CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.
A SURPRISE AND A PIECE OF GOOD NEWS--THE FUR-TRADERS--CRUSOE PROVED, ANDTHE PEIGANS PURSUED.
Dick's first and most natural impulse, on beholding this band, was tomount his horse and fly, for his mind naturally enough recurred to theformer rough treatment he had experienced at the hands of Indians. Onsecond thoughts, however, he considered it wiser to throw himself uponthe hospitality of the strangers; "for," thought he, "they can but killme, an' if I remain here I'm like to die at any rate."
So Dick mounted his wild horse, grasped his rifle in his right hand,and, followed by Crusoe, galloped full tilt down the valley to meetthem.
He had heard enough of the customs of savage tribes, and had also oflate experienced enough, to convince him that when a man found himselfin the midst of an overwhelming force, his best policy was to assume anair of confident courage. He therefore approached them at his utmostspeed.
The effect upon the advancing band was electrical; and little wonder,for the young hunter's appearance was very striking. His horse, fromhaving rested a good deal of late, was full of spirit; its neck wasarched, its nostrils expanded, and its mane and tail, never having beenchecked in their growth, flew wildly around him in voluminous curls.Dick's own hair, not having been clipped for many months, appearedscarcely less wild as they thundered down the rocky pass at whatappeared a break-neck gallop. Add to this the grandeur of the scene outof which they sprang, and the gigantic dog that bounded by his side, andyou will not be surprised to hear that the Indian warriors clusteredtogether, and prepared to receive this bold horseman as if he, in hisown proper person, were a complete squadron of cavalry. It is probable,also, that they fully expected the tribe of which Dick was the chief tobe at his heels.
As he drew near the excitement among the strangers seemed very great,and, from the peculiarity of the various cries that reached him, he knewthat there were women and children in the band--a fact which, in such aplace and at such a season, was so unnatural, that it surprised him verymuch. He noted also that, though the men in front were Indians, theirdresses were those of trappers and hunters, and he almost leaped out ofhis saddle when he observed that "_Pale-faces_" were among them. But hehad barely time to note these facts when he was up with the band.According to Indian custom, he did not check his speed till he waswithin four or five yards of the advance-guard, who stood in a linebefore him, quite still, and with their rifles lying loosely in theirleft palms; then he reined his steed almost on _its_ haunches.
One of the Indians advanced and spoke a few words in a language whichwas quite unintelligible to Dick, who replied, in the little Pawnee hecould muster, that he didn't understand him.
"Why, you must be a trapper!" exclaimed a thick-set, middle-aged man,riding out from the group. "Can you speak English?"
"Ay, that can I," cried Dick, joyfully, riding up and shaking thestranger heartily by the hand; "an' right glad am I to fall in wi' awhite-skin an' a civil tongue in his head."
"Good sooth, sir," replied the stranger, with a quiet smile on his kind,weather-beaten face, "I can return you the compliment, for when I sawyou come thundering down the corrie with that wonderful horse and noless wonderful dog of yours, I thought you were the wild man o' themountain himself, and had an ambush ready to back you. But, young man,do you mean to say that you live here in the mountain all alone afterthis fashion?"
"No, that I don't. I've comed here in my travels; but, truly, thisbean't my home. But, sir (for I see you are what the fur-traders call abourgeois), how comes it that such a band as this rides i' themountains! D'ye mean to say that _they_ live here?" Dick looked roundin surprise, as he spoke, upon the crowd of mounted men and women, withchildren and pack-horses, that now surrounded him.
"'Tis a fair question, lad. I am a principal among the fur-traderswhose chief trading-post lies near the Pacific Ocean, on the west sideof these mountains, and I have come with these trappers and theirfamilies, as you see, to hunt the beaver and other animals for a seasonin the mountains. We've never been here before; but that's a matter oflittle moment, for it's not the first time I've been on what may becalled a discovery-trading expedition. We are somewhat entangled,however, just now, among these wild passes, and, if you can guide us outof our difficulties to the east side of the mountains, I'll thank youheartily and pay you well. But first tell me who and what you are, ifit's a fair question."
"My name is Dick Varley, and my home's in the Mustang Valley, near theMissouri river. As to _what_ I am--I'm nothin' yet, but I hope todesarve the name o' a hunter some day. I can guide you to the east sideo' the mountains, for I've comed from there; but more than that I can'tdo, for I'm a stranger to the country here, like yourself. But you'reon the east side o' the mountains already, if I mistake not; only thesemountains are so rugged and jumbled up, that it's not easy tellin' whereye are. And what," continued Dick, "may be the name o' the bourgeoiswho speaks to me?"
"My name is Cameron--Walter Cameron--a well-known name among theScottish hills, although it sounds a little strange here. And now,young man, will you join my party as guide, and afterwards remain astrapper? It will pay you better, I think, than roving about alone."
Dick shook his head and looked grave. "I'll guide you," said he, "asfar as my knowledge 'll help me; but after that I must return to lookfor two comrades whom I have lost. They have been driven into themountains by a band of Injuns. God grant they may not have binscalped."
The trader's face looked troubled, and he spoke with one of his Indiansfor a few minutes in earnest, hurried tones.
"What were they like, young man?"
Dick described them.
"The same," continued the trader; "they've been seen, lad, not more thantwo days ago, by this Indian here, when he was out hunting alone somemiles away from our camp. He came suddenly on a band of Indians, whohad two prisoners with them, such as you describe. They were stout,said you?"
"Yes, both of them," cried Dick, listening with intense eagerness.
"Ay. They were tied to their horses, an' from what I know of thesefellows I'm sure they're doomed. But I'll help you, my friend, as wellas I can. They can't be far from this. I treated my Indian's storyabout them as a mere fabrication, for he's the most notorious liar in mycompany; but he seems to have spoken truth for once."
"Thanks, thanks, good sir," cried Dick. "Had we not best turn back andfollow them at once?"
"Nay, friend, not quite so fast," replied Cameron, pointing to hispeople. "These must be provided for first, but I shall be ready beforethe sun goes down. And now, as I presume you don't bivouac in the snow,will you kindly conduct us to your encampment, if it be not far hence?"
Although burning with impatience to fly to the rescue of his friends,Dick felt constrained to comply with so reasonable a request, so he ledthe way to his camping-place, where the band of fur-traders immediatelybegan to pitch their tents, cut down wood, kindle fires, fill theirkettles with water, cook their food, and, in fact, make themselvescomfortable. The wild spot which, an hour before, had been so still,and grand, and gloomy, was now, as if by magic, transformed into abustling village, with bright fires blazing among the rocks and bushes,and merry voices of men, women, and children ringing in the air. Itseemed almost incredible, and no wonder Dick, in his bewilderment, haddifficulty in believing it was not all a dream.
In days long gone by the fur-trade in that country was carried on in avery different way from the manner in which it is now conducted. Thesewild regions, indeed, are still as lonesome and untenanted (save by wildbeasts and wandering tribes of Indians), as they were then; but theIndians of the present day have become accustomed to the "pale-faced"trader, whose little wooden forts or trading-posts are dotted here andthere, at wide intervals, all over the land. But in the days of whichwe write it was not so. The fur-traders at that time went forth inarmed bands into the heart of the Indians' country, and he who wentforth did so "with his life in his hand." As in the case of the soldierwho went out
to battle, there was great probability that he might neverreturn.
The band of which Walter Cameron was the chief had, many months before,started from one of the distant posts of Oregon on a hunting expeditioninto the then totally unknown lands of the Snake Indians. It consistedof about sixty men, thirty women, and as many children of variousages,--about a hundred and twenty souls in all. Many of the boys werecapable of using the gun and setting a beaver-trap. The men were a mostmotley set. There were Canadians, half-breeds, Iroquois, and Scotchmen.Most of the women had Indian blood in their veins, and a few were pureIndians.
The equipment of this strange band consisted of upwards of two hundredbeaver-traps--which are similar to our rat-traps, with this difference,that they have two springs and no teeth--seventy guns, a few articlesfor trade with the Indians, and a large supply of powder and ball; thewhole--men, women, children, goods, and chattels--being carried on thebacks of nearly four hundred horses. Many of these horses, at starting,were not laden, being designed for the transport of furs that were to betaken in the course of the season.
For food this adventurous party depended entirely on their guns, andduring the march hunters were kept constantly out ahead. As a matter ofcourse their living was precarious. Sometimes their kettles wereoverflowing; at others they scarce refrained from eating their horses.But, during the months they had already spent in the wilderness, goodliving had been the rule, starvation the exception. They had alreadycollected a large quantity of beaver-skins, which at that time wereamong the most valuable in the market, although they are now scarcelysaleable!
Having shot two wild horses, seven elks, six small deer, and fourbig-horned sheep, the day before they met Dick Varley, the camp-kettleswere full, and the people consequently happy.
"Now, Master Dick Varley," said Cameron, touching the young hunter onthe shoulder as he stood ready equipped by one of the campfires; "I'm atyour service. The people won't need any more looking after to-night.I'll divide my men--thirty shall go after this rascally band of Peigans,for such I believe they are, and thirty shall remain to guard the camp.Are you ready?"
"Ready! ay, this hour past."
"Mount then, lad; the men have already been told off and are musteringdown yonder where the deer gave you such a licking."
Dick needed no second bidding. He vaulted on Charlie's back and alongwith their commander joined the men, who were thirty as fine, hardy,reckless-looking fellows as one could desire for a forlorn hope. Theywere chatting and laughing while they examined their guns and saddlegirths. Their horses were sorry-looking animals compared with themagnificent creature that Dick bestrode, but they were hardy,nevertheless, and well fitted for their peculiar work.
"My! wot a blazer," exclaimed a trapper as Dick rode up.
"Where you git him?" inquired a half-breed.
"I caught him," answered Dick.
"Baw!" cried the first speaker.
Dick took no notice of this last remark.
"No, did ye though?" he asked again.
"I did," answered Dick, quietly; "I creased him in the prairie--you cansee the mark on his neck if you look."
The men began to feel that the young hunter was perhaps a little beyondthem at their own trade, and regarded him with increased respect.
"Look sharp now, lads," said Cameron, impatiently, to several dilatorymembers of the band. "Night will be on us ere long."
"Who sold ye the bear-claw collar?" inquired another man of Dick.
"I didn't buy it. I killed the bear and made it."
"Did ye, though, all be yer lone?"
"Ay, that wasn't much, was it?"
"You've begun well, yonker," said a tall middle-aged hunter, whosegeneral appearance was not unlike that of Joe Blunt. "Jest keep clearo' the Injuns an' the grog bottle an' ye've a glor'ous life before ye."
At this point the conversation was interrupted by the order being givento move on, which was obeyed in silence, and the cavalcade, descendingthe valley, entered one of the gorges in the mountains.
For the first half mile Cameron rode a little ahead of his men, then heturned to speak to one of them and for the first time observed Crusoetrotting close beside his master's horse.
"Ah! Master Dick," he exclaimed with a troubled expression, "that won'tdo. It would never do to take a dog on an expedition like this."
"Why not?" asked Dick, "the pup's quiet and peaceable."
"I doubt it not, but he will betray our presence to the Indians, whichmight be inconvenient."
"I've travelled more than a thousand miles through prairie and forest,among game an' among Injuns, an' the pup never betrayed me yet," saidDick, with suppressed vehemence; "he has saved my life more than oncethough."
"You seem to have perfect confidence in your dog, but as this is aserious matter you must not expect me to share in it without proof ofhis trustworthiness."
"The pup may be useful to us; how would you have it proved?" inquiredDick.
"Any way you like."
"You forgot your belt at starting, I think I heered ye say."
"Yes, I did," replied the trader, smiling.
Dick immediately took hold of Cameron's coat, and bade Crusoe smell it,which the dog did very carefully. Then he showed him his own belt andsaid: "Go back to the camp and fetch it, pup."
Crusoe was off in a moment, and in less than twenty minutes returnedwith Cameron's belt in his mouth.
"Well, I'll trust him," said Cameron, patting Crusoe's head. "Forward,lads!" and away they went at a brisk trot along the bottom of abeautiful valley on each side of which the mountains towered in darkmasses. Soon the moon rose and afforded light sufficient to enable themto travel all night in the track of the Indian hunter who said he hadseen the Peigans, and who was constituted guide to the party. Hourafter hour the horsemen pressed on without check, now galloping over alevel plain, now bounding by the banks of a rivulet, or bending theirheads to escape the boughs of overhanging trees, and anon toiling slowlyup among the rocks of some narrow defile. At last the moon set, and theorder was given to halt in a little plain where there was wood andwater.
The horses were picketted, a fire kindled, a mouthful of dried meathastily eaten, the watch was set, and then each man scraped away thesnow, spread some branches on the ground, and, wrapping himself in hisblanket, went to sleep with his feet presented towards the fire.
Two hours were allowed for rest; then they were awakened, and in a fewminutes were off again by the grey light of dawn. In this way theytravelled two nights and a day. At the end of that time they camesuddenly on a small party of nine Indians who were seated on the groundwith their snow-shoes and blankets by their sides. They had evidentlybeen taken by surprise, but they made no attempt to escape, knowing thatit was useless. Each sat still with his bow and arrows between his legson the ground ready for instant use.
As soon as Cameron spoke, however, in their own language they feltrelieved and began to talk.
"Where do you come from, and what are you doing here?" asked the trader.
"We have come to trade with the white men," one of them replied, "and tohunt. We have come from the Missouri. Our country is far away."
"Do Peigans hunt with _war-arrows_?" asked Cameron, pointing to theirweapons.
This question seemed to perplex them, for they saw that theirinterrogator knew the difference between a war and a hunting arrow--theformer being barbed in order to render its extraction from the wounddifficult, while the head of the latter is round and can be drawn out ofgame that has been killed, and used again.
"And do Peigans," continued Cameron, "come from a far country to tradewith the white men _with nothing_?"
Again the Indians were silent, for they had not an article of tradeabout them.
Cameron now felt convinced that this party of Peigans, into whose handsJoe Blunt and Henri had fallen, were nothing else than a war-party, andthat the men now before him were a scouting-party sent out from them,probably to spy out his own camp, on the trail of
which they had fallen,so he said to them--
"The Peigans are not wise men, they tell lies to the traders. I willtell you that you are a war-party, and that you are only a few warriorssent out to spy the traders' camp. You have also two _Pale-face_prisoners in your camp. You cannot deceive me. It is useless to try.Now, conduct me to your camp. My object is not war; it is peace. Iwill speak with your chiefs about trading with the white men, and wewill smoke the pipe of peace. Are my words good?"
Despite their proverbial control of muscle, these Indians could notconceal their astonishment at hearing so much of their affairs thus laidbare, so they said that the Pale-face chief was wise, that he must be agreat medicine-man, and that what he said was all true except about thewhite men. They had never seen any Pale-faces, and knew nothingwhatever about those he spoke of.
This was a terrible piece of news to poor Dick, and at first his heartfairly sank within him, but by degrees he came to be more hopeful. Heconcluded that if these men told lies in regard to one thing they woulddo it in regard to another, and perhaps they might have some strongreason for denying any knowledge of Joe and Henri.
The Indians now packed up the buffalo robes on which they had slept, andthe mouthful of provisions they had taken with them.
"I don't believe a word of what they say about your friends," saidCameron to Dick in a low tone while the Indians were thus engaged."Depend upon it they hope to hide them till they can send to thesettlements and get a ransom, or till they get an opportunity oftorturing them to death before their women and children when they getback to their own village. But we'll baulk them, my friend, do notfear."
The Indians were soon ready to start, for they were lumbered withmarvellously little camp equipage. In less than half an hour aftertheir discovery they were running like deer ahead of the cavalcade inthe direction of the Peigan camp.