"But I am not going with you," said Cameron firmly. "I cannot desert
my chief this way. It would give him no end of trouble. Leave me some
matches and, if you can spare it, a little grub, and I shall do finely."
"Get these things on," replied Raven, "and quit talking. Don't be
a fool! we simply can't leave you behind. If you only knew the
alternative, you'd--"
Cameron glanced at the Indian. The eager fierce look on that hideous
face startled him.
"We will send you back all safe in a few days," continued the trader
with a smile. "Come, don't delay! March is the word."
"I won't go!" said Cameron resolutely. "I'll stay where I am."
"All right, you fool!" replied Raven with a savage oath. "Take your
medicine then."
He nodded to the Indian. With a swift gleam of joy in his red-rimmed
eyes the Indian reached swiftly for Cameron's rifle.
"No, too much noise," said Raven, coolly finishing the packing.
A swift flash of a knife in the firelight, and the Indian hurled himself
upon the unsuspecting Cameron. But quick as was the attack Cameron was
quicker. Gripping the Indian's uplifted wrist with his left hand, he
brought his right with terrific force upon the point of his assailant's
chin. The Indian spun round like a top and pitched out into the dark.
"Neatly done!" cried the trader with a great oath and a laugh.
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