"Here, in the bundle, Uncle Jim. I knew all along that those Indians couldn't be trusted."
"In the bundle—what do you mean?"
"There's a redskin in this bundle. I caught him in the very act of trying to get out."
"It must be a plot to capture the post!" ejaculated James Morris. "Jadwin, get back to the stockade at once, and fire on the first redskin who shows himself!"
"Shall I go, too?" asked Henry.
"Yes. I'll take care of this rascal, and then I'll join you," answered the trader.
Waiting to hear no more, the youth ran for the main building of the trading-post and secured his rifle, and also an extra rifle and a pistol. Tony Jadwin was equally armed, and each ran for a corner of the inclosure.
"We'll have some hot work cut out for us, if an attack comes," said the old trapper. "Reckon as how that redskin meant to kill us while we slept, or throw open the gates on the sly."
"You're right, Tony. I wish the rest of the men were back. Wouldn't it be a good idea to fire a signal for them?"
"It ain't likely they are in sound o' a gun, lad."