Page:Hugh Pendexter--Kings of the Missouri.djvu/180

 became lost, Lander mused. This shaggy creature was the man whose coming was so eagerly looked forward to by Bridger. Lander was disappointed. He watched Baker skilfully slice off several portions and proceed to roast them. He observed how he tossed a bit over his shoulder but did not know this was an offering to ghosts.

Baker at last satisfied his enormous appetite and produced a pipe from the bead-embroidered holder worn around his neck. Filling this and lighting it he puffed to the sky and earth and four wind gods, then abruptly inquired:

"How 'bout Injuns?"

"None round here. Ain't seen a one during my tramp. Been going it alone for four days."

"Lawd a massy! But ye be some traveler!" admired Baker. "An' ain't see' no Injuns?"

"Nothing but wolves. There's two now looking down at us from the top of the bluff behind us."

"What's th' color o' their legs?" lazily asked Baker without turning his head.

"Only their heads and shoulders show. Now they're sneaking away."

Baker became silent, seeming to forget he was not alone. Next he muttered to himself and