Captain Pyke, and treacherous, and
cunning in the extreme," observed Mr Duncan. "Take my advice and keep
them out of the ship. We have already done a fair trade here, and the
natives have not many more skins to dispose of."

"I am not to be frightened as other people are," answered the captain,
scornfully. "If they have no skins they will not bring them, and if
they have, I am not the man to be forgetful of the interests of the
Company, by refusing to trade."

This was said on deck in the hearing of the crew. "I'll tell you what,
Jack," observed old Tom to me, "the captain will repent not following
Mr Duncan's advice. If the Indians come on board, keep by me--we shall
have to fight for our lives. I know these people. When they appear
most friendly, they are often meditating mischief."

That very evening several canoes came off, and in them was the chief
whom the captain had knocked down. He seemed perfectly friendly,
smiling and shaking hands with the captain as if he had entirely
forgotten the insult he had received.

When the savages took their departure, they were apparently on the best
of terms with us all.

STORY ONE, CHAPTER 6.

The next morning we were preparing to put to sea, when two large canoes
came off, each carrying about twenty men. As they exhibited a
considerable number of furs, the captain allowed them to come on board,
and trade commenced as usual. In the meantime, three other canoes came
off with a similar number of men, and a larger quantity of furs of the
most valuable descriptions. They also were allowed to come up the side
like the rest.

"Jack, I don't like the look of things," said old Tom.

"Do you observe that the savages are wearing cloaks such as they have
not appeared in before. Just come down for'ard with me."

I followed Tom below. "Here," he said, "fasten this case under your
jacket. If the savages attack us, we will jump into the boat astern;
they will be too much intent on plunder to follow us, and we will make
our escape out to sea. I propose to do this for your sake. As for me,
I would as lief remain and fight it out. I have mentioned my suspicions
to several of the men, and advised them to have an eye on the
handspikes; with them we may keep the savages at bay till we can make
good our retreat."

I asked him why he did not warn the captain. "Because he is mad, and
would only laugh at me," he answered. "Mr Duncan and the interpreter
have already do