“Huh, you Yankee. Injun know. Yankee heap stingy. Help carry canoe back, one dollar,” declared the redskin, while the boys roared, both at his characterization of a Yankee and at his shrewdness in obtaining assistance for the “carry” of more than a mile.
“What do you say, Phil, is it a go, or don’t you think we can afford it?”
“I guess we can stand the expense, Ted, but we’d better wait before making any bargain until we see how much time we have.”
The hurried approach of one of the Admiral’s deck hands settled the matter, however.
“We’ve got a chance to lock through right now, and the skipper said you was to get a move on,” panted the sailor.
“All right. Sorry, Chief, that we can’t help you tote your canoe back,” said Phil, handing the redman his fee.
The Indian made no comment, however, simply pocketed his money, and then sprang into his canoe, which he paddled vigorously toward the lock.
“Where’s he going?” inquired Ted, as they broke into a trot.
“To get into the lock and go through with us,” replied the sailor. “No ‘carrying’ for him. Why, I’ve seen a redskin wait half a day for a chance to lock through rather than tote his canoe the mile.”
“I’ve always heard Indians were lazy,” commented Ted.