s, followed by Little Thunder, walked quietly within the circle of
the firelight and with a nod and a grunt towards Raven sat down by
the fire. Raven passed his tobacco bag, which, without a word, they
accepted; and, filling their pipes, they gravely began to smoke.

"White Cloud," grunted Little Thunder, waving his hand to the first
Indian. "Big Chief. Him," pointing to the second Indian, "White Cloud
brother."

"My brothers had good hunting this year," said Raven.

The Indians grunted for reply.

"Your packs are heavy?"

Another grunt made answer.

"We have much goods," continued Raven. "But the time is short. Come and
see."

Raven led them out into the dark towards the pack horse, Little Thunder
remaining by the fire. From the darkness Cameron could hear Raven's
voice in low tones and the Indians' guttural replies mingled with
unusual laughter.

When they returned the change in their appearance was plainly visible.
Their eyes were gleaming with an unnatural excitement, their grave
and dignified demeanour had given place to an eager, almost childish
excitement. Cameron did not need the whiff that came to him from their
breath to explain the cause of this sudden change. The signs were to him
only too familiar.

"My brothers will need to hurry," said Raven. "We move when the moon is
high."

"Good!" replied White Cloud. "Go, quick." He waved his hand toward the
dark. "Come." He brought it back again. "Heap quick." Without further
word they vanished, silent as the shadows that swallowed them up.

"Now, then, Cameron, we have big business on foot. Up and give us a
hand. Little Thunder, take the bunch down the trail a couple of miles
and come back."

Selecting one of the pack ponies, he tied it to a pine tree and the
others he hurried off with Little Thunder down the trail.

"Going to do some trading, are you?" enquired Cameron.

"Yes, if the price is right, though I'm not too keen," replied Raven,
throwing himself down beside the fire.

"What are you after? Furs?"

"Yes, furs mostly. Anything they have to offer."

"What do you give in exchange?"

Raven threw him a sharp glance, but Cameron's face was turned toward the
fire.

"Oh, various articles. Wearing apparel, tobacco, finery. Molasses too.
They are very fond of molasses."

"Molasses?" echoed Cameron, with a touch of scorn. "It was not molasses
they had to-night. Why did you give them whiskey?" he asked boldly.

Raven started. His eyes narr