, which had
not in the least abated, and the idea of making use of him now occurred
to his mind.

"I've a notion that I'll settle this matter in a shorter time than you
think," he said hurriedly, "if you'll agree to try what _threatening_
will do."

The trader looked grave and undecided. "I never resort to that except
as a last hope," he answered, "but I've a good deal of confidence in
your prudence, what would you advise?"

Dick and the trader whispered a few minutes together, while some of the
men, in order to show the Indians how perfectly unconcerned they were,
and how ready for _anything_, took out their pipes and began to smoke.
Both parties were seated on the ground, and during this interval the
Indians also held eager discussion.

At length Cameron stood up, and said to his men in a quiet tone, "Be
ready, lads, for instant action; when I give the word `Up,' spring to
your feet and cock your guns, but _don't fire a shot till you get the
word_." He then stepped forward and said--

"The Peigan warriors are double-tongued; they know that they have hid
the Pale-face prisoners. We do not wish to quarrel, but if they are not
delivered up at once, the Pale-faces and the Peigans will not be
friends."

Upon this the Indian chief again stood forward and said, "The Peigans
are _not_ double-tongued. They have not seen Pale-faces till to-day.
They can say no more."

Without moving hand or foot, Cameron then said in a firm tone, "The
first Peigan that moves shall die! Up, lads, and ready!"

In the twinkling of an eye the trappers sprang to their feet, and
cocking their rifles stood perfectly motionless, scowling at the
savages, who were completely taken by surprise at the unusual suddenness
and informality of such a declaration of war. Not a man moved, for,
unlike white men, they seldom risk their lives in open fight; and as
they looked at the formidable row of muzzles that waited but a word to
send instant death into their midst, they felt that discretion was at
that time the better part of valour.

"Now," said Cameron, while Dick Varley and Crusoe stepped up beside him,
"my young warrior will search for the Pale-face prisoners. If they are
found, we will take them and go away. If they are not found, we will
ask the Peigans to forgive us, and will give them gifts. But in the
meantime, if a Peigan moves from the spot where he sits, or lifts a bow,
my young men shall fire, and the Peigans know that the rifl