Then they retraced their steps to the camp, Frank more than usually
thoughtful, for anything in the shape of a mystery always set him to
puzzling, and he more than once wondered whether they would ever learn
just why those Crees stole the elk Bluff had downed after so much
trouble.
"How many did there seem to be?" he asked Reddy, a little later.
"You mean of the thieving reds? I counted nine in all, four bucks, two
squaws and three pappooses," replied the other.
"But if I understand rightly, these Indians never take their families
when they go on the war-path. Is that so, Reddy?" Frank asked quickly.
"Say, get that notion out of your head right away. They ain't no Crees
lookin' for trouble these days. My idea is just this: This is a family
travelin' acrost country, for some reason or other. P'raps they got
kicked out of their pesky old village. I've knowed such things to
happen. Then they run short of meat, and didn't have guns or powder.
Under such conditions any redman would steal."
"Well, who could blame them, with women and children to feed? I guess
you hit the nail on the head that time, Reddy.
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