magined that some of the interior Indians, who were
strictly forbidden by the Chilkats to visit the coast, had disobeyed
orders, and come to this unfrequented place to surreptitiously gather in
a few seals. In that case the hunters would immediately declare war, and
the prospect of scalps caused their stolid faces to light and their dull
eyes to glitter.

When it was discovered that a white man was in the cabin, the Indians
were greatly disappointed, but concluded to withdraw without allowing
him to suspect their presence, for the Chilkats have no love for white
men. But for Nel-te and Amook they would have succeeded in this, and our
travellers would never have known of their dusky visitors, or the chance
for escape offered by their canoes.

If the fur-seal's tooth had been able to speak just then, it would have
said, "I am disgusted with the ways of white people. In their hands I am
treated with no respect. They lose me and find me again with
indifference. They even give me to children and dogs as a plaything. How
different was my position among the noble Chilkats! By their Shamans and
chiefs I was venerated; by the common people I was feared; while all
recognized my extraordinary powers. To them I am determined to return."

With this the fur-seal's tooth, which was at that moment dangling from
Nel-te's hand, gave itself such a vigorous forward swing, that Amook was
able to seize the buckskin thong, which immediately slipped into a
secure place between two of his sharp teeth. As Nel-te attempted to
snatch back his plaything, the dog sprang up and darted from the open
doorway.

At that moment the Indian who had inspected the cabin was just
disappearing over the beach ridge. At sight of him Amook uttered a yelp,
and started in pursuit. The Indian heard him, and ran. He sprang into
the canoe, already occupied by his fellows, and shoved it off as Amook,
barking furiously, gained the water's edge. Lying a few feet away, and
resting on their paddles, the Indians taunted him. Suddenly one of their
number called attention to the curious white object dangling from the
dog's mouth. They gazed at it with ever-increasing excitement, and
finally one of them began to load his gun with the intention of shooting
the dog, and so securing the coveted trophy that so miraculously
appeared hanging from his jaws. Ere he could carry out his cruel
intention little Nel-te appeared over the ridge in hot pursuit of his
playmate. Without payi