“I’ve already told you that this concerns 232 Mr. Ennis and myself,” she told him, “and I deny that you have any right....”
Just then there was a roar from the tote-road as big Stefan, lashing his dogs, bumped down the path at a wild gallop and, a minute later, threw himself off the sled and was among them.
“How do, peoples?” he shouted, advancing truculently towards Pat and Mclntosh. “Papineau telt me as how Hugo he get hurted bad and sick. And he say you peoples ask him whole lot qvestions about him. I vant to know vhat all you is doin’ here, und––und if I ain’t satisfied I take some of you and––and vipe up de ground vid you, hear me!”
His manner was ominously calm, but his words sent a shiver through the crowd. He was and looked a tremendous figure. He had moved to the side of the girl, as if to defend her, and his clear blue eyes went searchingly from one man to the next.
“Papineau he tells me in Carcajou it look like you come ofer here to make drouble for Hugo an’ mebbe for dis young leddy. So I come here fast like my togs can take me, sure ting. Und I vant to know vhen you vants to start droubles. Der leddies can move leetle vay to one side if dey like, to make room. Ve need plenty, I tank. Who vant to start de 233 row now, who begin? I tak’ you vun at a time or altogedder, how you like!”
He took a step forward and the men all moved back hurriedly. The ladies had swiftly accepted his advice and were retreating fast, now and then looking back in terror.
“But look here, Stefan, what are you butting in for?” Kilrea took courage to ask while he kept discreetly out of reach. “We came to see if everything was all right and proper here. We’re satisfied now and are going back. Got to hurry away, sun’s getting low.”
The Swede sniffed at him contemptuously, and drew off a big mitt of muskrat hide. With some difficulty he drew from his clothing a huge silver watch and looked at it.
“Glad you vas in a hurry. I tank I ’elp you a bit make tings lifely. I gif you all yoost tree minutes ter get started. Den if any man he ain’t aboard dat sleigh I yoost vipes up de ground vit him a bit. If you knows vhat is good for ye, den make tracks, qvick. I ban gettin’ hurry mineself, eh!”
“But what right have you to be ordering us about?” shouted Aleck Mclntosh, imprudently.