'Twas Peter
Brins and I'll wager that those two are marked for a long reckoning
when the tables turn. And by the same Indian I hear that the young
blade from Montreal with his light-haired brigade who stumbled upon us
a while back, has reached his post on the Saskatchewan and has taken
hold with a high hand, doing his utmost to intercept our Indians and
turn the tide of the Company's furs into the trading-rooms of the
Nor'westers. I think it will be a bootless process, for we hold our
people with the hand of surety."
"Aye, but what of the Nakonkirhirinons, making their initial trip by
way of Rapid River and Deer Lake, coming through the country of the
Saskatchewan and held by no bond of loyalty? I see trouble ahead if
this young De Courtenay gets wind of their coming, for they will be
rich in peltry and they are a warlike tribe."
"But they are to celebrate the Peace Dance in the lodges of the
Assiniboines. Surely they will come straight to their friends before
trusting their trade to any."
Edmonton Ridgar shook his head.
"Hey fear nothing, these Nakonkirhirinons, and would as soon enter
trade with one as another, having come for trade, if the values were
above those at York and Churchill.
Pages:
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106