"You don't seem to be afraid of him," replied, George.
"I'm afraid of him all right," the other replied, "but I don't intend to let him know it. I've got one of these billies inside my coat, all the time, and if he tries any funny business with me I'll knock his block off!"
"He could cut you into shoestrings while you are asleep!"
"Yes, I suppose so, but be won't do anything of the kind!"
"Well, come on over to camp," urged George. "It isn't so very much of a walk. I guess we can make it in half an hour."
Thede hesitated, but finally dressed himself for a cold journey, and fixed the fire so that no damage might be done by it during his absence.
"How long has Pierre lived in this cabin?" asked George, as the boys started out. "It looks like an old building."
"I guess he found it standing here deserted and just moved in," was the reply. "I don't think he knows much about this country."
"Do you think he has any idea that the Little Brass God is in such great demand?" asked George. "No, I don't think he has."
"Then, why should he keep it hidden away, even from you, three hundred miles away from civilization? I should think he'd want to have the thing out once in a while, just to take a look at it, anyway."