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Updated: July 6, 2025
Sam smiled swiftly in his white, set face, and gripped the old man's hand hard. "Good man!" he said. "You're the best!" Mahooley, Birley, and another, abashed by this little scene, now stepped forward. Sam waved them back. "Musq'oosis is my second," he said. "Straight Marquis of Queensberry rules," said Big Jack. "No hitting in the break-away." This was an advantage to Sam.
Musq'oosis had made him angry, and he distrusted him. Yet he could not but be drawn to the quaint little philosopher, too. He could not but remember that Musq'oosis had been kind to him at a time when he most needed it. "How did it happen?" he asked, partly softened. The boy illustrated his story with the graphic gesticulation of his race. "Yes'day Musq'oosis not wake up at all.
"You goin' to the head of the lake," said Musq'oosis. "I want trade it at French outfit store. Tak' it to Mahwoolee, the trader. Say to him Musq'oosis send it for trade." "Aren't you afraid I might steal it?" asked Sam curiously. "Steal?" said the old man, surprised. "Nobody steal here. What's the use? Everything is known. If a man steal everybody know it. Where he goin' to go then?"
"Sam Gladding." "Is the York boat in? Nobody told me." "No, I walked around the lake." Mahooley looked him over from his worn-out moccasins to his bare head. "Well, you didn't bring much with you," he observed. Sam frowned to hide his rising blushes. He offered the rabbit-skin robe to create a diversion. "Musq'oosis sent it, eh?" said Mahooley. "Put it on the counter."
All foolishness! Yo'ng people lak babies. Throw down their food. Bam-by got cry for it." Musq'oosis drew his hands together and tried to place the woman's hand that he held in the man's. Both resisted, and he had not strength enough. "Well good-bye," he sighed. Instantly Sam took Bela's hand, and hers crept into his as if at home there. The old man smiled faintly.
If she goes with Mahooley, that's her look out!" Fearing that his self-control was about to escape him altogether, Sam walked away a few steps. When he came back his face was set. Musq'oosis saw no hope there. He shrugged. "Well got no more to say. I moch sorry!" Sam wished with all his heart that he would go and be done with it. "You say goin' tak' up land here," said Musq'oosis politely.
He frowned uneasily, and would have risen, but Musq'oosis had his hand. The old man appeared to be sleeping. Sam had to kneel there while the horses came closer and closer, galloping at top speed. His beating heart warned him of what was in store. Was it possible the old man had lied to him at death's door? There was no shadow on that peaceful face.
The horse had been ridden hard. "What's the matter?" demanded Sam, frowning. "Musq'oosis sick," returned the boy, without a flicker of expression. He spoke good English. "Where?" "Jus' 'cross Little Prairie, I guess twenty miles from river." "What did you come to me for?" said Sam. "There were white men nearer. I don't know anything about doctoring."
"Well, it will be shut to-night," she said, with a smile dangerous and alluring. When they had gone she sent Musq'oosis also. "Not want talk?" he asked wistfully. She laughed painfully and harshly. "I your good friend," he said. "Go to bed," she returned. He waited outside until he heard her bolt both doors.
"Lost it," admitted Sam ruefully. "I got 'not'er pipe," said Musq'oosis. From the "fire-bag" hanging from his waist he produced a red-clay bowl such as the natives use, and a bundle of new reed stems. He fitted a reed to the bowl, and passed it to Sam. A bag of tobacco followed. "A gift," he stated courteously. "I say," objected Sam, blushing, "I haven't anything to give in return."
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