you had him fast and we let him go!"

The thought brought small comfort to any of them, least of all to
Cameron. In that vast foothill country with all the hidings of the hills
and hollows there was little chance that the Police would round up the
fugitive, and upon Cameron still lay the task of capturing this cunning
and resourceful foe.

"Never mind," said Martin cheerily. "Three out, all out. You'll get him
next time."

"I don't know about that. But I'll get him some time or he'll get me,"
replied Cameron as his face settled into grim lines. "Let's get back."

"Are you quite fit?" inquired the Superintendent.

"Fit enough. Sore a bit in the head, but can navigate."

"I can't tell you how disappointed and chagrined I feel. It isn't often
that my wits are so slow but--" The Superintendent's jaws here cut off
his speech with a snap. The one crime reckoned unpardonable in the men
under his own command was that of failure and his failure to capture old
Copperhead thus delivered into his hands galled him terribly.

"Well, good-night, Cameron," said the Superintendent, looking out into
the black night. "We shall let you know to-morrow the result of our
scouting, though I don't expect much from it. He is much too clever to
be caught in the open in this country."

"Perhaps he'll skidoo," said Dr. Martin hopefully.

"No, he's not that kind," replied the Superintendent. "You can't scare
him out. You have got to catch him or kill him."

"I think you are right, sir," said Cameron. "He will stay till his work
is done or till he is made to quit."

"That is true, Cameron--till he is made to quit--and that's your job,"
said the Superintendent solemnly.

"Yes, that is my job, sir," replied Cameron simply and with equal
solemnity. "I shall do my best."

"We have every confidence in you, Cameron," replied the Superintendent.
"Good-night," he said again, shutting the door.

"Say, old man, this is too gruesome," said Martin with fierce
impatience. "I can't see why it's up to you more than any other."

"The Sun Dance Trail is the trail he must take to do his work. That was
my patrol last year--I know it best. God knows I don't want this--"
his breath came quick--"I am not afraid--but--but there's--We have been
together for such a little while, you know." He could get no farther for
a moment or two, then added quietly, "But somehow I know--yes and she
knows--bless her brave heart--it is my job. I must stay with it."