Nothing appeals more strongly to the Indian than an exhibition of steady nerve.

For some moments they stood regarding Cameron with looks of mingled curiosity and admiration with a strong admixture of impatience, for they had thought of being done out of their great powwow with its attendant joys of dance and feast, and if this Policeman should choose to remain with them all day there could certainly be neither dancing nor feasting for them.

In the meantime, however, there was nothing for it but to accept the situation created for them.

This cool-headed Mounted Policeman had planted himself by their camp-fire.

They could not very well drive him from their camp, nor could they converse with him till he was ready.
As they were thus standing about in uncertainty of mind and temper Jerry, the interpreter, came in and, with a grunt of recognition, threw himself down by Cameron beside the fire.