difficult to bring the criminals to justice. Hence with
this large increase in crime and with the changed attitude and temper of
the Indians toward the Police, such an amount of additional patrol-work
was necessary that the Police had almost reached the limit of their
endurance.

"In fact, we have really a difficult proposition before us, short-handed
as we are," said the Superintendent as they closed their interview.
"Indeed, if things become much worse we may find it necessary to
organize the settlers as Home Guards. An outbreak on the Saskatchewan
might produce at any moment the most serious results here and in British
Columbia. Meantime, while we stand ready to help all we can, it looks to
me, Cameron, that you are right and that in this business you must go it
alone pretty much."

"I realize that, sir," replied Cameron. "But first I must get my house
built and things in shape, then I hope to take this up."

"Most certainly," replied the Superintendent. "Take a month. He can't do
much more harm in a month, and meantime we shall do our utmost to obtain
information and we shall keep you informed of anything we discover."

The Superintendent and Sergeant accompanied Cameron and his friend to
the door.

"It is a black night," said Sergeant Crisp. "I hope they're not running
any 'wet freight' in to-night."

"It's a good night for it, Sergeant," said Dr. Martin. "Do you expect
anything to come in?"

"I have heard rumors," replied the Sergeant, "and there is a freight
train standing right there now which I have already gone through but
upon which it is worth while still to keep an eye."

"Well, good-night," said the Superintendent, shaking Cameron by
the hand. "Keep me posted and when within reach be sure and see me.
Good-night, Dr. Martin. We may want you too before long."

"All right, sir, you have only to say the word."

The night was so black that the trail which in the daylight was worn
smooth and plainly visible was quite blotted out. The light from the
Indian camp fire, which was blazing brightly a hundred yards away,
helped them to keep their general direction.

"For a proper black night commend me to the prairie," said the doctor.
"It is the dead level does it, I believe. There is nothing to cast a
reflection or a shadow."

"It will be better in a few minutes," said Cameron, "when we get our
night sight."

"You are off the trail a bit, I think," said the doctor.

"Yes, I know. I am hitting toward