Part 67 (2/2)

Then, standing high in his stirrups, he held up his hand and called out a number of names. Instantly ten men rode to his side. Again Red Crow spoke. The ten men rode out again among the crowd. Immediately the shouting ceased.

”Good!” said the Inspector. ”I see my brother is strong. Now, where is Bull Back?”

The Chief called out a name. There was no response.

”Bull Back not here,” he said.

”Then listen, my brother,” said the Inspector earnestly. ”This man,”

pointing to Mr. Cadwaller, ”waits with me at the Fort two days to meet White Horse, Bull Back, and any Indians who know about this man; and what is right will be done. I have spoken. Farewell!” He gave his hand to Chief Red Crow. ”My brother knows,” he added, ”the Police do not lie.”

So saying, he wheeled his horse and, with Mr. Cadwaller before him, rode off after the others of the party, who had by this time gone some distance up the trail.

For a few moments hesitation held the crowd, then with a loud cry White Horse galloped up and again seized Mr. Cadwaller's bridle. Instantly the Inspector covered him with his gun.

”Hold up your hands quick!” he said.

The Indian dropped the bridle rein. The Inspector handed his gun to Mr.

Cadwaller.

”Don't shoot till I speak or I shoot you!” he said sternly. Mr.

Cadwaller took the gun and covered the Indian. In a twinkling White Horse found himself with handcuffs on his wrists and his bridle line attached to the horn of the Inspector's saddle.

”Now give me that gun, Mr. Cadwaller, and here take your own--but wait for the word. Forward!”

He had not gone a pace till he was surrounded by a score of angry and determined Indians with levelled rifles. For the first time the Inspector hesitated. Through the line of levelled rifles Chief Red Crow rode up and in a grave but determined voice said:

”My brother is wrong. White Horse, chief. My young men not let him go.”

”Good!” said the Inspector, promptly making up his mind. ”I let him go now. In two days I come again and get him. The Police never lie.”

So saying, he released White Horse and without further word, and disregarding the angry looks and levelled rifles, rode slowly off after his party. On the edge of the crowd he met Sergeant Crisp.

”Thought I'd better come back, Sir. It looked rather ugly for a minute,”

said the Sergeant.

”Ride on,” said the Inspector. ”We will get our man to-morrow. Steady, Mr. Cadwaller, not too fast.” The Inspector slowed his horse down to a walk, which he gradually increased to an easy lope and so brought up with Cameron and the others.

Through the long evening they pressed forward till they came to the Kootenay River, having crossed which they ventured to camp for the night.

After supper the Inspector announced his intention of riding on to the Fort for reinforcements, and gave his instructions to the Sergeant.

”Sergeant Crisp,” he said, ”you will make an early start and bring in the bunch to-morrow morning. Mr. Cadwaller, you remember you are to remain at the Fort two days so that the charges brought by White Horse may be investigated.”

”What?” exclaimed Mr. Cadwaller. ”Wait for them blank blank devils? Say, Inspector, you don't mean that?”

”You heard me promise the Indians,” said the Inspector.

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