"But mebbe he won't come. Can't we git along without 'im?"
When this was communicated to the chief he shook his head.
"We wait den till Bill come," and having said this Amos moved back a few steps.
The Indians maintained a stolid silence as they watched the miners discussing the matter.
"Fetch 'im," said Old Pete. "Why should he stay away. I guess he'll be needed."
And so it was decided that several should go in search of Pritchen and bring him as quickly as possible. This was received with evident satisfaction on both sides, and operations for a time were suspended.
Pritchen was found in his cabin, and expressed himself as quite unwilling to attend the Council. His face told most plainly the state of his mind, which was far from enviable. At times the longing seized him to flee into the wilderness—anywhere would be better than Klassan he thought. But this he knew was not practicable, for the Indian hunters, with the instinct of sleuth hounds, would track him down in a short time. While he waited and listened the messengers drew near.
"I'll not go, d— you!" he cried. "Leave me alone, can't you?"
"Well, if you won't come peaceably," replied one, "we'll not try to force you now. But I think it's better for you to come quietly along with us than to have the gang to come after you. There'll be no coaxing if they come, I tell you that."
Pritchen fully realized the truth of these words, so after a few moments of hesitation he agreed to comply with the request.