“‘The sorrel horse,’ began the chief. ‘I want that horse, Mr. Tod.’
“‘The river has risen,’ observed Tod.
“‘For twenty years I have followed the fortunes of the Hudson’s Bay Company ... and never before have I been denied a request.’
“‘Fill your pipe,’ said Tod.
“‘Alas! My wives and little ones! Though I am old and not afraid to die, they are young and helpless....’
“‘What the devil is the matter?’ now blurted out Tod. ‘Who talks of dying? Where are the men? Why have you returned? Speak!’
“Briefly, Lolo declared that the Shushwaps had formed a conspiracy to attack the Kamloops brigade.
“‘Where are the men and horses?’
“‘I hid them as well as I could off the trail, telling them I was going to hunt a better camping ground. I said nothing about the conspiracy, knowing the attack would not be made till we reached the river. Time was when I would not have turned back for such a threat, but my services are no longer valued.’