with a fierce
glance towards Cameron, grunted a gruff reply.

"No, no," said Raven, also glancing at Cameron. Again the Indian spoke,
this time with insistent fierceness. "No! no! you cold-blooded devil,"
replied the trader. "No! But," he added with emphasis, "we will take him
with us. Pack! Here, bring in coat, mitts, socks, Little Thunder. And
move quick, do you hear?" His voice rang out in imperious command.

Little Thunder, growling though he might, no longer delayed, but dived
into the storm and in a few moments returned bearing a bag from which he
drew the articles of clothing desired.

"But I am not going with you," said Cameron firmly. "I cannot desert
my chief this way. It would give him no end of trouble. Leave me some
matches and, if you can spare it, a little grub, and I shall do finely."

"Get these things on," replied Raven, "and quit talking. Don't be
a fool! we simply can't leave you behind. If you only knew the
alternative, you'd--"

Cameron glanced at the Indian. The eager fierce look on that hideous
face startled him.

"We will send you back all safe in a few days," continued the trader
with a smile. "Come, don't delay! March is the word."

"I won't go!" said Cameron resolutely. "I'll stay where I am."

"All right, you fool!" replied Raven with a savage oath. "Take your
medicine then."

He nodded to the Indian. With a swift gleam of joy in his red-rimmed
eyes the Indian reached swiftly for Cameron's rifle.

"No, too much noise," said Raven, coolly finishing the packing.

A swift flash of a knife in the firelight, and the Indian hurled himself
upon the unsuspecting Cameron. But quick as was the attack Cameron was
quicker. Gripping the Indian's uplifted wrist with his left hand, he
brought his right with terrific force upon the point of his assailant's
chin. The Indian spun round like a top and pitched out into the dark.

"Neatly done!" cried the trader with a great oath and a laugh. "Hold on,
Little Thunder!" he continued, as the Indian reappeared, knife in hand,
"He'll come now. Quiet, you beast! Ah-h-h! Would you?" He seized by the
throat and wrist the Indian, who, frothing with rage and snarling like
a wild animal, was struggling to reach Cameron again. "Down, you dog! Do
you hear me?"

With a twist of his arms he brought the Indian to his knees and held him
as he might a child. Quite suddenly the Indian grew still.

"Good!" said Raven. "Now, no more of this. Pack up."

Without a