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While thus engaged he tried to make up his mind what course he ought to pursue whether to remain where he was until his friends should have time to find him for he felt sure that Okematan would escape and reach the Settlement, in which case a search for him would certainly be set on foot or whether he should make a desperate effort to stagger on, and ultimately, if need be, creep towards home.
"I don't believe that rascal Kateegoose. He's a greedy idler, something like La Certe, but by no means so harmless or good-natured. Moreover, I find it hard to believe that Okematan has turned traitor." "I agree with you," said Fergus.
"But are you sure they will follow your advice?" asked Dechamp. "Yes, Okematan is quite sure." "Well, then, as I said, I will trust you," returned Dechamp, extending his hand, which the Indian gravely grasped; "and I will give you undeniable proof, by giving my young men orders to start after the buffalo at once without further delay."
That night they lighted their camp-fire among the neighbouring willows; feasted luxuriously on part of the day's hunt; lay down side by side under one blanket, with the upturned canoe partially covering them; dreamed at first of Okematan, gazing in wonder at their load, and, afterwards, of being knocked head over heels by an enormous grey goose whose persistent pugnacity was only equalled by its strange incapacity to achieve its murderous ends.
"Okematan is thought to have a good judgment among his people," returned the Indian, "though he has not the snows of many winters on his head, and he thinks that if Dan'el had stayed in the wigwams of his people beyond the Great Salt Lake, he would have been a chief." "It may be so, Okematan, though I doubt it," replied Dan, "but that is a point which cannot now be proved.
I will stand till it's time to start," returned Dan with a dubious shake of his head. "Didn't you say you would trust me?" "Yes, I did, old boy." "Does it look like trusting me to refuse the very first order I give you? What an example to Okematan! I am in command, Dan. Do as you're bid, sir, and sit down." With a faint smile, and a still more dubious shake of the head, Dan obeyed.
First to overtake them was Peter Davidson. He put the muzzle of his gun to the side of the grey lieutenant, and shot him through the heart. His brother Dan, selecting another of the pack, pointed at the ear and blew out its brains. Okematan, partial to the weapons of his forefathers, sent an arrow through the ribs of a third, while Kateegoose transfixed a fourth.
On hearing this, Okematan rose quickly, put out his pipe, and stuck the tomahawk in his belt. The sluggish good-natured air of contentment with which he had been smoking vanished; the half-sleepy eyes opened, and a frown rested on his brow as he said, shortly "Okematan goes to look." "May I go with you?" asked Dan. "No. Okematan goes alone. It is known that a band of Saulteaux have been seen.
Having delivered his harangue, Okematan sat down amid murmurs of mingled applause and disapprobation. It was evident that he had created a serious division of opinion in the camp, and it seemed as if on the impression made by the next speaker would depend the great question of peace or war. Presently an old warrior arose, and a profound silence followed, for they held him in great respect.
But we have roused the Settlement, and there are many rescue-parties out in all directions now, scouring the plains." "You hev stirred it enough, Okematan," said old McKay, referring to the kettle of food which was being prepared. "Here, fill my pannikin: I can wait no longer."
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