place and strobe away without 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?"
at 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:
I've want money ike 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 go
ing to have any trouble over a little
thing like this"
He marched the natives in 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
struggle between his white crew and
Marsh's men. Georges boats had been
during the night. nets had
been cut and several encounters had
occurred, resulting in serious injury to
bis men. The giant, in no amiable
mood. had returned for re-enforcements,
stating that the situation was becom-
ng 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 a
and sped up the river to Cher
Us house in the hope that she could
prevail upon her own recruits to re-
urn.
He found the girl ready to accom-
'any him, and they were about to en-
bark when Chakawana came running
rom the house as if in sudden fright.
Where you goT" she asked her mis-
ress.
81 am going TO the Indian village
You stay here
mo, no! no stop here alone. L go
long too" She cast a glance over her
shoulder
But, Chakawana, what is the mat
er? Are you afraid?"
Yes" Chakawana nodded her pret
y head vigorously. l