THROUGH THE WILDERNESS
Jean learned about her defenders' success upon their return to the lodge. She had been anxiously awaiting their coming, and when they did arrive and she saw the booty they carried with them, her heart sank within her. The slashers must all have been slain, so she imagined. When Sam, however, told her what had happened, she was greatly relieved.
"Will they trouble us any more?" she asked.
"No more now," and Sam smiled. "White man head hurt. Sore. Slashers much 'fraid. Go 'way queek."
"Oh, I am so glad," and Jean gave a sigh of relief. She felt quite secure now, and she looked with admiration upon the hardy Indians who had done so much for her. She thanked them, and they were pleased at her words. To see this white girl happy made up somewhat for their disappointment of the night.
The next day the visitors left for their own lodges, so once again Jean and her two companions were alone. The days that followed were busy ones for the Indians. There were many things to do before starting on their long journey overland of which Jean had no idea. First of all, there was a travelling-suit to be made for the white girl. From the cache Sam brought down some soft, tanned caribou skin, and upon this Kitty began to work. Jean watched her with great interest and admiration.
"What do you call that?" she enquired, pointing to the skin. "Will you teach me some of your words? I want to speak Indian."
Kitty looked at the girl and laughed.
"Injun talk hard," she said. "Babby spik Injun, eh?"
"Yes, will you teach me? Now, what do you call this skin?"