Part 41 (1/2)

A wave of mist rolled across the rocks, but the vapor was faintly luminous, as if a light shone through. Deering, Stannard, Jardine and Jimmy waited on the steep bank above the ledge; Gillane had gone back for the others. When he arrived the party would start.

Deering knew the venture was rash and the labor heavy. They would use two ropes and the leader must kick and cut steps in the snow; the others behind would then occupy the holes and hold him up until he cut another lot. Cutting steps, however, soon tired one's arms, and when the leader was exhausted to pull him up and tie on a fresh man might be dangerous.

Then n.o.body knew what was at the bottom and the gully might break off on the front of an icy cliff.

All the same, some rashness was justified. Nothing indicated that the mist would altogether roll away, and in two or three hours it would be dark. If they stopped for another night on the high rocks, all would freeze; an effort to reach the timber and camp by a fire was, so to speak, their forlorn hope. Besides, Stannard was persuaded they could get down, and Deering admitted his judgment was good. By and by Stannard gave him a careless glance.

”I'll lead on the first rope and take Gillane and Stevens. Jimmy and the others will go with you.”

Deering wondered. He was resolved Jimmy should use his rope, but Stannard's proposing it was significant. If Stannard knew why he had joined them on the ledge, it looked as if he were resigned to let Jimmy go. Then Stannard pulled out his watch.

”We must get off. Shout for Gillane. Your voice carries well.”

Deering shouted and fixed his glance on the slope behind the group.

After a few minutes, two or three indistinct objects loomed in the mist.

”The boys are coming,” he said, and resumed in a puzzled voice: ”Gillane went for Stevens and Dillon; but I see _four_.”

”There are four,” said Jimmy, and Deering's mouth got tight.

He thought the first man did not belong to Stannard's party, and now he saw two others behind the advancing group.

”The police!” said Stannard, and shrugged resignedly.

Jimmy turned. His face was pinched and his pose was slack, but his look was calm.

”You have played up n.o.bly, but we're beaten and I've had enough. In fact, to know I'm beaten is rather a relief.”

Deering nodded gloomily. There was no use in trying to get away; the Royal North-West are empowered to shoot, and, as a rule, shoot straight.

He waited and noted mechanically that Stannard was a few yards nearer the top of the rocks. By and by a police sergeant stopped opposite the group.

”We have got you! Don't move until you get my orders,” he said, and signing a trooper, indicated Gillane's party. ”Hold that lot off!”

”We are not looking for trouble and the boys won't bother you,” said Deering. ”What's your business?”

He turned and glanced at Stannard, who said nothing. The mist was getting thin and Deering thought his look strained. Gillane had stopped behind the police, and the sergeant advanced, pulling at his belt.

”I have a warrant, but my hands are frozen and I can't get inside my coat.”

”You can show us the warrant later,” said Jimmy. ”I'm James Leyland, the man you want.”

”We _don't want you_,” the sergeant replied.

Jimmy's legs shook and he sat down in the snow. After the long strain, his relief was poignant and reacted on his exhausted body. He gave the sergeant a dull, puzzled look.

”Then whom do you want?”

”Harvey Stannard,” said the other, and Stannard turned.

His figure cut the misty background and he carried himself as if he were not disturbed. In fact, Jimmy imagined he had expected something like this.