Part 63 (1/2)
”And the charge?”
”Whiskey trading, theft, and murder.”
The Commissioner's face grew grave.
”Murder? Where did you find him?”
”Kootenay trail, Sir. Got wind of him at Calgary, followed up the clue past Morleyville, then along the Kootenay trail. A blizzard came on and we feared we had lost them. We fell in with a band of Stony Indians, found that the band had been robbed and two of their number murdered.”
”Two murdered?” The Commissioner's voice was stern.
”Yes, Sir. Shot down in cold blood. We have the testimony of an eye witness. We followed the trail and came upon two of them. My horse was shot. One of them escaped; this man we captured.”
The Commissioner sat pondering. Then with disconcerting swiftness he turned upon the prisoner.
”Your name?”
”Cameron, Sir.”
”Where from?”
”I was working in McIvor's survey camp near Morleyville. I went out shooting, lost my way in a blizzard, was captured by a man who called himself Raven--”
”Wait!” said the Commissioner sharply. ”Bring me that file!”
The orderly brought a file from which the Commissioner selected a letter. His keen eyes rapidly scanned the contents and then ran over the prisoner from head to foot. Thereupon, without a moment's hesitation, he said curtly:
”Release the prisoner!”
”But, Sir--” began Sergeant Crisp, with an expression of utter bewilderment and disgust upon his face.
”Release the prisoner!” repeated the Commissioner sharply. ”Mr. Cameron, I deeply regret this mistake. Under the circ.u.mstances it could hardly have been avoided. You were in bad company, you see. I am greatly pleased that my men have been of service to you. We shall continue to do all we can for you. In the meantime I am very pleased to have the pleasure of meeting you.” He pa.s.sed the letter to Sergeant Crisp. ”I have information about you from Morleyville, you see. Now tell us all about it.”
It took Cameron some moments to recover his wits, so dumbfounded was he at the sudden change in his condition.
”Well, Sir,” he began, ”I hardly know what to say.”
”Sit down, sit down, Mr. Cameron. Take your time,” said the Commissioner. ”We are somewhat hurried these days, but you must have had some trying experiences.”
Then Cameron proceeded with his tale. The Commissioner listened with keen attention, now and then arresting him with a question or a comment.
When Cameron came to tell of the murder of the Stonies his voice shook with pa.s.sion.
”We will get that Indian some day,” said the Commissioner, ”never fear.
What is his name?”
”Little Thunder, Raven called him. And I would like to take a hand in that too, Sir,” said Cameron eagerly.
”You would, eh?” said the Commissioner with a sharp look at him. ”Well, we'll see. Little Thunder,” he repeated to himself. ”Bring that Record Book!”
The orderly laid a large canvas-covered book before him.