"I suppose," began Oo-koo-hoo, "that your heart is glad to see me."

"Yes," replied Gibeault, "and I want to get some of your fur."

"That is all very well, but I will see which way you look at me,"
returned the Indian.

"Have you much fur?" asked the half-breed.

"I have enough to pay my debt to the Great Company."

"Yes, I know, but you will have some left, and I want to do business
with you, so bring out your furs and I will treat you right."

"That sounds well, but you must remember that though the Great Company
charges more, their goods are the best goods, while yours are all cheap
rubbish."

Thinking the opportunity a favourable one, Gibeault assumed an air of
friendly solicitude and said:

"The Company has cheated your people so many hundred years that they
are now very rich. No wonder they can afford to give you high prices
for your furs. Free Trader Spear is a poor but honest man. It is to
your great advantage to trade part of your furs with me in order to
make it worth his while to send me here every winter. As you know, my
presence here compels the Company to pay full value for your furs and
so you are the one who reaps the greatest benefit."