TheInspectorenumeratedthecasesimmediatelypressing。”Wellthen，attheearliestpossiblemomentwemustgetafterthisgang。Keepthisinmind，InspectorDickson。ThatIndianI
　　consideranextremelydangerousman。Heissuretobemixedupwiththishalf-breedtrouble。HehasveryconsiderableinfluencewithalargesectionoftheBloods。Ishouldn’tbesurprisedifweshouldfindhimontheirreservebeforeverylong。Nowthen，bringinyoungCrowfoot！”
　　TheInspectorsalutedandretired，followedbySergeantCrisp，whosefacehadnotyetregaineditsnormalexpression。”Mr。Cameron，”saidtheCommissioner，”ifyoucaretoremainwithmeforthemorningIshallbegladtohaveyou。Theadministrationofjusticebythepolicemayproveinterestingtoyou。Lateronweshalldiscussyourreturntoyourcamp。”
　　Cameronexpressedhisdelightatbeingpermittedtoremaininthecourtroom，notonlythathemightobservethepolicemethodsofadministeringjustice，butespeciallythathemightseesomethingofthegreatBlackfeetChief，Crowfoot，ofwhomhehadheardmuchsincehisarrivalintheWest。
　　InafewminutesInspectorDicksonreturned，followedbyaconstableleadingayoungIndian，handcuffed。WiththeseenteredJerry，thefamoushalf-breedinterpreter，andlastofallthefatheroftheprisoner，oldCrowfoot，tall，straight，stately。OneswiftsearchingglancetheoldChiefflungroundtheroom，andthen，acknowledgingtheCommissioner’ssalutewithaslightwaveofthehandandagrunt，anddecliningtheseatofferedhim，hestoodbackagainstthewallandthereviewedtheproceedingswithanairofhaughtydefiance。
　　TheCommissionerlostnotimeinpreliminaries。Thechargewasreadandexplainedtotheprisoner。Theconstablemadehisstatement。TheyoungIndianhadgotintoanaltercationwithacitizenofMacleod，andonbeinghardpressedhadpulledthepistolwhichwaslaiduponthedesk。Therewasnodefense。Theinterpreter，however，explained，afterconversationwiththeprisoner，thatdrinkwasthecause。AtthispointtheoldChief’sfaceswiftlychanged。Defiancegaveplacetodisgust，grief，andrage。
　　TheCommissioner，aftercarefullyelicitingallthefacts，gavetheprisoneranopportunitytomakeastatement。Thisbeingdeclined，theCommissionerproceededgravelytopointouttheseriousnatureoftheoffense，toemphasizethesacrednessofhumanlifeanddeclarethedeterminationofthegovernmenttoprotectallHerMajesty’ssubjects，nomatterwhattheirraceorthecolouroftheirskin。Hethenwentontopointouttheseriousdangerwhichtheyoungmanhadsonarrowlyescaped。”Why，man，”exclaimedtheCommissioner，”youmighthavecommittedmurder。”
　　Heretheyoungfellowsaidsomethingtotheinterpreter。Therewasaflickerofasmileonthehalf-breed’sface。”Hesaydatpistolhenogood。Hecan’tshoot。Henotloaded。”
　　TheCommissioner’sfaceneverchangedaline。Hegravelyturnedthepistoloverinhishand，andtrulyenoughtherustyweaponappearedtobequiteinnocuousexcepttotheshooter。”Thisisanextremelydangerousweapon。Why，itmighthavekilledyourself——ifithadbeenloaded。Wecannotallowthissortofthing。However，sinceitwasnotloadedweshallmakethesentencelight。Isentenceyoutoonemonth’sconfinement。”
　　TheinterpreterexplainedthesentencetotheyoungIndian，whoreceivedtheexplanationwithoutthemovementofamuscleortheflickerofaneyelid。Theconstabletouchedhimontheshoulderandsaid，”Come！”
　　BeforehecouldmoveoldCrowfootwithtwostridesstoodbeforetheconstable，andwavinghimasidewithagestureofindescribabledignity，tookhissoninhisarmsandkissedhimoneithercheek。
　　Then，steppingback，headdressedhiminavoicegrave，solemn，andvibrantwithemotion。JerryinterpretedtotheCourt。”IhaveobservedthebigChief。Thisisgoodmedicine。Itisgoodthatwrongshouldsuffer。Allgoodmenareagainstwickedness。Myson，youhavedonefoolishly。Youhavedarkenedmyeyes。Youhavecoveredmyfacebeforemypeople。Theywillask——whereisyourson？Myvoicewillbesilent。Myfacewillbecoveredwithshame。
　　Ishallbelikeadogkickedfromthelodge。Myson，Itoldyoutogoonlytothestore。Iwarnedyouagainstbadmenandbadplaces。
　　Yourearswereclosed，youwerewiserthanyourfather。Nowwebothmustsuffer，youhereshutupfromthelightofthesky，Iinmydarkenedlodge。But，”hecontinued，turningswiftlyupontheCommissioner，”IaskmyfatherwhythesebadmenwhosellwhiskeytothepoorIndianarenotshutupwithmyson。Mysonisyoung。
　　Heislikethehareinthewoods。Hefallseasilyintothetrap。
　　Whyarenotthesebadmenremoved？”TheoldChief’sfacetrembledwithindignantappeal。”Theyshallbe！”saidtheCommissioner，smitingthedeskwithhisfist。”Thisveryday！””Itisgood！”continuedtheoldChiefwithgreatdignity。Then，turningagaintohisson，hesaid，andhisvoicewasfullofgravetenderness：”Now，gotoyourpunishment。Thehourswillbenonetoolongiftheybringyouwisdom。”Againhekissedhissononbothcheeksand，withoutalookatanyother，stalkedhaughtilyfromtheroom。”InspectorDickson，”sharplycommandedtheCommissioner，”findoutthemanthatsoldthatwhiskeyandarresthimatonce！”
　　Cameronwasprofoundlyimpressedwiththewholescene。Hebegantorealiseasneverbeforethetremendousresponsibilitiesthatlayuponthosechargedwiththeadministrationofjusticeinthiscountry。Hebegantounderstand，too，thesecretoftheextraordinaryholdthatthePolicehadupontheIndiantribesandhowitcamethatsosmallaforcecouldmaintainthe”PaxBritannica”overthreehundredthousandsquaremilesofunsettledcountry，thehomeofhundredsofwildadventurersandofthousandsofsavageIndians，utterlystrangetoanyruleorlawexceptthatoftheirownsweetwill。”Thispolicebusinessisabigaffair，”heventuredtosaytotheCommissionerwhenthecourtroomwascleared。”Youpracticallyrunthecountry。””Well，”saidtheCommissionermodestly，”wedosomethingtokeepthecountryfromgoingtothedevil。Weseethateverymangetsafairshow。””Itisgreatwork！”exclaimedCameron。”Yes，Isupposeitis，”repliedtheCommissioner。”Wedon’ttalkaboutit，ofcourse。Indeed，wedon’tthinkofit。But，”hecontinued，”thatbluebooktherecouldtellastorythatwouldmaketheoldEmpirenottooashamedofthemenwho’ridetheline’andpatroltherangesinthisfaroutpost。”Heopenedthebigcanvas-
　　boundbookashespokeandturnedthepagesover。”Lookatthatforapage，”hesaid，andCameronglancedovertheentries。Whatataletheytold！”Fire-fighting！””Yes，”saidtheCommissioner，”thatsavedasettler’swifeandchild——aprairiefire。Thehousewaslost，buttheconstablepulledthemoutandgotratherbadlyburnedinthebusiness。”
　　Cameron’sfingerrandownthepage。”SickmantransportedtoPost。””That，”commentedtheSuperintendent，”wasajourneyofovertwohundredmilesbydogsleighsinwinter。Savedtheman’slife。”
　　Andsotherecordran。”Cattlethievesarrested。””Whiskeysmugglerscaptured。””Stolenhorsesrecovered。””InsanemanbroughttoPost。””Thatwasratheratoughcase，”saidtheCommissioner。”Meantajourneyofsomeeighthundredmileswithaman，apowerfulmantoo，ravingmad。””Howmanyofyourmenonthatjourney？”enquiredCameron。”Oh，justone。Thefellowgotawaytwice，butwasrecapturedandfinallylanded。Gotbettertoo。Buttheconstablewasallbrokenupforweeksafterwards。””Man，thatwasgreat！”exclaimedCameron。”Whatapityitshouldnotbeknown。””Oh，”saidtheCommissionerlightly，”it’sallintheday’sduty。”
　　ThewordsthrilledCamerontotheheart。”Allintheday’sduty！”
　　Thesheerheroismofit，thedauntlessfacingofNature’sgrimmestterrors，thesteadypatience，theuncalculatedsacrifice，thethoughtofallthatlaybehindthesesimplewordsheldhimsilentformanyminutesashekeptturningovertheleaves。
　　Ashesatthusturningtheleavesandallowinghiseyetofalluponthosesimplebuteloquententries，aloudandstridentvoicewasheardoutside。”Waal，Itellyuh，Iwanttoseehimrightnaow。Iain’tcometwohundredmilesfornawthin’。Imeanbusiness，Ido。”
　　Theorderly’svoicewasheardinreply。”Iain’tgotnotimetowait。IwanttoseeyerChiefofPolicerightnaow。”
　　Againtheorderly’svoicecouldbedistinguished。”Incourt，ishe？Waal，youhurryupandtellhimJ。B。CadwallerofLonePine，Montana，anAmericancitizen，wantstoseehimrightsmart。”
　　Theorderlycameinandsaluted。”Amantoseeyou，Sir，”hesaid。”AnAmerican。””Whatbusiness？””Horse-stealingcase，Sir。””Showhimin！”
　　Inamomenttheorderlyreturned，followedby，notone，butthreeAmericancitizens。”Good-day，Jedge！Myname’sJ。B。Cadwaller，LonePine，Montana。
　　I——””Takeyourhatoffinthecourt！”saidtheorderlysharply。
　　Mr。Cadwallerslowlysurveyedtheorderlywithanexpressionofinterestedcuriosityinhiseyes，removinghishatashedidso。”Say，you’reprettyswift，ain’tyuh？Youmightgiveafellerashowtogitinhisinterductions，”saidMr。Cadwaller。”Iwasjesgoin’tointerdoocetoyou，Jedge，thesegentlemenfrommyownState，DistrictAttorneyHiramS。SlighandMr。RufusRaimes，rancher。”
　　TheCommissionerdulyacknowledgedtheintroduction，standingtoreceivethestrangerswithduecourtesy。”Now，Jedge，IwanttoseeyerChiefofPolice。I’vegotacaseforhim。””IhavethehonortobetheCommissioner。WhatcanIdoforyou？””Waal，Jedge，wedon’twanttowastenotime，neitheryoursnorours。ThefactissomeofyerblankblankIndianshavebeenrustlin’hossesfromusfersometimeback。Wedon’tmindacayusenowandthen，butwhenitcomestoahullbunchofvallablehossesthere’swherewekickandweain’tgoin’tostandferit。Andwewantthemhossesre-stored。Andwhat’smore，wewantthemblankblankcoppersnakesstrungup。””Howmanyhorseshaveyoulost？””Howmany？Jeerupiter！ThirtyorfortyferallIknow，they’vebeenrustlin’’emforayearback。””Whydidn’tyoureportbefore？””Whywethoughtwe’dgit’emourselves，andifwehadwewouldn’t’atroubledyuh——andIguesstheywouldn’t’atroubledusmuchlonger。Buttheyaresoslick——soblankslick！””Mr。Cadwaller，wedon’tallowanyprofanityinthiscourtroom，”
　　saidtheCommissionerinaquietvoice。”Eh？Who’sgivin’yuhprofanity？Idon’tmeannoprofanity。I’mtalkin’aboutthemblankblank——””Stop，Mr。Cadwaller！”saidtheCommissioner。”Wemustendthisinterviewifyoucannotmakeyourstatementswithoutprofanity。
　　ThisisHerMajesty’scourtofJusticeandwecannottolerateanyunbecominglanguage。”Waal，I’llbe——！””Pardonme，Mr。Commissioner，”saidMr。HiramS。Sligh，interruptinghisfriendandclient。”PerhapsImaymakeastatement。We’velostsometwentyorthirtyhorses。””Thirty-one”interjectedMr。Raimesquietly。”Thirty-one！”burstinMr。Cadwallerindignantly。”That’sonlyonelittlebunch。””And，”continuedMr。Sligh，”wehavetracedthemrightuptotheBloodreserve。Morethanthat，Mr。RaimeshasseenthehorsesinthepossessionoftheIndiansandwewantyourassistanceinrecoveringourproperty。””Yes，bygum！”exclaimedMr。Cadwaller。”Andwewantthem——eh——
　　eh——consarnedredskinthievesstrungup。””YousayyouhaveseenthestolenhorsesontheBloodreserve，Mr。
　　Raimes？”enquiredtheCommissioner。
　　Mr。Raimes，whowasindustriouslychewingaquidoftobacco，ejected，withafinesenseofproprietyandwithgreatskillandaccuracy，astreamoftobaccojuiceoutofthedoorbeforeheanswered。”Iseen’em。””Whendidyouloseyourhorses？”
　　Mr。Raimesconsideredthematterforsomemoments，chewingenergeticallythewhile，then，havingdeliveredhimselfwiththesamedelicacyandskillasbeforeofhissurplustobaccojuice，madelaconicreply：”Seventeen，no，eighteendaysago。””Didyoufollowthetrailimmediatelyyourselves？””No，JimEberts。””JimEberts？””Foreman，”saidMr。Raimes，whoseemedtoregardconversationinthelightofaninterferencewiththemoreimportantbusinessinwhichhewasindustriouslyengaged。”ButyousawthehorsesyourselfontheBloodreserve？””Followedupandseen’em。””Howlongsinceyousawthemthere，Mr。Raimes？””Twodays。””Youarequitesureaboutthehorses？””Sure。””CallInspectorDickson！”orderedtheCommissioner。
　　InspectorDicksonappearedandsaluted。”WehaveinformationthatapartyofBloodIndianshavestolenabandofhorsesfromthesegentlemenfromMontanaandthatthesehorsesarenowontheBloodreserve。Takeacoupleofmenandinvestigate，andifyoufindthehorsesbringthemback。””Coupleofmen！”ejaculatedMr。Cadwallerbreathlessly。”Acoupleofhundred，youmean，General！””Whatfor？””Why，tosur——raoundthem——there——Indians。”TheregulationsofthecourtroomconsiderablyhamperedMr。Cadwaller’sfluencyofspeech。”Itisnotnecessaryatall，Mr。Cadwaller。Besides，wehaveonlysomeeightymenalltoldatthispost。Ourwholeforceintheterritoriesislessthanfivehundredmen。””Fivehundredmen！YoumeanforthisState，General——Alberta？””No，Sir。ForallWesternCanada。AllwestofManitoba。””Howmuchterritorydoyoucover？”enquiredtheastonishedMr。
　　Cadwaller。”Weregularlypatrolsomethreehundredthousandsquaremiles，besidestakinganoccasionalexpeditionintothefarnorth。””AndhowmanyIndians？””Aboutthesamenumberasyouhave，Iimagine，inMontanaandDakota。InAlberta，aboutninethousand。””Andlessthanfivehundredpolice！Say，General，Itakeoffmyhat。TenthousandIndians！Bytheholypoker！Andfivehundredpolice！HowinCaindoyoukeepdownthedevils？””Wedon’ttrytokeepthemdown。Wetrytotakecareofthem。””Guessyou’vehitit，”saidMr。Raimes，dexterouslysquirtingoutofthedoor。”Jeerupiter！Say，General，somedaythey’llmassacreeyuhsure！”
　　saidMr。Cadwaller，anoteofanxietyinhisvoice。”Oh，no，theyareaverygoodlotonthewhole。””Good！We’vegotalotofgoodIndianstoo，butthey’reallundergraound。Fivehundredmen！Jeerupiter！Say，Sligh，howmanysoldiersdoesUncleSamhaveonthisjob？””Well，Ican’tsayaltogether，butinMontanaandDakotaIhappentoknowwehaveaboutfourthousandregulars。””Say，figgerthatout，willyuh？”continuedMr。Cadwaller。”Allowedfourtimestheterritory，aboutthesamenumberofIndiansandaboutone-eighththenumberofpolice。Say，General，Itakeoffmyhatagain。Putitthere！YouCanuckshavegotthetricksure！””Easiertocarefor’emthankill’em，Iguess，”saidMr。Raimescasually。”But，say，General，”continuedMr。Cadwaller，”youain’tgoin’tosendforthemhosseswithnothreemen？””I’mafraidwecannotspareanymore。””Jeerupiter，General！”exclaimedMr。Cadwaller。”I’llwaitoutsidethereservetillthispicnic’sover。Say，General，let’shavetwenty-fivemenatleast。””Whatdoyousay，InspectorDickson？Willtwomenbesufficient？””We’lltry，Sir，”repliedtheInspector。”Howsooncanyoubeready？””Inaquarterofanhour。””Jeerupiter！”mutteredMr。Cadwallertohimself，ashefollowedtheInspectoroutoftheroom。”Isay，Commissioner，willyouletmeinonthisthing？”saidCameron。”Doyoumeanthatyouwanttojointheforce？”enquiredtheCommissioner，lettinghiseyerunapprovinglyupanddownCameron’sfigure。”ThereisMcIvor，Sir——”beganCameron。”Oh，Icouldfixthatallright，”repliedtheCommissioner。”Wewantmen，andwewantmenlikeyou。Wehavenovacancyamongtheofficers，butyoucouldenlistasaconstableandthereisalwaysopportunitytoadvance。””Itisagreatservice！”exclaimedCameron。”I’dlikeawfullytojoin。””Verywell，”saidtheCommissionerpromptly，”wewilltakeyou。
　　Youarephysicallysound，wind，limb，eye-sight，andsoforth？””AsfarasIknow，perfectlyfit，”repliedCameron。
　　OncemoreInspectorDicksonwassummoned。”InspectorDickson，Mr。Cameronwishestojointheforce。Wewillhavehisapplicationtakenandfilledinlater，andwewillwaiveexaminationforthepresent。Willyouadministertheoath？””Cameron，standup！”commandedtheInspectorsharply。
　　WithalittlethrillathisheartCameronstoodup，tooktheBibleinhishandandrepeatedaftertheInspectorthewordsoftheoath，”I，AllanCameron，solemnlyswearthatIwillfaithfully，diligently，andimpartiallyexecuteandperformthedutiesrequiredofmeasamemberoftheNorthWestMountedPoliceForce，andwillwellandtrulyobeyandperformalllawfulordersandinstructionswhichI
　　shallreceiveassuch，withoutfear，favour，oraffectionofortowardanyperson。Sohelpme，God。””Nowthen，Cameron，Icongratulateyouuponyournewprofession。
　　TheInspectorwillseeaboutyouroutfitandlateryouwillreceiveinstructionsastoyourduties。Meantime，takehimalongwithyou，Inspector，andgetthosehorses。”
　　Itwasasomewhatirregularmodeofprocedure，butmenweresorelyneededattheMacleodpostandtheCommissionerhadaneyethattookinnotonlythelinesofaman’sfigurebutthequalitiesofhissoul。”Thatchapwillmakegood，orIamgreatlymistaken，”hesaidtotheInspectorasCameronwentoffwiththeorderlytoselecthisuniform。”Wellsetupchap，”saidtheInspector。”We’lltryhimoutto-
　　night。””Comenow，don’tkillhim。Remember，othermenhavesomethingelseinthembesideswhaleboneandsteel，ifyouhavenot。”
　　InhalfanhourtheInspector，SergeantCrispandCameron，withthethreeAmericancitizens，wereontheirwaytotheBloodreserve。
　　Cameronhadbeengivenahorsefromthestable。
　　Allafternoonandlateintotheeveningtheyrode，thencampedandwereearlyuponthetrailthefollowingmorning。Cameronwashalfdeadwiththefatiguefromhisexperiencesofthepastweek，buthewouldhavediedratherthanhavehintedatweariness。HewasnotalittlecomfortedtonoticethatSergeantCrisp，too，wasshowingsignsofdistress，whileDistrictAttorneySlighwasevidentlyinthelaststagesofexhaustion。EventhesteelandwhalebonecombinationthatconstitutedtheframeoftheInspectorappearedtoshowsomeslightsignsofwear；butallfeelingofwearinessvanishedwhentheInspector，whowasinthelead，haltedattheedgeofawidesweepingvalleyand，pointingfarahead，said，”TheBloodreserve。Theircampliesjustbeyondthatbluff。””Say，Inspector，holdup！”criedMr。CadwallerastheInspectorsetoffagain。”Ain’tyuhgoin’tosneakupon’emlike？””Sneakuponthem？No，ofcoursenot，”saidtheInspectorcurtly。”Weshallriderightin。””Say，Raimes，”saidMr。Cadwaller，”aholewouldbeablamenicethingtofindjustnow。””Doyouthinktherewillbeanytrouble？”enquiredMr。HiramSlighofSergeantCrisp。”Trouble？Perhapsso，”repliedCrisp，asiftohimitwereamatterofperfectindifference。”We’llnevergitthemhosses，”saidRaimes。”Butwe’vegottostaywiththechief，Iguess。”
　　AndsotheyfollowedInspectorDicksondownintothevalley，whereinthedistancecouldbeseenanumberofhorsesandcattlegrazing。TheyhadnotriddenfaralongthevalleybottomwhenMr。
　　CadwallerspurredupupontheInspectorandcalledoutexcitedly，”Isay，Inspector，them’sourhossesrightthere。Say，let’srun’emoff。””Canyoupickthemout？”enquiredtheInspector，turninginhissaddle。”Everylastone！”saidRaimes。”Verywell，cutthemoutandgetthemintoabunch，”saidtheInspector。”IseetherearesomeIndiansherdingthemapparently。
　　Paynoattentiontothem，butgorightalongwithyourwork。””There’soneof’emofftogivetongue！”criedMr。Cadwallerexcitedly。”Bringhimdown，Inspector！Bringhimdown！Quick！
　　Here，letmehaveyourrifle！”HurriedlyhesnatchedattheInspector’scarbine。”Stop！”criedtheInspectorinsharpcommand。”Now，attention！Weareonasomewhatdelicatebusiness。Amistakemightbringdisaster。IamincommandofthispartyandImusthaveabsoluteandpromptobedience。Mr。Cadwaller，itwillbeatyourperilthatyoumakeanysuchmoveagain。Letnomandrawagununtilorderedbyme！Now，then，cutoutthosehorsesandbunchthemtogether！””Jeerupiter！He’sahullbrigadehimself，”saidMr。Cadwallerinanundertone，droppingbackbesideMr。Sligh。”Waal，heregoesforthebunch。”
　　ButthoughbothMr。CadwallerandMr。Raimes，aswellasSergeantCrispandtheInspector，wereexpertcattlemen，ittooksomelittletimeandveryconsiderablemanoeuveringtogetthestolenhorsesbunchedtogetherandseparatedfromtherestoftheanimalsgrazinginthevalley，andbythetimethiswasaccomplishedIndianridershadappearedoneveryside，graduallyclosinginupontheparty。ItwasclearlyimpossibletodriveoffthebunchthroughthatgraduallynarrowingcordonofmountedIndianswithouttrouble。”Now，what’stobedone？”saidMr。Cadwaller，nervouslyaddressingtheInspector。”Forward！”criedtheInspectorinaloudvoice。”Towardsthecorralaheadthere！”
　　ThismovementnonplussedtheIndiansandinsilencetheyfellinbehindthepartywho，goingbefore，finallysucceededindrivingthebunchofhorsesintothecorral。”SergeantCrisp，youandConstableCameronremainhereonguard。I
　　shallgoandfindtheChief。Here，”hecontinued，addressingayoungIndianbravewhohadriddenupquiteclosetothegateofthecorral，”leadmetoyourChief，RedCrow！”
　　Theabsencealikeofallhesitationorfear，andofallblusterinhistoneandbearing，apparentlyimpressedtheyoungbrave，forhewheeledhisponyandsetoffimmediatelyatagallop，followedbytheInspectoratamoremoderatepace。
　　QuicklytheIndiansgatheredaboutthecorralandthegroupatitsgate。Witheverypassingminutetheirnumbersincreased，andastheirnumbersincreasedsodidtheviolenceoftheirdemonstrationThethreeAmericanswereplacednextthecorral，SergeantCrispandCameronbeingbetweenthemandtheexcitedIndians。CameronhadseenIndiansbeforeaboutthetradingposts。Ashy，suspicious，andsubduedlotofcreaturestheyhadseemedtohim。Buttheseweremenofanotherbreed，withtheirlean，lithe，muscularfigures，theirclean，copperskins，theirwildfierceeyes，theirhaughtybearing。Thoseotherswerepoorbeggarsseekingpermissiontoexist；theseweremen，proud，fearless，andfree。”Jove，whatateamonecouldpickoutofthebunch！”saidCamerontohimself，ashiseyefelluponthecleanbarelimbsandobservedtheirgracefulmotions。ButtotheAmericanstheywereahatefulandfearsomesight。Indianswiththemwereneveranythingbutamenacetobeheldincheck，oranuisancetobegotridof。
　　Louderandloudergrewtheyellsandwilderthegesticulationsasthesavagesworkedthemselvesupintoafury。Suddenly，throughtheyelling，careering，gesticulatingcrowdofIndiansayoungbravecametearingatfullgallopand，thrustinghisponycloseuptotheSergeant’s，stuckhisfaceintotheofficer’sandutteredaterrificwarwhoop。NotalineoftheSergeant’sfacenoramuscleofhisbodymovedexceptthatthenearspurslightlytouchedhishorse’sflankandthefingerstightenedalmostimperceptiblyuponthebridlerein。LikeaflashoflighttheSergeant’shorsewheeledandwithafiercesquealletflytwowickedheelsharduponthepony’sribs。Insheerterrorandsurprisethelittlebeastbolted，throwinghisrideroverhisneckandfinallytotheground。
　　Immediatelyashoutofjeeringlaughterrosefromthecrowd，whogreatlyenjoyedtheircomrade’sdiscomfiture。ExceptthattheSergeant’sfaceworealookofpleasedsurprise，hesimplymaintainedhisattitudeofcalmindifference。NootherIndian，however，appearedreadytorepeattheperformanceoftheyoungbrave。
　　AtlengththeInspectorappeared，followedbytheChief，RedCrow。”Tellyourpeopletogoaway！”saidtheInspectorastheyreachedthecorral。”Theyaremakingtoomuchnoise。”
　　RedCrowaddressedhisbravesatsomelength。”Openthecorral，”orderedtheInspector，”andgetthosehorsesoutonthetrail。”
　　Forafewmomentstherewassilence。Then，astheIndiansperceivedthepurposeofthepolice，oneverysidethererosewildyellsofprotestandfromeverysidearushwasmadetowardthecorral。ButSergeantCrispkepthishorseonthemoveinaseriesofkicksandplungesthathadtheeffectofkeepingclearawidecircleaboutthecorralgate。”Touchyourhorsewiththespurandholdhimuptight，”hesaidquietlytoCameron。
　　CamerondidsoandatoncehishorsebecameseeminglyasunmanageableastheSergeant’s，plunging，biting，kicking。TheIndianponiescouldnotbeinducedtoapproach。Theuproar，however，onlyincreased。Gunsbegantogooff，bulletscouldbeheardwhistlingoverhead。RedCrow’svoiceapparentlycouldmakenoimpressionuponthemaddenedcrowdofIndians。AminorChief，WhiteHorsebyname，havingwhirledinbehindtheSergeant，seizedholdofMr。
　　Cadwaller’sbridleandbegantothreatenhimwithexcitedgesticulations。Mr。Cadwallerdrewhisgun。”Letgothatline，youblankblankredskin！”heroared，flourishinghisrevolver。
　　Inamoment，withasingleplunge，theInspectorwasathissideand，flingingofftheIndian，shouted：”Putupthatgun，Mr。Cadwaller！Quick！”Mr。Cadwallerhesitated。”SergeantCrisp，arrestthatman！”TheInspector’svoicerangoutlikeatrumpet。HisguncoveredMr。Cadwaller。”Givemethatgun！”saidtheSergeant。
　　Mr。Cadwallerhandedoverhisgun。”Lethimgo，”saidtheInspectortoSergeantCrisp。”Hewillprobablybehave。”
　　TheIndianshadgatheredcloseaboutthegroup。WhiteHorse，inthecentre，wastalkingfastandfuriousandpointingtoMr。
　　Cadwaller。”Getthebunchoff，Sergeant！”saidtheInspectorquietly。”Iwillholdthemhereforafewminutes。”
　　QuietlytheSergeantbackedoutofthecircle，leavingtheInspectorandMr。CadwallerwithWhiteHorseandRedCrowinthemidstofthecrowding，yellingIndians。”WhiteHorsesaythismanstealBullBack’shorseslastfall！”
　　shoutedRedCrowintheInspector’sear。”Toomuchnoisehere，”saidtheInspector，movingtowardtheIndiancampandawayfromthecorralanddrawingthecrowdwithhim。”Tellyourpeopletobequiet，RedCrow。IthoughtyouweretheChief。”
　　Stungbythetaunt，RedCrowraisedhisrifleandfiredintotheair。Then，standinghighinhisstirrups，hehelduphishandandcalledoutanumberofnames。Instantlytenmenrodetohisside。
　　AgainRedCrowspoke。Thetenmenrodeoutagainamongthecrowd。
　　Immediatelytheshoutingceased。”Good！”saidtheInspector。”Iseemybrotherisstrong。Now，whereisBullBack？”
　　TheChiefcalledoutaname。Therewasnoresponse。”BullBacknothere，”hesaid。”Thenlisten，mybrother，”saidtheInspectorearnestly。”Thisman，”pointingtoMr。Cadwaller，”waitswithmeattheForttwodaystomeetWhiteHorse，BullBack，andanyIndianswhoknowaboutthisman；andwhatisrightwillbedone。Ihavespoken。
　　Farewell！”HegavehishandtoChiefRedCrow。”Mybrotherknows，”headded，”thePolicedonotlie。”
　　Sosaying，hewheeledhishorseand，withMr。Cadwallerbeforehim，rodeoffaftertheothersoftheparty，whohadbythistimegonesomedistanceupthetrail。
　　Forafewmomentshesitationheldthecrowd，thenwithaloudcryWhiteHorsegallopedupandagainseizedMr。Cadwaller’sbridle。
　　InstantlytheInspectorcoveredhimwithhisgun。”Holdupyourhandsquick！”hesaid。
　　TheIndiandroppedthebridlerein。TheInspectorhandedhisguntoMr。Cadwaller。”Don’tshoottillIspeakorIshootyou！”hesaidsternly。Mr。
　　CadwallertookthegunandcoveredtheIndian。InatwinklingWhiteHorsefoundhimselfwithhandcuffsonhiswristsandhisbridlelineattachedtothehornoftheInspector’ssaddle。”Nowgivemethatgun，Mr。Cadwaller，andheretakeyourown——butwaitfortheword。Forward！”
　　HehadnotgoneapacetillhewassurroundedbyascoreofangryanddeterminedIndianswithlevelledrifles。ForthefirsttimetheInspectorhesitated。ThroughthelineoflevelledriflesChiefRedCrowrodeupandinagravebutdeterminedvoicesaid：”Mybrotheriswrong。WhiteHorse，chief。Myyoungmennotlethimgo。””Good！”saidtheInspector，promptlymakinguphismind。”Ilethimgonow。IntwodaysIcomeagainandgethim。ThePoliceneverlie。”
　　Sosaying，hereleasedWhiteHorseandwithoutfurtherword，anddisregardingtheangrylooksandlevelledrifles，rodeslowlyoffafterhisparty。OntheedgeofthecrowdhemetSergeantCrisp。”ThoughtI’dbettercomeback，Sir。Itlookedratheruglyforaminute，”saidtheSergeant。”Rideon，”saidtheInspector。”Wewillgetourmanto-morrow。
　　Steady，Mr。Cadwaller，nottoofast。”TheInspectorslowedhishorsedowntoawalk，whichhegraduallyincreasedtoaneasylopeandsobroughtupwithCameronandtheothers。
　　ThroughthelongeveningtheypressedforwardtilltheycametotheKootenayRiver，havingcrossedwhichtheyventuredtocampforthenight。
　　AftersuppertheInspectorannouncedhisintentionofridingontotheFortforreinforcements，andgavehisinstructionstotheSergeant。”SergeantCrisp，”hesaid，”youwillmakeanearlystartandbringinthebunchto-morrowmorning。Mr。Cadwaller，yourememberyouaretoremainattheForttwodayssothatthechargesbroughtbyWhiteHorsemaybeinvestigated。””What？”exclaimedMr。Cadwaller。”Waitforthemblankblankdevils？Say，Inspector，youdon’tmeanthat？””YouheardmepromisetheIndians，”saidtheInspector。”Why，yes。Mightysmart，too！Butsay，youwerejestjoshing，weren’tyou？””No，Sir，”repliedtheInspector。”ThePoliceneverbreakapromisetowhitemanorIndian。”
　　ThenMr。Cadwallercutlooseforafewmoments。Hedidnotobjecttowaitinganylengthoftimetoobligeafriend，butthatheshoulddelayhisjourneytoanswerthechargesofanIndian，variouslyandpicturesquelydescribed，wastohimanunthinkableproposition。”SergeantCrisp，youwillseetothis，”saidtheInspectorquietlyasherodeaway。
　　ThenMr。Cadwallerbegantolaughandcontinuedlaughingforseveralminutes。”Bytheholypoker，Sligh！”atlastheexclaimed。”It’sajoke。
　　It’saregularJohnBulljoke。””Yes，”saidMr。Sligh，whilehecutacomfortablechewfromhisblackplug。”Goodjoke，too，butnotonJohn。Iguessthat’showfivehundredpoliceholddown——no，takecareof——twentythousandredskins。”
　　AndthelatestrecruittoHerMajesty’sNorthWestMountedPolicestraighteneduptillhecouldfeelthecollarofhistuniccatchhimonthebackoftheneckandwasconsciousofalittlethrillrunninguphisspineasherememberedthathewasamemberofthatsameforce。
　　CHAPTERVII
　　THEMAKINGOFBRAVES
　　ItwastoCameronanextremesatisfactiontoridewithsometwentyofhiscomradesbehindWhiteHorse，who，handcuffedandwithbridlereinstiedtothoseoftwotroopers，andaccompaniedbyChiefRedCrow，BullBack，andothersoftheirtribe，madeignominiousandcrestfallenentryintotheFortnextday。ItwashardlylessofasatisfactiontoseeMr。CadwallerexercisehimselfconsiderablyinmakingdefenceagainstthechargesofBullBackandhisfriends。
　　Thedefencewassuccessful，andtheAmericancitizensdepartedtoLonePine，Montana，withtheirrecoveredhorsesandwithanewandhigherregardforboththeexecutiveandadministrativeexcellenceofHerMajesty’sNorthWestMountedPoliceofficersandmen。ChiefRedCrow，too，returnedtohisbandwithachastenedmind，ithavingbeenmadecleartohimthatachiefwhocouldnotcontrolhisyoungbraveswasnotthekindofachieftheGreatWhiteMotherdesiredtohaveincommandofherIndiansubjects。WhiteHorse，also，afterthreemonthssojourninthecoolingsolitudeofthePoliceguardroom，wentbacktohispeopleahumblerandawiserbrave。
　　Thehorse-stealing，however，wentmerrilyonandthesummerof1884
　　standsintherecordsofthePoliceasthemosttryingperiodoftheirhistoryintheNorthwestuptothatdate。TheboomingupontheeasternandsouthernboundariesofWesternCanadaoftheincomingtideofhumanity，hungryforland，awakenedominousechoesinthelittleprimitivesettlementsofhalf-breedpeopleandthroughoutthereservationsofthewildIndiantribesaswell。
　　Everywhere，withoutwarningandwithoutexplanation，thesurveyors’
　　flagsandpostsmadeappearance。Wildrumoursranthroughtheland，tilleveryflutteringflagbecamethesymbolofdispossessionandeverygleamingpostanemblemoftyrannousdisregardofapeople’srights。Theancientaboriginalinhabitantsofthewesternplainsandwoods，too，hadtheirgrievancesandtheirfears。Withphenomenalrapiditythebuffalohadvanishedfromtheplainsonceblackwiththeirhundredsofthousands。WiththebuffalovanishedtheIndians’chiefsourceofsupport，theirfood，theirclothing，theirshelter，theirchiefarticleofbarter。Bereftoftheseanddeprivedatthesametimeofthesupremejoyofexistence，thechase，bittenwithcold，starvedwithhunger，fearfulofthefuture，theyofferedfertilesoilfortheseedsofrebellion。
　　Agovernmentmorethanusuallyobsessedwithstupidity，asallgovernmentsbecomeattimes，remainedindifferenttoappeals，deaftoremonstrances，blindtodangersignals，tillthroughtheremoteandisolatedsettlementsofthevastwestandamongthetribesofIndians，hunger-bittenandfearfulfortheirfuture，aspiritofunrest，offear，ofimpatienceofallauthority，spreadlikeasecretplaguefromPrinceAlberttotheCrow’sNestandfromtheCypressHillstoEdmonton。Aviolentrecrudescenceofwhiskey-
　　smuggling，horse-stealing，andcattle-rustlingmadetheworkofadministeringthelawthroughoutthisvastterritoryoneofexceedingdifficultyandonecallingforpromptitude，wisdom，patience，andcourage，ofnoordinaryquality。Addedtoallthis，thesteadyadvanceoftherailroadintothenewcountry，withitshugeconstructioncamps，inwhosewakefollowedthelawlesshordesofwhiskeysmugglers，tinhorngamblers，thugs，andharlots，verymateriallyaddedtothedangersanddifficultiesofthesituationforthePolice。
　　ForthefirstmonthafterenlistmentCameronwaskeptinclosetouchwiththeFortandspenthishoursunderthepolishinghandsofthedrillsergeant。Fromfiveinthemorningtilltenatnighttheday’sroutinekepthimonthegrind。Hardworkitwas，buttoCameronacontinuousdelight。Forthefirsttimeinhislifehehadajobthatseemedworthaman’swhile，andonethemereroutineofwhichdelightedhissoul。Helovedhishorseandlovedtocareforhim，and，mostofall，lovedtoridehim。Amonghiscomradeshefoundcongenialspirits，bothamongtheofficersandthemen。
　　Thoughdisciplinewasstrict，therewasanutterabsenceofanythinglikeaspiritofpettybullyingwhichtoooftenisfoundinmilitaryservice；forinthefirstplacethemenwereinverymanycasestheequalsandsometimesthesuperiorsoftheofficersbothincultureandinbreeding，andfurther，andveryspecially，thenatureoftheworkwassuchastocultivatethespiritoftruecomradeship。Whenofficerandmanridesidebysidethroughrainandshine，throughburningheatandfrost”Fortybelow，”whentheyeatoutofthesamepanandsleepinthesame”dug-out，”whentheystandbacktobackinthemidstofahordeofhowlingsavages，rankcomestomeanlittleandmanhoodmuch。
　　BetweenInspectorDicksonandCameronagenuinefriendshipsprangup；andafterhisfirstmonthwasin，CameronoftenfoundhimselfthecomradeoftheInspectorinexpeditionsofspecialdifficultywheretherewasacallforintelligenceandnerve。Thereportsoftheseexpeditionsthatstanduponthepolicerecordhaveaslittlesemblanceofthedeedsachievedashavestarkandgrinningskeletonsinthemedicalstudent’sprivatecupboardtothelivingmovingbodiestheyoncewere。Therecordsofthesedeedsarethebarebones。Thefleshandblood，thelifeandcolouraretobefoundonlyinthememoriesofthosewhowereconcernedintheirachievement。
　　ButeveninthesebonyrecordstherearetobeseenfrequententriesinwhichthenamesofInspectorDicksonandConstableCameronstandsidebyside。FortheInspectorwasamanuponwhomtheCommissionerandtheSuperintendentdelightedtoloadtheirmoredangerousanddelicatecases，anditwasuponCameronwhenitwaspossiblethattheInspector’schoiceforacomradefell。
　　ItwassuchacaseasthisthatheldtheCommissionerandSuperintendentCrawfordinanxiousconsultationfarintoalateSeptembernight。Whentheconsultationwasover，InspectorDicksonwascalledinandtheresultofthisconsultationlaidbeforehim。”Wehaveeveryreasontobelieve，asyouwellknow，InspectorDickson，”saidtheCommissioner，”thatthereisasecretandwide-
　　spreadpropagandumbeingcarriedonamongourIndians，especiallyamongthePiegans，Bloods，andBlackfeet，withthepurposeoforganizingrebellioninconnectionwiththehalf-breeddiscontentintheterritoriestotheeastofus。Riel，youknow，hasbeenbackforsometimeandwebelievehisagentsarebusyoneveryreservationatpresent。Thisoutbreakofhorse-stealingandwhiskey-smugglinginsomanypartsofthecountryatthesametimeisamereblindtoamoreseriousbusiness，thehatchingofaverywideconspiracy。WeknowthattheCreesandtheAssiniboinesarenegotiatingwiththehalf-breeds。BigBear，Beardy，andLittlePinearekeenforafight。ThereissomeverypowerfulandsecretinfluenceatworkamongourIndianshere。Wesuspectthattheex-ChiefoftheBloods，LittleThunder，istheheadofthisorganization。AverydangerousandverycleverIndianheis，asyouknow。Wehaveachargeofmurderagainsthimalready，andifwecanarresthimandoneortwoothersitwoulddomuchtobreakupthegang，oratleasttoholdinchecktheirorganizationwork。
　　Wewantyoutogetquietlyafterthisbusiness，visitallthereservations，obtainallinformationpossible，andwhenyouareready，strike。Youwillbequiteunhamperedinyourmovementsandthewholeforcewillco-operatewithyouifnecessary。Weconsiderthisanextremelycriticaltimeandwemustbeprepared。Takeamanwithyou。Makeyourownchoice。””IexpectweknowthemantheInspectorwillchoose，”saidsuperintendentCrawfordwithasmile。”Whoisthat？”askedtheCommissioner。”ConstableCameron，ofcourse。””Ah，yes，Cameron。YourememberIpredictedhewouldmakegood。
　　Hehascertainlyfulfilledmyexpectation。””Heisagoodman，”saidtheInspectorquietly。”Ohcome，Inspector，youknowyouconsiderhimthebestall-roundmanatthispost，”saidtheSuperintendent。”Well，yousee，Sir，heisenthusiasticfortheservice，heworkshardandlikeshiswork。””Rightyouare！”exclaimedtheSuperintendent。”Inthefirstplace，heisthestrongestmanontheforce，thenheisadeadshot，agoodmanwithahorse，andhasdevelopedanextraordinarygiftintracking，andbesidesheisperfectlystraight。””Isthatright，Inspector？””Yes，”saidtheInspectorveryquietly，thoughhiseyesweregleamingatthepraiseofhisfriend。”Heisagoodman，verykeen，veryreliable，andofcourseafraidofnothing。”
　　TheSuperintendentlaughedquietly。”Youwanthimthen，Isuppose？””Yes，”saidtheInspector，”ifitcouldbemanaged。””Idon’tknow，”saidtheCommissioner。”Thatremindsme。”Hetookaletterfromthefile。”Readthat，”hesaid，”secondpagethere。
　　itisaprivateletterfromSuperintendentStrongatCalgary。”
　　TheInspectortooktheletterandreadattheplaceindicated——”Anotherthing。Thehandlingoftheserailroadconstructiongangsisnoeasymatter。Wearepesteredwithwhiskey-smugglers，gamblers，andprostitutestillwedon’tknowwhichwaytoturn。
　　Astheworkextendsintothemountainsandasthecampsgrowinnumbersthedifficultyofcontrolisverygreatlyincreased。I
　　oughttohavemyforcestrengthened。Couldyounotimmediatelysparemeatleasteightortengoodmen？IwouldlikethatchapCameron，theman，youknow，whocaughtthehalf-breedLouisintheSarceecampandcarriedhimoutonhishorse’sneck——averyfinebitofwork。InspectorDicksonwilltellyouabouthim。Ihaditfromhim。CouldyouspareCameron？Iwouldrecommendhimatonceasasergeant。”
　　TheInspectorhandedbacktheletterwithoutcomment。”Well？”saidtheCommissioner。”Cameronwoulddoverywellforthework，”saidtheInspector，”andhedeservespromotion。””WhatwasthatSarceebusiness，Inspector？”enquiredtheCommissioner。”ThatmusthavebeenwhenIwasdowneast。””Oh，”saidtheInspector，”itwasaveryfinethingindeedofCameron。Louis’theBreed’hadbeenworkingtheBloods。WegotonhistrackandheadedhimupintheSarceecamp。HeisratheradangerouscharacterandisrelatedtotheSarcees。Weexpectedtroubleinhisarrest。WerodeinandfoundtheIndians，tothenumberofahundredandfiftyormore，veryconsiderablyexcited。
　　Theyobjectedstrenuouslytothearrestofthehalf-breed。
　　ConstableCameronandIwerealone。Wehadleftapartyofmenfurtherbackoverthehill。Thehalf-breedbroughtituponhimself。HewasrashenoughtomakeasuddenattackuponCameron。
　　Thatiswherehemadehismistake。BeforeheknewwherehewasCameronslippedfromhishorse，caughthimunderthechinwithaveryniceleft-handerthatlaidhimneatlyout，swunghimontohishorse，andwasoutofthecampbeforetheIndiansknewwhathadhappened。””TheInspectordoesnottellyou，”saidSuperintendentCrawford，”howhestoodoffthatbunchofSarceesandheldthemwheretheyweretillCameronwassafewithhismanoverthehill。Butitwasaverycleverbitofwork，and，ifImaysayit，deservesrecognition。””IshouldliketogiveyouCameronifitwerepossible，”saidtheCommissioner，”butthisrailroadbusinessisoneofgreatdifficultyandSuperintendentStrongisnotthemantoaskforassistanceunlessheisinprettydesperatestraits。Anunintelligentorrecklessmanwouldbeworsethanuseless。””Howwoulditdo，”suggestedtheSuperintendent，”toallowCameroninthemeantimetoaccompanytheInspector？ThenlaterwemightsendhimtoSuperintendentStrong。”
　　ReportingthisarrangementtoCameronalittlelater，theInspectorenquired：”Howwouldyouliketohaveaturninthemountains？YouwouldfindSuperintendentStrongafineofficer。””Idesirenochangeinthatregard，”repliedCameron。”But，curiouslyenough，Ihavealetterthisverymailthathasabearinguponthismatter。Hereitis。Itisfromanoldcollegefriendofmine，Dr。Martin。”
　　TheInspectortooktheletterandread——”Ihavegotmyselfusedup，toogreatdevotiontoscientificresearch；henceIamacceptinganofferfromtherailroadpeopleforworkinthemountains。Ileaveinaweek。Thinkofit！Themuckandtheruck，theexecrablegrubandworsedrink！Ishallhavetoworkmypassageonhandcarsanddoubtlessbytiepass。Myhandswilllosealltheirpolish。However，theremaybesomefunandlikelysomegoodpractice。Iseetheyareblowingthemselvesupatagreatrate。Then，too，thereistheprospectivejoyofseeingyou，ofwhomquitewonderfultaleshavefloatedeasttous。
　　IamtoldyouareindirectlineforthepositionoftheHighChiefMuck-a-muckoftheForce。LookmeupinSuperintendentStrong’sdivision。IbelieveheisthebulwarkoftheEmpireinmydistrict。”Aletterfromtheoldburghacrossthepondtellsmeyourgovernorisfarfromwell。Awfullysorrytohearit。Itisroughonyoursister，towhom，whenyouwrite，rememberyourhumbleservant。”Iambringingouttwonurseswithme，bothyourdevotees。Lookoutforsqualls。Ifyougetshotupseethatyouselectalocalitywherethemedicalattendanceandnursingare’A1’。””Itwouldbeawfullygoodtoseetheoldboy，”saidCameronashetooktheletterfromtheInspector。”Heisadecentchapandquiteup-to-dateinhisprofession。””Whataboutthenurses？”enquiredtheInspectorgravely。”Oh，Idon’tknowthem。Neverknewbutone。Agoodbrightlittlesoulshewas。Sawmethroughatyphoidtrip。Littletoocleversometimes，”headded，rememberingthedaywhenshehadtakenherfunoutoftheslow-footed，slow-mindedfarmer’sdaughter。”Well，”saidtheInspector，”weshallpossiblycomeacrosstheminourround-up。Thisisratherabiggame，averybiggameandoneworthplaying。”
　　Abiggergameitturnedoutthananyoftheplayersknew，biggerinitsimmediatesweepandinitsnationwideissues。
　　Forthreemonthstheyswepttheplains，hauntingthereservationsatunexpectedmoments。Butthoughtheyfoundnotafewhorsesandcattlewhoseobliteratedbrandsseemedtowarrantconfiscation，andthoughthereweresignsfortheinstructedeyeofevildoingsinmanyanIndiancamp，yettherewasnothingconnectedwiththelargergameuponwhichtheInspectorofPolicecouldlayhishand。
　　AmongtheBloodstherewerefrequentsun-danceswheremanybravesweremadeandmuchfirewaterdrunkwithconsequentblood-letting。
　　RedCrowdeprecatedtheseoccurrences，butconfessedhispowerlessnesstopreventtheflowofeitherfirewaterorofblood。
　　AprivateconversationwiththeInspectorleftwiththeChiefsomefoodforthought，however，andresultedinthecroppingofthemaneofWhiteHorse，ofwhosecomingsandgoingstheInspectorwasinsistentlycurious。
　　OntheBlackfeetreservationtheyranintoagreatpow-wowofchiefsfromfarandnear，towhicholdCrowfootinvitedtherepresentativesoftheGreatWhiteMotherwithimpressivecordiality，aninvitation，however，whichtheInspector，suchwashisstrenuoushuntforstolenhorses，wasforcedregretfullytodecline。”Toosmooth，oldboy，toosmooth！”wastheInspector’scommentastheyrodeoff。”Therearedoingstherewithoutdoubt。DidyouseetheCreeandtheAssiniboine？””Icouldnotpickthemout，”saidCameron，”butIsawLouistheBreed。””Ah，youdid！HeneedsanothertermatthePolicesanatarium。”
　　TheylookedinupontheSarceesandwererelievedtofindthemfranklyhostile。TheyhadnotforgottenthelastvisitoftheInspectorandhisfriend。”That’sbetter，”remarkedtheInspectorastheyleftthereservation。”NeitherthehostileIndiannorthenoisyIndianisdangerous。Whenhegetssmoothandquietwatchhim，likeoldCrowfoot。Slyoldboyheis！Buthewillwaittillheseeswhichwaythecatjumps。Heisnoleaderoflostcauses。”
　　AtMorleyvilletheybreathedadifferentatmosphere。Theyfeltthemselvestobeamongfriends。Thehandofthemissionaryherewasuponthehelmofgovernmentandthespiritofthemissionarywasthespiritofthetribe。”Anytrouble？”enquiredtheInspector。”Wehaveagreatmanyvisitorsthesedays，”saidthemissionary。”Andsomeofouryoungmendon’tlikehunger，andtheofferofafullfeastmakessweetmusicintheirears。””Anysun-dances？””No，no，thesun-dancesareallpast。Ourpeoplearenolongerpagans。””Goodman！”wastheInspector’scommentastheytookupthetrailagaintowardthemountains。”Andwithquiteasufficientamountofthewisdomoftheserpentinhisguilelessheart。WeneednotwatchtheStonies。Here’saspotatleastwherereligionpays。
　　Andamightygoodthingforusjustnow，”addedtheinspector。”TheseStoniesintheolddayswereperfectdevilsforfighting。
　　Theyareamountainpeopleandforgenerationskeptthepassesagainstallcomers。ButMacdougallhaschangedallthat。”
　　Leavingthereservation，theycameuponthelineoftherailway。”Thereliesmyoldtrail，”saidCameron。”Andmylastcampwasonlyabouttwomileswestofhere。””ItwassomewhereherethatRavenfellinwithyou？””No，sometenmilesofftheline，downtheoldKootenaytrail。””Aha！”saidtheInspector。”Itmightnotbeabadideatobeatupthatsameoldtrail。Itisquitepossiblethatwemightfallinwithyouroldfriends。””Itwouldcertainlybeagreatpleasure，”repliedCameron，”toconductMr。RavenandhisIndianfriendoverthissametrailastheydidmesomeninemonthsago。””Wewilltakeachanceonit，”saidtheInspector。”Welosetimegoingbacktheotherway。”
　　UponthesiteofMcIvor’ssurveycamptheyfoundcampedalargeconstructiongang。Betweenthelinesoftents，forthecampwasorderedinstreetslikeacity，theyrodetilltheycametotheheadquartersofthePolice，andenquiredfortheSuperintendent。
　　TheSuperintendenthadgoneuptheline，theSergeantinformedthem，followingthelargerconstructiongangs。TheSergeantandtwomenhadsomefiftymilesoflineunderpatrol，withsometencampsofvariouskindsonthelineandinthewoods，andinadditiontheyhadthecareofthatdoublestreamofhumanityflowinginandflowingoutwithoutceasingdayornight。
　　AstheInspectorsteppedinsidethePolicetentCameron’sattentionwasarrestedbythesign”Hospital”uponalargedouble-roofedtentsetonawoodenfloorandguyedwithmorethanordinarycare。”WonderifoldMartinisanywhereabout，”hesaidtohimselfasherodeacrosstotheopendoor。”IsDr。Martinin？”heenquiredofaChinaman，whoappearedfromatentattherear。”DocMatingo’way’longtlain。””Whenwillhecomeback？”demandedCameron。”Donno。Seemissywoman。”
　　Sosaying，hedisappearedintothetentwhileCameronwaited。”Youwishtoseethedoctor？Hehasgonewest。Oh！Why，it——”
　　Cameronwasoffhishorse，standingwithhishatinonehand，theotheroutstretchedtowardthespeaker。”Why！itcannotbe！——itis——mypatient。”Thelittlenursehadhishandinbothofhers。”Oh，yougreatbigmonstersoldier！Doyouknowhowfineyoulook？””No，”repliedCameron，”butIdoknowhowperfectlyfineyoulook。””Well，don’tdevourme。Youlookdangerous。””Ishouldtrulyloveonelittlebite。””Oh，Mr。Cameron，stop！Youterribleman！Rightintheopenstreet！”Thelittlenurse’scheeksflamedredasshequicklyglancedabouther。”WhatwouldDr。Martinsay？””Dr。Martin！”Cameronlaughed。”Besides，Icouldn’thelpit。””Oh，Iamsoglad！””Thankyou，”saidCameron。”ImeanIamsogladtoseeyou。Theytoldusyouwouldbecomingtojoinus。Andnowtheyaregone。Whatapity！Theywillbesodisappointed。””Who，pray，willbethusblighted？””Oh，thedoctorImean，and——and”——herehereyesdancedmischievously——”theothernurse，ofcourse。Butyouwillbegoingwest？””No，south，to-day，andinafewminutes。HerecomestheInspector。
　　MayIpresenthim？”
　　Thelittlenurse’ssnappingeyesglowedwithpleasureastheyranoverthetallfigureoftheInspectorandresteduponhisfineclean-cutface。TheInspectorhadjustmadehisfarewelltotheSergeantpreparatorytoanimmediatedeparture，butitwasafullhalfhourbeforetheyrosefromthedaintyteatablewherethelittlenursehadmadethemafternoonteafromherowndaintyteaset。”Itmakesmethinkofhome，”saidtheInspectorwithasighashebentoverthelittlenurse’shandingratitude。”Myfirstrealafternoonteaintenyears。””Poorman！”saidthenurse。”Comeagain。””Ah，ifIcould！””ButYOUarecoming？”saidthelittlenursetoCameronasheheldherhandinfarewell。”Iheardthedoctorsayyouwerecomingandwearequitewildwithimpatienceoverit。”
　　CameronlookedattheInspector。”IhadthoughtofkeepingCameronatMacleod，”saidthelatter。”ButnowIcanhardlyhavethehearttodoso。””Oh，youneedn’tlookatmeso，”saidthelittlenursewithasaucytossofherhead。”Hewouldn’tbotherhimselfaboutme，but——but——
　　thereisanother。No，Iwon’ttellhim。”Andshelaughedgaily。
　　Cameronstoodmystified。”Another？ThereisoldMartinofcourse，butthereisnoother。”
　　Thelittlenurselaughed，thistimescornfully。”OldMartinindeed！Heismakingashamelesspretenceofignorance，InspectorDickson。””DisgracefulbluffIcallit，”criedtheInspector。”Whocanitbe？”saidCameron。”Ireallydon’tknowanynurse。Ofcourseitcan’tbe——Mandy——MissHaley？”Helaughedaloudlaughalmostofderisionashemadethesuggestion。”Ah，he’sgotit！”criedthenurse，clappingherhands。”Asifheeverdoubted。””GoodHeavens！”exclaimedCameron。”Youdon’tmeantotellmethatMandy——WhatispoorMandydoinghere？Cooking？””Cookingindeed！”exclaimedthenurse。”Cookingindeed！Justletthemeninthiscamp，fromJohnhere，”indicatingtheChinamanattherearofthetent，”totheSergeantyonder，hearyoubythefaintesttoneindicateanythingbutadorationforNurseHaley，andyouwillneedthewholePoliceForcetodeliveryoufromtheirfury。””GoodHeavens！”saidCameroninanundertone。”Anurse！Withthosehands！”Heshuddered。”Imean，ofcourse——youknow——she’sawfullygood-heartedandallthat，butasanurseyouknowsheisimpossible。”
　　Thelittlenurselaughedlongandjoyously。”Oh，thisisfun！IwishDr。Martincouldhearyou。Youforget，Sir，thatforayearandahalfshehashadthebenefitofmyexampleandtuition。””Thinkofthat，Cameron！”murmuredtheInspectorreproachfully。
　　ButCamerononlyshookhishead。”Good-bye！”hesaid。”No，Idon’tthinkIpineformountainscenery。RemembermetoMartinandtoMan——toNurseHaley。””Good-bye！”saidthelittlenurse。”Ihaveagoodmindtotellthemwhatyousaid。Imay。Justwait，though。Somedayyouwillveryhumblybegmypardonforthatslightuponmyassistant。””Slight？Believeme，Imeannone。IwouldbeanawfulcadifI
　　did。But——well，youknowaswellasIdothat，goodsoulasMandyis，sheisinmanywaysimpossible。””DoI？”Againthejoyouslaughpealedout。”Well，well，comebackandsee。”Andwavingherhandshestoodtowatchthemdownthetrail。”Jollylittlegirl，”saidtheInspector，astheyturnedfromtherailwaytoteroaddownthecouleeintotheKootenaytrail。”Butwhoisthisother？””Oh，”saidCameronimpatiently，”Ifeellikeabeastlycad。She’sthedaughterofthefarmerwhereIspentasummerinOntario，agoodsimple-heartedgirl，butawfully——well——crude，youknow。Andyet——”Cameron’sspeechfadedintosilence，forhismemoryplayedatrickuponhim，andagainhewasstandingintheorchardonthatsunnyautumndaylookingintoapairofwonderfuleyes，and，rememberingtheeyes，heforgothisspeech。