“And I tell you that I am not in a condition to gratify your curiosity in the least.”
“Let’s have no quarreling hyar, boys,” said Old Pegs. “Mr. Norris goes away to-morrer to find his party, and thet’s the end of it. Let’s treat him like a gentleman while he stays.”
“I have no more to say at present,” said Dave. “If I had thought my simple question would be regarded as an insult I should not have asked it.”
“You are excused,” said Rafe, coolly, “but I don’t allow any man to interfere with my affairs.”
Dave said no more, but dropping upon one knee began to undo the bundle which he had dropped, and Myrtle clapped her hands joyfully as he displayed a number of well-selected books and literary papers. The two were soon occupied over them to the utter exclusion of the rest, for the efforts of Rafe Norris to take part in the business were put aside with an ease which showed that Dave considered himself master of the situation.
“Oh, let up, Dave,” said Old Pegs; “drop them cussid books and talk to us. What did you hear new at the fort?”
“I heard that the Hudson Bay are going to trap on our side this year, in spite of our men.”
“Hey! Now it looks like our boys will let ’em, don’t it?”
“They are not the kind of men easily trodden underfoot, as you know well,” replied Dave, grimly. “I’ve fought the Hudson Bay for ten years and I’m not going to be driven out of my way by them now.”
“I’ve heard that the Hudson Bay was very strong this year in the number of their men,” said Rafe Norris.