Madeline, who had no fear of the Hishus, for they had always been friendly to her, could not understand the poor creature's fright.
"They will not harm us, Nancy," she soothed. "They have been good to me. Why are you afraid?"
"Hishu bad; all same black bear. Ugh!"
Then she started violently, and laid a sudden hand upon Madeline's arm.
"Hark!" she gasped. "Dey meet Big Lakes! Dey shoot! Dey fight!"
Listening, Madeline could hear faint rifle reports away in the distance. That there was trouble she had no doubt. But what did it matter to her? It made little difference which side won. She might as well live with the Big Lakes as among the Hishus. If they killed her the sooner would her troubles end. But this terrified woman appealed to her. She felt sorry for her, and longed to do something to calm her distress. And, besides, it might do herself good to move around a little, for she felt stronger now.
"Nancy," she said. "I want to get up. Are my clothes dry?"
"Clothes no dry," the native replied, slowly shaking her head.
"But did you hang them by the fire?"