rom the severe hurts received, but he roused himself and moved forward
at a brisk walk, Avon taking the lead, with the young Indian close
behind him and the captain at his heels.

Very few minutes were required to pass over the intervening space, but
while doing so Captain Shirril made clear several facts which needed
explanation. To these may be added others that came to light afterward.

As has been intimated elsewhere, the suspicions of Gleeson regarding
Shackaye were correct. He had joined the cattlemen for the purpose of
helping Wygwind and his band to despoil them. He was unable to do this
at the time the cabin was attacked, and therefore kept in the background
until the present opportunity presented itself. The intention of the
Comanches, as first formed, was to stampede the animals on some
favorable night, and thus secure possession of a large number; but there
was great risk in the attempt, since the cowboys were watchful, and the
cattle being branded, it would have been almost impossible for the
thieves to dispose of them, even if able to run them beyond reach of
their owners. The Great Cattle Trail is about a hundred yards in width,
with smaller paths weaving in and out along the edges, all so distinctly
marked that no one can go astray, unless the path is temporarily
obliterated by snow. The diversion of a considerable number of cattle
would leave footprints that could be readily followed, and Captain Dohm
Shirril was not the man to submit to such despoilment, so long as there
remained the possibility of preventing it.

The Comanches, however, in the vicinity of the herd kept track of all
its movements. The cunning Shackaye succeeded in holding occasional
communication with them, and learned of their change of plan. It was
decided to make the captain prisoner on the first opportunity, and hold
him for ransom.

Since it was his practice to take his nephew with him on almost every
excursion he made from camp, Shackaye conceived it necessary to the
success of the plot that Avon should be put out of the way. It has been
shown that he made the attempt on the preceding night and came within a
hair of success. It was characteristic of his race that the atrocious
crime was undertaken by him as a matter of course.

The very chance for which Wygwind and his band were waiting came that
morning when Captain Shirril, his nephew, and Shackaye set out to hunt
the estray cattle. While Avon was engaged in conquering the