Pete was about to turn towards him with angry words on his lips, when cries of rage from the miners caused him to hesitate, and to realize his position. The men were thoroughly aroused, he knew that, and ready to fall upon the villain without more ado. That the scoundrel needed a severe punishment there was no doubt, but he wished to be just and not let the base mob instinct rule.
"B'ys!" he shouted, "jist wait a leetle, afore ye do anything rash. Let the Injun prove to us first what he says is true. It may be all imagination."
"Injun speak true," said Amos somewhat indignant to think that the chief's words should be doubted.
"What ye say may be kerrect," replied Pete, "but all we ax is fer ye to show yer proof. How d'ye's know that Pritchen put the gold in the cabin?"
"Jennie see 'um."
"Jennie who?"
"Jennie. Yukon Jennie. Injun squaw. She see 'um. She tell old chief."
"Whar is she then?" and Pete looked around as if expecting to see the girl.
"Up dere," and Amos stretched out his hand towards the Indian lodges.
"Fetch her down. We'll wait."