Yorke hailed them familiarly. The elder buck rejoiced in the
sonorous title of "Minne-tronk-ske-wan," but divers convictions for
insobriety under the Indian Liquor Act, and the facetious tongue of
Yorke, had contorted this into the somewhat opprobrious nickname of "Many
Drunks." His companion was known as "Sun Dog."

They now proceeded to shake hands all around. "How! Many Drunks!"
shouted Yorke. Pointing to Redmond, he added "oweski skemoganish" (new
policeman). With a ferocious grin, intended for an ingratiating smile of
welcome, Many Drunks advanced upon George, with outstretched hand. In a
rapid aside Yorke said: "Listen, Reddy, to what he says, he only knows
six or seven words of English, but he's as proud as Punch of 'em--always
likes to get 'em off on a stranger. Don't laugh!"

Within a pace of Redmond that gentleman halted. "How!" he grunted, and,
pausing impressively drew himself up and tapped his inflated chest,
"Minne-tronk-ske-wan! . . . great man!--me--"

And then Redmond nearly choked, as Many Drunks, with intense gravity,
proudly conferred upon himself the most objectionable title that exists
in four words of the English language--rounding that same off with a
majestic "Wah! wah!"

Turning, George beheld himself the target of covert grins from the
others, who evidently were familiar with Many Drunks' linguistic
attainments. Sun Dog merely uttered "How! Shemoganish." He did not
profess ability to rise to the occasion like his companion.

Yorke, who was evidently in one of his reckless, rollicking moods,
proceeded to make certain teasing overtures to Many Drunks. His
knowledge of Cree being nearly as limited as that worthy's knowledge of
English, he enlisted the aid of MacDavid as interpreter. The dialogue
that ensued was something as follows:

"Tell him I'm fed up with the Force and am thinking seriously of going to
live on the reserve--_monial nayanok-a-weget_--turn 'squaw-man'--'take
the blanket.'"

MacDavid translated swiftly, received the answer, and turned to Yorke.
"He says '_Aie-ha_! (yes) You make good squaw-man.'"

"Ask him--if I do--if he'll _muskkatonamwat_ (trade) me the young lady
over in the corner there, for two bottles of _skutiawpwe_ (whiskey)."

"He says '_Nemoyah_!' (no)--if he does that, you'll turn around and
_kojipyhok_ (arrest) him for having liquor in his possession."

"Tell him--_Nemoyah_! I won't."

"He says _Aie-hat ekwece_! (Yes, all right) you can ha