And he looked ahead at those who were
faithful, and at Mrs. Eppingwell. 'So, my good comrades, ye have
again forgotten that you were men? Good! Very good. There will be
fewer bellies to feed.' Sitka Charley retied the flour as he
spoke, strapping the pack to the one on his own back. He kicked
Joe till the pain broke through the poor devil's bliss and
brought him doddering to his feet. Then he shoved him out upon
the trail and started him on his way. The two Indians attempted
to slip off.
'Hold, Gowhee! And thou, too, Kah-Chucte! Hath the flour given
such strength to thy legs that they may outrun the swift-winged
lead? Think not to cheat the law. Be men for the last time, and
be content that ye die full-stomached.
Come, step up, back to the timber, shoulder to shoulder. Come!'
The two men obeyed, quietly, without fear; for it is the future
which pressed upon the man, not the present.
'Thou, Gowhee, hast a wife and children and a deerskin lodge in
the Chipewyan. What is thy will in the matter?' 'Give thou her of
the goods which are mine by the word of the captain--the
blankets, the beads, the tobacco, the box which makes strange
sounds after the manner of the white men.
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