ep guns in hand. Old
chief moche sorry."

The miners looked at one another when Amos ended, uncertain what to do.

"Stack yer guns, b'ys," demanded Old Pete, who was the only one among
them without a rifle. "Be fair to the Injuns an' they'll be fair to
us."

"Well said," replied Caribou Sol, and suiting the action to the word,
he stepped forward and laid his weapon in the open space of ground,
half way between the two parties.

One by one the rest of the miners went forward, and in the same manner
deposited their rifles.

A general exclamation of "Ah, ah," from the natives signified their
approval of this friendly act.

But still something disturbed the chief. He looked long and intently
at the white men, and again spoke to Amos.

"De chief," explained the latter to the miners, "ask if white man all
here?"

"No," responded Sol, who had been requested by his companions to act as
spokesman, "there are two absent, the gray-haired man up in yon cabin,
and Bill Pritchen."

"De chief only want Bill," was the response. "He no want ole man in
cabin on hill."

"But mebbe he won't come. Can't we git along without 'im?"

When this was communicated to the chief he shook his head.

"We wait den till Bill come," and having said this Amos moved back a
few steps.

The Indians maintained a stolid silence as they watched the miners
discussing the matter.

"Fetch 'im," said Old Pete. "Why should he stay away. I guess he'll
be needed."

And so it was decided that several should go in search of Pritchen and
bring him as quickly as possible. This was received with evident
satisfaction on both sides, and operations for a time were suspended.

Pritchen was found in his cabin, and expressed himself as quite
unwilling to attend the Council. His face told most plainly the state
of his mind, which was far from enviable. At times the longing seized
him to flee into the wilderness--anywhere would be better than Klassan
he thought. But this he knew was not practicable, for the Indian
hunters, with the instinct of sleuth hounds, would track him down in a
short time. While he waited and listened the messengers drew near.

"I'll not go, d-- you!" he cried. "Leave me alone, can't you?"

"Well, if you won't come peaceably," replied one, "we'll not try to
force you now. But I think it's better for you to come quietly along
with us than to have the gang to come after you. There'll be no
coaxing if they come, I tell yo