"I might venture to point out," said Douglas, "that your manners at the shop-counter are not ingratiating."
"I seen some Yakimas play 'umble Injun in front of your Colville trader. Their trade prayer and their rum-dance don't make him what you calls infatuating. I played big chief, but all the brains he has for politics won't fill a hollow tooth. Carries a mighty head of sail, and forgets he's anchored! No-head is a big noise and a big smell, but you're a chief, and so I comes to you."
The factor chuckled. This was worth keeping for Mrs. Douglas.
"When I was your prisoner," said Storm, "at Fort Vancouver, I seen the furs beat once a week for dust and moth. I done that these three snows, and my skins are prime."
"Bravo!"
"But No-head forks his tongue, so he lost my trade. Besides, he asks too much and gives too little. The American Fur Company, so them trappers tell me, ain't so far south as all that."
"I see. Of course you want ball and powder?"
"None. I make both."
"What!"
"Tons."