der the protection of the United States."

Auguste felt overwhelmed. Jackson's proposal went far beyond anything he
had imagined. Was he wrong in thinking that he must refuse?

No, he must reject Jackson's offer. The President meant to use him
against his own people.

Auguste looked straight into Jackson's steel-splinter eyes. "You expect
more trouble with the Indians, don't you, Mr. President?"

Jackson frowned. "Why do you say that?"

"Up to now you've been assuring the red men that they could live in
peace on the west side of the Mississippi. But now you can't promise
them that anymore."

"You _are_ a medicine man, de Marion. How have you divined that?"

Auguste felt as if he were walking on bad ice and might at any moment
break through and drown. He should not be so bold with this all-powerful
man.

"I know that General Scott has signed a treaty with He Who Moves Alertly
whereby the Sauk give up a strip of land fifty miles wide running down
the _west_ side of the Mississippi."

Jackson clenched his fist until the knuckles showed white. "You were
not supposed to learn about that treaty till you returned to Sauk
country."

"We traveled over a thousand miles, Mr. President. We talked to many
people, and they talked to us."

"And with someone who speaks English as well as you do in the party, you
were bound to learn. Does Black Hawk know about this?"

"No, sir."

Jackson's smile was knowing. _He thinks I'm willing to betray Black
Hawk._

Before Jackson could speak, Auguste said, "He would be angry if he knew.
He would protest to you. And it would do no good. It would only mar the
meeting between you and him."

Sharp Knife's smile broadened. "Exactly the sort of tactful decision I'd
expect of you. Just why I want you to help me."

Auguste was frightened, but felt he must make it clear to Jackson where
he stood.

"Mr. President, when you force the red people to give up land west of
the Great River, how will they live? Soon there won't be enough land for
them to hunt on."

Jackson spread his hands. "If their food supply runs short, our Indian
agents can supply them until they find other means of livelihood."

To depend on government agents for the very food they put into their
mouths? That would be a kind of prison.

His heart galloping, Auguste decided to speak even more boldly. "You are
looking for someone to reconcile the red man to having his land stolen
from him, Mr. President."

"Mr. de M