way to Annapolis to buy some things for father."

"Then he's settled on the Kinotah? I'm glad to hear of that, lad. He ought to do well. I shall hunt him up the next time I git out to that region. Took Tony and Putty with him, I understand."

"Yes."

"Them twins is all right and rattlin' good shots to boot. He'll do well if he treats the Injuns half right--and I know he will."

"But what do you think of the French, Sam?"

The old hunter shook his head slowly. "Ain't no telling what them garlic eaters will do--their mind ain't the same two days. I've heard tell they claim the whole Ohio valley. But they might as well claim the whole airth and done with it."

"I've been talking with Uncle Joe about it and he is afraid the peace won't last. Nothing was said about Lake Erie or the Ohio valley in the treaty."

"Then the French will make trouble, if they can git the Injuns to side with them--and I suppose they can, or, at least, they can git some of them--those up around the lakes. You see the Frenchman is the slickest talker on airth and he can make the redskin believe a whole lot what ain't so."

The old hunter and Dave continued to discuss the subject for a while longer, and then Joseph Morris came out of the trading-post in a hurry, having just heard that an Indian had attacked his nephew.

"What was it all about?" he questioned, and when told showed how much he was disturbed. "The rascal! He ought not to be allowed near the post! He might have killed you had not Sam come up. Sam, I owe you one for that," he went on, warmly, catching the trapper by the hands.

"I suppose Turtle Foot will remember me, if ever we meet again," said Dave.

"No doubt on that, lad," answered Barringford. "But when you do meet him put on a bold front, and my word on it, he'll sneak in double-quick order."

The frolics of the Indians had now been resumed, and a number of backwoodsmen had come in to have a good time also. Some of these fellows were half-breeds and many wore the dress of their red brethren. They were a wild, lawless crowd and, on the whole, more to be feared than the Indians themselves. Soon the liquor was flowing freely, the Indians were dancing and whooping madly, 

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