was. Rob pointed up the
creek, but with a sudden sweep of his paddle the Aleut turned the other
way and started for the sea.

"Quick, get the guns!" cried Rob. "Head him off across the bend!"

Quick as were their movements, they were none too soon, for as they
rushed across the narrow part of the creek bend they saw the Aleut
almost upon them. He made no attempt to get at his gun, which was buried
under the hides in the front hatch, but was paddling with all his might.
Without hesitation Rob fired two shots into the water ahead of his boat,
and held up his hand in command to him to stop. These things were
language that even an Aleut could understand. Scowling and sullen, he
slowly paddled up to the bank. He understood the fierce menace of the
three rifles now pointing at him. This time he obeyed the gestures made
to him, and, turning about, proceeded to paddle slowly up the creek,
followed by the boys along the bank.

XI

A TROUBLESOME PRISONER

When they reached the lagoon in front of the barabbara they stood for a
time closely watching the latter. No sign of any visitor appeared,
however. At last Rob boldly went on, kicked open the door, and called to
the others to follow. Evidently, if the Aleut had any companion, he was
not in that part of the island.

"You watch me make this fellow work," said John. "I know a few words of
Aleut as well as some Chinook. Here, you, Jimmy," he went on, "_sashgee
augone! Skora!_"

To the surprise of all the Aleut actually smiled, as though in pleasure
at hearing his own tongue.

"Got him that time!" said John, importantly. "Why, I can talk to these
people all right. _Skora_, Jimmy!" he added, sternly, pointing to the
fireplace.

"_Da! Da! Skora!_" said the Aleut, and began to hunt about for wood.

"What did you tell him that time?" asked Jesse.

"Told him to make a fire, and be jolly quick about it," said John. "If
you want to get anything done, come to me, fellows. Look at Jimmy build
that fire!"

In truth the Aleut seemed to accept the place assigned him. He not only
built the fire in the middle of the hut, but picked up the skillet as a
matter of course, wiped it out with some dried grass, put into it some
of the bear fat, and added a part of the liver which they had brought
along. He handed out the empty pail to John, grunting something which no
one understood; but John, passing the pail in turn to Jesse, said he
thought that what the Aleut wanted was some w