When I give the word 'Up,' spring to your feet and cock your guns; but _don't fire a shot till you get the word_." He then stepped forward and said,-- "The Peigan warriors are double-tongued; they know that they have hid the Pale-face prisoners.

We do not wish to quarrel, but if they are not delivered up at once the Pale-faces and the Peigans will not be friends." Upon this the Indian chief again stood forward and said, "The Peigans are _not_ double-tongued.

They have not seen Pale-faces till to-day.
They can say no more." Without moving hand or foot, Cameron then said in a firm tone, "The first Peigan that moves shall die! Up, lads, and ready!" In the twinkling of an eye the trappers sprang to their feet, and cocking their rifles stood perfectly motionless, scowling at the savages, who were completely taken by surprise at the unusual suddenness and informality of such a declaration of war.

Not a man moved, for, unlike white men, they seldom risk their lives in open fight; and as they looked at the formidable row of muzzles that waited but a word to send instant death into their midst, they felt that discretion was at that time the better part of valour.
"Now," said Cameron, while Dick Varley and Crusoe stepped up beside him, "my young warrior will search for the Pale-face prisoners.

If they are found, we will take them and go away.