Surely it seemed as if something was toward.
Here and there among the Indians appeared strangers. More Bois-Brules,
lean half-breeds more to be feared than any Indian from the Mandane
country to the polar regions, decked half after the manner of white man
and savage, all more animated than was the wont of these sullen Runners
of the Burnt Woods, they passed back and forth among the fires, and
presently McElroy caught the gleam of liquid that shone like rubies or
topaz in the evening light.
"Aha!" he said, "these Bois-Brules that have joined our captors appear
to have had dealings with the whites. Yonder is the source of your
discovered animation. Whiskey, as I live, and circling fast among the
braves. It bodes ill for us, my friend."
"So? Why so?"
"Because never was redskin yet who could hold fire-water and himself at
the same time. No matter how determined they are to reach their
stamping-ground before the ceremonies of our despatch, their
determination will evaporate like morning mists before the sun in the
warmth of the spirit, or I know not Indian nature. Prepare for
something, M'sieu."
As the evening fell and the fires leaped against the darkness, sounds
increased in the camp.
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