”Ah，yes，”saidtheInspector。”Iunderstand。””No，youdon’t，”saidCameronalmostrudely。”Youwouldhavetoseeherfirst。ByJove！”Hebrokeintoalaugh。”Itisajokewithavengeance，”andrelapsedintosilencethatlastedforsomemiles。Thatnighttheysleptintheoldlumbercamp，andtheafternoonoftheseconddayfoundthemskirtingtheCrow’sNest。”We’vehadnoluckthistrip，”growledtheInspector，fornowtheywerefacingtowardhome。”Listen！”saidCameron，pullinguphishorsesharply。Downthepassthefarawaybeatofadrumwasheard。Itwasthesteadythrobofthetom-tomrisingandfallingwithrhythmicregularity。”Sun-dance，”saidtheInspector，asneartoexcitementashegenerallyallowedhimself。”Piegans。””Where？”saidCameron。”Inthesun-dancecanyon，”answeredtheInspector。”Ibelieveinmysoulweshallseesomethingnow。Mustbetwomilesoff。Comeon。”
　　ThoughlateinDecemberthegroundwasstillunfrozenandthenew-
　　madegovernmenttrailgavesoftfootingtotheirhorses。Andsowithoutfearofdetectiontheylopedbrisklyalongtilltheybegantohearrisingabovethethrobofthetom-tomtheweirdchantoftheIndiansun-dancers。”Theyarerightdowninthecanyon，”saidtheInspector。”Iknowthespotwell。Wecanseethemfromthetop。Thisistheirmostsacredplaceandthereisdoubtlesssomethingbiggoingon。”
　　Theyleftthemaintrailand，dismounting，ledtheirhorsesthroughthescrubbywoods，whichwerethickenoughtogivethemcoverwithoutimpedingverymateriallytheirprogress。Withinahundredyardsofthetoptheytiedtheirhorsesinthethicketandclimbedtheslightascent。Crawlingonhandsandkneestothelipofthecanyon，theylookeddownuponasceneseldomwitnessedbytheeyesofwhitemen。Thecanyonwasalongnarrowvalley，whoserockysides，coveredwithunderbrush，rosesomesixtyfeetfromalittleplainaboutfiftyyardswide。ThelittleplainwasfilledwiththeIndianencampment。Atoneendahugefireblazed。Attheother，andsomefiftyyardsaway，thelodgesweresetinasemicircle，reachingfromsidetosideofthecanyon，andinfrontofthelodgeswereamassofIndianwarriors，squattingontheirhunkers，beatingtime，somewithtom-toms，otherswiththeirhands，totheweirdlymonotonouschant，thatroseandfellinresponsetothegesticulationsofonewhoappearedtobetheirleader。Inthecentreoftheplainstoodapostandroundthistwocirclesofdancersleapedandswayed。Intheoutercirclethemen，withclubsandriflesintheirhands，recitedwithpantomimicgesturestheirgloriousdeedsinthewarorinthechase。Theinnercirclepresentedaghastlyandhorridspectacle。Itwascomposedofyoungermen，nakedandpainted，someofwhomwereheldtothetopofthepostbylongthongsofbuffalohideattachedtoskewersthrustthroughthemusclesofthebreastorback。Uponthesethongstheyswayedandthrewthemselvesinfranticattemptstobreakfree。Withotherstheskewerswereattachedbythongstobuffaloskulls，stonesorheavyblocksofwood，which，astheydancedandleaped，toreatthebleedingflesh。RoundandroundthepostthenakedpaintedIndiansleaped，lurchingandswayingfromsidetosideintheirdesperateeffortstodragthemselvesfreefromthosetearingskewers，whileroundthemfromthedancingcircleandfromthemassofIndianssquattedonthegroundrosetheweird，maddening，savagechanttotheaccompanimentoftheirbeatinghandsandthrobbingdrums。”Thisisabigdance，”saidtheInspector，subduinghisvoicetoanundertone，thoughinthedintherewaslittlechanceofhisbeingheard。”See！manybraveshavebeenmadealready，”headded，pointingtoaplaceononesideofthefirewhereanumberofformscouldbeseen，somelyingflat，somerollingupontheearth，butallapparentlymoreorlessinastupor。
　　Madderandmaddergrewthedrums，higherandhigherrosethechant。
　　Nowandthenanolderwarriorfromthesquattingcirclewouldflinghisblanketasideand，wavinghisriflehighintheair，wouldjoinwithloudcriesandwildgesticulationstheoutercircleofdancers。”Itisabigthingthis，”saidtheInspectoragain。”Nosquaws，yousee，andallinwarpaint。Theymeanbusiness。Wemustgetcloser。”
　　Camerongrippedhimbythearm。”Look！”hesaid，pointingtoagroupofIndiansstandingatalittledistancebeyondthelodges。”LittleThunderandRaven！””Yes，byJove！”saidtheInspector。”AndWhiteHorse，andLouistheBreedandRainyCloudoftheBlackfeet。AcoupleofSarceechaps，Isee，too，somePiegansandBloods；therestareCreesandAssiniboines。Thewholebuncharehere。Jove，whatakillingifwecouldgetthem！Let’sworknearer。Whoisthatspeakingtothem？””That’sRaven，”saidCameron，”andIshouldliketogetmyhandsonhim。””Steadynow，”saidtheInspector。”Wemustmakenomistake。”
　　Theyworkedalongthetopoftheravine，crawlingthroughthebushes，tilltheywereimmediatelyoverthelittlegroupofwhichRavenwasthecentre。Ravenwasstillspeaking，thehalf-breedinterpretingtotheCreesandtheAssiniboines，andnowandthen，asthenoisefromthechanting，drummingIndianssubsided，thepolicemencouldcatchafewwords。AfterRavenhadfinishedLittleThundermadereply，apparentlyinstrenuousopposition。AgainRavenspokeandagainLittleThundermadereply。Thedisputewaxedwarm。LittleThunder’sformerattitudetowardsRavenappearedtobeentirelychanged。Theoldsubserviencewasgone。TheIndianstoodnowasaChiefamonghispeopleandassuchwasrecognizedinthatcompany。Hespokewithahaughtyprideofconsciousstrengthandauthority。HewasstrivingtobringRaventohiswayofthinking。AtlengthRavenappearedtothrowdownhisultimatum。”No！”hecried，andhisvoicerangupclearthroughthedin。”Youarefools！Youarelikelittlepartridgestryingtofrightenthehunter。TheGreatWhiteMotherhassoldiersliketheleavesofthetrees。Iknow，forIhaveseenthem。Donotlistentothisman！”
　　pointingtoLittleThunder。”Angerhasmadehimmad。ThePolicewiththeirbiggunswillblowyoutopieceslikethis。”Heseizedabunchofdeadleaves，groundtheminhishandsandpuffedthefragmentsintheirfaces。
　　Thehalf-breedandLittleThunderwerebesidethemselveswithrage。
　　Longandloudtheyharanguedthegroupaboutthem。OnlyalittleoftheirmeaningcouldtheInspectorgather，butenoughtolethimknowthattheywerelookingdownuponagroupofconspiratorsandthatplansforawidespreadrebellionwerebeinglaidbeforethem。
　　ThroughtheharanguesofLittleThunderandLouisthehalf-breedRavenstoodcalmlyregardingthem，hishandsonhiships。Heknewwell，asdidthemenwatchingfromabove，thatallthatstoodbetweenhimanddeathwerethosesametwohandsandtherevolversinhisbelt，whosebuttsweresnuglynosinguptohisfingers。
　　LittleThunderhadtoooftenseenthosefingerscloseanddotheirdeadlyworkwhileaneyelidmightwinktoventureanyhastymove。”Isthatall？”saidRavenatlast。
　　LittleThundermadeonefinalappeal，workinghimselfupintoafinefrenzyofpassion。ThenRavenmadereply。”Listentome！”hesaid。”Itisallfolly，madfolly！Andbesides，”andherehisvoicerangoutlikeatrumpet，”IamfortheQueen，Godblessher！”Hisfigurestraightenedup，hishandsdroppedonthebuttsofhisguns。”ByJove！”exclaimedCameron。”Isn’tthatgreat？””Veryfine，indeed，”saidtheInspectorsoftly。Bothmen’sgunswerelinedupontheconspirators。
　　Thenthehalf-breedspoke，shrugginghisshouldersincontempt。”Letheemgo。Bah！Nogood。”Hespatupontheground。
　　Ravenstoodashewasforafewmoments，smiling。”Good-bye，all，”hesaid。”Bonjour，Louis。Letnomanmove！Letnomanmove！Ineverneedtoshootatamantwice。LittleThunderknows。Anddon’tfollow！”headded。”Ishallbewaitingbehindtherocks。”
　　Heslowlybackedawayfromthegroup，turnedinbehindashelteringrock，thenswiftlybegantoclimbtherockysidesofthecanyon。
　　ThemomenthewasoutofsightLittleThunderdodgedinbehindtheledges，foundhisrifle，and，makingawidedetour，begantoclimbthesideoftheravineatananglewhichwouldcutoffRaven’sretreat。Allthistookplaceinfullviewofthetwowatchersabove。”Let’sgetthatdevil，”saidtheInspector。ButCameronwasalreadygone。SwiftlyalongthelipofthecanyonCameronranandworkedhiswaydownthesidetillhestoodjustovertheslopingledgeuponwhichtheIndianwascrouchedandwaiting。AlongthislodgecametheunconsciousRaven，softlywhistlingtohimselfhisfavouriteair，”Threecheersforthered，whiteandblue。”
　　Therewasnowayofwarninghim。Threestepsmoreandhewouldbewithinrange。TheInspectorraisedhisgunanddrewabeaduponthecrouchingIndian。”Wait！”whisperedCameron。”Don’tshoot。Itwillbringthemalldownonus。”Gatheringhimselftogetherashespoke，hevaultedclearovertheedgeoftherockanddroppedfairupontheshouldersoftheIndianbelow，knockingthebreathcompletelyoutofhimandbearinghimflattotherock。LikeaflashCameron’shandwasontheIndian’sthroatsothathecouldmakenooutcry。AmomentlaterRavencameinview。SwifterthanlighthisgunswerebeforehisfaceandlevelledatCameron。”Don’tshoot！”saidtheInspectorquietlyfromabove。”Ihaveyoucovered。”
　　Perilousasthesituationwas，Cameronwasconsciousonlyofthehumouroussideofitandburstintoalaugh。”Comehere，Raven，”hesaid，”andhelpmetotieupthisfellow。”
　　SlowlyRavenmovedforward。”Why，byallthegods！Ifitisn’tourlong-lostfriend，Cameron，”
　　hesaidsoftly，puttinguphisguns。”Allright，oldman，”headded，noddingupattheInspector。”Now，what’sallthis？What？
　　LittleThunder？So！ThenIfancyIowemylifetoyou，Cameron。”
　　CameronpointedtoLittleThunder’sgun。RavenstoodlookingdownupontheIndian，whowasrecoveringhiswindandhissenses。Hisfacesuddenlydarkened。”Youtreacherousdog！Well，wearenownearlyquits。Onceyousavedmylife，nowyouwouldhavetakenit。”
　　MeantimeCameronhadhandcuffedLittleThunder。”Up！”hesaid，proddinghimwithhisrevolver。”Andnotasound！”
　　Keepingwithincoverofthebushes，theyscrambleduptheravineside。AstheyreachedthetoptheIndianwithamightywrenchtorehimselffromCameron’sgripandplungedintothethicket。Beforehehadtakenasecondstep，however，theInspectorwasuponhimlikeatigerandborehimtotheground。”Willyougoquietly，”saidtheInspector，”ormustweknockyouonthehead？”HeraisedhispistolovertheIndianashespoke。”Igo，”gruntedtheIndiansolemnly。”Come，then，”saidtheInspector，”we’llgiveyouonechancemore。
　　Where’syourfriend？”headded，lookingabouthim。ButRavenwasgone。”Iamjustasglad，”saidCameron，rememberingRaven’sdeclarationofallegianceafewmomentsbefore。”Hewasn’ttoobadachapafterall。Wehavethisdevilanyhow。””Quick，now，”saidtheInspector。”Wehavenotamomenttolose。
　　Thisisanimportantcapture。HowthedeucewearetogethimtotheFortIdon’tknow。”
　　Throughthebushestheyhurriedtheirprisoner，threateninghimwiththeirguns。WhentheycametotheirhorsestheywereamazedtofindLittleThunder’sponybesidetheirownandontheInspector’ssaddleaslipofpaperuponwhichinthefadinglighttheyfoundinscribed”Onegoodturndeservesanother。WithMr。
　　Raven’scompliments。””ByJove，he’satrump！”saidtheInspector。”I’dliketogethim，butallthesame——”
　　AndsotheyrodeofftotheFort。
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　NURSEHALEY
　　TherailwayconstructionhadreachedtheBeaver，andfromLagganwestwardtheconstructiongangswerestrewnalongthelineinstragglingcamps，stragglingbecause，thoughthetentsoftherailwaymenweresetinorderlyprecision，thecrowdsofcamp-
　　followersspreadthemselveshitherandthitherindisorderlyconfusionaroundtheoutskirtsofthecamp。
　　ToCameron，whoforamonthhadbeenattachedtoSuperintendentStrong’sdivision，thelifewasfullofmovementandcolour。ThetwoconstablesandSergeantFerryfoundthedutyofkeepingorderamongthenavvies，butmoreespeciallyamongtheoutlawherdthatlayinwaittoflingthemselvesupontheirmonthlypaylikewolvesuponakill，sufficientlyarduoustofilltorepletionthehoursofthedayandoftenofthenight。
　　ThehospitaltentwherethelittlenursereignedsupremebecametoCameronandtotheSergeantaswellaplaceofrefugeandrelief。
　　NurseHaleywasinchargefurtherdowntheline。
　　TheposthadjustcomeinandwithitaletterforConstableCameron。ItwasfromInspectorDickson。”Youwillbeinterestedtoknow，”itran，”thatwhenIreturnedfromStandOfftwodaysagoIfoundthatLittleThunder，whohadbeenwaitinghereforhishangingnextmonth，hadescaped。How，wasamysterytoeverybody；butwhenIlearnedthatastrangerhadbeenattheFortandhadcalledupontheSuperintendentwithataleofhorse-stealing，hadaskedtoseeLittleThunderandidentifiedhimasundoubtedlythethief，andhadleftthatsamedayridingaparticularlyfineblackbroncho，ImadeaguessthatwehadbeenhonouredbyavisitfromyourfriendRaven。ThatguesswasconfirmedascorrectbyalittlenotewhichIfoundwaitingmefromthissamegentlemanexplainingLittleThunder’sabsenceasbeingduetoRaven’sunwillingnesstoseeamangotothegallowswhohadoncesavedhislife，butconveyingtheassurancethattheIndianwasleavingthecountryforgoodandwouldtroubleusnomore。TheSuperintendent，whoseemstohavebeencapturedbyyourfriend’scharmofmanner，doesnotappeartobeundulyworriedandholdstheopinionthatwearewellridofLittleThunder。ButIventuretoholdadifferentopinion，namely，thatweshallyethearfromthatIndianbravebeforethewinterisover。”Thingsarequietonthereservations——altogethertooquiet。TheIndiansaresoexceptionallywellbehavedthatthereisnoexcuseforarrestinganysuspects，soWhiteHorse，RainyCloud，thosePieganchaps，andtherestofthemareallowedtowanderaboutatwill。ThecountryisfullofIndianandhalf-breedrunnersandnightlypow-wowsarethevogueeverywhere。OldCrowfoot，Iamconvinced，isplayingadeepgameandissimplywaitingthefittingmomenttostrike。”Howisthelittlenurse？Presentmydutytoherandtothatothernurseoverwhomhangssodeepamystery。”
　　CameronfoldeduphisletterandimpartedsomeofthenewstotheSergeant。”ThatoldCrowfootisadeepone，sureenough，”saidSergeantFerry。”IttakesourChiefheretobringhimtotime。SuperintendentStronghasthedistinctionofbeingtheonlymanthatevertamedoldCrowfoot。Haveyouneverheardofit？No？Well，ofcourse，wedon’ttalkaboutthesethings。Iwastherethough，andforcoldironnerveIneversawanythinglikeit。Itwasabadhalf-breed，”
　　continuedSergeantFerry，who，whenhefoundacongenialandsafecompanion，lovedtospinayarn——”abadhalf-breedwhohadbeenarrestedawaydowntheline，jumpedoffthetrainandgotawaytotheBlackfeet。TheCommissionerhappenedtobeinCalgaryandaskedtheSuperintendenthimselftoseeaboutthecaptureofthisdesperado。SowithacoupleofusmountedandanotherdrivingabuckboardwemadeforChiefCrowfoot’sencampment。Itwasablacknightandrainingasteadydrizzle。Welayontheedgeofthecampforacoupleofhoursintherainandthenatearlydawnwerodein。
　　IttooktheSuperintendentabouttwominutestolocateCrowfoot’stent，and，leavingusoutside，hewalkedstraightin。Therewasourman，aslargeaslife，intheplaceofhonourbesideoldCrowfoot。
　　Theinterpreter，whowasscaredtodeath，afterwardstoldmeallaboutit。”’Iwantthisman，’saidtheSuperintendent，hardlywaitingtosaygood-daytotheoldChief。”Crowfootwasrightupandreadyforafight。TheSuperintendent，withouteverlettinggothehalf-breed’sshoulder，setoutthecase。MeantimetheIndianshadgatheredinhundredsaboutthetentoutside，allarmed，andwildforblood，youbet。IcouldheartheSuperintendentmakinghisstatement。Allatoncehestoppedandouthecamewithhismanbythecollar，oldCrowfootafterhiminafury，butafraidtogivethesignalofattack。TheIndianswerekeentogetatus，buttheoldChiefhadhismeninhandallright。”’Don’tthinkyouwillnotgetjustice，’saidtheSuperintendent。
　　’Youcomeyourselfandsee。Here’sapassforyouontherailroadandforanythreeofyourmen。Butletmewarnyouthatifonehairofmymenistouched，itwillbeabaddayforyou，Crowfoot，andforyourband。’”Hebundledhismanintothebuckboardandsenthimoff。TheSuperintendentandIwaitedonhorsebackinparleywitholdCrowfoottillthebuckboardwasoverthehill。SuchahalfhourI
　　neverexpecttoseeagain。Ifeltlikeamanstandingoveranopenkegofgunpowderwithalightedmatch。Anymomentasparkmightfall，andthengood-bye。Anditisthissamenerveofhisthatholdsdownthesecampsalongthisline。Herewearewithtwenty-
　　fivemenfromLaggantoBeaverkeepingorderamongtwenty-fivehundredrailroadnavvies，notabadlot，andtwenty-fivehundredothers，thescum，theverydevil’sscumfromacrosstheline，andnotamurderallthesemonths。Whiskey，ofcourse，butallundercover。Itellyou，he’sputthefearofdeathonallthattinhornbunchthathangaroundthesecamps。””Theredoesn’tseemtobemuchtroublejustnow，”remarkedCameron。”Trouble？Theremaybethebiggestkindoftroubleanyday。Someofthesecontractorsareslowintheirpay。Theyexpectmentowaitamonthortwo。Thatmakesthemmadandthetinhornbunchkeepstirringuptrouble。Mightbeastrikeanytime，andthenlookout。ButourChiefwillbereadyforthem。Hewon’tstandanynonsense，youbet。”
　　AtthispointintheSergeant’sramblingyarnthedoorwasflungopenandamancalledbreathlessly，”Mankilled！””Howisthat？”criedtheSergeant，springingtobuckleonhisbelt。”Anaccident——carranaway——downthedump。””Theyarealtogethertooflipwiththosecars，”growledtheSergeant。”Comeon！”
　　Theyrandowntheroadandtowardtherailroaddumpwheretheysawacrowdofmen。TheSergeant，followedbyCameron，pushedhiswaythroughandfoundanumberofnavviesfranticallytearingatapileofjaggedblocksofrockunderwhichcouldbeseenahumanbody。
　　Ittookonlyafewminutestoremovetherocksandtodiscoverlyingthereayoungman，amerelad，fromwhosemangledandbleedingbodythelifeappearedtohavefled。
　　Astheystoodabouthim，ahugegiantofamancametearinghiswaythroughthecrowd，pushingmentorightandleft。”Letmeseehim，”hecried，droppingonhisknees。”OhJack，lad，theyhavedoneforyouthistime。”
　　Ashespoketheboyopenedhiseyes，lookeduponthefaceofhisfriend，smiledandlaystill。ThentheSergeanttookcommand。”Isthedoctorback，doesanyoneknow？””No，he’supthelineyet。Heiscominginonnumberseven。””Well，wemustgetthismantothehospital。Here，you，”hesaid，touchingamanonthearm，”runandtellthenursewearebringingawoundedman。”
　　Theyimprovisedastretcherandlaidthemangledformuponitthebloodstreamingfromwoundsinhislegsandtricklingfromhispallidlips。”Here，twomenarebetterthanfour。Cameron，youtakethehead，andyou，”pointingtoJack’sfriend，”takehisfeet。Steadynow！
　　I’lljustgobefore。Thisisaghastlysight。”
　　Atthedoorofthehospitaltentthelittlenursemetthem，pale，butreadyforservice。”Oh，mypoorboy！”shecried，asshesawthewhiteface。”Thisway，Sergeant，”sheadded，passingintoasmallertentatonesideofthehospital。”Oh，Mr。Cameron，isthatyou？Iamgladyouarehere。””HasNurseHaleycome？”enquiredtheSergeant。”Yes，shecameinlastnight，thankgoodness。Here，onthistable，Sergeant。OhIwishthedoctorwerehere！Nowwemustlifthimontothisstretcher。Ah，here’sNurseHaley，”sheaddedinarelievedvoice，andbeforeCameronwasaware，agirlinanurse’suniformstoodbyhimandappearedquietlytotakecommand。”HereSergeant，”shesaid，”twomentakehisfeet。”Sheputherarmsundertheboy’sshoulderandgentlyandwithapparentease，assistedbytheothers，liftedhimtothetable。”Alittlefurther——there。Nowyouareeasier，aren’tyou？”shesaid，smilingdownintothelad’sface。Hervoicewaslowandsoftandfulltoned。”Yes，thankyou，”saidtheboy，bitingbackhisgroansandwithapitifulattemptatasmile。”You’refinenow，Jack。You’llsoonbefixedupnow，”saidhisfriend。”YesPete，I’mallright，Iknow。””Oh，Iwishthedoctorwerehere！”groanedthelittlenurse。”Whataboutahypo？”enquiredNurseHaleyquietly。”Yes，yes，givehimone。”
　　Cameron’seyesfollowedthefirm，swift-movingfingersastheydeftlygavethehypodermic。”Nowwemustgetthisbleedingstopped，”shesaid。”Getthemallout，Sergeant，please，”saidthelittlenurse。”Oneortwowilldotohelpus。Youstay，Mr。Cameron。”
　　AtthementionofhisnameNurseHaley，whohadbeenbusypreparingbandages，droppedthem，turned，andforthefirsttimelookedCameronintheface。”Isityou？”shesaidsoftly，andgavehimherhand，and，asmorethanoncebefore，Cameronfoundhimselfsuddenlyforgettingalltheworld。Hewaslookingintohereyes，blue，deep，wonderful。
　　Itwasonlyforasinglemomentthathiseyesheldhers，buttohimitseemedasifhehadbeeninsomefarawayland。Withoutasinglewordofgreetingheallowedhertowithdrawherhand。
　　Wonder，andsomethinghecouldnotunderstand，heldhimdumb。
　　Forthenexthalfhourheobeyedorders，movingasinadream，assistingthenursesintheirwork；andinadreamhewentawaytohisownquartersandthenceoutandoverthedumpandalongthetoteroadthatledthroughthestragglingshacksandacrosstheriverintotheforestbeyond。Butofneitherrivernorforestwasheaware。Beforehiseyestherefloatedanillusivevisionofmassesoffluffygoldenhairaboveafaceofradiantpurity，ofdeftfingersmovinginswiftandsureprecisionastheywoundthewhiterollsofbandagesroundbloodyandbrokenflesh，oftworoundcapablearmswhoselinessuggestedstrengthandbeauty，ofafirmknit，pliantbodythatmovedwitheasysinuousgrace，ofeyes——buteverattheeyeshepaused，forgettingallelse，till，recallinghimself，hebeganagain，strivingtocatchandholdthatradiant，bewildering，illusivevision。Thatwasasufficientlymaddeningprocess，buttorelatethatvisionofradiantefficientstrengthandgracetotheonehecarriedofthefarmer’sdaughterwithherdun-colouredstragglinghair，hermuddycomplexion，herstupidface，herclumsy，grimyhandsandheavyfeet，hersloppyfigure，wasquiteimpossible。Afterlongandstrenuousattemptshegaveupthestruggle。”Mandy！”heexclaimedaloudtotheforesttrees。”ThatMandy！
　　What’sgonewrongwithmyeyes，oramIcleanoffmyhead？Iwillgoback，”hesaidwithsuddenresolution，”andtakeanotherlook。”
　　Straightbackhewalkedtothehospital，butatthedoorhepaused。
　　Whywashethere？Hehadnoexcusetoofferandwithoutexcusehefelthecouldnotenter。Hewasactinglikeafool。Heturnedawayandoncemoresoughthisquarters，disgustedwithhimselfthatheshouldbedisturbedbythethoughtofMandyHaleyorthatitshouldcausehimamoment’sembarrassmenttowalkintoherpresencewithorwithoutexcuse，determinedlyhesethimselftoregainhisone-timeattitudeofmindtowardthegirl。Withlittledifficultyherecalledhissenseofsuperiority，hiskindlypity，hisdesiretoprotecthercrudesimplicityfromthosewhomightdoherharm。
　　WithavisionofthatMandybeforehim，thedrudgeofthefarm，thebuttofPerkins’jokes，theobjectofpityfortheneighbourhood，hecouldreadilysummonupallthefeelingshehadatonetimeconsidereditthecorrectandratherfinethingtocherishforher。
　　Butforthisyoungnurse，sothoroughlyfurnishedandfit，andsoobviouslyabletocareforherself，thesefeelingswouldnotcome。
　　Indeed，itmadehimsquirmtorememberhowinhisfarewellintheorchardhehadheldherhandingentlepityforherfoolishandalltooevidentinfatuationforhisexaltedandsuperiorself。Hisgroanofself-disgusthehastilymergedintoacough，fortheSergeanthadhiseyesuponhim。Indeed，theSergeantdidnothelphisstateofmind，forhepersistedinexecutingacontinuousfugueofecstaticpraiseofNurseHaleyinvariouskeysandtempos，herpluck，hercleverness，herskill，herpatience，herjollylaugh，hervoice，hereyes。TohereyestheSergeanteverkeptharkingbackastothemainmotifofhisfugue，tillCameronwouldhavedearlylovedtochuckhimandhisfugueoutofdoors。
　　Hewassavedfromdeedsofdesperateviolencebyavoiceatthedoor。”Lettafo’MisCamelon！””Hello，Cameron！”exclaimedtheSergeant，handinghimthenote。”You’reinluck。”TherewasnomistakingthejealousyintheSergeant’svoice。”Oh，hangit！”saidCameronashereadthenote。”What’sup？””Tea！””Who？”enquiredtheSergeanteagerly。”Me。Isay，yougoinmyplace。”
　　TheSergeantsworeathimfranklyandearnestly。”AllrightJohn，”saidCameronratherungraciously。”Youcome？”enquiredtheChinaman。”Yes，I’llcome。””Alllite！”saidJohn，turningawaywithhismessage。”Confoundthething！”growledCameron。”Ohcome，youneedn’tputupanybluffwithme，youknow，”saidtheSergeant。
　　ButCameronmadenoreply。Hefelthewasnotreadyfortheinterviewbeforehim。Hewasdistinctlyconsciousofafeelingofnervousembarrassment，whichtoamanofexperienceisdisconcertingandannoying。Hecouldnotmakeuphismindastotheattitudewhichitwouldbewiseandproperforhimtoassumetoward——ah——
　　NurseHaley。WhynotresumerelationsatthepointatwhichtheywerebrokenoffintheorchardthatSeptemberafternoonayearandahalfago？Whynot？Mandywasapparentlygreatlychanged，greatlyimproved。Well，hewasdelightedattheimprovement，andhewouldfranklyletherseehispleasureandapproval。Therewasnoneedforembarrassment。Pshaw！Embarrassment？Hefeltnone。
　　Andyetashestoodatthedoorofthenurses’tenthewasdisquietedtofindhimselfnervouslywonderingwhatinthunderheshouldtalkabout。Asitturnedouttherewasnocausefornervousnessonthisscore。Thelittlenurseandthedoctor——NurseHaleybeingonduty——keptthestreamoftalkripplingandsparklinginanunbrokenflow。WheneverapausedidoccurtheybeganafreshwithCameronandhisachievements，ofwhichtheystrovetomakehimtalk。Buttheyeverreturnedtotheirownworkamongthesickandwoundedofthecamps，andasoftenastheytouchedthisthemethepivotoftheirtalkbecameNurseHaley，tillCameronbegantosuspectdesignandbecamewrathful。Theyweretalkingathimandweretakingariseoutofhim。Hewouldshowthemtheirerror。
　　Heatoncebecamebrilliant。
　　Inthemidstofhisscintillationheabruptlypausedandsatlistening。Throughthetentwallscamethesoundofsinging，low-
　　toned，rich，penetrating。Hehadnoneedtoaskaboutthatvoice。
　　Insilencetheylookedathimandateachother。”We’regoinghome，nomoretoroam，Nomoretosinandsorrow，Nomoretowearthebrowofcare，We’regoinghometo-morrow。”We’regoinghome；we’regoinghome；
　　We’regoinghometo-morrow。”
　　Softerandsoftergrewthemusic。Atlastthevoicefellsilent。
　　ThenNurseHaleyappeared，radiant，fresh，andsweetasacloverfieldwiththemorningdewuponit，butwithalightasofanotherworlduponherface。
　　Withthespellofhervoice，ofhereyes，ofherradiantfaceuponhim，Cameron’sscintillationfadedandsnuffedout。Hefeltlikeaboyathisfirstpartyandenragedathimselfforsofeeling。Howbrightshewas，howpureherfaceunderthebrowngoldhair，howdaintythebloomuponhercheek，andthatvoiceofhers，andthefirmlithebodywithcurvinglinesofbuddingwomanhood，graceineverycurveandmovement！TheMandyofoldfadedfromhismind。
　　HaveIseenyoubefore？Andwhere？Andhowlongago？Andwhat’shappeningtome？Withthesequestionshevexedhissoulwhilehestrovetokeeptrackoftheconversationbetweenthethree。
　　AcallfromtheothertentsummonedNurseHaley。”Letmegoinstead，”criedthelittlenurseeagerly。But，light-
　　footedasadeer，Mandywasalreadygone。
　　WhenthetentflaphadfallenbehindherCameronpushedbackhisplate，leanedforwarduponthetableand，lookingthelittlenursefullintheface，said：”Now，it’snousecarryingthison。Whathaveyoudonetoher？”
　　Andthelittlenurselaughedherbrightestandmostjoyouslaugh。”Whathasshedonetous，youmean。””No。Comenow，takepityonafellow。Ilefther——well——youknowwhat。Andnow——howhasthisbeenaccomplished？””Soul，myboy，”saidthedoctoremphatically，”andthehairdresserand——”
　　ButCameronignoredhim。”Canyoutellme？”hesaidtothenurse。”Well，asanurse，isshequiteimpossible？””Oh，spareme，”pleadedCameron。”Iacknowledgemysinandmyfollyisbeforeme。Buttellme，howwasthismiraclewrought？””Whatdoyoumeanexactly？Specify。””Oh，hangit！Well，beginningatthetop，there’sherhair。””Herhair？””Yes。””Then，hercomplexion——hergraceofform——herstyle——hermanner。
　　Oh，confoundit！Herhands——everything。””Well，”saidthelittlenursewithdeliberation，”let’sbeginatthetop。Herhair？Ahairdresserexplainsthat。Hercomplexion？
　　Alittletreatment，massage，withsomehelpfromthedoctor。Herhands？Againtreatmentandreleasefrombrutalisingwork。Herfigure？Well，youknow，thatdepends，thoughwedon’tacknowledgeitalways，toacertainextenton——well——things——andhowyouputthemon。””Nurse，”saidthedoctorgravely，”you’realloff。Thetransformationisfromwithinandisexplained，asIhavesaid，byoneword——soul。Thesoulhasbeensetfree，hasbeenallowedtobreakthrough。Thatisall。Why，mydearfellow，”continuedthedoctorwithrisingenthusiasm，”whenthatgirlcametouswewereindespair；andforthreemonthsshekeptusthere，pursuingus，houndinguswithquestions。Neversawanythinglikeit。Onetellingwasenoughthough。Hereyeswereeverywhere，herearsopentoeveryhint，butitwashersoul，likeabirdimprisonedandbeatingfortheopenair。Theexplanationis，asIhavesaidjustnow，soul——intense，flaming，unquenchablesoul——and，Imustsayit，thedressmaker，thehairdresser，andtherestdirectedbyouryoungfriendhere，”pointingtothelittlenurse。”Why，shehadusallonthejob。WeallbecamedevoteesoftheHaleyCult。””No，”saidthenurse，”itwasherself。””Isn’tthatwhatIhavebeentellingyou？”saidthedoctorimpatiently。”Soul——soul——soul！Asoulsomehowonfire。”
　　AndwiththatCameronhadtobecontent。
　　Yes，asoulitwas，atonetimedormantandenwrappedwithinitscoarseintegument。Now，touchedintolifebysomedivinefire，ithadthroughitsownsubtlepowertransformedthatcoarseintegumentintoitsownpuregold。Whatwasthatfire？Whatdivinetouchhadkindledit？And，moreimportantstill，wasthatfirestillaglow，or，havingdoneitswork，haditforlackoffoodflickeredanddiedout？WiththesequestionsCameronvexedhimselfformanydays，norfoundananswer。
　　CHAPTERIX”CORPORAL”CAMERON
　　JackGreendidnotdie。EverymorningforafortnightConstableCameronfeltittobehisdutytomakeenquiry——theSergeant，itmaybeadded——performingthesamedutywithequaldiligenceintheafternoon，andeverydaythebalance，whichtrembledevenlyforsometimebetweenhopeandfear，continuedtodipmoreandmoredecidedlytowardtheformer。”He’sgoingtolive，Ibelieve，”saidDr。Martinoneday。”Andheowesittothenurse。”Thedoctor’sdevotiontoandadmirationforNurseHaleybegantoappeartoCameronunnecessarilypronounced。”Shesimplywouldnotlethimgo！”continuedthedoctor。”Shenursedhim，sangtohimherold’Comeallye’songsandMethodisthymns，shespunhimbarnyardyarnsandorchardidyls，andalways’continuedinournext，’tillthechapsimplycouldn’tcroakforwantingtohearthenext。”
　　AttimesCameroncaughtthroughthetentwallssnatchesofthosesongsandyarnsandidyls，attimeshecaughtmomentaryglimpsesofthebrightyounggirlwhowaspouringthevigourofherlifeintotheladfightingforhisown，butthesesnatchesandglimpsesonlyexasperatedhim。Therewasnoopportunityforanylengthenedandundisturbedconverse，forontheonehandthehospitalservicewasexactingbeyondthestrengthofdoctorandnurses，andontheothertherewasserioustroubleforSuperintendentStrongandhismeninthecampsalongtheline，forageneralstrikehadbeendeclaredinallthecampsandnooneknewatwhatminuteitmightflareupintoafierceriot。
　　ItwasindeedexasperatingtoCameron。TherelationsbetweenhimselfandNurseHaleywereunsatisfactory，entirelyunsatisfactory。
　　Itwasclearlyhisduty——indeedheowedittoherandtohimself——
　　toarriveatsomeunderstanding，toestablishtheirrelationsuponaproperandreasonablebasis。Hewasatveryconsiderablepainstomakeitclear，notonlytotheSergeant，buttothecheerfullittlenurseandtothedoctoraswell，thatasheroldestfriendinthecountryitwasincumbentuponhimtoexerciseasortofkindlyprotectorateoverNurseHaley。Inthisitistobefearedhewasonlypartiallysuccessful。TheSergeantwasobviouslyandgloomilyincredulousofthepurityofhismotives，thelittlenursearchedhereyebrowsandsmiledinamostannoyingmanner，whilethedoctorpendulatedbetweengood-humouredtoleranceandmildsarcasm。ItaddednotalittletoCameron’smentaldisquietthathewasquiteunabletounderstandhimself；indeed，throughthesedayshewasengagedinconductingabitofpsychologicalresearch，withhisownmindaslaboratoryandhismentalphenomenaasthemateriaforhisinvestigation。Itwasamostdifficultanddelicatestudyandonedemandingbothleisureandcalm——andCameronhadneither。ThebriefminuteshecouldsnatchfromHerMajesty’sservicewerenecessarilygiventohisfriendsinthehospitalandastothephilosophiccalmnecessarytoresearchwork，aglimpsethroughthedoorofNurseHaley’sgoldenheadbendingoverasickman’scot，asnatchofsonginthedeepmellowtonesofhervoice，atouchofherstrongfirmhand，aquietsteadylookfromherdeep，deepeyes——anyoneofthesewassufficienttoscatterallhisphilosophicdeterminingstothewindsandleavehissoulachaosofconfusedemotions。
　　Smallwonder，then，thattwentytimesadayhecursedtheluckthathadtransferredhimfromthecomparativelypeacefulenvironmentofthePolicePostatFortMacleodtothemaddeningwhirlofconflictingdesiresanddutiesattendantupontheServiceintherailroadconstructioncamps。AletterfromhisfriendInspectorDicksonaccentuatedthecontrast。”Greatdoings，myboy，”wrotetheInspector，evidentlyunderthespellofovermasteringexcitement。”WehaveLittleThunderagaininthetoils，thistimetostay，andweowethiscapturetoyourfriendRaven。AweekagoMr。RavencoollywalkedintotheFortandaskedfortheSuperintendent。Iwasdownatstablesatthetime。
　　AshewascomingoutIranintohimandimmediatelyshouted’Handsup！’”’Ah，Mr。Inspector，’saidmygentleman，ascoolasice，’delightedtoseeyouagain。’”’Standwhereyouare！’Isaid，andknowingmymananddeterminedtotakenochances，Iorderedtwoconstablestoarresthim。AtthistheSuperintendentappeared。”’Ah，Inspector，’hesaid，’thereisevidentlysomemistakehere。’”’Thereisnomistake，Superintendent，’Ireplied。’Iknowthisman。Heiswantedonaseriouscharge。’”’Kindlystepthisway，Mr。Raven，’saidtheSuperintendent，’andyou，Inspector。Ihavesomethingofimportancetosaytoyou。’”And，byJove，itwasimportant。LittleThunderhadbrokenhispledgetoRaventoquittherebellionbusinessandhadperfectedaplanforasimultaneousrisingofBlackfeet，Bloods，Piegans，andSarceesnextmonth。RavenhadstumbleduponthisandhaddeliberatelyputhimselfinthepowerofthePolicetobringthisinformation。’Iamnotquiteprepared，’hesaid，’tohandoverthiscountrytoalotofballyhalf-breedsandbloodysavages。’
　　TogethertheSuperintendentandhehadperfectedaplanforthecaptureoftheheadsoftheconspiracy。”’Astothatlittlematterofwhichyouwerethinking，InspectorDickson，’saidmyChief，’Ithinkifyouremember，wehavenodefinitechargelaidagainstMr。Raven，whohasgivenus，bytheway，veryvaluableinformationuponwhichwemustimmediatelyact。
　　WearealsotohaveMr。Raven’sassistance。’”Well，wehadaglorioushunt，andbyJove，thatmanRavenisawonder。Hebroughtusrighttothebunch，walkedinonthem，coolandquiet，pulledtwogunsandheldthemtillweallgotinplace。
　　Therewillbenorebellionamongthesetribesthisyear，Iamconfident。”
　　AndthoughitdoesnotappearintherecordsitisnonethelesstruethattotheinfluenceofMissionaryMacdougallamongtheStoniesandtothevigilanceoftheNorthWestMountedPolicewasitduethatduringtheRebellionof’85CanadawassparedtheunspeakablehorrorsofanIndianwar。
　　ItwasthisletterthatdeepenedtheshadowuponCameron’sfaceandsharpenedtheedgeonhisvoiceashelookedinuponhishospitalfriendsonebrightwintermorning。”Youarequiteunbearable！”saidthelittlenurseaftershehadlistenedtohisgrumblingforafewminutes。”Andyouarespoilingusall。””Spoilingyouall？””Yes，especiallyme，and——NurseHaley。””NurseHaley？””Yes。Youaredisturbingherpeaceofmind。””Disturbingher？Me？”
　　AcertainsatisfactioncreptintoCameron’svoice。Nothingissocalculatedtorestorethepoiseofthemalemindasaconsciousnessofpowertodisturbtheequilibriumofoneoftheimperioussex。”Andyoumustnotdoit！”continuedthelittlenurse。”Shehasfartoomuchtobearnow。””Andhaven’tIbeenjusttellingyouthat？”saidCameronsavagely。”Shenevergetsoff。Nightanddaysheisonthejob。Itellyou，Iwon’t——itshouldnotbeallowed。”Cameronwasconsciousofafineglowoffraternalinterestinthisyounggirl。”Forinstance，adaylikethis！Lookatthesewhitemountains，andthatglorioussky，andthiswonderfulair，andnotabreathofwind！Whatadayforawalk！Itwoulddoher——itwoulddoyouallaworldofgood。””Wait！”criedthelittlenurse，whohadbeenondutyallnight。”I’lltellherwhatyousay。”
　　Apparentlyittooksometelling，foritwasafullpreciousquarterofanhourbeforetheyappearedagain。”There，now，youseetheeffectofyourauthority。Shewouldnotbudgeforme，but——well——theresheis！Lookather！”
　　Therewasnoneedforthisinjunction。Cameron’seyeswerealreadyfasteneduponher。Andshewasworthanyman’swhiletolookatinhertrampingcostumeoftoqueandblanketcoat。Tall，shelooked，besidethelittlenurse，litheandstrong，herclose-fittingHudsonBayblanketcoatrevealingtheswellinglinesofherbuddingwomanhood。Thedaintywhitetoquepercheduponthemassesofgold-
　　brownhairaccentuatedthegirlishfreshnessofherface。Atthenurse’swordssheturnedhereyesuponCameronanduponherface，palewithlongnightwatches，afaintredappeared。Buthereyeswerequietandsteadyandkind；tooquietandtookindforCameron，whowaslookingforothersignals。Therewasnosignofdisturbanceinthatface。”Comeon！”hesaidimpatiently。”Wehaveonlyonehour。””Oh，whatagloriousday！”criedNurseHaley，drawingadeepbreathandstridingoutlikeamantokeeppacewithCameron。”Andhowgoodofyoutosparemethetime！””Ihavebeentryingtogetyoualoneforthelasttwoweeks，”saidCameron。”Twoweeks？””Yes，foramonth！Iwantedtotalktoyou。””Totalkwithme？Aboutwhat？””About——well——abouteverything——aboutyourself。””Me？””Yes。Idon’tunderstandyou。Youhavechangedsotremendously。””Oh，”exclaimedthegirl，”Iamsogladyouhavenoticedthat！
　　HaveIchangedmuch？””Much？Ishouldsayso！IfindmyselfwonderingifyouaretheMandyIusedtoknowatall。””Oh，”sheexclaimed，”Iamsoglad！Yousee，Ineededtochangesomuch。””Buthowhasithappened？”exclaimedCameron。”Itisamiracletome。””Howamiracle？”
　　Forafewmomentstheywalkedoninsilence，thetoteroadleadingthemintotheforest。Afteratimethenursesaidsoftly，”Itwasyouwhobeganit。””I？””Yes，you——andthenthenurse。Oh，Icanneverrepayher！Thedaythatyouleft——thatwasadreadfulday。Theworldwasallblack。
　　Icouldnothavelived，Ithink，manydayslikethat。IhadtogointotownandIcouldn’thelpgoingtoher。Oh，howgoodshewastomethatday！howgood！Sheunderstood，sheunderstoodatonce。
　　Shemademecomeforaweektoher，andthenforaltogether。Thatwasthebeginning；thenIbegantoseehowfoolishIhadbeen。””Foolish？””Yes，wildlyfoolish！Iwaslikeamadthing，butIdidnotknowthen，andIcouldnothelpit。””Helpwhat？””Oh，everything！Butthenurseshowedme——sheshowedme——””Showedyou？””Showedmehowtotakecareofmyself——totakecareofmybody——ofmydress——ofmyhair。Oh，Irememberwell，”shesaidwithabrightlittlelaugh，”Irememberthathair-dresser。Thenthedoctorcameandgavemebooksandmademereadandstudy——andthenIbegantosee。Oh，itwaslikeafire——aburningfirewithinme。Andthedoctorwasgoodtome，soverypatient，tillIbegantolovemyprofession；toloveitatfirstformyself，andthenforothers。
　　Howgoodtheyallweretomethosedays！——thenursesinthehospital，thedoctors，thestudents——everyoneseemedtobekind；
　　butabovethemallmyownnursehereandmyowndoctor。”
　　Inhurriedeagerspeechshepouredforthherheartasifanxioustofinishhertale——hervoice，hereyes，herfacealleloquentoftheintenseemotionthatfilledhersoul。”Itiswonderful！”saidCameron。”Yes，”shereplied，”wonderfulindeed！AndIwantedtoseeyouandhaveyouseeme，”shecontinued，stillhurryingherspeech，”forI
　　couldnotbearthatyoushouldremembermeasIwasthosedreadfuldays；andIamsogladthatyou——you——arepleased！”TheappealinhervoiceandinhereyesrousedinCameronanoverwhelmingtideofpassion。”Pleased！”hecried。”Pleased！GreatHeavens，Mandy！Youarewonderful！Don’tyouknowthat？””No，”shesaidthoughtfully；”but，”shedrewalongbreath，”Iliketohearyousayit。ThatisallIwant。YouseeIoweitalltoyou。”Thefacesheturnedtohimsoinnocentlyhappymighthavebeenachild’s。”Mandy，”criedCameron，stoppingshortinhiswalk，”you——I——！”
　　Thatfrankchildlikelookinhereyescheckedhishotwords。Buttherewasnoneedforwords；hiseyesspokeforhisfalteringlips。
　　Alookoffearleapedtohereyes，aflowofredbloodtohercheeks；thenshestood，white，tremblingandsilent。”Iamtired，Ithink，”shesaidafteramoment’ssilence，”wewillgoback。””Yes，youaretired，”saidCameronangrily。”Youaretiredtodeath。Mandy，youneedsomeonetotakecareofyou。Iwishyouwouldletme。”Theywerenowwalkingbacktowardthetown。”Theyareallgoodtome；theyareallkindtome。”Hervoicewasquietandsteady。Shehadgainedcontrolofherselfagain。”Why，evenJohntheChinaman，”sheaddedwithalaugh，”spoilsme。Oh，noharmcancometome——Ihavenofear！””But，”saidCameron，”I——Iwanttotakecareofyou，Mandy。Iwanttherighttotakecareofyou，always。””Iknow，Iknow，”shesaidkindly。”Youaresogood；youwerealwayssogood；butIneednoone。”
　　Cameronglancedatthelithe，strong，uprightfigurestridingalongbesidehimwitheasygrace；andthetruthcametohiminswiftandpainfulrevelation。”Youareright，”hesaidasiftohimself。”Youneednoone，andyoudon’tneedme。””But，”shecriedeagerly，”itwasgoodofyouallthesame。””Good！”hesaidimpatiently。”Good！Nonsense！Itellyou，Mandy，Iwantyou，Iwantyou。Doyouunderstand？Iwanttomarryyou。””Oh，don’tsaythat！”shecried，stoppingshort，hervoicedisturbed，butkindly，gentleandstrong。”Don’tsaythat，”sherepeated，”for，ofcourse，thatisimpossible。””Impossible！”heexclaimedangrily。”Yes，”shesaid，hervoicestillquietandsteady，”quiteimpossible。ButIloveyouforsayingit，oh——，”shesuddenlycaughtherbreath。”Oh，Iloveyouforsayingit。”Thenpointinguptheroadshecried，”Look！Someoneforyou，Iamsure。”A
　　horsemanwasgallopingswiftlytowardsthem。”Ohhangitall！”saidCameron。”Whatthedeucedoeshewantnow？””Wemusttalkthisoutagain，Mandy，”hesaid。”No，no！”shecried，”neveragain。Pleasedon’t，everagain；I
　　couldnotbearit。ButIshallalwaysremember，and——Iamsoglad。”Asshespoke，herhands，withheroldmotion，wenttoherheart。”Ohthedeucetakeit！”saidCameronastheSergeantflunghishorsebackonhisheelsattheirside。”Whatdoeshewant？””ConstableCameron，”saidtheSergeantinavoiceofsharpcommand，”there’sarowon。ConstableScotthasbeenverybadlyhandledintryingtomakeanarrest。Youaretoreportatonceforduty。””Allright，Sir，”saidCameron，”Ishallreturnimmediately。”
　　TheSergeantwheeledandwasgone。”Youmustgo！”criedMandy，quickfearspringingintohereyes。”Yes，”saidCameron，”atonce。Come，Ishalltakeyouhome。””No，nevermindme！”shecried。”Go！Go！Icantakecareofmyself。Ishallfollow。”Hervoicerangoutstrongandclear；shewasherselfoncemore。”Youaretherightsort，Mandy，”criedCameron，takingherhand。”Goodbye！””Goodbye！”shereplied，herfacesuddenlypaleandherlipsbeginningtoquiver。”Ishallalwaysremember——I——shall——alwaysbegladfor——whatyousaidtoday。”
　　Cameronstoodlookingatherforamomentsomewhatuncertainly，then，”Goodbye！”hesaidabruptly，and，turning，wentatthedoubletowardshisquarters。
　　Thestrikershadindeedbrokenloose，supportedbytheruffianlyhordeofcampfollowerswhowereeggingthemontoviolenceanddestructionofproperty。Atpresenttheywerewildwithtriumphoverthefactthattheyhadrescuedoneoftheirleaders，bigJoeCoyle，fromConstableScott。Itwasanexceedinglydangeroussituation，fortheriotmighteasilyspreadfromcamptocamp。
　　Bruisedandbloody，ConstableScottreportedtoSuperintendentStronglyinguponhissickbed。”Sergeant，”saidtheSuperintendent，”takeConstablesCameronandScott，arrestthatmanatonceandbringhimhere！”
　　Inthevillagetheyfoundbetweeneighthundredandathousandmen，manyofthemcrazedwithbadwhiskey，somearmedwithknivesandsomewithguns，andallreadyforblood。BigJoeCoyletheyfoundinthesaloon。Pushinghiswaythrough，theSergeantseizedhismanbythecollar。”Comealong，Iwantyou！”hesaid，dragginghimtotheopendoor。”Shutthattheredoor，Hep！”drawledamanwithagoateeandamoustachedyedglossyblack。”Allright，Bill！”shoutedthemancalledHep，springingtothedoor；butbeforehecouldmakeitCameronhadhimbythecollar。”Holdon，Hep！”hesaid，”notsofast。”
　　ForanswerHepstruckhardathimandthecrowdofmenthrewthemselvesatCameronandbetweenhimandthedoor。ConstableScott，whoalsohadhishandupontheprisoner，drewhisrevolverandlookedtowardstheSergeantwhowasstrugglinginthegraspofthreeorfourruffians。”No！”shoutedtheSergeantabovetheuproar。”Don’tshoot——wehavenoorders！Lethimgo！””Goon！”hesaidsavagely，givinghisprisonerafinalshake。”Wewillcomebackforyou。”
　　Therewasaloudchorusofderisivecheers。ThecrowdopenedandallowedtheSergeantandconstablestopassout。TakinghisplaceatthesaloondoorwithConstableScott，theSergeantsentCamerontoreportandaskforfurtherorders。”Askifwehaveorderstoshoot，”saidtheSergeant。
　　CameronfoundtheSuperintendenthardlyabletolifthisheadandmadehisreport。”Thesaloonisfilledwithmenwhoopposethearrest，Sir。Whatareyourorders？””Myordersare，Bringthatmanhere，andatonce！””Haveweinstructionstoshoot？””Shoot！”criedtheSuperintendent，liftinghimselfonhiselbow。”Bringthatmanifyouhavetoshooteverymaninthesaloon！””Verywell，Sir，wewillbringhim，”saidCameron，departingonarun。
　　AtthedoorofthesaloonhefoundtheSergeantandConstablewhitehotunderthejeersandtauntsofthehalfdrunkenganggatheredaboutthem。”Whataretheorders，ConstableCameron？”enquiredtheSergeantinaloudvoice。”Theordersare，Shooteverymaninthesaloonifnecessary！”
　　shoutedCameron。”Revolvers！”commandedtheSergeant。”ConstableCameron，holdthedoor！ConstableScott，followme！”
　　AtthedoorstoodthemannamedHep，evidentlykeepingguard。”Wantin？”hesaidwithagrin。
　　Foranswer，Camerongrippedhiscollar，withonefiercejerkliftedhimclearoutofthedoortotheplatform，andthen，puttinghisbodyintoit，heavedhimwithamightyswingfarintothecrowdbelow，bringingtwoorthreementothegroundwiththeimpactofhisbody。”Comehere，man！”criedCameronagain，seizingasecondmanwhostoodnearthedoorandflinginghimclearofftheplatformaftertheunluckyHep。
　　Speedilythecrowdaboutthedoorgaveback，andbeforetheywereawaretheSergeantandConstableScottappearedwithbigJoeCoylebetweenthem。”Takehim！”saidtheSergeanttoCameron。
　　Cameronseizedhimbythecollar。”Comehere！”hesaid，and，clearingtheplatforminaspring，hebroughthisprisonerinaheapwithhim。”Getup！”heroaredathim，jerkinghimtohisfeetasifhehadbeenachild。”Lethimgo！”shoutedthemanwiththegoatee，namedBill，rushingup。”Takethat，then，”saidCameron，givinghimaswifthalf-armjabonthejaw，”andI’llcomebackforyouagain，”headded，asthemanfellbackintothearmsofhisfriends。”Forward！”saidtheSergeant，fallinginwithConstableScottbehindCameronandfacingthecrowdwithdrawnrevolvers。Theswiftfiercenessoftheattackseemedtoparalysethesensesofthecrowd。”Comeon，boys！”yelledthegoateeman，bloodyandsavagewithCameron’sblow。”Don’tlettheblankblankblankrattleyoulikealotofblankblankchickens。Comeon！”
　　Atoncerosearoarfromeighthundredthroatslikenothinghumaninitssound，andthecrowdbegantopresscloseuponthePolice。
　　Buttherevolvershadanuglyappearancetothoseinfrontlookingintotheirlittleblackthroats。”Aw，comeon！”yelledamanhalfdrunk，runningwithalurchupontheSergeant。”Crack！”wenttheSergeant’srevolver，andthemandroppedwithabulletthroughhisshoulder。”Nextman，”shoutedtheSergeant，”Ishallkill！”
　　Thecrowdgavebackandgatheredroundthewoundedman。AstreamlayinthepathofthePolice，crossedbyalittlebridge。”Hurry！”saidtheSergeant，”let’smakethebridgebeforetheycomeagain。”Butbeforetheycouldmakethebridgethecrowdhadrecoveredfromtheirmomentarypanicand，withwildoathsandyellsandbrandishingknivesandguns，cameonwitharush，ledbygoateeBill。
　　Alreadytheprisonerwashalfwayacrossthebridge，theSergeantandtheconstableguardingtheentrance，whenabovethedinwasheardaroarasofsomeanimalenraged。LookingbeyondthePolicethecrowdbeheldafearsomesight。ItwastheSuperintendenthimself，hatless，andwithuniformindisarray，aswordinonehand，arevolverintheother。Acrossthebridgehecamelikeatornadoand，standingattheentrance，roared，”Listentome，youdogs！ThefirstmanwhosetsfootonthisbridgeIshallshootdead，sohelpmeGod！”
　　Histoweringform，hisferociousappearanceandhiswell-knownreputationforutterfearlessnessmadethecrowdpauseand，beforetheycouldmakeuptheirmindstoattackthatresolutelittlecompanyheadedbytheirdreadcommander，theprisonerwassafeoverthebridgeandwellupthehilltowardtheguardroom。HalfwayupthehilltheSuperintendentmetCameronreturningfromthedispositionofhisprisoner。”There’sanothermandownthere，Sir，needslookingafter，”hesaid。”Betterletthemcooloff，Cameron，”saidtheSuperintendent。”IpromisedI’dgoforhim，Sir，”saidCameron，hisfaceallablazeforbattle。”Thengoforhim，”saidtheSuperintendent。”Letacoupleofyougoalong——butIamdone——justnow。””Wewillseeyouupthehill，Sir，”saidtheSergeant。”Comeon，Scott！”saidCameron，settingoffforthevillageoncemore。
　　Thecrowdhadreturnedfromthebridgeandtheleadershadalreadysoughttheirfavouriteresort，thesaloon。StraighttothedoormarchedCameron，followedbyScott。ClosetothecounterstoodgoateeBill，loudlyorating，andviolentlyurgingthebreakinginoftheguardroomandthereleaseoftheprisoner。”Inmycountry，”heyelled，”we’dhavethatfelleroutinaboutsixminutesinspiteofalltheblankblankPoliceinthisblankcountry。THEYain’tnogood。They’rescairttodeath。”
　　AtthispointCameronwalkedinuponhimandlaidacompellinggripuponhiscollar。InstantlyBillreachedforhisgun，butCameron，swiftlyshiftinghisgriptohisarm，wrenchedhimsharplyaboutandstruckhimoneblowontheear。Asifheldbyahinge，theheadfelloverononesideandthemanslitheredtothefloor。”Outoftheway！”shoutedCameron，dragginghismanwithhim，butjustashereachedthedooraheavyglasscamesingingthroughtheairandcaughthimonthehead。Foramomenthestaggered，caughtholdofthelintelandheldhimselfsteady。”Here，Scott，”hecried，”putthebraceletsonhim。”
　　WithrevolverdrawnConstableScottsprangtohisside。”Comeout！”hesaidtothegoateeman，slippingthehandcuffsoverhiswrists，whileCameron，stillclingingtothelintel，wasfightingbackthefaintnessthatwasoverpoweringhim。Seeinghisplight，Hepsprangtowardhim，eagerforrevenge，butCameroncoveringhimwithhisgunheldhimincheckand，withasupremeeffortgettingcommandofhimself，againsteppedtowardsHep。”Now，then，”hesaidbetweenhisclenchedteeth，”willyoucome？”
　　SoterriblewerehisvoiceandlookthatHep’scouragewilted。”I’llcome，Colonel，I’llcome，”hesaidquickly。”Comethen，”saidCameron，reachingforhimandbringinghimforwardwithasavagejerk。
　　Inthreeminutesfromthetimetheattackwasmadebothmen，thoroughlysubduedandhandcuffed，weremarchedoffinchargeoftheconstables。”Hurry，Scott，”saidCameroninalowvoicetohiscomrade。”Iamnearlyin。”
　　Withallpossiblespeedtheyhustledtheirprisonersalongoverthebridgeandupthehill。Atthehospitaldoor，astheypassed，Dr。
　　Martinappeared。”Hello，Cameron！”hecried。”Gothim，eh？”GreatCaesar，man，what’sup？”headdedasCameron，turninghishead，revealedafaceandneckbathedinblood。”Youarewhiteasaghost。””Getmeadrink，oldchap。Iamnearlyin，”saidCameroninafaintvoice。”Comeintomytenthere，”saidthedoctor。”Gottoseetheseprisonerssafefirst，”saidCameron，swayingonhisfeet。”Comein，youidiot！”criedthedoctor。”Goin，Cameron，”saidConstableScott。”I’lltakecareof’emallright，”headded，drawinghisgun。”No，”saidCameron，stillwithhishandongoateeBill’scollar。”I’llseethemsafefirst，”sayingwhichheswayeddrunkenlyaboutand，butforBill’ssupport，wouldhavefallen。”Goon！”saidBillgood-naturedly。”Don’tmindme。I’mgoodnow。””Come！”saidthedoctor，supportinghimintothetent。”Forward！”commandedConstableScott，andmarchedhisprisonersbeforehimupthehill。
　　ThewoundonCameron’sheadwasaghastlyaffair，fullsixincheslong，andwenttothebone。”Ratherugly，”saidthedoctor，feelingroundthewound。”Nurse！”
　　hecalled。”Nurse！”Thelittlenursecamerunningin。”Somewaterandasponge！”
　　Therewasacrybehindher——low，long，pitiful。”Oh，whatisthis？”WithaswiftmovementNurseHaleywasbesidethedoctor’sbed。Cameron，whohadbeenlyingwithhiseyesclosedandwasghastlywhitefromlossofblood，openedhiseyesandsmiledupintothefaceabovehim。”Ifeelfine——now，”hesaidandclosedhiseyesagain。”Letmedothat，”saidNurseHaleywithakindofjealousfierceness，takingthespongeandbasinfromthelittlenurse。
　　Examinationrevealednothingmoreserious，however，thanadeepscalpwoundandaslightconcussion。”Hewillbefitenoughinacoupleofdays，”saidthedoctorwhenthewoundwasdressed。
　　Then，paleandhaggardasifwithlongwatching，NurseHaleywenttoherroomtheretofightoutherlonelyfightwhileCameronslept。
　　Thedaypassedinquiet，thelittlenurseonguard，andthedoctorlookingineveryhalfhouruponhispatient。AseveningfellCameronwokeanddemandedNurseHaley。Thedoctorfelthispulse。”Sendherin！”hesaidandleftthetent。
　　TheraysofthesunsettingfardownthePassshonethroughthewallsandfilledthetentwithasoftradiance。Intothisradianceshecame，herfacepaleasofonewhohascomethroughconflict，andsereneasofonewhohasconquered，paleandstrongandalight，notwiththeradianceofthesettingsun，butwithlightofasoulthathasmadetheancientsacrificeofself-effacinglove。”Youwantme？”shesaid，hervoicelowandsweet，butforallherbraveserenitytremulous。”Yes，”saidCameron，holdingouthisarms。”Iwantyou；IwantYOU，Mandy。””Oh，”criedthegirl，whileherhandsflutteredtoherheart，”don’taskmetogothroughitagain。Iamsoweak。”Shestoodlikeafrightenedbirdpoisedforflight。”Come，”hesaid，”Iwantyou。””Youwantme？Yousaidyouwantedtotakecareofme，”shebreathed。”Iwasafool，Mandy；aconceitedfool！NowIknowwhatIwant——I
　　want——justYOU。Come。”Againheliftedhisarms。”Oh，itcannotbe，”shebreathedasiftoherself。”Areyousure——
　　sure？Icouldnotbearitifyouwerenotsure。””Come，dearlove，”hecried，”withallmyheartandsoulandbodyI
　　wantyou——IwantonlyYOU。”
　　Forasinglemomentlongershestood，hersoulsearchinghisthroughherwonderfuleyes。Thenwithalittlesighshesankintohisarms。”Oh，mydarling，”shewhispered，wreathingherstrongyoungarmsaroundhisneckandlayinghercheekclosetohis，”mydarling，I
　　thoughtIhadgivenyouup，buthowcouldIhavedoneit？”
　　Atthehospitaldoorthedoctorwasonguard。Amassivefigureloomedinthedoorway。”Hello，SuperintendentStrong，whatonearthareyoudoingoutofbed？””Whereishe？”saidtheSuperintendentabruptly。”Who？””CorporalCameron。””CORPORALCameron？ConstableCameronis——””CorporalCameron，Isaid。IhavejusthadConstableScott’sreportandfeltImustseehimatonce。””Comein，Superintendent！Sitdown！Ishallenquireifheisresting。Nurse！Nurse！EnquireifCorporalCameroncanbeseen。”
　　Thelittlenursetip-toedintothedoctor’stent，liftedthecurtain，tookoneglanceanddrewswiftlyback。Thisiswhathereyeslookedupon。Agirl’sformkneelingbythebed，goldenhairminglingwithblackuponthepillow，twostrongarmsholdinghercloseandherswreathedinansweringembrace。”Mr。CameronIamafraid，”shereported，”cannotbeseen。Heis——I
　　think——heis——engaged。””Ah！”saidthedoctor。”Well，”saidtheSuperintendent，”justtellCorporalCameronformethatIamparticularlywellpleasedwithhisbearingto-day，andthatIhopehewillbeverysoonfitforduty。””Certainly，Superintendent。Nowletmehelpyouupthehill。””Nevermind，here’stheSergeant。Goodevening！Veryfinething！
　　Veryfinethingindeed！Iseerapidpromotioninhisprofessionforthatyoungman。””Inspector，eh？”saidthedoctor。”Yes，Sir，IshouldwithouthesitationrecommendhimandshouldbeonlytoopleasedtohavehimasInspectorinmycommand。”
　　Itwasnot，however，asInspectorthatCorporalCameronservedunderthegallantSuperintendent，butinanotherequallyhonourablecapacitydidtheyrideawaytogetheronebrightAprilmorningafewweekslater，ondutyfortheirQueenandcountry。Butthatisanotherstory。”Thatmessageoughttobedelivered，nurse，”saidthedoctorthoughtfully。”Butnotatonce，”repliedthenurse。”Itisimportant，”urgedthedoctor。”Yes，but——thereareotherthings。””Ah！Otherthings？””Yes，equally——pressing，”saidthenursewithanundeniablyjoyouslaugh。Thedoctorlookedatheramoment。”Ah，nurse，”hesaidinashockedtone，”howoftenhaveIdeprecatedyourtendencyto——””Idon’tcareonebit！”laughedthenursesaucily。”Themessageoughttobedelivered，”insistedthedoctorfirmlyashemovedtowardthetentdoor。”Well，deliveritthen。Butwait！”Thelittlenurseraninbeforehimandcalled”Nu-u-u-r-s-eHa-l-ey！””Allright！”calledCameronfromtheinside。”Comein！””Goonthen，”saidthelittlenursetothedoctor，”youwantedto。””AmessagefromtheSuperintendent，”saidthedoctor，liftingthecurtainandpassingin。”Don’tmove，Mandy，”saidCameron。”Nevermindhim。””No，don’t，Ibeg，”saidthedoctor，ignoringwhathesaw。”A
　　message，anurgentmessagefor——CorporalCameron！””CORPORALCameron？”echoedNurseHaley。”Hedistinctlysaidandrepeatedit——CorporalCameron。AndtheCorporalistoreportfordutyasspeedilyaspossible。””Hecan’tgo，”saidMandy，standingupverystraightwithalightinhereyesthatthedoctorhadnotseensincethattragicnightnearlytwoyearsbefore。”Can’t，eh？”saidthedoctor。”ButtheSuperintendentsaysCorporalCameronis——””CorporalCameroncan’tgo！””You——””Yes，Iforbidit。””TheCorporalis——？””Yes，”shesaidproudly，”theCorporalismine。””Then，”saidthedoctoremphatically，”ofalltheluckychapsithasbeenmyfortunetomeet，byallthegodstheluckiestofthemisthissameCorporalCameron！”
　　AndCameron，drawingdowntohimagainthegirlstandingsostraightandproudbesidehim，lookedupathisfriendandsaid：”Yes，oldchap，theluckiestmaninalltheworldisthatsameCorporalCameron。”
　　End