It now, for the first time flashed across Dick Varley that there was something more than he imagined in Crusoe’s anxiety, 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 unconcerned they were, and how ready for anything, began to smoke. Both parties were seated, 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 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 rifies 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 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.
