I wish to be his friend. I come from the
big lake six days' journey toward the place of the rising sun. So far
as that men tell me of the Kakisa nation, and tell of Watusk who rules
them.

"Men say the Kakisa men are the best hunters of the north and honest as
the sun in summer-time. Men say Watusk is a wise chief and a good
friend of the white men. I have plenty cigars in my outfit."

The chief swelled with gratification until his much-tried buttons
threatened altogether to part company with his coat.

A good deal more of this airy exchange was necessitated before Watusk
could be induced to talk business. When he finally condescended to it,
the story was as Simon had forecast:

"When Ambrose Doane come here I say to my people: 'Trade with him. He
will be your father. He will feed you.' Now when they come for flour
Simon Grampierre say you got no flour.

"When I go to John Gaviller for flour, he mock me. He say: 'You take
Ambrose Doane for your father. All right. Let him feed you now.' So
I am not know what to do. Every day my people more ongry, more mad.

"Pretty soon the young men make trouble. There is no game here. We
can't stay here without flour. We can't go back without flour. I am
feel moch bad. But Ambrose Doane is come now. It is all right!"

The last of this was delivered with something like a leer, warning
Ambrose's subconsciousness that Watusk, notwithstanding the flowery
compliments, wished him no good.

"I have plenty of grain," he said warily. "Let each woman grind for
her own family."

Watusk shook his head. "Long tam ago we got stone bowls for grind wild
rice in," he said. "So many years we buy flour all the bowls is broke
and throw away now."

Ambrose could not deny to himself the gravity of the situation. He was
reminded afresh that he was dealing with a savage by the subtle,
threatening note that presently crept into Watusk's smooth voice.

"John Gaviller say to Gordon Strange for say to me: 'Ambrose Doane got
all the grain. Let Ambrose Doane sell his grain to me, and I give you
flour.'"

Ambrose, perceiving the drift, swore inwardly.

"Gordon Strange tell that in Kakisa language," Watusk went on slyly;
"some hear it and tell the others. All know now. If my people get
more hungry what can I do? Maybe my young men steal the grain and take
it to Gaviller."

"If they lay hands on my property they'll be shot," said Ambrose,
curtly.

Watusk spread out his ha