Long, stringing flocks of pigeons going north were the most
numerous forms of life. But a porcupine on the bank and a bear in
the water aroused Skookum to a pitch of frightful enthusiasm and
vaulting ambition that he was forced to restrain.
On the evening of the third day they landed at Warren's and found
a hearty welcome from the trader, who left a group of loafers and
came forward:
"Good day to ye, boy. My, how ye have growed."
So he had. Neither Rolf nor Quonab had remarked it, but now they
were much of the same height. "Wall, an' how'd ye make out with
yer hunt? -- Ah, that's fine!" as each of them dropped a fur pack
on the counter. "Wall, this is fine; we must have a drink on the
head of it," and the trader was somewhat nonplussed when both the
trappers refused. He was disappointed, too, for that refusal
meant that they would get much better prices for their fun But he
concealed his chagrin and rattled on: "I reckon I'll sell you the
finest rifle in the country this time, "and he knew by Rolf's
face that there was business to do in that line.
Now came the listing of the fur, and naturally the bargaining was
between the shrewd Yankee boy and the trader.
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