THE LAND OF HIS FATHERS
"De map lie!"
The old Ojibway turned from the slab counter of the trade-house at Jackfish Lake, a lean forefinger still resting on the engineer's map of a section of the preliminary survey for the new Transcontinental Railroad. There was a glitter in his black eyes as they met the surprised gaze of McDuff, the Scotch engineer.
"What d'you mean, David?" queried Cameron, the factor, peering over the Ojibway's shoulder at the map spread before them.
"All dees lak'," replied the old Indian, pointing to a chain of lakes along the shores of which ran a trial line for the contemplated Right-of-Way, "lie two—tree day travel to de sunset from de Flaming Riviere. Dey not flow dees way; beeg heel shut dat valley from de riviere." The speaker indicated with his finger.
"De man who mak' map; I know how he travel," the Ojibway continued. "De freezing moon was near; he was starve an' in great hurry, an' he listen to half-breed. He mak' bad map, for de half-breed lie."
The Indian drew a long breath as his narrowed eyes bored into the engineer's questioning gaze.
"You know this country pretty well, David?"
The Ojibway straightened to his full six feet. A
