"Would you be willing to take me out? I should expect to incur the incidental risks of the enterprise," asked the Englishman, who had taken the incidental risks of tigers in India and sought "big heads" in many countries irrespective of dangers.
"Why, yes; I guess Wolf-Voice and I could take you hunting easily enough if the Captain will let us go. We never know here what Bear-Coat is going to do next; it may be 'boots and saddles' any minute," replied the scout.
"Oh, I imagine, since Madam has appeared, he may remain quiet and I really understand the Indians have quite fled the country," responded Harding.
"Mabeso; you don't know about Indians, Mr. Harding. Indians are uncertain; they may come back again when their ponies fill up on the green grass."
"Where would you propose to go, may I ask?"
Ermine thought for a time, and asked, "Would you mind staying out all one moon, Mr. Harding?"
"One moon? You mean thirty days. Yes, three moons, if necessary. My time is not precious. Where would you go?"
"Back in the mountains—back on the Stinking Water; a long way from here, but a good place for the animals. It is where I come from, and I haven't been home in nearly a year. I should like to see my people," continued Ermine.
"Anywhere will do; we will go to the Stinking Water, which I hope belies its name. You have relatives living there, I take it."
"Not relatives; I have no relations anywhere on the earth, but I have friends," he replied.