next instant the point was at the red
man's throat. The Indian stood to take it like a man; but Pierre loved
that kind of courage, and shot the knife into its sheath instead.

The old chief kept his word, and after the spears were piled, he shook
hands with Macavoy, as did his braves one by one, and they were all
moved by the sincerity of his grasp: their arms were useless for some
time after. They hailed as their ruler, King Macavoy I.; for men are
like dogs--they worship him who beats them. The feasting and dancing
went on till the hunters came back. Then there was a wild scene, but in
the end all the hunters, satisfied, came to greet their new king.

The king himself went to bed in the Fort that night, Pierre and
his bodyguard--by name Noel, Little Babiche, Corvette, Jose, and
Parfaite--its only occupants, singing joyfully:

"Did yees iver hear tell o' Long Barney,
That come from the groves o' Killarney?
He wint for a king, oh, he wint for a king,
But he niver keen back to Killarney
Wid his crown, an' his soord, an' his army!"

As a king Macavoy was a success, for the brag had gone from him. Like
all his race he had faults as a subject, but the responsibility of
ruling set him right. He found in the Fort an old sword and belt, left
by some Hudson's Bay Company's man, and these he furbished up and wore.

With Pierre's aid he drew up a simple constitution, which he carried in
the crown of his cap, and he distributed beads and gaudy trappings as
marks of honour. Nor did he forget the frequent pipe of peace, made
possible to all by generous gifts of tobacco. Anyone can found a kingdom
abaft the Barren Grounds with tobacco, beads, and red flannel.

For very many weeks it was a happy kingdom. But presently Pierre yawned,
and was ready to return. Three of the half-breeds were inclined to go
with him. Jose and Little Babiche had formed alliances which held them
there--besides, King Macavoy needed them.

On the eve of Pierre's departure a notable thing occurred.

A young brave had broken his leg in hunting, had been picked up by a
band of another tribe, and carried south. He found himself at last at
Fort O'Angel. There he had met Mrs. Whelan, and for presents of tobacco,
and purple and fine linen, he had led her to her consort. That was how
the king and Pierre met her in the yard of Fort Comfort one evening of
early autumn. Pierre saw her first, and was for turning the King about