第75章

"Yes, indeed," said Cameron."It makes me think that some one bigger than Eagle Feather is at the bottom of all this cattle-running.Sometimes I have thought that perhaps that chap Raven has a hand in it.""Raven?" exclaimed the Superintendent."He has brain enough and nerve in plenty for any dare-devil exploit.""But," continued Cameron in a hesitating voice, "I cannot bring myself to lay this upon him.""Why not?" inquired the Superintendent sharply."He is a cool hand and desperate.I know his work fairly well.He is a first-class villain.""Yes, I know he is all that, and yet--well--in this rebellion, sir, I believe he is with us and against them." In proof of this Cameron proceeded to relate the story of Raven's visit to the Big Horn Ranch."So you see," he concluded, "he would not care to work in connection with the Piegans just now.""I don't know about that--I don't know about that," replied the Superintendent."Of course he would not work against us directly, but he might work for himself in this crisis.It would furnish him with a good opportunity, you see.It would give him plenty of cover.""Yes, that is true, but still--I somehow cannot help liking the chap.""Liking the chap?" echoed the Superintendent."He is a cold-blooded villain and cattle-thief, a murderer, as you know.If ever I get my hand on him in this rumpus-- Why, he's an outlaw pure and simple! I have no use for that kind of man at all.I should like to hang him!" The Superintendent was indignant at the suggestion that any but the severest measures should be meted out to a man of Raven's type.It was the instinct and training of the Police officer responsible for the enforcement of law and order in the land moving within him."But," continued the Superintendent, "let us get back to our plans.There must be a strong force raised in this district immediately.We have the kind of men best suited for the work all about us in this ranching country, and I know that if you ride south throughout the ranges you can bring me back fifty men, and there would be no finer anywhere.""I shall do what I can, sir," replied Cameron, "but I am not sure about the fifty men."Long they talked over the plans, till it was far past midnight, when Cameron took his leave and returned to his hotel.He put up his own horse, looking after his feeding and bedding.

"You have some work to do, Ginger, for your Queen and country to-morrow, and you must be fit," he said as he finished rubbing the horse down.

And Ginger had work to do, but not that planned for him by his master, as it turned out.At the door of the Royal Hotel, Cameron found waiting him in the shadow a tall slim Indian youth.

"Hello!" said Cameron."Who are you and what do you want?"As the youth stepped into the light there came to Cameron a dim suggestion of something familiar about the lad, not so much in his face as in his figure and bearing.

"Who are you?" said Cameron again somewhat impatiently.

The young man pulled up his trouser leg and showed a scarred ankle.

"Ah! Now I get you.You are the young Piegan?""Not" said the youth, throwing back his head with a haughty movement."No Piegan.""Ah, no, of course.Onawata's son, eh?"

The lad grunted.

"What do you want?" inquired Cameron.

The young man stood silent, evidently finding speech difficult.

"Eagle Feather," at length he said, "Little Thunder--plenty Piegan--run much cattle." He made a sweeping motion with his arm to indicate the extent of the cattle raid proposed.

"They do, eh? Come in, my boy."

The boy shook his head and drew back.He shared with all wild things the fear of inclosed places.

"Are you hungry?"

The boy nodded his head.

"Come with me."

Together they walked down the street and came to a restaurant.

"Come in and eat.It is all right," said Cameron, offering his hand.

The Indian took the offered hand, laid it upon his heart, then for a full five seconds with his fierce black eye he searched Cameron's face.Satisfied, he motioned Cameron to enter and followed close on his heel.Never before had the lad been within four walls.

"Eat," said Cameron when the ordered meal was placed before them.

The lad was obviously ravenous and needed no further urging.