128 THE BED MOUNTAIN OF ALASKA. 
expressive gesture of the hunter's big hand, said 
nothing. 
Before Solomon had reached the end of his story — 
which indeed had assumed a remarkably rambling char- 
acter during the last few minutes — the snapping of a 
twig close by was heard by all, and a moment later 
three men walked into the circle of firelight. 
"Ayans! " grunted the Fox, just loud enough for his 
master to hear. 
The new-comers merely glanced aiound the group, and 
then joined the Chilkats, by whom^ however, they were 
coldly received. 
Finding their presence unwelcome, they retired a short 
distance, threw themselves down on their blankets, and 
were soon apparently sound asleep. 
In the morning the Ayans were missing, together with 
several small articles, of more or less value, about the camp 
— including an embroidered handkerchief, which Flossie 
had incautiously left on a log near the fire on the previous 
evening. As it was Sunday, this day was spent quietly 
in camp. 
Monday's journey was a hard one. For ten miles the 
party straggled along the banks of the Dayay, up whose 
milky current the " packers " dragged the canoes, heavily 
loaded with baggage. More than a dozen times the 
ladies had to be carried across the stream, as the trail 
struck its bends and long, winding detours. Chloe at 
first objected seriously to this method of ferriage. 
