Arizona republican., 1912-04-04
66e GOD OF HER PEOPLE
By JAMES OLIVER cURWoop.
Copyright, 1910, by the Pearson Pub
 fishing Co.


 "I haven't any faith in those Crees. A blind man can see that they are filled with a thirst for Sarcee blood There | can be no quibbling-Sakimay has killed a white man, his people have killed a number of Crees, and they're nightly in the wrong, according to law. But we have got to stop massa- ere. and there's going to be one unless we do something. How far is Saki- ! mays camp from here7"
 About six miles, Msieur." Jeans body was quiveripg as he bent eagerly l toward Philip.
 Will you go there to-night-with a message from me-"
 Yes"
 You know the situation. Tell them what it is Tell them that am here, and that I ask them to place them | selves under my charge until an inves | tigation can be made. II is their only salvation. Do you understand"
 And if they do this. Mseur?" "I will return to their camp with you"
 And if the Crees attack" Then" said Philip, it will be the duty of the law to fight for the Sar. l cees."
 He joined Cockburn who invited Pic tou 10 smoke with them in the Com pany store. It was late when the Breed returned to his fire and the fac ! tor showed Philip the bunk he was 10 sleep in. After Cockburn had gone Philip sat up. waiting for Jean
 It was midnight when Pierrot came in.
 They refuse, M M'sieur." he said.
 Philip stared at the strange pallor and the hollow lines in Jeans face.
 They refuse" repeated Pierrot, breathing deeply. "I saw Maballs. and she took me by the hand, M'sieur. and led me into the tepee where Sakimay was lying upon his back They be came man and wife-to-day-accord- ing 10 their law. I gave them your message. I told them what would hap pen tomorrow, and Sakinay called the others in so that they might hear There are only eleven who can fight and 10 man they shook their heads when Sskimay said he would give him self up 10 the White Chief, if it was their will. They are poorly armed They know what will happen. But they are brave, though they are not a people of God. They are ready 10 die, M'sieur. Sakimay and Maballa send you their thanks and their love. And Maballa sends you this,"
 Jeans voice choked him as he drew a folded bit of buckskin from his pocket He unwrspped it and there rippled down from between his fingers long, shining tress of hair. He held it above his waist and it swept the floor. His eyes shone softly and his hand trembled as he gave ii 10 Philip.
 Ut is beautiful,' brsathed Philip. wonderingly, as the softness of it touched his fingers. "But-I don't understand"
 "M'sieur," cried Jean. bending for ward. this is the greatest thing that a Sarcce maiden can give to a man, next to her love In the old days when the Sarcees were a powerful tribe if girl asked the favor of man by word of mouth only, he could grant it or not, as he wished, but if she gave him a tress of her hair it bound him even to death in her service. To re- in her request, would be the same as you refusing assistance 10 a white woman pleading for help in the hands of rufians Maballa sends her prayer to you It is that you have her and Sakimay taken 10 their old home in the Swan River country, and buried therein one grave. It is her last confession that she has no God, and that she will die pagan, with Saki- may" Jean bowed his head. will you do this, M'sieur?"
 He started as he felt the soft crush of Mabala's hair against his hand. His eyes met Philips.
 This is yours. Jean,' said Philip gently. Cant you understand? Me balla sent if 10 me-and intended Il for you. Ii is yours and I will help you to carry them back to their old home-if they die"
 You think she meant this-for me?"
 Philip laughed and gripped Jeans hand.
 My poor Pierrot, are you blind?"
 With a joyous cry Jean pressed the sllken tress to his lips.
 Then she has given to me-to me- | something" he said. Tt is next to that which she has given 10 him He | turned toward the door and stopped. | In the shadow his eyes glowed like 1 black garnets. "I am sorry there are | not three Gods, M'sieur. If there were l I would go and fight for her"
 A little before dawn Philip went 1 with Pierrot and the factor to the 1 Indian camp. The Crees were ready | and waiting. Their dogs were tugging | at the ends of b3biche thongs tied to l