Earnestly the Stonies appealed to Little Thunder,
but in vain. Angrily they remonstrated, but still without result. At
length Little Thunder pointed to the pony and without hesitation White
Cloud placed the bridle rein in his hands.
Cameron could contain himself no longer. Suddenly rising from his place
he strode to the side of the Indians and cried, "Don't do it! Don't be
such fools! This no good," he said, kicking the keg. "What would Mr.
Macdougall say? Come! I go with you. Take back these furs."
He stepped forward to seize the second pack. Swiftly Little Thunder
leaped before him, knife in hand, and crouched to spring. The Stonies
had no doubt as to his meaning. Their hearts were filled with black
rage against the unscrupulous trader, but their insane thirst for the
"fire-water" swept from their minds every other consideration but that
of determination to gratify this mad lust. Unconsciously they ranged
themselves beside Cameron, their hands going to their belts. Quietly
Raven spoke a few rapid words to Little Thunder, who, slowly putting
up his knife, made a brief but vigourous harangue to the Stonies, the
result of which was seen in the doubtful glances which they cast upon
Cameron from time to time.
"Come on!" cried Cameron again, laying his hand upon the nearest Indian.
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