There were at least forty Indians, and possibly half that many white men, divided into small groups. Voices were loud and hand gestures were being used to circumvent language barriers. An especially loud outburst got the two men’s attention, and they looked over to the left in time to see an Indian pull a knife and open a gash in a white man’s arm. Several men, both red and white, formed a circle where threats were hurled. Then a large, burly trapper waded into the midst, said a few words, and the two groups dispersed peacefully.
“OK James,” Henry said quietly, “once we enter the field, show no fear. The Indians, they can smell it. The white men, well, they wouldn’t be here if they weren’t as mean as the Indians. Don’t stare at anybody but don’t look away if someone stares at you.
