TheextraordinarysuddennessoftheseatmosphericchangesonlyincreasedthesenseofphantasmicunrealitywithwhichCameronhadbeenstrugglingduringthepastthirty-sixhours。Astheafternoonworeontheairbecamesensiblywarmer。Themoistureroseinsteamingcloudsfromthemountainsides，thesnowraneverywhereingurglingrivulets，therivuletsbecamestreams，thestreamsrivers，andthemountaintorrentswhichtheyhadeasilyfordedearlierinthedaythreatenedtosweepthemaway。
Thetrader’sspiritsappearedtorisewiththetemperature。Hewasinhighglee。Itwasasifhehadescapedsomeimminentperil。”Wewillmakeitallright！”heshoutedtoLittleThunderastheypausedforafewmomentsinagrassyglade。”CanwemaketheForksbeforedark？”
LittleThunder’sgruntmightmeananything，buttothetraderitexpresseddoubt。”Onthen！”heshouted。”Wemustmakethesebrutesgetamoveon。
They’llfeedwhenwecamp。”
Sosayinghehurledhishorseuponthestragglingbunchofponiesthatwereeagerlysnatchingmouthfulsofgrassfromwhichthechinookhadalreadymeltedthesnow。Mercilesslyandsavagelythetrader，withwhipandvoiceandchargingstallion，hustledthewretchedanimalsintothetrailoncemore。Andthroughthelongafternoon，withunceasingandbrutalferocity，hebelaboredthefaltering，stumbling，half-starvedcreatures，tillfromsheerexhaustiontheywereliketofalluponthetrail。Itwasawearybusinessanddisgusting，butthedemonspiritofNighthawkseemedtohavepassedintohismaster，andwithaninsistencethatknewnomercytogethertheybatteredthatwretchedbunchupanddownthelongslopestillatlengththemercifulnightfelluponthestraggling，stumblingcavalcadeandmadearapidpaceimpossible。
AttheheadofalongslopeLittleThundercametoanabrupthalt，rodetotherearandgruntedsomethingtohischief。”What？”criedRaveninastartledvoice。”Stonies！Where？”
LittleThunderpointed。”Didtheyseeyou？”ThisinsultLittleThunderdisdainedtonotice。”Good！”repliedRaven。”Stayhere，Cameron，wewilltakealookatthem。”
Inaveryfewminuteshereturned，aneagertoneinhisvoice，aneagergleaminhiseyes。”Stonies！”heexclaimed。”Andabigcamp。Ontheirwaybackfromtheirwinter’strapping。OldMacdougallhimselfincharge，I
think。Doyouknowhim？””Ihaveheardofhim，”saidCameron，andhistoneindicatedhisreverencefortheagedpioneerMethodistmissionarywhohadaccomplishedsuchmarvelsduringhislongyearsofservicewithhisIndianflockandhadgainedsuchawonderfulcontroloverthem。”Yes，heisallright，”repliedRaven，answeringhistone。”Heisashrewdoldboy，though。Looksmightycloseafterthetradingend。Well，wewillperhapsdoalittletradeourselves。Butwewon’tdisturbtheoldman，”hecontinued，asiftohimself。”Comeandtakealookatthem。”
LittleThunderhadhaltedataspotwherethetrailforked。Onepartledtotherightdownthelongslopeofthemountain，theothertotheleft，graduallyclimbingtowardthetop。TheStonieshadcomebytherighthandtrailandwerenowcampedoffthetrailonalittleshelteredbenchfurtherdownthesideofthemountainandsurroundedbyascatteringgroupoftallpines。Throughthemistynighttheircampfiresburnedcheerily，lightinguptheirlodges。Aroundthefirescouldbeseengroupsofmensquattedonthegroundandhereandthereamongthelodgesthesquawswerebusy，evidentlypreparingtheeveningmeal。Atonesideofthecampcouldbedistinguishedanumberoftetheredponiesandnearthemothersquietlygrazing。
Butthoughthecamplayonlyafewhundredyardsawayandonalowerlevel，notasoundcameupfromittoCameron’searsexcepttheoccasionalbarkofadog。TheIndiansareasilentpeopleandmovenoiselesslythroughNature’ssolitudesasifinreverenceforhersacredmysteries。”Wewon’tdisturbthem，”saidRaveninalowtone。”Wewillslippastquietly。””TheycomefromMorleyville，don’tthey？”enquiredCameron。”Yes。””Whynotvisitthecamp？”exclaimedCameroneagerly。”IamsureMr。Macdougallwouldbegladtoseeus。AndwhycouldnotIgobackwithhim？MycampisrightonthetrailtoMorleyville。”
Ravenstoodsilent，evidentlyperplexed。”Well，”herepliedhesitatingly，”weshallseelater。Meantimelet’sgetintocampourselves。Andnonoise，please。”Hisvoicewaslowandstern。
Silently，andasswiftlyaswasconsistentwithsilence，LittleThunderledhisbandofpackhorsesalongtheuppertrail，thetraderandCameronbringinguptherearwiththeotherponies。Forabouthalfamiletheyproceededinthisdirection，then，turningsharplytotheright，theycutacrossthroughthestragglingwoods，andsocameuponthelowertrail，beyondtheencampmentoftheStoniesandwelloutofsightofit。”Wecamphere，”saidRavenbriefly。”Butremember，nonoise。””Whataboutvisitingtheircamp？”enquiredCameron。”Thereisnoimmediatehurry。”
HespokeafewwordstoLittleThunderinIndian。”LittleThunderthinkstheymaybeBlackfeet。Wecan’tbetoocareful。Nowlet’sgetgrub。”
Cameronmadenoreply。Thetrader’shesitatingmannerawakenedallhisformersuspicions。HewasfirmlyconvincedtheIndianswereStoniesandheresolvedthatcomewhatmighthewouldmakehisescapetotheircamp。
Withoutunloadingtheirpackstheybuilttheirfireuponalargeflatrockandthere，crouchingaboutit，forthemistswerechilly，theyhadtheirsupper。
InundertonesRavenandLittleThunderconversedintheIndianspeech。Thegaycarelessairofthetraderhadgivenplacetooneofkeen，purposefuldetermination。Therewasevidentlyseriousbusinessonfoot。ImmediatelyaftersupperLittleThundervanishedintothemist。”Wemayaswellmakeourselvescomfortable，”saidRaven，pullingacoupleofbuffaloskinsfromapackandgivingonetoCameron。”LittleThunderisgonetoreconnoiter。”Hethrewsomesticksuponthefire。”Bettergotosleep，”hesuggested。”WeshallprobablyvisitthecampinthemorningiftheyshouldprovetobeStonies。”
Cameronmadenoreply，but，lyingdownuponhisbuffaloskin，pretendedtosleep，thoughwiththefirmresolvetokeepawake。
Buthehadpassedthroughanexhaustingdayandbeforemanyminuteshadpassedhefellintoadoze。
Fromthisheawokewithastart，hisearsfilledwiththesoundofsinging。BeyondthefirelayRavenuponhisface，apparentlysoundasleep。ThesingingcamefromthedirectionoftheIndiancamp。
Noiselesslyheroseandstoleupthetrailtoapointfromwhichthecampwasplainlyvisible。Awonderfulscenelaybeforehiseyes。AgreatfireburnedinthecentreofthecampandroundthefirethewholebandofIndianswasgatheredwiththeirsquawsinthebackground。Inthecentreofthecirclestoodatallmanwithavenerablebeard，apparentlyreading。Afterhehadreadthesoundofsingingoncemoreroseuponthenightair。”Stonies，allright，”saidCameronexultantlytohimself。”Andateveningprayers，too，byJove。”
HerememberedhearingMcIvortellhowtheStoniesneverwentonahuntingexpeditionwithouttheirhymnbooksandneverclosedadaywithouttheireveningworship。Thevoiceswerehigh-pitchedandthin，butfromthatdistancetheyfloatedupsoftandsweet。HecouldclearlydistinguishthemusicoftheoldMethodisthymn，thewordsofwhichwerequitefamiliartohim：”ThereisafountainfilledwithbloodDrawnfromImmanuel’sveins；
Andsinnersplungedbeneaththatflood。
Losealltheirguiltystains。”
Overandoveragain，withstrangewildcadencesoftheirowninvention，theworshipperswailedforththerefrain，”Losealltheirguiltystains。”
Then，allkneeling，theywenttoprayer。Overall，themistymoonstrugglingthroughthebrokencloudscastapaleandghostlylight。
Itwas，toCameronwithhisold-worldreligiousconventionsandtraditions，aweirdlyfascinatingbutintenselyimpressivescene。
Afarbeyondthevalley，appearedindimoutlinethegreatmountains，withtheirheadsthrustupintothesky。Nearerattheirbasesgatheredthepines，atfirstinsolidgloomymasses，then，astheyapproached，instragglinggroups，andatlastsingly，liketallsentinelsonguard。Onthegrassyglade，surroundedbythesentinelpines，thecircleofduskyworshippers，kneelingabouttheircampfire，liftedtheirfacesheavenwardandtheirheartsGod-wardinprayer，andasuponthoseduskyfacesthefirelightfellinfitfulgleams，soupontheirhearts，darkwiththesuperstitionsofahundredgenerations，therefellthegleamsofthetorchheldhighbythehandsoftheirdauntlessambassadoroftheblessedGospeloftheGraceofGod。
WithmingledfeelingsofreverenceandofpityCameronstoodgazingdownuponthisscene，resolvedmorethanevertoattachhimselftothiscampwhosedaysclosedwitheveningprayer。”Impressivescene！”saidamockingvoiceinhisear。
Cameronstarted。Asuddenfeelingofrepulsionseizedhim。”Yes，”hesaidgravely，”animpressivescene，inmyeyesatleast，andIshouldnotwonderifintheeyesofGodaswell。””Whoknows？”saidRavengruffly，astheybothturnedbacktothefire。
CHAPTERIV
THEDULLREDSTAIN
Theminutespassedslowly。ThesceneinthecampoftheStoniesthathehadjustwitnesseddroveallsleepfromCameron。Hewasfirmlyresolvedthatatthefirstopportunityhewouldmakehisbreakforliberty；forhewasnowfullyawarethatthoughnotconfessedlyhewasnonethelessreallyaprisoner。
Ashelayintentlythinking，forminganddiscardingplansofescape，twoIndians，followedbyLittleThunder，walkedquietlywithinthecircleofthefirelightandwithanodandagrunttowardsRavensatdownbythefire。Ravenpassedhistobaccobag，which，withoutaword，theyaccepted；and，fillingtheirpipes，theygravelybegantosmoke。”WhiteCloud，”gruntedLittleThunder，wavinghishandtothefirstIndian。”BigChief。Him，”pointingtothesecondIndian，”WhiteCloudbrother。””Mybrothershadgoodhuntingthisyear，”saidRaven。
TheIndiansgruntedforreply。”Yourpacksareheavy？”
Anothergruntmadeanswer。”Wehavemuchgoods，”continuedRaven。”Butthetimeisshort。
Comeandsee。”
Ravenledthemoutintothedarktowardsthepackhorse，LittleThunderremainingbythefire。FromthedarknessCameroncouldhearRaven’svoiceinlowtonesandtheIndians’gutturalrepliesmingledwithunusuallaughter。
Whentheyreturnedthechangeintheirappearancewasplainlyvisible。Theireyesweregleamingwithanunnaturalexcitement，theirgraveanddignifieddemeanourhadgivenplacetoaneager，almostchildishexcitement。Camerondidnotneedthewhiffthatcametohimfromtheirbreathtoexplainthecauseofthissuddenchange。Thesignsweretohimonlytoofamiliar。”Mybrotherswillneedtohurry，”saidRaven。”Wemovewhenthemoonishigh。””Good！”repliedWhiteCloud。”Go，quick。”Hewavedhishandtowardthedark。”Come。”Hebroughtitbackagain。”Heapquick。”
Withoutfurtherwordtheyvanished，silentastheshadowsthatswallowedthemup。”Now，then，Cameron，wehavebigbusinessonfoot。Upandgiveusahand。LittleThunder，takethebunchdownthetrailacoupleofmilesandcomeback。”
Selectingoneofthepackponies，hetiedittoapinetreeandtheothershehurriedoffwithLittleThunderdownthetrail。”Goingtodosometrading，areyou？”enquiredCameron。”Yes，ifthepriceisright，thoughI’mnottookeen，”repliedRaven，throwinghimselfdownbesidethefire。”Whatareyouafter？Furs？””Yes，fursmostly。Anythingtheyhavetooffer。””Whatdoyougiveinexchange？”
Raventhrewhimasharpglance，butCameron’sfacewasturnedtowardthefire。”Oh，variousarticles。Wearingapparel，tobacco，finery。Molassestoo。Theyareveryfondofmolasses。””Molasses？”echoedCameron，withatouchofscorn。”Itwasnotmolassestheyhadto-night。Whydidyougivethemwhiskey？”heaskedboldly。
Ravenstarted。Hiseyesnarrowedtotwopiercingpoints。”Why？That’smybusiness，myfriend。Ikeepaflasktotreatmyguestsoccasionally。Haveyouanyobjection？””Itisagainstthelaw，Iunderstand，andmightybadfortheIndians。””Againstthelaw？”echoedRaveninchildlikesurprise。”Youdon’ttellme！””SotheMountedPolicedeclare，”saidCameron，turninghiseyesuponRaven’sface。”TheMountedPolice！”exclaimedRaven，pouringforthafloodofoaths。”That！fortheMountedPolice！”hesaid，snappinghisfingers。”But，”repliedCameron，”Iunderstoodyouveryespeciallytoobjecttotheoperationsofthewhiskeyrunners？””Whiskeyrunners？Who’sspeakingofwhiskeyrunners？I’mtalkingoftheapprovedmethodoftreatingourfriendsinthiscountry，andifthepoliceshouldinterferebetweenmeandmyfriendstheywouldbecarryingthingsalittletoofar。Butallthesame，”hecontinued，hastilycheckinghimself，”thepoliceareallright。
Theyputdownalotoflawlessnessinthiscountry。ButImayaswellsaytoyouhere，Mr。Cameron，”hecontinued，”thattherearecertainthingsitisbestnottosee，or，havingseen，tospeedilyforget。”AshespokethesewordshiseyesnarrowedagaintotwogreypointsthatseemedtoborerightthroughtoCameron’sbrain。”Thismanisaverydevil，”thoughtCamerontohimself。”Iwasafoolnottoseeitbefore。”Buttothetraderhesaid，”TherearesomethingsIwouldrathernotseeandsomethingsIcannotforget。”
BeforeanotherhourhadpassedtheStoniesreappeared，thistimeonponies。Thetradermadenomovetomeetthem。Hesatquietlysmokingbythefire。SilentlytheIndiansapproachedthefireandthrewdownapackoffurs。”Huh！”saidWhiteCloud。”Good！Vergood！”Heopenedhispackandspreadoutupontherockwithimpressivedeliberationitscontents。Andgoodtheywere，eventoCameron’sunculturedeye。
Wolfskinsandbear，cinnamonandblack，beaver，fox，andmink，aswellassomemagnificentspecimensofmountaingoatandsheep。”Good！Good！Big——fine——heapgood！”WhiteCloudcontinuedtoexclaimashedisplayedhiscollection。
Raventurnedthemovercarelessly，feelingthefurs，examiningandweighingthepelts。Thengoingtothepackhorsehereturnedandspreadoutupontherockbesidethefursthegoodswhichheproposedtoofferinexchange。Andapitifuldisplayitwas，gaudycalicoesandflimsyflannels，thebrillianceofwhosecolourwasonlyequalledbytheshoddinessofthematerial，cheapdomesticblankets，halfwoolhalfcotton，preparedespeciallyfortheIndiantrade。These，withbeadsandbuttons，trinkets，wholestringsofbrassrings，rollsoftobacco，bagsofshotandpowder，potmetalknives，andotherarticles，allbearingthestampofglitteringfraud，constitutedhisstockforbarter。TheIndiansmadestrenuouseffortstomaintainanairofdignifiedindifference，buttheglitterintheireyesbetrayedtheireagerness。WhiteCloudpickedupagoatskin，heavywithitsdeepsilkyfurandwithitsrichsplendourcoveredovertheglitteringmassofRaven’scheapandtawdrystuff。”Goodtrade，”saidWhiteCloud。”Him，”pointingtotheskin，”and，”turningitback，”him，”layinghishanduponthegoodsbeneath。
Ravensmiledcarelessly，pulledoutaflaskfromhispocket，tookadrinkandpassedittotheothers。Desperatelystrugglingtosuppresshiseagernessandtomaintainhisdignifiedbearing，WhiteCloudseizedtheflaskand，drinkinglonganddeep，passedittohisbrother。”Haveadrink，Cameron，”saidRaven，ashereceivedhisflaskagain。”No！”saidCameronshortly。”AndIwouldsuggesttoyourfriendsthattheycompletethetradebeforetheydrinkmuchmore。””Myfriendheresaysthisisnogood，”saidRaventotheIndians，tappingtheflaskwithhisfinger。”Hesaysnomoredrink。”
WhiteCloudshotakeenenquiringglanceatCameron，buthemadenoreplyotherthantostretchouthishandforRaven’sflaskagain。
BeforemanyminutestheefficacyofRaven’smethodsofbarterbegantobeapparent。TheIndianslosttheirgraveanddignifieddemeanour。Theybecamecurious，eager，garrulous，anddemonstrative。
WithchildishgleetheybeganexaminingmorecloselyRaven’ssupplyofgoods，tryingontherings，drapingthemselvesinthegaudycalicoesandflannels。AtlengthRavenrolleduphisarticlesofbarterandsetthemupononeside。”Howmuch？”hesaid。
WhiteCloudselectedthegoatskin，laiduponitsomehalfdozenbeaverandmink，andacoupleoffoxes，androllingthemupinapilelaidthembesideRaven’sbundle。
Thetradersmiledandshookhishead。”Nogood。Nogood。”Sosayinghetookfromhispackanotherflaskandlaidituponhispile。
InstantlytheIndianincreasedhispilebyabearskin，agreywolf，andamountaingoat。Then，withoutwaitingforRaven’swords，hereachedfortheflask。”No，notyet，”saidRavenquietly，layinghishanddownupontheflask。
TheIndianwithgleamingeyesthrewonthepilesomeadditionalskins。”Good！”saidRaven，surrenderingtheflask。SwiftlytheIndiancaughtitupand，seizingthecorkinhisteeth，bititoffclosetotheneckoftheflask。Snatchinghisknifefromhispocketwithalmostfranticenergy，heproceededtodigouttheimbeddedcork。”Here，”saidRaven，takingtheflaskfromhim。”Letmehaveit。”
FromhispockethetookaknifecontainingacorkscrewandwiththishedrewthecorkandhandedtheflaskbacktotheIndian。
Withshameless，bestialhastetheIndianplacedthebottletohislipsandafteralongpullpassedittohiswaitingbrother。
AtthispointRavenroseasiftoclosethenegotiationsandtookouthisownflaskforafinaldrink，butfounditempty。”Aha！”heexclaimed，turningtheemptyflaskupsidedown。AtoncetheIndianpassedhimhisflask。Raven，however，wavedhimasideand，goingtohispack，drewoutatinoilcanwhichwouldcontainaboutagallon。Fromthiswithgreatdeliberationhefilledhisflask。”Huh！”exclaimedtheIndian，pointingtothecan。”Howmuch？”
Ravenshookhishead。”Nosell。Forme，”heanswered，tappinghimselfonthebreast。”Howmuch？”saidtheIndianfiercely。
StillRavendeclinedtosell。
SwiftlytheIndiangathereduptheremaininghalfofhispackoffursand，throwingthemsavagelyatRaven’sfeet，seizedthecan。
StillRavenrefusedtoletitgo。
AtthispointthesoftpaddingofalopingponywasheardcomingupthetrailandinafewminutesLittleThundersilentlytookhisplaceinthecircleaboutthefire。Cameron’sheartsankwithinhim，fornowitseemedasifhischanceofescapehadslippedfromhim。
RavenspokeafewrapidwordstoLittleThunder，whoenteredintoconversationwiththeStonies。AtlengthWhiteClouddrewfromhiscoatablackfoxskin。InspiteofhimselfRavenutteredaslightexclamation。Itwasindeedasuperbpelt。Withsavagehateineverylineofhisfaceandineverymovementofhisbody，theIndianflungtheskinuponthepileoffursandwithouta”Byyourleave”seizedthecanandpassedittohisbrother。
AtthispointRaven，withasuddendisplayofrecklessgenerosity，placedhisownflaskupontheIndian’spileofgoods。”Askthemiftheywantmolasses，”saidRaventoLittleThunder。”No，”gruntedtheIndiancontemptuously，preparingtodepart。”Askthem，LittleThunder。”
ImmediatelyasLittleThunderbegantospeakthecontemptuousattitudeoftheStoniesgaveplacetooneofkeeninterestanddesire。AftersomefurthertalkLittleThunderwenttothepack-
pony，returnedbearingasmallkegandsetitontherockbesideRaven’spileoffurs。HastilytheStoniesconsultedtogether，WhiteCloudapparentlyreluctant，thebrotherrecklesslyeagertoclosethedeal。FinallywithagestureWhiteCloudputanendtotheconversation，steppedouthastilyintothedarkandreturnedleadinghisponyintothelight。Cuttingasunderthelashingswithhisknife，hereleasedabundleoffursandthrewitdownatRaven’sfeet。”Sameting。Good！”hesaid。
ButRavenwouldnotlookatthebundleandproceededtopackupthespoilsofhisbarter。EarnestlytheStoniesappealedtoLittleThunder，butinvain。Angrilytheyremonstrated，butstillwithoutresult。AtlengthLittleThunderpointedtotheponyandwithouthesitationWhiteCloudplacedthebridlereininhishands。
Cameroncouldcontainhimselfnolonger。SuddenlyrisingfromhisplacehestrodetothesideoftheIndiansandcried，”Don’tdoit！
Don’tbesuchfools！Thisnogood，”hesaid，kickingthekeg。”WhatwouldMr。Macdougallsay？Come！Igowithyou。Takebackthesefurs。”
Hesteppedforwardtoseizethesecondpack。SwiftlyLittleThunderleapedbeforehim，knifeinhand，andcrouchedtospring。
TheStonieshadnodoubtastohismeaning。Theirheartswerefilledwithblackrageagainsttheunscrupuloustrader，buttheirinsanethirstforthe”fire-water”sweptfromtheirmindseveryotherconsiderationbutthatofdeterminationtogratifythismadlust。UnconsciouslytheyrangedthemselvesbesideCameron，theirhandsgoingtotheirbelts。QuietlyRavenspokeafewrapidwordstoLittleThunder，who，slowlyputtinguphisknife，madeabriefbutvigourousharanguetotheStonies，theresultofwhichwasseeninthedoubtfulglanceswhichtheycastuponCameronfromtimetotime。”Comeon！”criedCameronagain，layinghishanduponthenearestIndian。”Let’sgotoyourcamp。Takeyourfurs。Heisathief，arobber，abadman。Allthat，”sweepinghishandtowardsRaven’sgoods，”nogood。This，”kickingthekeg，”bad。Killyou。”
Thesewordstheycouldnotentirelyunderstand，buthisgesturesweresufficientlyeloquentandsignificant。TherewasanuglygleaminRaven’seyesandanuglycurltohisthinlips，butheonlysmiled。”Come，”hesaid，wavinghishandtowardthefurs，”takethemaway。
Tellthemwedon’twanttotrade，LittleThunder。”Hepulledouthisflask，slowlytookadrink，andpassedittoLittleThunder，whogreedilyfollowedhisexample。”Tellthemwedon’twanttotradeatall，”insistedRaven。
LittleThundervolublyexplainedthetrader’swishes。”Good-bye，”saidRaven，offeringhishandtoWhiteCloud。”Goodfriends，”headded，oncemorepassinghimhisflask。”Don’t！”saidCameron，layinghishandagainupontheIndian’sarm。
ForasingleinstantWhiteCloudpaused。”Huh！”gruntedLittleThunderincontempt。”Bigchiefscared。”
QuicklytheStonyshookoffCameron’shand，seizedtheflaskand，puttingittohislips，draineditdry。”Come，”saidCamerontotheotherStony。”Comewithme。”
RavenutteredawarningwordtoLittleThunder。TheIndiansstoodforsomemomentsuncertain，theirheadsbowedupontheirbreasts。
ThenWhiteCloud，throwingbackhisheadandlookingCameronfullintheface，said——”Goodman。Goodman。Menogo。””ThenIgoalone，”criedCameron，springingoffintothedarkness。
Asheturnedhisfootcaughtthepileofwoodbroughtforthefire。
Hetrippedandstumbledalmosttotheground。BeforehecouldrecoverhimselfLittleThunder，swiftasawildcat，leapeduponhisbackwithhisever-readyknifeinhisupraisedhand，butbeforehecouldstrike，CameronhadturnedhimselfandthrowingtheIndianoffhadstruggledtohisfeet。”Holdthere！”criedRavenwithaterribleoath，flinginghimselfuponthestrugglingpair。
AmomentortwotheStonieshesitated，thentheytooseizedCameronandbetweenthemalltheyborehimfightingtotheground。”Keepback！Keepback！”criedRaveninaterriblevoicetoLittleThunder，who，knifeinhand，wasdancinground，seekinganopportunitytostrike。”Willyouliestill，orshallIknockyourheadin？”saidRaventoCameronthroughhisclenchedteeth，withonehandonhisthroatandtheotherpoisingarevolveroverhishead。Camerongaveupthestruggle。”Speakandquick！”criedRaven，hisfaceworkingwithpassion，hisvoicethickandhusky，hisbreathcominginquickgaspsfromthefurythatpossessedhim。”Allright，”saidCameron。”Letmeup。Youhavebeatenmethistime。”
Ravensprangtohisfeet。”Lethimup！”hesaid。”Now，then，Cameron，givemeyourwordyouwon’ttrytoescape。””No，Iwillnot！I’llseeyouhangedfirst，”saidCameron。
Ravendeliberatelydrewhispistolandsaidslowly：”Ihavesavedyourlifetwicealready，butthetimeispastforanymoretrifling。Nowyou’vegottotakeit。”
AtthisLittleThunderspokeaword，pointingtowardthecampoftheStonies。Ravenhesitated，thenwithanoathhestrodetowardCameronandthrustinghispistolinhisfacesaidintonesofcoldandconcentratedrage：”Listentome，youfool！Yourlifeishangingbyahairtriggerthatgoesoffwithafeathertouch。Igiveyouonemorechance。
Movehandorfootandthebulletinthisgunwillpassneatlythroughyoureye。SohelpmeGodAlmighty！”
HespoketoLittleThunder，stillkeepingCameroncoveredwithhisgun。TheIndianslippedquietlybehindCameronandswiftlythrewalineoverhisshouldersand，drawingittight，boundhisarmstohisside。AgainandagainherepeatedthisoperationtillCameronstoodswathedinthecoilsoftheropelikeamummy，inwardlyraging，notsomuchathiscaptor，butathimselfandhisstupidbunglingofhisbreakforliberty。HishelplessandabsurdappearanceseemedtorestoreRaven’sgoodhumour。”Now，then，”hesaid，turningtotheStoniesandresuminghiscarelessair，”wewillfinishourlittlebusiness。Sitdown，Mr。
Cameron，”hecontinued，withapleasantsmile。”Itmaybelessdignified，butitismuchmorecomfortable。”
Oncemorehetookouthisflaskandpasseditround，forgettingtotakeitbackfromhisIndianvisitors，whocontinuedtodrinkfromitinturn。”Listen，”hesaid。”Igiveyouallyouseehereforyourfursandaponytopackthem。Thatismylastword。Quick，yesorno？
Tellthemnomoretrifling，LittleThunder。Themoonishigh。Westartintenminutes。”
Therewasnofurtherhaggling。TheIndiansseemedtorecognisethatthetimeforthatwaspast。Afterabriefconsultationtheygruntedtheiracceptanceandproceededtopackuptheirgoods，butwithnogoodwill。Morevividlythananyinthecompanytheyrealisedtheimmensityofthefraudthatwasbeingperpetrateduponthem。Theywerebeingrobbedoftheirwholewinter’skillandthatofsomeoftheirfriendsaswell，buttheywerehelplessinthegripoftheirmadpassionforthetrader’sfire-water。Disgustedwiththemselvesandfilledwithblackrageagainstthemanwhohadsopitilesslystrippedthembareoftheprofitsofayear’stoilandprivation，howgladlywouldtheyhaveputtheirknivesintohisback，buttheyknewhissortbyonlytoobitterexperienceandtheyknewthatathishandstheyneedexpectnopity。”Here，”criedRaven，observingtheirblacklooks。”Apresentformybrothers。”Hehandedthemeacharolloftobacco。”Andapresentfortheirsquaws，”addingascarletblanketapiecetotheirpack。
Withoutawordofthankstheytookthegiftsand，loadingtheirstuffupontheirremainingpony，disappeareddownthetrail。”Now，LittleThunder，let’sgetoutofthis，foroncetheiroldmanfindsouthewillbehotfootonourtrail。”
Withfurioushastetheyfelltotheirpacking。Cameronstoodaghastattheamazingswiftnessanddexteritywithwhichthepackswereropedandloaded。WhenallwascompletethetraderturnedtoCameroningaygoodhumour。”Now，Mr。Cameron，willyougopassengerorfreight？”Cameronmadenoreply。”Inotherwords，shallwepackyouonyourponyorwillyouridelikeagentleman，givingmeyourwordnottoattempttoescape？Timepresses，soanswerquick！Givemetwenty-fourhours。
Givemeyourwordfortwenty-fourhours，afterwhichyoucangowhenyoulike。””Iagree，”saidCameronshortly。”Cuthimloose，LittleThunder。”LittleThunderhesitated。”Quick，youfool！Cuthimloose。IknowagentlemanwhenIseehim。Heistiedtighterthanwithropes。””Itisagreatpity，”hecontinued，addressingCameroninapleasantconversationaltoneastheyrodedownthetrailtogether，”thatyoushouldhavemadeanassofyourselfforthosebrutes。
Bah！Whatodds？OldMacdougallorsomeoneelsewouldgettheirstuffsoonerorlater。WhynotI？Come，cheerup。Youarejollywelloutofit，for，Godknows，youmaylivetolookdeathinthefacemanyatime，butneverwhileyoulivewillyoubesoneartouchingtheoldsportasyouwereafewminutesago。WhyIhaveinterferedtosaveyouthesethreetimesblessedifIknow！Manyaman’sboneshavebeenpickedbythecoyotesinthesehillsforafractionoftheprovocationyouhavegivenme，nottospeakofLittleThunder，whoisproperlythirstingforyourblood。Buttakeadvicefromme，”hereheleanedovertowardsCameronandtouchedhimontheshoulder，whilehisvoicetookasternertone，”don’tventureonanyfurtherlibertieswithhim。”
SuddenlyCameron’srageblazedforth。”Nowperhapsyouwilllistentome，”hesaidinavoicethrillingwithpassion。”Firstofall，keepyourhandsoffme。Asforyourcomradeandpartnerincrime，IfearhimnomorethanIwouldadogandlikeadogIshalltreathimifhedarestoattackmeagain。
Asforyou，youareacowardandacad。Youhavemeatadisadvantage。Butputdownyourgunsandfightmeonequalterms，andIwillmakeyoubegforyourlife！”
TherewasagleamofamusedadmirationinRaven’seyes。”ByJove！Itwouldbeaprettyfight，Idobelieve，andoneI
shouldgreatlyenjoy。Atpresent，however，timeispressingandthereforethatpleasurewemustpostpone。MeantimeIpromiseyouthatwhenitcomesitwillbeonequalterms。””Iasknomore，”saidCameron。
Therewasnofurtherconversation，forRavenappearedintentonputtingaslargeaspaceaspossiblebetweenhimselfandthecampoftheStonies。Thediscoveryofthefraudheknewwouldbeinevitableandheknew，too，thatGeorgeMacdougallwasnotthemantoallowhisflocktobefleecedwithimpunity。
SobeforethegreylightofmorningbegantostealoverthemountaintopsRaven，withhisbunchofponiesandhisloot，wasmanymilesforwardonhisjourney。Buttheenduranceevenofbronchosandcayuseshasitslimit，andtheirdesperateconditionfromhungerandfatiguerenderedfoodandrestimperative。
ThesunwasfullyupwhenRavenorderedahalt，andinasunnyvalley，deepwithgrass，unsaddlingtheweariedanimals，heturnedthemloosetofeedandrest。Apparentlycarelessofdangerandhighlycontentedwiththeirnight’sachievement，heandhisIndianpartnerabandonedthemselvestosleep。Cameron，too，thoughhisindignationandchagrinpreventedsleepforatime，wasfinallyforcedtoyieldtothegenialinfluencesofthewarmsunandthelanguidairsofthespringday，and，firmlyresolvingtokeepawake，hefellintodreamlessslumber。
Thesunwasridinghighnoonwhenhewasawakenedbyahanduponhisarm。ItwasRaven。”Hush！”hesaid。”Notaword。Mountandquick！”
LookingaboutCameronobservedthatthepackhorseswerereadyloadedandRavenstandingbyhisbronchoreadytomount。LittleThunderwasnowheretobeseen。”What’sup？”saidCameron。
ForanswerRavenpointedupthelongslopingtraildownwhichtheyhadcome。Therethreehorsemencouldbeseenridinghard，butstilldistantmorethanhalfamile。”Sawthemthreemilesaway，luckilyenough，”saidRaven。”Where’sLittleThunder？”enquiredCameron。”Oh，roundingupthebunch，”answeredRavencarelessly，wavinghishandtowardthevalley。”Thosemenarecomingsome，”headded，swingingintohissaddle。
Ashespokearifleshotshatteredthestillnessofthevalley。
Thefirstoftheridersthrewuphishands，clutchedwildlyatthevacantairandpitchedheadlongoutofthesaddle。”GoodGod！
What’sthat？”gaspedCameron。Theothertwowheeledintheircourse。Beforetheycouldturnasecondshotrangoutandanotheroftheridersfelluponhishorse’sneck，clungthereforamoment，thengentlyslidtotheground。Thethird，throwinghimselfoverthesideofhispony，rodebackfordearlife。
Athirdandafourthshotwereheard，butthefleeingriderescapedunhurt。”Whatdoesthatmean？”againaskedCameron，weakandsickwithhorror。”Mount！”yelledRavenwithaterribleoathandflourishingarevolverinhishand。”Mountquick！”Hisfacewaspale，hiseyesburnedwithafierceglare，whilehisvoicerangwiththeblastofabugle。”Leadthosepackhorsesdownthattrail！”heyelled，thrustingthelineintoCameron’shand。”Quick，Itellyou！””Crack-crack！”TwiceabulletsangsavagelypastCameron’sears。”Quicker！”shoutedRaven，circlingroundthebunchofponieswithwildcriesandoathslikeamangonemad。Againandagaintherevolverspatwickedlyandhereandthereaponyplungedrecklesslyforward，nickedintheearbyoneofthosevenomoussingingpellets。Helplesstodefendhimselfandexpectingeverymomenttofeelthestingofabulletsomewhereinhisbody，Cameronhurriedhisponywithallhismightdownthetrail，draggingthepackanimalsafterhim。Inhuddledconfusiontheterrifiedbrutesfollowedafterhiminamadrush，forhardupontheirrear，likeabeastdevil-possessed，Nighthawkpressed，biting，kicking，squealing，totheaccompanimentofhisrider’soathsandyellsandpistolshots。Downthelongslopingtrailtotheveryendofthevalleythemadrushcontinued。Theretheascentcheckedthefuryofthespeedandforcedaquieterpace。Butthroughtheafternoontherewasnoweakeningofthepressurefromthereartilltheeveningshadowsandthefrequentfallingoftheworn-outbeastsforcedaslackeningofthepaceandfinallyahalt。
Sickwithhorrorandloathing，Camerondismountedandunsaddledhisbroncho。HehadhardlyfinishedthisoperationwhenLittleThunderrodeupuponastrangepony，leadingabeautifulwhitebronchobehind。CameroncouldnotrepressanexclamationofdisgustastheIndiandrewnearhim。”Beautifulbeastthat，”saidRavencarelessly，pointingtothewhitepony。
Cameronturnedhiseyesupontheponyandstoodtransfixedwithhorror。”MyGod！”heexclaimed。”Lookatthat！”Acrossthebeautifulwhiteshouldersandreachingdowncleartothefetlockthereranabroadstain，dullredandhorrible。Thenthroughhisteeth，hardclenchedtogether，thesewordscameforth：”Someday，byGod’shelp，Ishallwipeoutthatstain。”
Thetradershruggedhisshoulderscarelessly，butmadenoreply。
CHAPTERV
SERGEANTCRISP
ThehorrorofthedayfollowedCameronthroughthenightandawokewithhimnextmorning。EverytimehiseyesfoundtheIndianhisteethcametogetherinagrindingrageasherepeatedhisvow，”SomedayIshallbringyoutojustice。SohelpmeGod！”
AgainstRavensomehowhecouldnotmaintainthesameheatofrage。
ThathewasapartytothemurderoftheStoniestherewaslittlereasontodoubt，butasallnextdaytheylayinthesunnygladerestingtheponies，orwentlopingeasilyalongthewindingtrailsmakingevertowardstheSouthwest，thetrader’scheerfulface，hisendlesstales，andhisinvinciblegoodhumourstolefromCameron’sheart，inspiteofhisfirmresolve，thefiercenessofhiswrath。
Buttheresolvewasnonethelessresolutethatonedayhewouldbringthismantojustice。
Astheyjourneyedon，thewoodsbecamemoreopenandthetreeslarger。Mid-dayfoundthemrestingbyalittlelake，fromwhichastreamflowedintotheupperreachesoftheColumbiaRiver。”WeshallmaketheCrow’sNesttrailbyto-morrownight，”saidRaven，”whereweshallpart；nottoyourverygreatsorrow，I
fancy，either。”
TheeveningbeforeCameronwouldhavesaid，”No，buttomygreatjoy，”anditvexedhimthathecouldnotbringhimselftosaysoto-daywithanygreatshowofsincerity。Therewasacharmaboutthismanthathecouldnotresist。”Andyet，”continuedRaven，allowinghiseyestorestdreamilyuponthelake，”inothercircumstancesImighthavefoundinyouanexcellentfriend，andamostrareandvaluablefindthatis。””Thatitis！”agreedCameron，thinkingofhisoldfootballcaptain，”butonecannotmakefriendswitha——””Itisanuglyword，Iknow，”saidRaven。”But，afterall，whatisabunchoffursmoreorlesstothoseIndians？””Furs？”exclaimedCameroninhorror。”Whatarethelivesofthesemen？””Oh，”repliedRavencarelessly，”theseIndiansarealwaysgettingkilledonewayoranother。Itisallintheday’sworkwiththem。
Theypickeachotheroffwithoutqueryorqualm。Besides，LittleThunderhasagrudgeofveryoldstandingagainsttheStonies，whomheheartilydespises，andhedoubtlessenjoysconsiderablesatisfactionfromthethoughtthathehaspartiallypaidit。Itwillbehisturnnext，likeasnot，fortheywon’tletthisthingsleep。Orperhapsmine！”headdedafterapause。”Themanisdoubtlessonthetrailatthispresentminutewhowillfinallygetme。””Thenwhyexposeyourselftosuchafate？”saidCameron。”Surelyinthiscountryamancanliveanhonestlifeandprosper。””Honestlife？Idoubtit！Whatisanhonestlife？DoesanyIndiantraderleadanhonestlife？DotheHudsonBaytraders，orI。G。Baker’speople，oranyofthemdothehonestthingbytheIndiantheytradewith？Inthelongrunitisaquestionofthepolice。Whatescapesthepoliceishonest。Thecrime，afterall，isingettingcaught。””Oh，thatistooold！”saidCameron。”Youknowyouaretalkingrot。””Quiteright！Itisrot，”assentedRaven。”Thewholebusinessisrot。’Vanityofvanities，saiththepreacher。’Oh，IknowtheBook，yousee。Iwasnotborna——a——anoutlaw。”Thegrey-browneyeshadinthemawistfullook。”Bah！”heexclaimed，springingtohisfeetandshakinghimself。”ThesightofyourEdinburghfaceandthesoundofyourEdinburghspeechandyouroldcountrywaysandmannershavegotonmyrecollectionworks，andIbelievethataccountsforyoubeingaliveto-day，oldman。”
Hewhistledtohishorse。Nighthawkcametrottingandwhinneyingtohim。”Ihaveonefriendintheworld，oldboy，”hesaid，throwinghisarmovertheblack，glossyneckandsearchinghispocketforabiscuit。”Andevenyou，”headdedbitterly，”Ifeardonotlovemefornaught。”
Saddlinghishorse，hemountedandcallingLittleThundertohimsaid：”TakethebunchonasfarastheBigCanyonandwaitthereforme。
Iamgoingbackabit。Itisbettertobesurethansorry。
Cameron，yourbestroutelieswithus。Yourtwenty-fourhours’
paroleisalreadyup。To-morrow，perhapsto-night，IshallputyouontheMacleodtrail。Youareafreeman，butdon’ttrytomakeanybreakswhenIamgone。Myfriendhereisextremelypromptwithhisweapons。Farewell！Getamoveon，LittleThunder！Cameronwillbringuptherear。”
HeaddedsomefurtherwordsintheIndiantongue，hisvoicetakingasterntone。LittleThundergruntedasurlyandunwillingacquiescence，and，wavinghishandtoCameron，thetraderwheeledhishorseupthetrail。
InspiteofhimselfCameroncouldnotforbearafeelingofpityandadmirationashewatchedthelithe，uprightfigureswayingupthetrail，hiseverymovementinunisonwiththatofthebeautifuldemonhebestrode。Butwithallhispityandadmirationhewasnonethelessresolvedthathewoulddowhatinhimlaytobringthesetwotojustice。”Thisuglydevilatleastshallswing！”hesaidtohimselfasheturnedhiseyesuponLittleThundergettinghispackponiesoutuponthetrail。Thisaccomplished，theIndian，pointingonward，saidgruffly，”Yougoinfront——meback。””Notmuch！”criedCameron。”Youheardtheordersfromyourchief。
Yougoinfront。Ibringuptherear。Idonotknowthetrail。””Huh！Trailgood，”gruntedLittleThunder，thered-rimmedeyesgleamingmalevolently。”Yougofront——meback。”Hewavedhishandimpatientlytowardthetrail。Followingthedirectionofhishand，Cameron’seyesfelluponthestockofhisownrifleprotrudingfromapackupononeoftheponies。Foramomenttheprotrudingstockheldhiseyesfascinated。”Huh！”saidtheIndian，notingCameron’sglance，andslippingoffhispony。Inaninstantbothmenwereracingforthepackandapproachingeachotheratasharpangle。Arrivedatstrikingdistance，theIndianleapedatCameron，withhisknife，aswashiswont，readytostrike。
TheappearanceoftheIndianspringingathimseemedtosetsomeofthegreymatterinCameron’sbrainmovingalongoldtracks。Likeaflashhedroppedtohiskneesinanoldfootballtackle，caughttheIndianbythelegsandtossedhimhighoverhisshoulders，then，springingtohisfeet，hejerkedtheriflefreefromthepackandstoodwaitingforLittleThunder’sattack。
ButtheIndianlaywithoutsoundormotion。Cameronusedhisopportunitytolookforhiscartridgebelt，which，afterafewminutes’anxioussearch，hediscoveredinthepack。Hebuckledthebeltabouthim，madesurehisWinchesterheldashell，andstoodwaiting。
Thatheshouldbewaitingthuswiththedeliberatepurposeofshootingdownafellowhumanbeingfilledhimwithasenseofunreality。Buttheeventsofthelastforty-eighthourshadcreatedanentirelynewenvironment，andwithextraordinaryfacilityhismindhadadjusteditselftothisenvironment，andthoughtwodaysbeforehewouldhaveshrunkinhorrorfromthepossibilityoftakingahumanlife，heknewashestoodtherethatatthefirstsignofattackheshouldshoottheIndiandownlikeawildbeast。
SlowlyLittleThunderraisedhimselftoasittingpostureandlookedaboutindazedsurprise。Ashismindregaineditsnormalconditiontheredeepenedinhiseyesalookofcunninghatred。
WithdifficultyherosetohisfeetandstoodfacingCameron。
Cameronwaitedquietly，watchinghiseverymove。”Yougoinfront！”atlengthcommandedCameron。”Andnononsense，mindyou，”headded，tappinghisrifle，”orIshootquick。”
TheIndianmightnothaveunderstoodallCameron’swords，buthewasinnodoubtastohismeaning。Itwascharacteristicofhisracethatheshouldknowwhenhewasbeatenandstoicallyacceptdefeatforthetimebeing。Withoutfurtherwordorlookheledoffhispackponies，whileCamerontookhisplaceattherear。
Butprogresswasslow。LittleThunderwaseitherincapableofrapidmotionorsullenlyindifferenttoanynecessityforit。
Besides，therewasnodemoniacaldynamicforcingthebeastsonfromtherear。TheyhadnotbeenmorethanthreehoursonthetrailwhenCameronheardbehindhimthethunderingofhoofs。Glancingoverhisshoulder，hesawcomingdownuponhimRaven，ridingasifpursuedbyathousanddemons。Theconditionofhishorseshowedthattheracehadbeenlongandhard；hisblacksatinskinwasdrippingasifhehadcomethroughariver，hiseyeswerebloodshotandstartingfromhishead，hismouthwaswideopenandfromitinlargeclotsthefoamhadfallenuponhisneckandchest。
PastCameronanddownuponLittleThunderRavenrushedlikeawhirlwind，yellingwithwildoathsthewhile，”Geton！Geton！Whatareyouloafingaboutherefor？”
AfewvehementdirectionstotheIndianandhecamethunderingbackuponCameron。”Whathaveyoubeendoing？”hecriedwithanoath。”Whyareyounotmileson？Geton！Move！Move！！Move！！！”Ateveryyellhehurledhisfrenziedbronchoupontheponieswhichbroughtuptherear，andinafewminuteshadthewholecavalcademadlycareeringdowntheslopingtrail。Wilderandwildergrewthepace。Turningasharpcornerroundajuttingrockapackponystumbledandwentcrashingfiftyfeettotherockbelow。”On！On！”yelledRaven，emptyinghisgunintothestrugglinganimalashepassed。Moreandmoredifficultbecametheroaduntilatlengthitwasimpossibletokeepupthepace。”Wecannotmakeit！Wecannotmakeit！”mutteredRavenwithbitteroaths。”Oh，thecursedfools！Anothertwomileswoulddoit！”
Atlengththeycametoaspotwherethetrailtouchedalevelbench。”Halt！”yelledthetrader，ashegallopedtotheheadofthecolumn。AfewminuteshespentinrapidandfierceconsultationwithLittleThunderandthencameragingback。”Wearegoingtogetthisbunchdownintothevalleythere，”heshouted，pointingtothethicktimberatthebottom。”Idonotexpectyourhelp，butI
askyoutoremainwhereyouareforthepresent。Andletmeassureyouthisisnomomentfortrifling。”
WithextraordinaryskillandrapidityLittleThundermanagedtoleadfirstthepackponiesandthentheothers，onebyone，atintervals，offthetrailastheywentonward，takinginfinitepainstocovertheirtracksatthevariouspointsofdeparture。Whilethiswasbeingdonethetraderstoodshoutingdirectionsandgivingassistancewithafuryofenergythatseemedtocommunicateitselftotheverybeasts。Buttheworkwasoneofgreatdifficultyandtookmanyminutestoaccomplish。”Halfanhourmore，justhalfanhour！Fifteenminutes！”hekeptmuttering。”Justashortfifteenminutesandallwouldbewell。”
AsthelastponydisappearedintothewoodsRaventurnedtoCameronandwithasmilesaidquietly，”There，that’sdone。Nowyouarefree。Herewepart。Thisisyourtrail。ItwilltakeyoutoMacleod。Iamsorry，however，thatowingtoachangeincircumstancesforwhichIamnotresponsibleImustaskyouforthatrifle。”WiththeswiftnessofaflashoflighthewhippedhisgunintoCameron’sface。”Don’tmove！”hesaid，stillsmiling。”Thisgunofmineneverfails。
Quick，don’tlookround。Yes，thosehoofbeatsareourfriendsthepolice。Quick！Itisyourlifeormine。I’dhatetokillyou，Cameron。Igiveyouonechancemore。”
Therewasnohelpforit，andCameron，withhisheartfilledwithfutilefury，surrenderedhisrifle。”Nowrideinfrontofmealittleway。Theyhavejustseenus，buttheydon’tknowthatweareawareoftheirpresence。Ride！Ride！
Alittlefaster！”NighthawkrusheduponCameron’slaggingpony。”There，that’sbetter。”
Ashoutfellupontheirears。”Gorightalong！”saidRavenquietly。”Onlyafewminuteslonger，thenwepart。Ihavegreatlyenjoyedyourcompany。”
Anothershout。”Aha！”saidRaven，glancinground。”Itis，IverilybelieveitismyoldfriendSergeantCrisp。Onlytwoofthem，byJove！Ifwehadonlyknownweneednothavehurried。”
Anothershout，followedbyabulletthatsangovertheirheads。”Ah，thisisinteresting——toointerestingbyhalf！Well，heregoesforyou，sergeant！”Hewheeledashespoke。Turningswiftlyinhissaddle，Cameronsawhimraisehisrifle。”Holdup，youdevil！”heshouted，throwinghisponyacrosstheblackbroncho’strack。
Theriflerangout，thepolicehorsestaggered，swayed，andpitchedtotheearth，bringinghisriderdownwithhim。”Ah，Cameron，thatwasawkwardofyou，”saidRavengently。”However，itisperhapsaswell。Goodbye，oldman。Tellthesergeantnottofollow。Trailshereaboutaredangerousandgoodpolicesergeantsarescarce。Againfarewell。”Heswunghisbronchooffthetrailand，wavinghishand，withasmile，disappearedintothethickunderbrush。”Holdupyourhands！”shoutedthepoliceofficer，whohadstruggleduprightandwasnowswayingonhisfeetandcoveringCameronwithhiscarbine。”Hurry！Hurry！”criedCameron，springingfromhisponyandwavinghishandswildlyintheair。”Comeon。You’llgethimyet。””Standwhereyouareandholdupyourhands！”criedthesergeant。
Cameronobeyed，shoutingmeanwhilewrathfully，”Oh，comeon，youballyfool！Youarelosinghim。Comeon，Itellyou！””KeepyourhandsuporIshoot！”criedthesergeantsternly。”Allright，”saidCameron，holdinghishandshigh，”butforGod’ssakehurryup！”Herantowardsthesergeantashespoke，withhishandsstillabovehishead。”Halt！”shoutedthesergeant，asCameroncamenear。”ConstableBurke，arrestthatman！””Oh，come，getitover，”criedCameroninafuryofpassion。”Arrestme，ofcourse，butifyouwanttocatchthatchapyou’llhavetohurry。Hecannotbefaraway。””Ah，indeed，myman，”saidthesergeantpleasantly。”Heisnotfaraway？””No，he’samurdererandathiefandyoucancatchhimifyouhurry。””Ah！Verygood，verygood！ConstableBurke，tiethismanuptoyoursaddleandwe’lltakealookround。Howmanymighttherebeinyourgang？”enquiredthesergeant。”Tellthetruthnow。Itwillbethebetterforyou。””One，”saidCameronimpatiently。”AchapcallinghimselfRaven。””Raven，eh？”exclaimedSergeantCrispwithanewinterest。”Raven，byJove！””Yes，andanIndian。LittleThunderhecalledhim。””LittleThunder！Jove，whatafind！”exclaimedthesergeant。”Yes，”continuedCameroneagerly。”RavenisjustaheadinthewoodstherealoneandtheIndianisfurtherbackwithabunchofponiesdownintheriverbottom。””Oh，indeed！Veryinteresting！AndsoRavenisallaloneinthescrubthere，waitingdoubtlesstogivehimselfup，”saidsergeantCrispwithfinesarcasm。”Well，wearenotyetontoyourgame，youngman，butwewillnotjustplayuptothatleadyetawhile。”
InvainCameronragedandpleadedandstormedandswore，tellinghisstoryinincoherentsnatches，totheintenseamusementofSergeantCrispandhiscompanion。AtlengthCamerondesisted，swallowinghisrageasbesthecould。”Nowthen，weshallmoveon。Thepassisnotmorethananhouraway。WewillputthisyoungmaninsafekeepingandreturnforMr。Ravenandhisinterestingfriend。”Foramomenthestoodlookingdownuponhishorse。”Pooroldchap！”hesaid。”WehavegonemanyamiletogetheronHerMajesty’serrands。IfIhavedonemydutyasfaithfullyasyouhavedoneyoursIneednotfearmyrecord。Takehissaddleandbridleoff，Burke。We’vegotoneofthegang。SomedayweshallcomeupwithMr。Ravenhimself。””Yes，”saidCameronwithpassionatebitterness。”Andthatmightbeto-dayifyouhadonlylistenedtome。Why，man，”heshoutedwithrevivingrage，”wethreecouldtakehimevenyet！””Ah！”saidSergeantCrisp，”sowecould。””Youhadhiminyourhandsto-day，”saidCameron，”butlikeafoolyoulethimgo。Butsomeday，sohelpmeGod，Ishallbringthesemurdererstojustice。””Ah！”saidSergeantCrispagain。”Good！Verygoodindeed！Now，myman，march！”
CHAPTERVI
ADAYINTHEMACLEODBARRACKS”What’sthis，SergeantCrisp？”TheCommissioner，atall，slight，andsoldier-likeman，keen-eyedandbriskofspeech，rappedouthiswordslikeamanintentonbusiness。”Oneofawhiskeygang，Sir。DickRaven’s，Isuspect。””Andthecharge？””Whiskeytrading，theft，andmurder。”
TheCommissioner’sfacegrewgrave。”Murder？Wheredidyoufindhim？””Kootenaytrail，Sir。GotwindofhimatCalgary，followedupthecluepastMorleyville，thenalongtheKootenaytrail。Ablizzardcameonandwefearedwehadlostthem。WefellinwithabandofStonyIndians，foundthatthebandhadbeenrobbedandtwooftheirnumbermurdered。””Twomurdered？”TheCommissioner’svoicewasstern。”Yes，Sir。Shotdownincoldblood。Wehavethetestimonyofaneyewitness。Wefollowedthetrailandcameupontwoofthem。Myhorsewasshot。Oneofthemescaped；thismanwecaptured。”
TheCommissionersatpondering。Thenwithdisconcertingswiftnessheturnedupontheprisoner。”Yourname？””Cameron，Sir。””Wherefrom？””IwasworkinginMcIvor’ssurveycampnearMorleyville。Iwentoutshooting，lostmywayinablizzard，wascapturedbyamanwhocalledhimselfRaven——””Wait！”saidtheCommissionersharply。”Bringmethatfile！”
TheorderlybroughtafilefromwhichtheCommissionerselectedaletter。Hiskeeneyesrapidlyscannedthecontentsandthenranovertheprisonerfromheadtofoot。Thereupon，withoutamoment’shesitation，hesaidcurtly：”Releasetheprisoner！””But，Sir——”beganSergeantCrisp，withanexpressionofutterbewildermentanddisgustuponhisface。”Releasetheprisoner！”repeatedtheCommissionersharply。”Mr。
Cameron，Ideeplyregretthismistake。Underthecircumstancesitcouldhardlyhavebeenavoided。Youwereinbadcompany，yousee。
Iamgreatlypleasedthatmymenhavebeenofservicetoyou。Weshallcontinuetodoallwecanforyou。InthemeantimeIamverypleasedtohavethepleasureofmeetingyou。”HepassedthelettertoSergeantCrisp。”IhaveinformationaboutyoufromMorleyville，yousee。Nowtellusallaboutit。”
IttookCameronsomemomentstorecoverhiswits，sodumbfoundedwasheatthesuddenchangeinhiscondition。”Well，Sir，”hebegan，”Ihardlyknowwhattosay。””Sitdown，sitdown，Mr。Cameron。Takeyourtime，”saidtheCommissioner。”Wearesomewhathurriedthesedays，butyoumusthavehadsometryingexperiences。”
ThenCameronproceededwithhistale。TheCommissionerlistenedwithkeenattention，nowandthenarrestinghimwithaquestionoracomment。WhenCameroncametotellofthemurderoftheStonieshisvoiceshookwithpassion。”WewillgetthatIndiansomeday，”saidtheCommissioner，”neverfear。Whatishisname？””LittleThunder，Ravencalledhim。AndIwouldliketotakeahandinthattoo，Sir，”saidCameroneagerly。”Youwould，eh？”saidtheCommissionerwithasharplookathim。”Well，we’llsee。LittleThunder，”herepeatedtohimself。”BringthatRecordBook！”
Theorderlylaidalargecanvas-coveredbookbeforehim。”LittleThunder，eh？”herepeated，turningtheleavesofthebook。”Oh，yes，Ithoughtso！BloodIndian——formerlyChief——supplantedbyRedCrow——gotintotroublewithwhiskeytraders。Yes，I
remember。Heisathisoldtricks。Thistime，however，hehasgonetoofar。Wewillgethim。Goon，Mr。Cameron！”
WhenCameronhadconcludedhisstorytheCommissionersaidtotheorderlysharply：”SendmeInspectorDickson！”
InafewmomentsInspectorDicksonappeared，atall，slightman，withagentlefaceandkindlyblueeyes。”InspectorDickson，howareweformen？Canyousparetwoorthreetoroundupagangofwhiskeytradersandtorundownamurderer？
WeareonthetrackofRaven’sbunch，Ibelieve。””Weareveryshort-handedatpresent，Sir。Thishalf-breedtroubleinthenorthiskeepingourIndiansallveryrestless。Wemustkeepintouchwiththem。””Yes，yes，Iknow。Bytheway，howaretheBloodsjustnow？””Theyarebetter，Sir，buttheBlackfeetarerestlessanduneasy。
Therearealotofrunnersfromtheeastamongthem。””HowisoldCrowfootbehaving？””Crowfoothimselfisapparentlyallrightsofar，butofcoursenomancantellwhatCrowfootisthinking。””That’srightenough，”repliedtheCommissioner。”Bytheway，Sir，itwasCrowfoot’ssonthatgotintothattroublelastnightwiththatMacleodman。TheoldChiefisintown，too，infactisoutsidejustnowandquiteworkedupoverthearrest。””Well，wewillsettlethisCrowfootbusinessinafewminutes。
Now，aboutthisRavengang。Youcannotgoyourselfwithacoupleofmen？Heisanexceedinglycleverrascal。”