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The interest aroused by the pipe, however, was as nothing compared with that bestowed on the fire-spouter. For there was a mystery, noise, and deadliness about the latter which tended to evoke feelings of awe rather than amusement. "I don't like to trouble your father too much, Adolay," whispered Cheenbuk; "would you say to him that we wish very much to see him use the spouter?"
There was, of course, some supporting evidence ... primarily the improbable appearance of their surroundings. The pencil-thin fire-spouter and the sleazy-looking "restrainer" had a sufficiently unfamiliar air to go with Maulbow's story; but as far as Gefty knew, either of them could have been manufactured in the Hub.
"After I had travelled a short way inland," continued Cheenbuk, "I met a Fire-spouter. He was all alone. No one was with him. He pointed his spouter at me, and it clicked but would not spout I don't know why. I threw my spear. It went straight as you know it always does but the man was quick; he put his head to one side and escaped. Again he pointed his spouter at me, but again it only clicked.
Of course Cheenbuk had often descanted to them on the subject of smoking, besides showing them how the thing was done, but now they were going to see the amazing thing done, in the right way, by the real Simon Pure a live Fire-spouter! "My father," said Cheenbuk at this point, "the igloe is hot, and there are many more who wish to see you do that thing. Will you come outside?"
The Eskimos, as may well be imagined, were not only surprised but profoundly interested in the scene, and Cheenbuk was constrained to draw his narrative to an abrupt conclusion by informing them hurriedly that the Fire-spouter was the father of Adolay; that he had left home alone and on foot to search for her; that he was also the very man with whom, on the banks of the Whale River, he had fought and fraternised, and that therefore it behoved them to receive him hospitably as his particular friend.
Being resolved not to risk failure by taking too many companions, the Eskimo limited the number to seven, besides himself namely, Nazinred, with his fire-spouter; Oolalik, whom he deemed the strongest and bravest among the young men; Anteek, the most plucky of the big boys; Aglootook, the medicine-man, whom he took "for luck;" and Nootka, as being the most vigorous and hardworking among the women.
This advent of a male Fire-spouter into the little community was a source of much interest and delight to old and young all the more that he had brought the mysterious spouter with him.
While thus engaged Anteek observed that Cheenbuk gazed for a few moments intently into the Indian's face, and then became much and strangely excited. "Is he going to die?" asked the boy anxiously. "No, it is not that but but, I have seen this Fire-spouter before. I know him! Quick, we must save his life!"
It was the gun, or, as his people called it, the fire-spouter, of an Indian. Plunging quietly into the underwood, he hastened towards the spot where a little wreath of smoke betrayed the position of what may be almost styled his hereditary foe.
By slow degrees they drew near, and then the oomiaks hung back, with the exception of that steered by Nazinred, who had got his fire-spouter ready, while Oolalik stood in the bow, harpoon in hand, and lance ready by his side. The women were not expected to take part in the action only to look on, but all the men in kayaks advanced.
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