But he clung like a gnat. "It is not nonsense. Stop a moment and listen to my reasons."
I drew myself up reluctantly. "Well?"
He stood with arms akimbo, his head to one side. "It is as plain as a pikestaff. In this dress I can go where you cannot. I can reconnoitre for you. In your man's coat I should be grotesque, for it is twice my size. I should be noticeable and draw comment on us. As it is, I can go unobserved."
Now this was partly true. "But the presence of a woman would discredit our canoes," I objected.
He turned this over. "A woman would discredit your party?"
"Of course."
"But no one sees you but the Indians."
"They report to the priests."
"And you care what the priests think?"
"I care for the good name of my company. Monsieur, do you like to wear a squaw's dress?"