ood that his home might
be destroyed, for he was an object of special hate to Eagle Feather and
to Little Thunder; and if Copperhead were in the business he had even
greater cause for anxiety.

But what was to be done? The Indian boy had taken three days to bring
the news. It would take a day and a night of hard riding to reach his
home. Quickly he made his plans. He passed into the hotel, found the
room of Billy the hostler and roused him up.

"Billy," he said, "get my horse out quick and hitch him up to the
post where I can get him. And Billy, if you love me," he implored, "be
quick!"

Billy sprang from his bed.

"Don't know what's eatin' you, boss," he said, "but quick's the word."

In another minute Cameron was pounding at Dr. Martin's door upstairs.
Happily the doctor was in.

"Martin, old man," cried Cameron, gripping him hard by the shoulder.
"Wake up and listen hard! That Indian boy you and Mandy pulled through
has just come all the way from the Piegan Reserve to tell me of a
proposed cattle-raid and a possible uprising of the Piegans in that
South country. The cattle-raid is coming on at once. The uprising
depends upon news from the Crees. Listen! I have promised Superintendent
Strong to spend the next two days recruiting for his new troop. Explain
to him why I cannot do this. He will understand. Then ride like blazes
to Macleod and tell the Inspector all that I have told you and get him
to send what men he can spare along with you. You can't get a man here.
The raid starts from the Piegan Reserve. It will likely finish where the
old Porcupine Trail joins the Sun Dance. At least so I judge. Ride by
the ranch and get some of them there to show you the shortest trail.
Both Mandy and Moira know it well."

"Hold on, Cameron! Let me get this clear," cried the doctor, holding him
fast by the arm. "Two things I have gathered," said the doctor, speaking
rapidly, "first, a cattle-raid, then a general uprising, the uprising
dependent upon the news from the North. You want to block the
cattle-raid? Is that right?"

"Right," said Cameron.

"Then you want me to settle with Superintendent Storm, ride to Macleod
for men, then by your ranch and have them show me the shortest trail to
the junction of the Porcupine and the Sun Dance?"

"You are right, Martin, old boy. It is a great thing to have a head like
yours. I shall meet you somewhere at that point. I have been thinking
this thing over and I believe they mean