This acted on him like a charm. There never was seen such a shattered
bundle of men as came out from his hands a few minutes later. As for
himself, he had but a rag or two on him, but stood unmindful of his
state, and the fever of battle untameable on him. The women drew away.
"Now, me babes o' the wood," he shouted, "that sit at the feet av the
finest Injin woman in the North,--though she's no frind o' mine--and
aren't fit to kiss her moccasin, come an wid you, till I have me fun wid
your spines."
But a shout went up, and the crowd pointed. There were the five half-
breeds running away across the plains.
The game was over.
"Here's some clothes, man; for Heaven's sake put them on," said the
Trader.
Then the giant became conscious of his condition, and like a timid girl
he hurried into the clothing.
The crowd would have carried him on their shoulders, but he would have
none of it.
"I've only wan frind here," he said, "an' it's Pierre, an' to his shanty
I go an' no other."
"Come, mon ami," said Pierre, "for to-morrow we travel far."
"And what for that?" said Macavoy.