he
conversation was unusually brisk and ran almost exclusively on the
murder.

Judge Garford's action in releasing Fire Bear on the agent's promise to
produce the prisoner in court was the cause of considerable criticism.
The two women, the ranchman, and one of the drummers had voted that too
much leniency was shown. The other drummer appealed to the stage-driver
to support his contention that the court's action was novel, but
entirely just.

"Well, all I can say is," remarked the driver, "that if that Injun shows
up for trial, as per his agreement, without havin' to be sent for, it's
goin' to be a hard lesson for the white race to swaller. You can imagine
how much court'd be held if all white suspects was to be let go on their
word that they'd show up for trial. Detectives 'd be chasin' fugitives
all over the universe. If that Injun shows up, I'll carry the hull
reservation anywheres, without tickets, if they'll promise to pay me at
the end of the trip."

The driver noticed that the quiet lady in the back seat, though taking
no part in the conversation, seemed to be a keenly interested listener.
No part of the discussion of the murder escaped her, but she asked no
questions. On alighting at White Lodge, she asked the driver where she
could get a conveyance to take her to Willis Morgan's ranch.

The driver looked at her in such astonishment that she repeated her
question.

"I'd 'a' plum forgot there was such a man in this part of the country,"
said Charley, "if it hadn't 'a' been that sometime before this here
murder I carried a young woman--a stepdaughter of his'n--and she asked
me the same question. I don't believe you can hire any one to take you
out there, but I'll bet I can get you took by the same young feller that
took this girl to the ranch. He's the Indian agent, and I seen him in
his car when we turned this last corner."

Followed by his passenger the driver hurried back to the corner and
hailed Walter Lowell, who was just preparing to return to the agency.

On having matters explained, Lowell expressed his willingness to carry
the lady passenger over to the ranch. Her suitcase was put in the
automobile, and soon they were on the outskirts of White Lodge.

"I ought to explain," said the agent's passenger, "that my name is
Scovill--Miss Sarah Scovill--and Mr. Morgan's stepdaughter has been in
my school for years."

"I know," said Lowell. "I've heard her talk about your school, and I'm
glad you're go