i, we'll be quits wi' them now," said Joe, as
they came in sight of the two bands, who remained in precisely the same
position in which they had been left, except that one or two of the more
reckless of the trappers had lit their pipes and taken to smoking,
without, however, laying down their rifles or taking their eyes off the
savages.

A loud cheer greeted the arrival of the prisoners, and looks of
considerable discomfort began to be evinced by the Indians.

"Glad to see you, friends," said Cameron, as they came up.

"Ve is 'appy ov de same," replied Henri, swaggering up in the joviality
of his heart, and seizing the trader's hand in his own enormous fist.
"Shall ve go to york an' slay dem all at vonce, or von at a time?"

"We'll consider that afterwards, my lad. Meantime go you to the rear,
and get a weapon of some sort."

"Oui. Ah! c'est charmant," he cried, going with an immense flounder
into the midst of the amused trappers, and slapping those next to him on
the back. "Give me veapon, do, mes ami--gun, pistol, anyting--cannon,
if you have von."

Meanwhile Cameron and Joe spoke together for a few moments.

"You had goods with you, and horses, I believe, when you were captured,"
said the former.

"Ay, that we had. Yonder stand the horses under the pine-tree, along
wi' the rest o' the Red-skin troop, an a hard time they've had o't, as
their bones may tell without speakin'. As for the goods," he continued,
glancing round the camp, "I don't know where--ah! yes, there they be in
the old pack. I see all safe."

Cameron now addressed the Indians.

"The Peigans," he said, "have not done well. Their hearts have not been
true to the Pale-faces. Even now I could take your scalps where you
sit; but white men do not like war, they do not like revenge. The
Peigans may go free."

Considering the fewness of their numbers, this was bold language to use
towards the Indians; but the boldest is generally the best policy on
such occasions. Moreover, Cameron felt that, being armed with rifles,
while the Indians had only bows and arrows, the trappers had a great
advantage over them.

The Indian who had spoken before now rose and said he was sorry there
should be any cause of difference between them, and added he was sorry
for a great many more things besides, but he did not say he was sorry
for having told a lie.

"But, before you go, you must deliver up the horses and goods belonging
to these men," said Camero