Page:Hugh Pendexter--Kings of the Missouri.djvu/220

 "I'm glad I didn't kill you. Let it go at that."

"Fighting is all foolishness. I've learned my lesson and now know what sort of a fool I've been. But don't it beat the devil how Mr. Bridger gets all the beaver?"

"First come gits it," said Brldger. "If I built a post near Fort Union, Kenneth McKenzie would run me out in one season. But when he chases me through the mountains he's playing my game. I'll show you the robes. They're extry fine."

Phinny fell back with his outfit and Bridger rode on to camp with Lander and his face was grave and thoughtful. Lander was impelled to say:

"What's the matter? They can't get anything. You've cleaned up every skin."

"I've been waiting for 'em to come an' take the robes off my hands. But the feller with Phinny—the guide—notice him?"

"Indian, and a filthy one."

"He's old Deschamps—Red River half-breed. Came to Missouri from the Pembina country four years ago. Killed Governor Robert Semple in the Red River massacre back in 'sixteen. He's robbed Fort Union twice and makes a practise of robbing and whipping Injun trappers. Doesn't