own into the valley. The
policemen scarcely looked up to see them come.

Inspector Egerton and Chief Watusk faced each other on horseback. The
other Indians remained at a respectful distance. Ambrose mightily
desired to hear what was being said on either side. He learned later.

"Watusk!" cried the peppery little inspector. "What damn foolishness
is this? Rifle pits! Do you think you're another Louis Riel?"

Watusk, glowering sullenly, made no answer.

"Have you got Ambrose Doane here?" the officer demanded.

"Ambrose Doane here," said Watusk.

"I want him," said Egerton crisply. "I also want you, Watusk,
Myengeen, Tatateecha, and three others whose names I can't pronounce.
I have a clerk belonging to the Company store who will pick them out.

"I've got to send you all out for trial before the river closes, so
there's no time to lose. We will start back to-day. I will leave half
my men here under Sergeant Plaskett to look after your people. You
will instruct your people to bring in all the goods stolen from the
Company store.

"Plaskett will have a list of everything that was taken and will credit
what is returned. The balance, together with the amount of damage done
the store will be charged in a lump against the tribe, and the sum
deducted pro rata from the government annuities next year. They're
lucky to get off so easy."

"We get pay, too, for our flour burn up?" muttered Watusk.

"That will be investigated with the rest," the inspector said. "Bring
in your people at once. Look sharp! There's not an hour to lose!"

Watusk made no move. The fiery spirit he had swallowed was lending a
deceitful warmth to his veins. He began to feel like a hero. His eyes
narrowed and glittered. "Suppose I don' do it?" he muttered.

The inspectors white eyebrows went up. "Then I will go and take the
men I want," he said coolly.

"You dead before you gone far," said Watusk. He swept his arm
dramatically around the hills. "I got five hundred Winchesters point
at your red coats!" he cried. "When I give signal they speak together!"

"That's a lie," said the inspector. "You've only a few over two
hundred able men in your tribe."

"Two hundred is plenty," said Watusk unabashed. "That is ten bullets
for every man of yours. They are all around you. You cannot go
forward or back. Ask Company man if Kakisas shoot straight!"

Inspector Egerton's answer was a hearty laugh. "Capital!" he cried.

"Lau