"You've modestly forgotten yourself," interrupted Whisky-Jack. "You'd make a fine, fat, portly Ruler."
"No, I withdraw in favour of Black Fox, and we won't even mention your name. Black Fox has been a good King; he has saved many of us from a Trap; besides, he wears the Royal Robe. Look at him! his Mother and all his Brothers and Sisters are red, except Stripes, the Baby, who is a Cross; does that not show that he has been selected for royal honours? Among ourselves each one is like his Brother--there is little difference. The Minks are alike, the Otter are alike, the Wolves are alike--all are alike; except, of course, that one may be a little larger or a little darker than the other. Look at the King's magnificent Robe--blacker than Fisher's coat; and the silver tip of the white guard-hairs make it more beautiful than any of our jackets."
"It's just lovely!" purred Pisew, with a fine sycophantic touch.
"I'm glad I haven't a coat like that," sang out Jay; "His Majesty will be assassinated some day for it. Do you fellows know what he's worth to the Trappers--do any of you know your market value? I thought not--let me tell you."
"For the sake of a mild Winter, don't--not just now," pleaded Carcajou. "Let us settle this business of the King first, then you can all spin yarns."
"Yes, we're wasting time," declared Umisk. "I've got work to do on my house, so let us select a Chief, by all means. There's Coyote, and Wapoos, and Sikak the Skunk, who have not yet been mentioned." But each of these, dreading Jack's sharp tongue, hastily asserted they were not in the campaign as candidates.
"Well, then," asked Carcajou, "are you all agreed to have Black Fox as Leader until the fulness of another year?"
"I'm satisfied!" said Bear, gruffly.
"It's an honour to have him," ventured Pisew the Lynx.
"He's a good enough King," declared Nekik the Otter.