Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1911-01-24
4 silver dollar In his palm with the

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 coin. say
ing:
I'VE want money like this"
Boyd took the piece and examined II.
whereupon a light broke upon him
The coin was stamped with the Initials
Of one Of the old fishing companies.
and he Instantly recognized ruse
practiced In the north d. ing the days
Of the first trading concerns. II had
been the custom Of these companies 10
pay their Indians In coins bearing
their own impress and 10 refuse u.
other specie at their posts. thus com
pelling the natives 10 trade IT 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 10 II that
they received what provisions they
needed and assisted them In loading
their canoes.
But his amusement ar the episode
gave way TO uneasiness Oh the follow
Ing morning when the Aleuts failed 70
report for work, and by noon his anx
lety resolved itself into strong sus-
plcion.
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
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 vas becsm.
Ing more serious every nour. Hearing
Of the desertion Of the natives, be
burst into profanity. then armed him.
self and returned 10 the banks. while
BOYD, now thoroughly alarmed. took
launch and sped up the river TO Cher
ry> house in the hope that she coulc
prevail upon her own recruits 10 re-
,urn.
He found the girl ready to accom-
pany him. and they were about TO en-
bark when Chakawana CAME running
from the house as II In sudden fright.
Where you go:" she asked her mis-
tress
II am going TO the Indian village.
You stay here"
NO. no. no stop here alone. ! 60
long TOO" She cast glance over hei
shoulder
But. Chakawana. what IS the mat
ter? Are you afraid?'
"Yes." Chakawana nodded her pref
~ head vigorously.
What are YOU afraid Off" Boyd
asked. but she merely stared at him
with eyes aS black and round a ON
heart cherries. then renewed her en-
treaty. When she had received per-
mission and had hurried back 10 the
house her mistress remarked, with a
puzzled frown:
Il don't know what TO make OF her.
She aud Constantine have been acting
very strangely Of late. She used 10 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 10 each other and
skulking about until 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? I can't
bear ugly people around me-"
At the native village, In spite OF
every effort she and Boyd could make
the Indians refused 10 go back TO
work.
"Since they can't use your money at
the store. they don't seem 10 care
whether it is good or not" Cherry an
nounced after a time. "Oh, but It's
maddeningr She stamped her foot
ansrily. And was 50 proud OF my
work. thought l had really done
something TO help at last. But | don't
know what more we can do. I've
reached the end of my rope"
80 have l." he confessed. Even
with those fifty .Aleuts we weren't run
ming at more than half capacity. but
we were making showing at least.
Noww He flung up his hands In a
gesture Of despair George Is In
trouble. as usual. Marsh's men have
cut our nets. and the yacht may ar
rive at any time
"The yacht, What yacht"
"Mr. wayland's yacht. He is max
Ing a tour of this coast with the other
officers Of the trust and-Mildred."
ISIS she coming hereT' demanded
Cherry In a strained voice.
"Yes."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
al don't know; / didn't think you
would be interested"
40 H. o,r,. ,ra;t7 Che "a 90 on per
that she follows you from Chicago
clear up into this wilderness. Then
you won't need my assistance any
more, will you?" Her lids dropped,
half hiding her eyes. and her face
hardened.
"Of course shall need your help.
Her coming won't make any differ
ence."
1T strikes ME that you have allowed
ME to make a fool Of myself long
enough" said Cherry angrily. Here
I have been breaking my heart over
this enterprise. while you have known
all the time that she was coming.
Why. you have merely used me-and
George. and all the rest OF US. for that
matter" she laughed harshly.
You don't understand" said Boyd
Miss Wayland"-
"Oh. yes. do. dare say 1t will graf
ify her to straighten out your troubles
A word from her lips and your worries
will vanish like a mist. Let US ac'
knowledge ourselves beaten and beg
her to save us.
Boyd shook his mead In negation. but
.ha p.ye him no time for SDeech.