"Me Chilkat Indian," said one of the older men, addressing David and pointing to himself.
David nodded to show that he understood.
"Where you go?" asked the Indian.
David did not know that the place to which they were bound had any name, but he remembered how his uncle had dated his letter, so he said, "Rainy Hollow."
"Ugh!" grunted the Indian. "Rainy Hollow there," and he pointed to the north. "You go get gold?"
"Yes," said David.
"Me go too?"
"I don't know," replied David. "Ask my father." He motioned toward a large black two-masted canoe which now made its appearance from the direction of the village. One of the natives and Uncle Will were paddling, while Mr. Bradford was sitting in the stern and steering.
The Indian turned and scrutinized the craft. "Chief's canoe," said he. "Him chief's son."