00-KOO-HOO PLAYS THE GAME 159 



No longer outbidding one another, they got the next few 

 skins below the market price. But before the traders had 

 made good their loss the Indian gathered up his furs and turn- 

 ing to the fur-runners with a smile, said : 



" My brothers, as I see that you have agreed to cheat me, I 

 have decided that I and my people will keep all our furs until 

 we go out next spring; so it is now useless for you to remain 

 any longer." 



Having read the note Gibeault brought me from Free 

 Trader Spear, I hastened to hand the half-breed my reply, 

 accepting Mr. and Mrs. Spear's invitation to be their guest 

 for a few days when everyone would be gathering at Fort 

 Consolation to attend the New Year's dance; and again I 

 wondered if "Son-in-law" would be there. 



