ly worked out. He had prophesied
a flood, and one came, sweeping away many lodges. When he and his
followers were out of food, he had prophesied that plenty would come to
them that day. It so happened that lightning that morning struck the
trace chain on a load of wood that was being hauled down the
mountain-side by a white leaser. The four oxen drawing the load were
killed, and the white man gave the beef to the Indians, on condition
that they would remove the hides for him. This had sent Fire Bear's
stock soaring and had gained many recruits for his camp--even some of
the older Indians joining.

Lowell had treated Fire Bear leniently--too leniently most of the white
men near the reservation had considered. With the Indians' religious
ceremonials had gone the usual dancing. An inspector from Washington had
sent in a recommendation that the dancing be stopped at once. Lowell had
received several broad hints, following the inspector's letter, but he
was waiting an imperative order before stopping the dancing, because he
knew that any high-handed interference just then would undo an
incalculable amount of his painstaking work with the Indians. He had
figured that he could work personally with Fire Bear after the young
medicine man's first ardor in his new calling had somewhat cooled. Then
had come the murder, with everything pointing to the implication of the
young Indian, and with consequent action forced on the agent.

A threatening circle surrounded the white men in Fire Bear's camp.

"Why didn't you bring the Indian police to arrest me?" asked the young
Indian leader.

"Because I thought you'd see things in their right light and come," said
Lowell.

Fire Bear thought a moment.

"Well, because you did not bring the police, I will go with you," he
said.

"You don't have to tell us anything that might be used against you,"
said the sheriff.

Fire Bear smiled bitterly.

"I've studied white man's law," he said.

Redmond rubbed his head in bewilderment. Such words, coming from a
blanketed Indian, in such primitive surroundings, passed his
comprehension. Yet Lowell thought, as he smiled at the sheriff's
amazement, that it merely emphasized the queer jumble of old and new on
every reservation.

"I'll ask you to wait for me out there in the trees," said Fire Bear.

Redmond hesitated, but the agent turned at once and walked away, and the
sheriff finally followed. Fire Bear exhorted his followers a few
moments,