"They plenty many," replied the Indian.
"I suppose so. What sort of weapons have they?"
"They got guns."
"What! Indians in this wild country having guns? Where did they get them?"
"White mans give, for to be showed gold," replied Holfax, "Indian not care much for gold—only for guns an' t'ings. If can find gold tell white mans an' git guns. Guns better than gold—guns shoot wolves, musk-ox, moose."
"That's so. Guns are worth more to the Indians than gold."
"Shoot mans too," added the Indian. "Zank an' his men got plenty much guns—also plenty much men. Make big fight."
"That is what I supposed," said Mr. Baxter. "Our only hope is to run away from them, and get help. We'll put the first into operation at once. Do you think our dogs are faster than theirs are, Holfax?"
"Our dogs much fastest. I pick out good dogs. No dogs so fast like dogs Holfax pick out."
"I believe you. These dogs are certainly excellent animals, and they are as strong and healthy as the day we started."