Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-11-04

outY'
IT member"
"Where did you go?"
Constantine shifted his walrus soled
boots. What for you ask?'
Never mind. Where did you 60
when you left the house?"
ME go Indian village. What for
you ask?'
Nothing Only if you ever have
any trouble with Mr.. Marsh 1 may be
able to help you. 1 like you, and
don't like him"
The breed grunted unintelligibly and
was about to leave when Boyd reached
forth suddenly and plucked the Eel
lows sheath knife from its scabbard
With a 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
smile. Constantine slipped it into its
place and strobe away without word.
It 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. y
what do you mean?"
'Tt 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 1t,
whereupon n 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
polling the natives to trade at com
pany stores. SeeEng that his words
carried no conviction, Emerson gave
up at last, saying:
IF the company store won't take the
money III 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 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. hadreturned 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 baPks, while
Boyd. now thoroughly alarmed, took a
To- hn ~ To Char
rye 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
81 am going to the Indian village,
You stay here"
mo, no! 1 no stop here alone. I go
long too She cast n 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 of" 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 per
mission and had hurried back to the
house her mistress remarked, with a
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 sort 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 l am getting
nervous myself" Then, as the Indian
girl came flying back with her tiny
baby brother in her arms, Cherry add
ed: "Shes pretty, isn't she? 1 can't