CAPTURED BY BROWN BEAES. 
225 
jerk, and went crashing down through the bushes toward 
his young master. 
A perfect Babel of noises ensued. Two or three dozen 
lean, sharp-nosed curs, such as the Alaskans use for their 
sledges in the winter, sprang toward the intruder, yapping, 
snarling, and howling vociferously. The ring of squaws 
started to their feet, and several muskets were produced 
from hiding-places. Carlo paid no attention to any one 
until he had given both Hugh and Solomon a plentiful 
lapping all over their faces, a caress which they could not 
prevent, as their hands were tied behind them. 
Immediate action was necessary. Mr. Button and the 
Fox hesitated no longer, but followed in Carlo's tracks. 
Peeschee advanced first, holding up his hands in sign of 
amity. 
The squaws, seeing a man of their own color, lowered 
the threatening muzzles of their old Hudson's Bay 
muskets. 
"I have come from the great white medicine-man," 
said Peeschee, rapidly, in his own tongue, " to visit the 
royal clan of the Chilkats, the noble Brown Bears ! " 
The squaws looked at one another, but made no reply. 
" The medicine-man has decided to give to the Brown 
Bears, and the women of the Brown Bears, a marvellous 
present." 
Sensation among the squaws. 
" Have you ever seen an image of the terrible, the fierce 
bear himself, the dweller in caves, the awful one, engraved 
