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diff --git a/old/52207-0.txt b/old/52207-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 214c908..0000000 --- a/old/52207-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6451 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, Dick Kent, Fur Trader, by Milo Milton Oblinger - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - - -Title: Dick Kent, Fur Trader - - -Author: Milo Milton Oblinger - - - -Release Date: June 1, 2016 [eBook #52207] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK KENT, FUR TRADER*** - - -E-text prepared by Stephen Hutcheson, Rod Crawford, Dave Morgan, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) - - - -Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this - file which includes the original illustrations. - See 52207-h.htm or 52207-h.zip: - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/52207/52207-h/52207-h.htm) - or - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/52207/52207-h.zip) - - - - - -DICK KENT, FUR TRADER - - -[Illustration: Dick, happening to glance through the window, drew back -suddenly with a cry of surprise. (Page 70)] - - -DICK KENT, FUR TRADER - -by - -MILTON RICHARDS - -Author of -“Dick Kent with the Mounted Police” -“Dick Kent in the Far North” -“Dick Kent with the Eskimos” -“Dick Kent and the Malemute Mail” - - - - - - - -[Illustration: Logo] - -The Saalfield Publishing Company -Akron, Ohio New York - -Copyright MCMXXVII -The Saalfield Publishing Company -Made in the United States of America - - - - -Contents - - - CHAPTER PAGE - I Blind Man’s Pass 3 - II Dick Plays the Part of a Spy 13 - III Sergeant Richardson’s Theory 24 - IV Two Encounters in One Day 33 - V A Midnight Conference 44 - VI Murky Takes a Hand 56 - VII Wandley’s Post 69 - VIII The Ambuscade 82 - IX The Meeting Place 91 - X The First Prisoner 105 - XI An Unexpected Setback 116 - XII The Outlaws’ Cabin 124 - XIII A Scout returns 133 - XIV Following the Pack-train 142 - XV The Corporal Upbraids Himself 152 - XVI Murky Nichols! 162 - XVII Dick Goes to the Rescue 172 - XVIII A Dusky Friend 181 - XIX A Game of Hide-and-seek 190 - XX The Invalid 198 - XXI Campfire Smoke 207 - XXII Murky’s Confession 213 - XXIII Back at Fort Good Faith 222 - - - - - DICK KENT, FUR TRADER - - - - - CHAPTER I - BLIND MAN’S PASS - - -Dick Kent, bronzed by exposure to wind and sun, leaned over the rough -pine table in the trading room of Factor MacClaren at Fort Good Faith -and listened intently to the conversation being carried on at that -particular moment between Murky Nichols, prospector and gentleman of -parts, and Corporal Rand of the Mackenzie River detachment of the Royal -North West Mounted Police. On the paper in front of them, torn from a -convenient packing case, were a number of irregular lines, dots and -scrawls, which had been placed there with the aid of the stub of a lead -pencil, held awkwardly in the hands of the big prospector. - -“I want to show yuh,” Nichols explained eagerly, “jus’ where I think ol’ -Daddy McInnes crossed the Dominion Range. He travelled east an’ then -south until he got to Placer Lake, goin’ through what the Indians call -Blind Man’s Pass. There ain’t no other way he could o’ got through, sick -an’ worn out like he was. That pass must come out on this side of the -range somewhere near where yuh picked up his body.” - -Corporal Rand drummed softly on the table and regarded Murky’s animated -face with thoughtful interest. - -“Sounds reasonable,” he commented. “In fact, that’s exactly the way I -had it figured out myself. Blind Man’s Pass must be something more than -a myth—a mere Indian legend. McInnes got through some way, travelling -along a fairly well defined, not too difficult trail. No man can walk -over Dominion Range, neither can he crawl under it. Yet McInnes came -through. I have conclusive proof of that. But where is Blind Man’s -Pass?” - -“It’s there somewhere,” Nichols declared doggedly. - -“Certainly. I agree with you, Murky.” The mounted policeman took the -pencil from the prospector’s hand and drew a straight line near the -center of the map. “This line,” he pointed out—Dick thought a little -impatiently—“represents a distance of thirty miles. The country is -rough, broken, almost inaccessible along its entire length. Somewhere -within that thirty miles is a narrow opening, probably not more than -fifty, a hundred or two hundred feet wide, which forms one end of what -is called Blind Man’s Pass. Now how are you going to find it? There are -a thousand different openings, all more or less alike. Attempt to follow -any one of them, and you end up against a solid rock wall. You go back -and start all over again somewhere else—and with the same result. I -spent two weeks out there, going through the same stupid performance day -after day. Only infinite patience or fool’s luck will lead you to the -right opening.” - -So interested had Dick Kent become that presently he crowded closer to -the two men and began staring at the paper himself. Exactly what were -they trying to do? What were they talking about? Who was McInnes, and -why all this bother about a fabled trail through the mountains no one -seemed to know anything about? He was interrupted in his train of -thought by the next statement of the mounted policeman: - -“McInnes had been dead more than a week when I found him. You could see -the poor devil had been half-starved and had suffered every sort of -hardship and privation. How he had managed to stagger along with that -heavy load is more than I can imagine.” - -“Too bad ol’ Daddy has passed,” Murky sighed regretfully. “I ’member -seeing him one time ’bout three years ago over in the Goose Lake -country. Might’ fine ol’ man he was, an’ a good trapper, folks said. -Never failed to bring in a good catch ever’ spring—mostly fox, marten -an’ beaver—an’ he got top prices ’cause he knew how to cure his fur—all -prime, A-Number-1 stuff it was. He had a knack, almost amountin’ to -genius for locatin’ black and cross fox an’ then gettin’ ’em to walk -plump into his traps.” Nichols paused to gaze reminiscently out of the -window and to smile to himself. “Couldn’t beat him that particular way, -no, sir. A big catch ever’ year—fortune for most men; yet Daddy allers -complained that he wa’n’t gettin’ nothin’ atall, that he was either -gonna quit or cross the Dominion Range, where trappin’ was a hull lot -better.” - -“You’re right about the black fox skins,” remarked Corporal Rand, -pushing the paper aside. “In the pack I found beside the body, there -were eight of the shiniest, loveliest black pelts I’ve ever looked -upon.” - -“An’ he came through Blind Man’s Pass,” mused Murky. “The clever ol’ -coot. Too bad he didn’t live to tell about it.” - -Dick had edged still closer. His eyes were shining with interest. He -reached over and touched the sleeve of the corporal’s scarlet tunic. - -“Pardon me, Corporal Rand—but I’ve been eavesdropping. You don’t mind, I -hope.” - -The mounted policeman turned quickly and smiled into the eager face. - -“Certainly not, you’re welcome to any information or nonsense you may -have heard. Isn’t that the truth, Murky?” - -“It sure is.” - -“And may I ask you a question?” Dick persisted. - -“Yes,” smiled Rand. - -“What is Blind Man’s Pass?” - -“A reality or a legend—I’m not sure which. Outside of Daddy McInnes I’d -say it was a legend. We used to laugh at the old tales about it. The -Indians claimed that years and years ago one of their ancestors had -discovered a long, narrow pass or defile that cut Dominion range -somewhere due west of here. In 1895 a party of mounted police explorers -investigated the story by making a very careful, painstaking search -through all the country lying between Cauldron Lake and Summit River. -Nothing came of it. The party decided that the tale was a myth. Blind -Man’s Pass was, until a few weeks ago, a bye-word among all the white -men living in this section.” - -Corporal Rand paused and favored Dick with a most engaging smile. - -“And what about Daddy McInnes?” the young man inquired. - -“I’ll give you the bald facts and you can draw your own conclusions. A -little over a year ago Daddy McInnes left us. For years it had been his -ambition to trap on the other side of the Dominion Range in what is -commonly known as the Caribou Hills country. As the crow flies, Caribou -Hills are less than three hundred miles away. It wouldn’t have been much -of a journey if McInnes could have gone straight there, crossing the -mountains. But, of course, he couldn’t. He chose instead the more -sensible and longer route by way of the Yellowhead Pass, which, as you -know, is many hundred miles south of here. It took Daddy the greater -part of one summer to make the trip.” - -Corporal Rand rose slowly to his feet and walked over to a window, -gazing somberly out across a bleak, snow-streaked meadow that extended -west and north to meet the encroaching woodland. He swung about -presently, and continued: - -“But Daddy came back. What motive prompted him, I have no way of finding -out. All I know is that he did come back—but not by the Yellowhead -route! I came upon his dead body less than a week ago. It was lying in a -sheltered spot near a little knoll, less than a hundred yards from the -banks of Run River. It was easy to determine the cause of his death. He -died of starvation and exposure. McInnes is an old, old man and this -last trip had proved too much for him.” - -“And you don’t think that he had contrived somehow to cross over the -range?” queried Dick. - -“Absolutely, utterly impossible.” - -“If he didn’t come by the Yellowhead route, or cross the mountains—” - -“The only possible solution is Blind Man’s Pass,” interrupted Corporal -Rand. - -“But you can’t find it.” - -“I haven’t yet. But I have every hope that we will in a very short time. -The best scout and woodsman who ever enlisted in a service of the R. N. -W. M. P. is out there now looking for it—a man called Malemute Slade.” - -“Malemute Slade!” shouted Dick, clapping his hands in glee. “Why, -corporal, I know him. He’s a friend of mine.” - -“I’m glad to hear that. I knew that Slade was well acquainted with -Factor MacClaren’s nephew, Sandy. Are you by any chance the Dick Kent, -who accompanied Sandy last summer to Thunder River in search of a gold -mine?” - -“Yes,” answered Dick. - -Corporal Rand laughed as he extended his hand. - -“I guess that we’ll shake on that. The mounted police haven’t forgotten -the incident. Time and time again, before a crackling fire, when we -happened to meet on patrol, Sergeant Richardson entertained me with the -history of your exploits.” - -“We had a lot of trouble with the Henderson gang,” stated Dick. - -“So I heard. Fortunately they’re wiped out. They were the worst band of -outlaws that ever infested the North. By the way, what ever became of -that young Indian lad, Toma, who used to accompany you on so many of -your expeditions?” - -“He’s out with Sandy right now on a hunting trip,” Dick replied. “I’m -expecting them back today.” - -Murky Nichols rose lazily, yawned, and stretched himself to his full -length. - -“Well, I guess I’ll toddle along,” he announced. “Hope yuh find that -pass, corporal.” - -With a friendly nod to Dick in passing, Nichols strode over to the -counter before which a small group of half-breed men, women and children -chatted volubly. - -No sooner had the prospector passed out of hearing, than Rand turned -eagerly to Dick: - -“Ever meet Murky before?” - -“No,” answered Dick in surprise, “but I’ve heard of him.” - -“Queer character,” mused Rand, half to himself. “Sometimes bears -watching.” - -“What do you mean?” asked Dick, a little startled. - -“Murky’s intentions are the best in the world, but his sense of right -and wrong is considerably clouded. Also, you may or may not have heard, -Nichols has the reputation of being the laziest mortal on earth and one -of the shrewdest. He has money but seldom works. For months past I’ve -been trying to find the key that will open the secret to Murky’s -checkered past.” - -Slightly annoyed at Rand’s garrulity, Dick looked up sharply. Well he -knew that no self-respecting member of the force became so confidential -in so short a time with a comparative stranger. For the most part, the -men of the Royal Mounted were reserved, dignified and aloof. It was none -of Dick’s business what sort of a man Murky was. - -“What bothers me,” Corporal Rand hastened on, “is why Nichols should be -so interested in Blind Man’s Pass. This is the third time he’s troubled -himself to seek me out and pester me with questions.” - -“It’s an interesting topic,” said Dick. “I don’t know as I blame him -very much. Don’t forget, corporal, that I’ve just been bothering you -with questions myself.” - -“But you’re different.” - -“You’ve known Nichols longer than you’ve known me,” Dick shot back, -somewhat testily. - -“All right, Dick,” grinned the corporal, “I’ll accept your reprimand. -And, come to think of it, I’ve got a note for you. It may possibly -explain why I do not hesitate about taking you into my confidence.” - -“A note!” gasped Dick. - -“Yes, it’s self-explanatory.” - -Dick received the missive and opened it, considerably perplexed. He read -quickly: - - “Dear Richard: - - I’ll be very grateful to you for any assistance you may be able to - render to the bearer of this note, Corporal William Rand, of the - Mackenzie River detachment. Corporal Rand will instruct you in certain - matters of extreme importance. Please trust him implicitly in - everything. - - Please convey my very best wishes to Mr. MacClaren and your two young - cronies, Sandy and Toma. - - Sincerely, - Henry C. Richardson, - Sergeant R. N. W. M. P.” - -When Dick had finished reading the letter, he looked across at Corporal -Rand with new understanding in his eyes. - -“I’ll help, of course. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for Sergeant -Richardson.” - -“That’s splendid of you.” - -The mounted policeman moved closer and spoke in a low tone. - -“Sit down at that table and pick up that old magazine. Pretend you’re -reading. Watch Nichols. In ten or fifteen minutes two half breeds will -enter this room and will probably walk over and engage Murky in -conversation. You won’t be able to hear a thing they say, but I want you -to notice particularly whether or not any money passes between them.” - -Dick had scarcely recovered from his astonishment, when Corporal Rand -turned with quick, military precision and walked swiftly out of the -room. - - - - - CHAPTER II - DICK PLAYS THE PART OF A SPY - - -The two men who entered the trading room within a few minutes after -Corporal Rand’s sudden exit were undoubtedly half-breeds. Both were -heavy, powerful-looking specimens of the lowest type of humanity to be -found in the North. Their appearance was far from prepossessing. They -shambled over to the counter, elbowed their way through the small group -of customers and stood for a moment watching Factor MacClaren wrapping -up merchandise purchased by the various members of the chattering party. - -Behind the pages of his magazine, Dick covertly watched them. Thus far, -they had made no effort to approach or accost Nichols, whose indolent -form slouched on one of the high stools, which had been placed before -the counter. To all appearances, the two newcomers were entirely -oblivious of the presence, or even the existence of the big prospector. -Not once had their dark, insolent glances been turned in his direction. - -But—and here was a curious thing—each passing moment seemed to bring -them closer and closer to the man under police surveillance. They -accomplished this maneuver in a manner that would have done credit to an -experienced horseman, jockeying for position at the commencement of a -race. Almost imperceptibly, and by degrees, they had edged nearer, -covering the short space separating them from the imperturbable Nichols -without once creating the impression that the thing had been done -intentionally. - -They were so close now that Nichols might easily have reached out with -one long arm and placed it on the shoulder of either one of them. The -prospector’s eyes were upon Factor MacClaren and his face was perfectly -immobile and expressionless. If he was aware of the proximity of the -murderous looking pair, he gave no sign of it. He moved slightly in his -chair but completely ignored them. Dick had about come to the conclusion -that the two half-breeds were not those whom Corporal Rand had expected, -when a very suspicious movement on the part of Murky caught his alert -gaze. With a lazy, seemingly unconscious action, the prospector’s hand -was thrust in a pocket, held there for a moment, then was drawn forth, -palm down and thrust quickly towards the nearer of the two stalky forms. -Swift as the movement had been, Dick had, nevertheless, caught a glimpse -of the roll of bills so secretly exchanged. - -The half-breeds lingered for a very short time near their benefactor, -then advanced along the counter and purchased several plugs of smoking -tobacco from Factor MacClaren. Completing this transaction, they turned -nonchalantly and walked out. No sooner had the door closed after them, -than Murky rose and sauntered over to the window. He was still gazing -out when the door creaked again and Corporal Rand entered. - -“I’ve been out inspecting MacClaren’s new warehouse,” he announced -cheerfully. “You must be expecting a large volume of business this -winter.” He addressed the factor. - -Walter MacClaren put down a large bundle of merchandise and paused to -wipe his perspiring face. - -“Yes,” he answered, “trading is good this year. Just now the indications -are especially bright. Although this is just the beginning of the fur -season, I’ve never seen better prices or the promise of so large a -trade.” - -“Indian trappers are out everywhere,” Corporal Rand remarked. “Yesterday -I ran into a party of them going out to the Big Smoky. They told me they -expected a good catch this year.” - -MacClaren nodded as he went back to his work. The mounted policeman -moved over to the table where Dick sat and placed a friendly hand on -that young man’s shoulder. - -“If I can pry you loose from that magazine,” he declared jovially, “I’m -going to ask you to step up to my room for a few minutes for a private -consultation. No! Don’t look frightened. I really don’t intend to take -you into custody just yet. If you’ll bring your cribbage board and a new -deck of cards, I’ll promise to be lenient.” - -Grinning, Dick got to his feet. Well he knew that the game he and the -corporal would presently play had nothing whatever to do with cribbage. -Something a great deal more important was at stake just then—he could -tell that from the serious, thoughtful expression so poorly concealed -under Rand’s effort at deception. The jovial manner, the subterfuge of -the cribbage board and the forced laugh—all were intended for the eyes -and ears of the man who still stood near the window, and whose -suspicions, under any circumstances, must not be aroused. - -With a quickening pulse, Dick followed the policeman through the door at -the back of the trading room, down a long hallway and into an -immaculately neat and clean-looking chamber, which MacClaren always -reserved for the use of various members of the R. N. W. M. P. who came -frequently to the post. - -Rand motioned his visitor to a chair. - -“Well, what did you find out?” - -“Nichols handed a roll of bills to two half-breeds who entered the room -shortly after your departure,” Dick replied quickly. - -“Did you happen to overhear any of their conversation?” came the next -question. - -“They didn’t talk,” the other informed him. “The breeds moved close to -Nichols, but pretended to be interested in the customers and the -trading. Until he put his hand in his pocket and passed the money -quickly over to one of the half-breeds, you never would have known that -Murky realized that the two were standing there.” - -“Then what happened?” - -“Nothing. At least nothing of importance. The pair bought some tobacco -and walked out. Nichols went to the window and seemed to be watching -them as they hurried away. You came in yourself a moment later.” - -“Thanks, Dick, you’ve done well,” approved the corporal. “You’ve helped -me to weld the first link in the chain. In time, I hope to piece -together the other links that will lead me to the solution of this -mystery.” - -Dick’s curiosity was aroused, but hesitated about asking any questions. -To what mystery did Rand refer? He waited patiently for the policeman’s -next words: - -“In fairness to you, Dick, I think it’s advisable to give you some -information regarding this case. I’ve already hinted to you that Murky -Nichols is under police surveillance. We’ve been watching him closely -for a long time. His movements have been suspicious. Although he -professes to be a prospector, he really hasn’t done a tap of work in the -last four years. He always has a large amount of money and he spends it -liberally.” - -“Where does he get this money?” Dick inquired. - -“From three or four different sources. To my certain knowledge, there -are two men who pay him money regularly. One is Fred Hart and the other -is Tim O’Connell. Both of these men are packers in the summer and -freighters in the winter. They have almost a monopoly on the -transportation business in this particular section of the country. The -Hudson’s Bay, in addition to several of the independent fur companies -and free traders, give practically all of their business to these men. -Last year Factor MacClaren’s business alone amounted to nearly five -thousand dollars. Hart and O’Connell get the preference over the other -packers and freighters because they are more efficient, careful and -responsible.” - -“Why,” said Dick, as the thought suddenly occurred to him, “perhaps -Nichols is a silent-partner in their enterprise.” - -Rand smiled at the other’s quick perception, but he slowly shook his -head. - -“That’s the conclusion we came to ourselves. Investigation, carried out -secretly, proves that he isn’t. No—the thing goes deeper than that. -Nichols is engaged in some secret and probably illegal enterprise. -Little by little we’ve been picking up new clues—making new discoveries. -We’ve found nothing incriminating yet, but I don’t believe it will be -very long before we will.” - -“What about the money that exchanged hands today? What business dealing -do you suppose Nichols could have with those two hard-looking -customers?” - -“Both of them are thieves, but we haven’t yet been able to prove -anything against them. For several weeks past we’ve suspected that -either they’re in Murky’s employ or that the breeds come to him to sell -stolen goods. The fact that Nichols paid them money today is a pretty -strong indication that one or other of these suppositions is correct.” - -Corporal Rand paused to fill his pipe. - -“Nichols is shrewd and clever,” he went on. “He’s amiable and -well-liked. He has many friends in every part of the country. -Notwithstanding, there’s a deep, treacherous side to his nature, a -diabolical cleverness that can find its outlet only through criminal -channels. Your friend, Sergeant Richardson, believes firmly he’s a -master crook, a sort of genius at crime, and that he contrives to -distract attention from himself by assuming this role of genial, lazy, -ignorant prospector.” - -Dick laughed outright. - -“Sergeant Richardson has a vivid imagination,” he declared, “but very -often in cases of this kind his deductions prove correct.” - -“True enough!” Constable Rand puffed reflectively. “He’s worked out a -very unusual theory in regard to Nichols. It was shortly after the -finding of old Daddy McInnes’ body that he told me about it. The whole -thing is so extraordinary, so wild, and yet so convincing that we’ve -decided to look into it. It’s this theory that we’re working on now.” - -“Won’t you tell me about it?” pleaded Dick. - -“Certainly. There’s no harm done, that I can see. Besides the sergeant -informed me that I could trust you implicitly. He even hinted that you -contemplated joining the force. What about that?” - -“It’s true,” Dick was forced to admit, his face red with embarrassment. -“I’ve made application to the commissioner at Ottawa, but I’m not sure -that anything will ever come of it.” - -“I’m not so certain,” Rand shook his head. “We need more men, especially -here in the North. You’d have to spend a period of training at Regina -though. - -“But to go on with Richardson’s theory,” resumed the corporal. -“Incredible as it may at first appear, it’s logical enough. I’ll give -you its substance briefly: Nichols is the leader of a small band of -crooks. Hart and O’Connell are his accomplices, or, what I should say -his accessories—they’re both honest. Nichols never actually commits any -crime himself. He purchases fur, which he knows is stolen and disposes -of it.” - -“Through Hart and O’Connell, I suppose,” Dick put in. “They take it to -civilization and sell it.” - -“No. You’re a thousand miles from the mark. Hart and O’Connell play a -less important part in this scheme. Murky is more clever than that. He -disposes of his own stuff in a more original and unheard-of way. Hart -and O’Connell merely supply him with means of transportation—pack horses -in summer and dog teams in winter.” - -Corporal Rand paused again and rose to his feet. He tiptoed softly to -the door, opened it and looked out. - -“I thought there might be someone in the hallway,” he apologised. “One -can’t be too careful.” - -He closed the door, a slight frown on his face, and went back to the -chair opposite Dick. - -“I guess we won’t be bothered. Where was I—oh, yes—As I just said Hart -and O’Connell supply Nichols with ponies or dog teams, depending upon -the season, and Murky proceeds to transport his stolen fur to the -coast.” - -“To the coast!” gasped Dick. “How could he?” - -“Through Blind Man’s Pass.” - -Dick sat and stared incredulously at the grave, serious face of the man -opposite. - -“You’re fooling me, corporal.” - -“Not a bit! Richardson feels that he’s absolutely sure that such is the -case. I’m almost convinced myself. Every clue that we’ve been able to -pick up since the Sergeant hit upon this wild theory seems to bear him -out. Another thing, there’s the case of Daddy McInnes. The story I told -in the trading room an hour ago was an elaboration of or a tampering -with the true facts.” - -“I don’t think I quite understand.” - -“Daddy McInnes was murdered. A blow on the back of the head.” - -Dick shivered. - -“Naturally, we don’t want anyone to suspect—least of all Nichols—that we -know McInnes came to a violent end. That would spoil everything. We -never would catch Murky if a breath of this ever leaked out. The -abrasion on the back of Daddy’s head caused a little comment, but we -took immediate steps to check it.” - -“How?” asked Dick. - -“We claimed that in his weakened and starved condition, McInnes fainted -and fell, his head striking a rock. Everyone believes it now.” - -“But why should Nichols—I mean, what motive would he have?” - -“Daddy found the pass and came through it. If he had lived, its exact -location would have become public property. In that event, Murky Nichols -would have been out of a job.” - -“But what about Hart and O’Connell? They must know where Blind Man’s -Pass is.” - -“No, I don’t think so. There is only one white man in this country who -could lead us unerringly to Blind Man’s Pass—and that person is Murky -Nichols!” - - - - - CHAPTER III - SERGEANT RICHARDSON’S THEORY - - -For the second time since coming to the room, Corporal Rand strode to -the door and opened it. - -“I must be nervous today,” he declared. “I pop up here every few minutes -like a jack-in-the-box. Somehow, I can’t get over the feeling that there -was really someone prowling about the hallway a short time ago.” - -“I didn’t hear anything,” reassured Dick. - -“Possibly I am mistaken. There are times when a thing like that will lay -hold of you, and you don’t seem to be able to shake it off.” - -“I’ve often experienced the same feeling,” confessed Dick. “It isn’t -very pleasant.” - -Closing the door, the mounted policeman helped himself to a glass of -water from a pitcher that stood on the table. - -“I’ve given you a brief outline of Richardson’s theory,” he stated, “but -I’m afraid I haven’t made everything quite clear. Are there any -questions you’d like to ask?” - -“Yes—about Hart and O’Connell,” Dick responded quickly. “According to -what you have said, these men have given Nichols money. After listening -to your story, that part of it doesn’t seem reasonable. If Murky uses -their outfits to transport stolen goods to the coast through Blind Man’s -Pass, I should think he’d be under obligation to them, that he’d pay -them money instead of their paying him.” - -“So it would seem,” Corporal Rand smiled approvingly. “That was my -contention. I claimed it was the one weak spot in Richardson’s -theory—but, of course, the explanation is simple enough. - -“Hart and O’Connell’s are freighters. They go everywhere. They have -almost a monopoly on the transportation business. They have the -government mail contract from here to Edmonton. Occasionally, perhaps -not more than once or twice a year, they have business that takes them -to the west coast—across Dominion Range. As you know this is a long and -roundabout trip, requiring weeks, sometimes months for its completion. -Consequently the transportation rates to the west coast are high. No one -realizes this condition of affairs any better than Nichols. He takes -advantage of it for his own gain. He draws up an agreement with the two -packers to handle all the west-coast business himself, charging a very -nominal rate for this service, and killing two birds with one stone. You -can see how diabolical, how very clever the arrangement is. The freight -that goes through Blind Man’s Pass is a mixed shipment. Part of it is -stolen fur, the other part is merchandise which the original shipper has -entrusted to the care of Hart or O’Connell. - -“The scheme works beautifully,” smiled Rand. “Both parties to the -transaction reap a lovely profit. Hart or O’Connell charge the shipper -the same price that he would have to pay if his merchandise went all the -way round to the west coast through the Yellowhead Pass. Murky can smile -up his sleeve too, because all expense of taking out his contraband -falls upon the willing shoulders of the two packers.” - -“I never heard of anything so clever,” declared Dick. “Of course, Hart -and O’Connell are aware of the existence of Blind Man’s Pass. You don’t -suppose they know where it is themselves?” - -“No, that’s Murky’s own secret. Otherwise the packers would never have -entered into such an agreement.” - -“I can see it all very clearly now,” said Dick, “and I’m anxious to know -in what way I can be of help.” - -Corporal Rand hesitated for a moment before making a reply. He sat in -the chair opposite and regarded Dick with appraising eyes. - -“We haven’t definitely decided just what we are going to do ourselves, -but we intend to use you in some capacity. I’m waiting now to hear from -Sergeant Richardson. However, unless something unforseen occurs, I -imagine our program will be something like this: Malemute Slade will -continue in his search for the pass; Constable Pearly—a new man just -recently transferred here from the Peace River Detachment—will be -detailed to keep close tab on Hart and O’Connell, while Sergeant -Richardson and myself will study every movement of the two half-breeds -and Murky. - -“It may take weeks, possibly months, before we’ll be able to accomplish -much. We are compelled to move very, very cautiously. If Nichols -discovers our interest in his affairs, we’ll lose our only chance of -getting him. He’s as slippery as an eel, and as crafty as a fox. I don’t -believe there is another person in the North with a wider acquaintance, -or a more thorough knowledge of conditions.” - -“But wouldn’t Hart and O’Connell squeal if Murky should refuse to take -any more of their shipments through Blind Man’s Pass?” - -“In the first place they won’t dare to, because the shippers will hear -of it and refuse to give the packers another dollar’s worth of business. -Remember Hart and O’Connell have been reaping a golden harvest at the -shippers’ expense. In the second place, even if they do squeal, we’ll -have no direct evidence against Nichols.” - -“How then do you propose to catch Murky?” - -“There are several ways: One would be to find the pass ourselves and -then wait for Murky to come through; another would be to follow a -west-coast shipment from the time it leaves the hands of Hart and -O’Connell; still another, to locate Murky’s cache of stolen fur, and -awaiting the next shipment through Blind Man’s Pass.” - -“You really think Murky has such a cache?” - -“If our theory is correct, he must have. In all likelihood, he has two -of them.” - -“Two of them!” gasped Dick. “What makes you think that?” - -“It stands to reason that he has. In fact, it’s quite obvious. The -stolen fur must be stored somewhere before it is shipped. When it -reaches the coast, it must be stored again.” - -“Why not sold?” - -“There’s only one place to sell it—at the Hudson’s Bay Company’s post at -Fort Pennington—and Murky isn’t foolish enough to take that risk.” - -“You mean,” asked Dick in amazement, “that he’d continue to—that he’s -been hiding it out there on the coast year after year, making no attempt -to sell it?” - -“Yes and no! We believe he hides it out there all right. But we’re -pretty sure that he sells some of it occasionally. We do know that two -years ago last summer he went to Seattle. He was away about six months. -When he returned he was rolling in money and told a very interesting -story about a legacy he had received from a brother, recently deceased. -We believed the yarn then—but we don’t now! In fact,” Rand spoke -sarcastically, “we’re somewhat inclined to the opinion that while he was -there he met one or two unscrupulous gentlemen who offered to accompany -him up the coast for the fun and profit to be derived.” - -“I shouldn’t wonder,” laughed Dick. - -“He probably hasn’t sold any of the fur since then. I think that when -you go out there, you’ll find that Richardson’s theory is correct. -There’ll be a big cache—” - -“When _I_ go out there?” interrupted Dick, staring in astonishment at -the policeman. - -“Yes—you, Sandy and Toma. Surely, you’d be willing to do that much for -us, Dick. Sergeant Richardson said that you’d jump at the chance.” - -“But—but—” - -“We’re so sure that you’ll find the cache, that we’re willing to pay all -the expenses of the trip—and a liberal reward in the bargain. What do -you say?” - -“Say!” choked Dick. “I can’t say enough. What I want to know is—do you -really mean it?” - -“I was never more serious in my life.” - -Dick rose to his feet and paced agitatedly back and forth. His heart had -jumped a few wild beats before he could compose himself sufficiently to -make another effort to speak. - -“When do you want us to start?” he asked. - -“As soon as it can possibly be arranged. Toma knows the route to the -Yellowhead Pass; but after that you’ll have to chart your own course. We -can depend on you then?” - -“So far as I’m concerned—yes. I won’t presume to speak for Sandy and -Toma, yet I’m pretty sure they’ll go.” - -A few minutes later, Corporal Rand and Dick returned to the trading -room, which was crowded. Stalwart, dusky half-breed trappers, eager to -purchase supplies for impending excursions to favorite trapping grounds, -pushed and elbowed their way through the throng awaiting their -opportunity to confer with Factor MacClaren. Indian women, resplendent -in bright shawls, bright-faced children from the Catholic Mission, here -and there the dark, expressionless face and sinewy form of Cree hunters -and rivermen from the south—all of this queer blend of humanity jostled -forth and back, chattering excitedly. - -At one side of the room, surrounded by an admiring group, a tall, lanky -half-breed youth was playing a violin. Glancing that way, Dick’s eyes -lighted up as he perceived the familiar figures of his two friends, -Sandy MacClaren, the factor’s nephew, and John Toma, the young Indian -guide. - -Toma, Sandy and Dick, following several years of interesting adventures -in the North, had become greatly attached to each other. They were three -inseparables, who had learned to take the trials and hardships of -wilderness life as a matter of common experience. In spite of many hard -knocks, they were still as eager to embark upon new adventures as in the -days when Dick and Sandy were newcomers to that remote and inhospitable -land. - -Dick lost no time in rejoining his two chums. With a friendly nod to -Corporal Rand, he darted through the crowd and administered a resounding -whack on the backs of Sandy and Toma. - -“Well, you’ve returned at last,” he greeted them joyfully. “Did you have -any luck?” - -Sandy turned eagerly. - -“You bet! We shot two moose,” and the young Scotchman immediately -commenced a somewhat rambling and disconnected account of their -experiences. - -At its conclusion, Dick feigned scepticism, winked broadly at Toma. - -“Pah! The whole thing sounds fishy to me. I don’t believe you shot -anything. If you actually killed a moose it was because the poor thing -fell down and broke a leg. At two hundred yards a blind man with a bow -and arrow could out-shoot you.” - -“All right, wait and see. An Indian packer is bringing over our two -moose tomorrow.” - -“How much did you pay him for them?” - -In attempting to evade Sandy’s friendly upper-cut, Dick stepped back -just in time to be knocked flat by a person hurrying across the room. -From his position on the floor, he looked up to see the man spring to -the door, open it, and dart outside. - -It was the half-breed, who had received the roll of money from Murky -Nichols! - - - - - CHAPTER IV - TWO ENCOUNTERS IN ONE DAY - - -An excited shout from Sandy drew Dick’s attention as he clambered to his -feet. At the opposite end of the trading room a gesticulating, wildly -vociferous crowd had gathered about the drooping figure of Murky -Nichols. The face of the prospector was deathly pale, as he stood, one -hand clutching the counter, the other gripping firmly a long-bladed -hunting knife, which he held up for the inspection of the crowd. - -The scarlet-coated form of Corporal Rand advanced through the milling -throng and a moment later, just as the three boys came hurrying up, the -policeman helped Nichols to a chair. - -“What happened, Murky?” he demanded. - -“Some breed tried to knife me,” choked the frightened man, holding on to -the chair for support. - -“Who was it?” - -“I don’t know,” wheezed Murky. “Never seen him before. He came up while -I was a standin’ over there an’ first thing I knowed he made a slash at -me.” - -Nichols trembled as he spoke, drawing attention to the wide slit in his -mackinaw shirt just below his left arm-pit. - -“This is where the knife caught me when I jumped back. Good thing I did -or he’d o’ got me sure.” - -“Did he hurt you at all?” inquired Rand. - -“Nothing but a scratch.” - -“You were lucky. You say you didn’t know the breed?” - -A slight hesitation on the part of the prospector was noted probably by -only two persons in the room—Dick and Corporal Rand. - -“First time I ever set eyes on him, corporal.” - -“Did he speak to you or did you speak to him before he drew the knife?” - -“No,” Murky stated emphatically. - -“Very queer the man should attack you without provocation,” mused Rand. -“You’re absolutely sure you never saw him before?” - -A slow flush mounted to Nichols’ weather-tanned brow and for a -split-second his eyes evaded the questioner. - -“Hang it, corporal,” he spoke testily, “ain’t I been tellin’ yuh. Don’t -even know what he looks like—it all happened so sudden. If he should -come walkin’ in here in ten minutes from now I ain’t so sure I’d -recognize him. The feller must be crazy.” - -“It certainly looks queer!” Rand’s cool, unwavering gaze met that of the -prospector. “Usually there’s a motive for an attack of this kind. As a -general thing, a man doesn’t attempt to stab another unless he has some -real or fancied grievance.” - -“He’s crazy, I tell yuh,” persisted Nichols. - -Rand turned away. - -“I’ll see what I can do. I intend to take the breed in custody. I ought -to be able to run him down in a few hours. Then we can question him.” - -The corporal turned without a moment’s hesitation and hurried away. He -was gone almost before Dick could collect his scattered wits and remark -to Sandy: - -“There! I intended to tell him something, but it’s too late now.” - -“You might be able to catch him at the stable,” said the quick-witted -Sandy, seizing Dick’s arm. “Come on!” - -The three boys pushed their way through the crowd, but a jam in front of -the door delayed them. Like themselves, everyone, so it seemed, wanted -to get out. They were caught in a drifting, struggling current of -over-curious half-breeds, were jolted back and forth and, when they -finally emerged, panting and dishevelled, to the yard outside, they -perceived to their chagrin that Rand had already mounted his horse and -was speeding away. - -“Just my luck!” Dick sputtered. “There he goes. I might have given him -information that would have saved him a lot of time.” - -“What information?” demanded a person almost at his elbow. - -Neither Sandy nor Toma had spoken. Dick wheeled quickly and looked up -into a pair of steel-gray eyes, at a coarse, brutal face. The man’s -rough garb was that of a prospector or trapper. None of the boys had -ever seen him before. - -“What information?” he repeated insolently. - -Dick met the other’s appraising gaze without flinching. - -“I wasn’t speaking to you, sir.” - -“That’s all right, I’m speaking to yuh. I asked yuh what I consider is a -decent, friendly question. Yuh don’t need to try any o’ your high an’ -haughty manner with me.” - -Dick completely ignored the insult, despite the fact that it was -difficult to suppress the surge of anger that rose within him. He was -fighting mad and his fists clenched involuntarily, yet he turned to -Sandy and contrived, though the effort was difficult, to speak calmly: - -“Let’s walk down along the river.” - -Sandy’s face fell as he swung into step beside his friend, his right arm -linked into Toma’s. As they struck off to the left, they were followed -by the baleful, mocking glare of Dick’s newly discovered enemy. - -Out of ear-shot, Sandy broke forth: - -“Dick, I’m almost ashamed of you. Why did you do it?” - -“Do what?” - -“Walk away like that. It looks cowardly. I never saw you do a thing like -that before.” - -“I don’t know why I did it,” Dick confessed, “except that I had a hunch -that if I let him pick a fight with me, I’d—I’d—well, I can’t explain -it. Something seemed to warn me to keep away from him.” - -“You mean, you were afraid of him.” - -“No, not that!” Dick retorted hotly. “I’d like to go back even now and -‘mix-it’ with him.” - -“Why don’t you?” - -“I’ve tried to explain to you, Sandy. I have a feeling that it woul‘d be -foolhardy. Something more than a mere quarrel or a fight is involved. -That man, whoever he is, had some secret purpose in view when he -accosted me just now. I don’t know what that purpose is, but I do know -I’m not going to take any chances.” - -For a few moments they walked on in silence. - -“I can forget about it if you can,” remarked Sandy a little dryly. - -Dick laughed good-naturedly. - -“I don’t think I’ll have any trouble doing that,” he responded quickly. -“There’s too much else to think about. And that reminds me that I have -some big news for you and Toma. How would you like to take a trip out to -the coast this winter?” - -Sandy stopped short in his tracks. - -“To the coast!” he exclaimed. “What do you mean?” - -“Exactly that. Corporal Rand told me about it today. He brought a letter -from our old friend, Sergeant Richardson.” - -Without further preliminary, Dick launched into the story. Toma and -Sandy listened with bated breath while Dick gave them the particulars of -the theory which had been advanced by the mounted police respecting the -alleged operations of Murky Nichols. Blind Man’s Pass, the murder of -Daddy McInnes, the double cache of stolen fur and finally the proposed -expedition to the west coast to be undertaken by the boys themselves—all -became subjects of absorbing interest and speculation. - -“As I understand it,” Sandy broke forth enthusiastically, “Sergeant -Richardson is sending us out to the coast because he believes we can -find the cache.” - -“Yes,” answered Dick. “It’s an important undertaking, and we ought to be -proud that the police have faith in our ability. Of course, we would -never have been given the chance if Inspector Cameron wasn’t so short of -men.” - -“We make ’em mounted police glad they give us chance to go,” cut in -Toma. “If cache anywhere along coast, we find it.” - -“We certainly will,” said Sandy. - -Walking leisurely along the banks of the river, the boys made their -plans. So interested had they become, so absorbed in the contemplation -of the proposed journey, that they found themselves presently out of -sight of the trading post. They were crossing a narrow gulch, when Dick -stopped short, glancing about him. - -“No use going any farther,” he declared laughingly. “Let’s return to the -post.” - -Sandy took note of their surroundings and he too broke forth into an -amused chuckle. - -“Can you beat that!” he exclaimed. “We’ve been sauntering along not -paying the least bit of attention. I had no idea we’d gone so far. We’re -five miles from Fort Good Faith. A hundred yards on the other side of -this gulch is where Run River trail crosses the river.” - -As Sandy spoke, he turned back and led the way to the top of the gulch. -Spruce and poplar grew thickly along the trail ahead. A light snow of a -few days before, sifting down through the trees, had only partially -covered the heavy carpet of dry leaves and grass. - -“It will be several weeks yet before winter sets in in earnest,” -observed Dick. “I hope the mounted police give us instructions to leave -for the west coast before it does come. If we travel light, we’ll reach -the Yellowhead Pass long before the extremely cold weather arrives.” - -“Not snow enough,” Toma shook his head disapprovingly. “No use start out -until catch ’em plenty snow for dog team. Mebbe no get snow for five, -six days yet.” - -“Nonsense!” Sandy looked up at the overcast sky with a critical but -approving gaze. “It’s cloudy right now. I wouldn’t be surprised if it -started to snow this afternoon.” - -“Too warm,” Toma objected. “Wind blow southwest. Tomorrow chinook make -like summer. Mebbe it rain, but no snow.” - -“You might as well keep quiet, Sandy,” grinned Dick. “Toma is a better -weather prophet than you are. He’s seldom wrong.” - -“Just the same, I think there’s a storm brewing,” stubbornly persisted -the young Scotchman. “This is the second week in October. Last year at -this time there was seven inches of snow on the ground and the weather -was ten below zero.” - -“Don’t worry about it. I look at it this way: if the police are ready, -we’ll be ready too. Let the chinook come. We’ll start out on foot and -buy our grub-stake and dog team at Fort Wonderly, one hundred miles -south of here.” - -“Good idea! You’re talking sense now, Dick. Well—for the love of Pete!” - -Sandy’s abrupt exclamation was caused by the sudden appearance on the -trail ahead of four men. One of them they recognized instantly. It was -the person who had attempted to pick a quarrel with Dick. Startled for a -moment, the boys drew back to the side of the trail. - -“Don’t say a word,” cautioned Dick in a low voice. “If they attempt to -start trouble, try to keep away from them. We’re no match for them. -Besides, they’re armed and we aren’t.” - -Pretending a nonchalance they did not feel, the three boys strode -forward again until they came abreast of the oncoming and ominous -quartette. In the lead, Dick edged over to the side of the trail, hoping -that no attempt would be made to prevent their passing. He was now -within three feet of the nearest of the party, and had almost begun to -believe that nothing would happen, when the four men spread out quickly, -completely barring their progress. Dick looked across at two gray eyes -that glinted evilly. - -“Guess yuh better stop a while, sonny,” sneered the voice of the white -man. “Feel like answerin’ that question now?” - -“I haven’t any question to answer,” retorted Dick, looking straight at -his tormentor, and then at the three half-breeds, a villainous-appearing -trio, who stood ready and eager to leap forward at the first word of -command. - -The white man stepped forward and confronted Dick, one arm raised -threateningly. - -“Yuh better do some quick thinkin’ afore I whale the tar outta yuh. Are -yuh gonna answer that question or not?” - -In the short interval in which he stood there undecided, a daring plan -leaped into Dick’s mind. He would feign submission. He would agree to -answer the question. Then when the time came— - -“All—all right,” stammered Dick, simulating terror. “Wh-what do you -want?” - -“Yuh know blamed well what I want. Back there at the post ’bout an hour -er two ago, you wuz figgerin’ on givin’ that danged mountie a whole -earful o’ information. I heerd yuh tellin’ these young friends o’ yourn. -Out with it!” - -The arm was raised again and Dick shrank back, his eyes blinking. - -“Don’t strike me and I’ll tell you,” he trembled. “I’ll tell everything. -I promise I will.” - -Dick’s antagonist chuckled in triumph. It tickled his vanity to perceive -how easily he was winning his case. He had his victim almost frightened -out of his wits. This young stripling who stood before him hadn’t the -backbone of an eel. His arm dropped and he slouched forward, completely -off guard, and leered into Dick’s face. - -It was the opportunity that Dick had been looking for. Crack! The blow -was a smashing one and wholly unexpected. The white man’s feet skidded -out from under him; his heavy frame struck the ground with a resounding -impact. Before the half-breeds had time to recover from their -astonishment, three fleeting forms shot through the opening and took the -turn in the trail, running at top speed. - -A few moments later a bullet whizzed harmlessly over their heads. The -boys redoubled their efforts. A second turn in the trail revealed a -straggling party of Indians returning from the post. At sight of them, -Sandy let out a whoop of joy. Help was at hand. The danger was over. -Panting like three small locomotives, they sat down on a log and waved a -cheerful greeting as the Indians passed by. - -When the last straggler had disappeared from view, Sandy turned and -smiled at his chum. There was approval and admiration in his eyes. - -“Step over here and let me shake your hand. Wow! I’ll bet that fellow is -still wondering if it was really a tree that struck him. I’ll give you -all the credit this time, Dick. There’s no denying the fact: You -certainly answered his question!” - - - - - CHAPTER V - A MIDNIGHT CONFERENCE - - -Corporal Rand returned with his half-breed prisoner shortly after dark. -The man was sulky and refused to talk. Brought before Murky Nichols by -the mounted policeman, one might have thought from his actions and -demeanor that he had never before set eyes upon the prospector. He stood -absolutely unmoved in the presence of the person he had attempted to -murder only a few hours before. Rand’s voice rang out sharply: - -“Here is the prisoner. Is he the man who attempted to stab you?” - -In order to cover his confusion, Nichols rubbed his eyes with one large -hairy hand. His face was slightly pale and he rested his weight first on -one leg and then on the other. - -“Well, corporal, I can’t exactly say,” he spoke hesitatingly. “He might -be the one an’ again he mightn’t. He does look sort o’ familiar, but I -see so many Nitchies ’round here. I couldn’t exactly swear to it.” - -Corporal Rand smiled a little grimly. - -“There were quite a number of people present in this room when the -attempt upon your life was made. It shouldn’t be very difficult to find -out whether or not this man is the right one.” - -Nichols started forward with an exclamation of surprise. He was staring -at the prisoner now with an intentness that seemed scarcely to be -assumed. Excitedly, he turned towards Rand. - -“By golly, I know now, corporal, where I seen him before,” he declared -in a loud and animated voice. “Up at the first portage on the Moose -River. He was workin’ there as a packer last summer when I come through. -I don’t think he’s the man we’re looking fer atall.” - -The mounted policeman turned his head ever so slightly and winked -covertly at Dick, who, in company with Sandy and Toma, stood a few feet -away, silent spectator in the interesting tableau. - -“You really don’t think he’s the man, then?” - -“No, he ain’t,” Murky spoke positively. “When I stop to think about that -little affair this afternoon, an’ try to get a picture in my mind o’ the -pesky breed what made fer to knife me, there’s one thing that stands -out. He was a tall man—not short like this breed. I’m tall myself, an’ I -remember when I jumped back to clear myself o’ the knife, I looked -straight acrost in his eyes. Now, it stands to reason, corporal, that I -couldn’t o’ done that if it had o’ been this feller here. I’d o’ looked -straight over this man’s head, now wouldn’t I?” - -With difficulty, Dick suppressed a laugh. Murky Nichols was noted for -his tall stature. Long and lanky, he stood well over six feet and four -inches in height. The half-breed was stockily built and inclined to be -short. The top of his head reached no higher than the point of Murky’s -protruding chin. - -“Now that your memory has revived,” Corporal Rand spoke sarcastically, -“we may be able to make better progress.” - -Dick strode forward with the intention of drawing the mounted -policeman’s attention to one detail of the case that had evidently been -overlooked. If the half-breed, who confronted Nichols, was not the -person who had attempted to stab him, how would it be possible to -explain that person’s hasty exit from the trading room immediately -following the attack? Also, as Dick was well aware, the prisoner was the -same man who had received the roll of bills from Murky earlier in the -day. - -Dick paused in amazement. Before he could reach the policeman’s side, he -saw Rand stoop forward and commence to unlock the prisoner’s hand-cuffs. -Then, wonderingly, he watched the corporal move back and permit the -astonished half-breed to go free. His voice broke the startled silence -of the room: - -“You’re at liberty to go now.” - -“Sorry to cause yuh all this trouble,” Nichols apologised. “But you’re -doing the right thing, corporal. He ain’t the man what tried to knife -me.” - -The policeman favored Murky with one swift appraising glance, nodded -absently and walked over and took Dick’s arm. Although he did not speak, -the light pressure of the corporal’s fingers told Dick that the -policeman wished to see him. With a mumbled apology to Sandy, Dick led -the way to his own room. When he had drawn up a chair for his guest, he -came immediately to the subject uppermost in his mind. - -“I can’t understand—” he began. - -The policeman held up one hand in an impatient gesture. - -“You’re about to tell me that I have made a very serious blunder, aren’t -you, Dick?” - -“We-well,” stammered that young man, “you can hardly blame me, corporal. -The man you just released is guilty. I didn’t see him when he attempted -to stab Murky, but I did see him when he escaped. In spite of what -Nichols told you, he did recognize the breed. Murky lied. He’s the same -one who received the roll of bills.” - -Corporal Rand grinned as he looked across at Dick’s puzzled, serious -face. - -“I’m well aware of that,” he said calmly. “I too am sure that the -half-breed was Murky’s assailant. But I had a good reason for releasing -him.” - -“If you don’t mind my asking, what reason?” - -For a moment Rand did not reply. Apparently, he had become absorbed in -his own thoughts. He had relaxed in his chair, his head bent forward, -his eyes studying the tips of his brightly polished boots. - -“Ever since I captured the half-breed this afternoon,” he spoke finally, -“I have been thinking that very little is to be gained by holding him in -custody. Nichols will not prefer a charge against him because he’s -afraid the fellow may squeal. The half-breed himself, realizing the -danger of his position, and who is really more clever than I had at -first supposed, is attempting to save himself by keeping silent. Even if -we subjected him to a severe grilling, I doubt very much whether we -could get anything out of him. It seems to me that the best way to deal -with the situation is to accept Murky’s assertion that we have captured -the wrong man.” - -“But I should think that by letting the half-breed go, you’d lose a -chance to find out in what way Murky and the breed are associated.” - -“No, I don’t think so,” replied the corporal. “On the contrary, I’m -quite sure we can find out more now that I have set the half-breed free. -I’m playing right into Murky’s hands. He’s laughing up his sleeve at -this very moment at the way he thinks he’s fooled the mounted police. -He’ll be inclined to be a little careless. We can look for immediate -developments.” - -“What developments?” asked Dick. - -“Murky’s first move will be to attempt to patch up his differences with -his former assailant. The half-breed’s motive for attacking Nichols can -easily be explained—money! No doubt, Murky had failed to live up to an -agreement.” - -The policeman paused to fill his pipe. - -“By watching the two of them, we will be pretty sure to find out -something,” he continued. “If I’m not badly mistaken, we will be able to -secure evidence against them within the next two or three days. I intend -to keep a close tab on the pair from now on.” - -Dick stirred uneasily in his seat. There was a question he wanted to -ask, but he did not wish to appear too eager. During a lull in the -conversation, however, he finally managed to pluck up sufficient -courage. - -“When would you like to have us start for the west coast?” he inquired. - -“Have you seen Sandy and Toma?” - -“Yes.” - -“What did they say?” - -“They’re as eager to go as I am,” replied Dick. - -Corporal Rand drummed on the arm of his chair. - -“I can see no reason why you shouldn’t start right away,” he declared. -“The only difficulty is that you will be compelled to take supplies for -the trip, and just now pack-horses would be inadvisable. A dog team -would be better, but there’s no snow.” - -“We were talking about that,” Dick put in eagerly. “Why couldn’t we -travel on foot to Fort Wonderly and buy our team and supplies there?” - -“A capital idea!” approved Rand. - -“Can we start in the morning?” Dick asked impetuously. - -“Yes.” - -Dick jumped up, his eyes shining, and strode forward and grasped the -corporal’s hand. - -“Sandy and Toma will be tickled pink!” he cried enthusiastically. - -“And what about yourself?” smiled Rand. - -Dick flushed to the roots of his hair. He grinned sheepishly. - -“Why—why, I’m pleased, of course. Who wouldn’t be with a chance like -that. I can hardly wait until we start, corporal.” - -He grew suddenly more serious. - -“Have you any further instructions to give us before we go?” - -Corporal Rand shook his head. - -“There is nothing except what I have already told you,” he replied. “You -know the route. There are any number of trails leading south to the -Yellowhead Pass. After you have gone through the pass and have turned -north, you’ll find only one trail, very rough and difficult, which will -take you in a northwesterly direction to Fort Pennington. From there -your course will be straight west to the Pacific.” - -“And there—on the coast, I mean—our real work will commence,” Dick -smiled in anticipation. - -Corporal Rand regarded the statement with approval. - -“_Work_ is the right name for it,” he assured him. “I haven’t the least -doubt but that you’ll all become discouraged long before you find the -cache. In fact, you may never find it. You’ll encounter dangers and -difficulties on every hand.” - -“Do you think the cache will be guarded?” asked Dick. - -“Almost sure to be,” Rand replied. “Probably by some Indian or -half-breed. You’ll be compelled to move cautiously. If I were you, I -wouldn’t take too many chances. No telling what sort of a mess you’ll -get in, if you aren’t incessantly on the alert.” - -Dick would have liked to ask the policeman a few more questions, but -decided not to as he observed the other sleepily consulting his watch. -The hour was getting late. The sounds from the trading room, which a -short time before could be heard faintly, had now entirely ceased. The -place had become enveloped in a deep and slumberous silence. - -Corporal Rand suppressed a yawn, rose slowly to his feet. - -“It’s time we were both in bed,” he announced. “If either one of us -expects to get anything accomplished tomorrow, it will be necessary to -secure some sleep. I’ve had a rather hard day myself.” - -With a friendly nod and a smile, he turned and walked out of the room. -Dick stood in the doorway and watched him for a moment, a happy -expression on his face. Rand’s figure continued down the hallway. A few -feet farther on was the corporal’s room. Dick stepped back to re-enter -his own chamber, when, to his surprise, he perceived that the policeman -did not even pause in front of his own door, but went on instead to the -end of the hallway and immediately disappeared through a door which -opened to the yard outside. - -“He’s gone out to see if his horse is bedded down for the night,” -thought Dick. - -For some reason he could not himself explain, Dick stood in his own -doorway, awaiting the corporal’s return. The minutes passed by. A -quarter of an hour elapsed—and still no sign of the mounted policeman. -Growing impatient, Dick commenced pacing back and forth along the -hallway. Presently, moved by an unexplained impulse, he dashed into his -room, seized his cap and followed in the footsteps of Rand. - -It was exceedingly dark outside. A heavy mist moistened his face as he -stared through the enveloping gloom. He groped forward until he had -found the path that led to the stable, then hurried along it, wondering -what had happened to detain the corporal. - -Forty or fifty yards from the house he stopped short in consternation. -From his right came the sound of voices. Hesitating for a brief moment, -he struck forth again in the direction of the sound, walking on tiptoes, -his pulses pounding. Quite unexpectedly, there loomed before him the -dark shape of the company’s warehouse. It was a large, square building, -constructed entirely of logs. Here he came to an abrupt pause and -crouched down close to the wall, trembling at his own audacity. - -Immediately around the corner from him were two men, talking in guarded -tones. Dick listened intently. - -“Yuh can do this thing a hull lot better than I can,” drawled the voice -of Murky Nichols. “Yuh gotta fix it up somehow jes’ as soon as yuh -possibly can. Tomorrow mornin’ ain’t none too soon, La Qua, ’cause there -ain’t no tellin’ what that danged breed’ll be up to next.” - -“Yuh mean yuh want me to get him outta the way?” - -“If there ain’t no other way—yes!” calmly answered Murky. “We can’t -afford to take no more chances with him. I gotta know he’s gonna get -right down to business an’ no more foolin’. Yuh can tell him we’ll give -him fifty dollars more fer the next bunch o’ pelts he brings down. I -won’t go a dime higher ’an that an’ if he squawks I’m givin’ yuh -permission to pick him off any time.” - -“Should o’ done that long time ago,” growled the other. “Yuh can’t trust -him. Yuh ain’t the only one he’s nearly got with that blamed knife o’ -his. He nearly killed one o’ my best packers less ’an a week ago in a -scrap over a card game. I tell yuh, I hate to have him around.” - -“Jes’ the same, he comes in pretty handy,” Murky Nichols declared. “Take -the case of Daddy McInnes, fer example. None o’ yuh fellers would o’ -dared to do what he done. Both you an’ Bremner was in the party guardin’ -the pass when the ol’ man came through.” - -“I was the first one who seen him,” protested the other hotly. “It was -me what told this breed, Testola, to go after him.” - -“Mebbe so, but yuh wouldn’t o’ done it yourself.” - -Dick’s eyes had widened with understanding and horror. He crouched low, -scarcely daring to breathe. A feeling of nausea was followed by a surge -of anger and disgust. The two men were vicious and evil—absolutely -heartless. At first, he had not recognized the voice of Murky’s -companion, but a certain quality in the tone, a peculiar inflection, -stirred presently his groping memory. It was the voice of the -red-bearded man—the person who had attempted to stop him on the trail! - -A short silence was broken by Nichols’ question: - -“When do yuh expect to be ready to send the next shipment?” - -“It’s about ready now,” came the quick answer. “I was thinkin’ o’ -sendin’ it through tomorrow night. If we do, I’m gonna start from the -same place I did last time—the little shack near the foot o’ Settlement -Mountain. We’ll have eight pack-horses, belonging’ tuh Fred Hart, an’ -five o’ our own.” - -“Has Hart got much stuff this time?” inquired Murky. - -“’Bout three thousand pounds. The rest o’ the shipment belongs to us.” - -Dick rose cautiously to his feet and commenced to beat a panicky -retreat. It would never do to be caught eavesdropping. If he fell into -Murky’s hands at that moment, his life would be forfeit. - -Careful as he was, it seemed to Dick that his footsteps must have been -heard plainly. A moment later this feeling became a certainty. There -came to his ears a startled, anxious exclamation from one of the men. - -“Did yuh hear that?” - -“It must have been the wind,” reassured the other. - -His heart beating wildly, Dick dropped to the ground and wormed his way -forward on his hands and knees. A few yards farther on, he sprang to his -feet again and bolted away in the direction of the house. Suddenly there -appeared immediately ahead the shadowy figure of a man. Dick stopped -short in his tracks, shaking in every limb. - -His retreat was cut off! - - - - - CHAPTER VI - MURKY TAKES A HAND - - -“Is that you, Dick?” - -The voice was Corporal Rand’s. Dick’s sigh of relief was more like an -explosive gasp. He tottered forward a few steps and grasped the sleeve -of the policeman’s coat, clinging there like a person who had found a -friendly haven in the center of a whirlpool. Gradually he recovered his -self-possession. - -“Did you see them too?” he asked. - -“See whom?” demanded the corporal, whispering. “What do you mean? What -are you doing out here? I thought I’d left you in bed.” - -“I’ll explain,” answered Dick, “but first we’d better go to my room. -We’re not safe here.” - -Entering the house a few moments later, they made their way in silence -along the hallway and entered Dick’s room. Here the light from the oil -lamp, which stood on the table, seemed very bright and cheerful to their -eyes, which had become accustomed to the intense darkness outside. Rand -started forward in surprise. - -“Good Heavens, my boy, you’re as white as a ghost! What’s happened? What -were you doing outside?” - -“You were gone so long I followed you,” explained Dick. “What detained -you?” - -“Went out to the stable to look after my horse. I put hay in the manger -and then gave him a sheaf of oats. I curried and bedded him down. Of -course, it took a little time.” - -“And you didn’t hear voices—” - -“No,” Rand replied, “I didn’t hear anything out-of-the-ordinary until -after I had left the stable and heard you running.” - -“I started out for the stable myself,” said Dick, “but in the darkness I -took the wrong path, the one toward the warehouse. I heard someone -talking and I thought it was you at first, but as I came closer I made -out the voices of Murky Nichols and a man named La Qua. I have some -startling information to give you, corporal.” - -“Good boy! What is it, Dick?” - -“The outlaws are sending a pack-train through Blind Man’s Pass tomorrow -night.” - -Rand became visibly excited. A look of amazement swept over his face, -then, to Dick’s surprise, he moved forward quickly and blew out the -light. - -“A light here may arouse their suspicions if they’re still outside. -We’ll sit in the dark for a while. But go on, Dick—I’m interested. What -else did you overhear?” - -“The pack-train will set out from the vicinity of Settlement -Mountain—wherever that is. There’s a small cabin there. La Qua said -there would be thirteen horses in the train. They’re taking through a -little freight for Hart, about three thousand pounds. The rest of the -stuff belongs to Murky and his confederates.” - -Corporal Rand whistled softly. - -“It’s our chance. You’re a jewel, Dick! Information like this is what -we’ve been looking for for months,” exulted the mounted policeman. “I -happen to know where Settlement Mountain is. Thirty miles from here. -Between Big Lake and the Settlement House River.” - -The mounted policeman struck a match in order to consult his watch. - -“It’s nearly one o’clock now,” he declared. “No sleep for me tonight. -Your information has upset all my plans, Dick, and yours too. Just as -soon as I think the coast is clear, I’m going to steal out, saddle my -horse and ride over to see Sergeant Richardson.” - -“What about our trip to the west coast?” Dick asked. “Wouldn’t it be -foolish for us to go by way of the Yellowhead Pass now that there’s a -chance to follow Murky’s pack-train and discover the much shorter route -through Blind Man’s Pass?” - -“Yes, it certainly would,” agreed the corporal. “That’s why I just said -that your information has upset all our plans. We must make new ones -right away to fit the circumstances. Also it will be necessary for us to -move hurriedly and secretly. Instead of sending you south tomorrow -morning—or this morning, to be exact—I’m going to ask the three of you -to start as quickly as possible for the Big Lake country, which is -almost due west of here. You’d better pick out three fast ponies and -head straight for Wandley’s post—you know where that is?” - -Dick had often heard of Wandley’s post, although he had never been there -himself. Wandley was a free trader, well known in the North, having for -many years conducted a thriving trade with the Indians. His store or -trading post was situated a few miles south of Big Lake. - -“Yes,” said Dick in answer to Rand’s question, “I know where it is. I -met Wandley himself about a year ago. It’s about twenty-five miles over -there, and you follow the Settlement House River trail.” - -“Right!” - -Rand stepped closer to Dick and spoke in an undertone: - -“Sometime before noon today, Constable Pearly—the new man I told you -about—will be at Wandley’s. I’ll give you a message for him. This -message will explain who you are and why I have sent you. The four of -you, Constable Pearly, Sandy, Toma and yourself will continue along the -Settlement House trail until you come to a bend in the river. At this -point you’ll leave the trail, strike straight off through the woods and -make camp at the lower end of the bend just above the river. Here you -will remain in concealment until Sergeant Richardson and I join -you—sometime before dark.” - -“What will we do then?” Dick asked a little breathlessly. - -“That will depend—” the corporal hesitated, “upon circumstances and -Sergeant Richardson. He will be in command—not I. But I imagine, at -least it is very reasonable to suppose, that we’ll start at once for the -outlaws’ rendezvous, their meeting place near the foot of Settlement -Mountain.” - -“But won’t it spoil everything if the outlaws see us?” put in Dick. - -“Of course! It’s exactly what we don’t want to happen. We’ll be -compelled to move very carefully. Our only chance of finding Blind Man’s -Pass will be to follow La Qua and his pack-train at a safe distance. We -mustn’t be seen.” - -“I suppose you’ll arrest La Qua and his men as soon as they get to the -pass?” - -“Possibly. I think a better plan would be to follow them straight -through to the coast—to the big cache they must have there. That is a -suggestion I’m going to make to Sergeant Richardson.” - -Dick’s face fell. He was keenly disappointed. The trip to the west -coast, the search for the cache of stolen fur, had suddenly, because of -this new development, gone glimmering. Constable Pearly and Corporal -Rand would probably be the ones now chosen for this task. There was too -much at stake, the danger attending the task of following the outlaws -was too great to permit of any bungling. Here was a job that required -older heads and more experience. - -“I guess that lets us out,” said Dick disconsolately. “Sergeant -Richardson wouldn’t hear of Sandy, Toma and I going out there -alone—following the pack-train, I mean.” - -Corporal Rand took Dick’s arm and gave it a friendly squeeze. - -“I’m afraid not. But don’t feel badly about it, Dick, we may have other -important work for you. If I happen to be the one chosen to trail along -after La Qua, I’ll speak to the sergeant about you and the chances are -that he may consent to the three of you accompanying me. I’ll promise to -do all I can.” - -“That will be splendid of you,” Dick blurted out. “All of us will -appreciate your kindness. I don’t know how to thank you.” - -“Don’t try,” laughed the policeman. “Everything will be all right, I -assure you. Where are your two friends sleeping?” - -“They’re bunking in the room next to the factor’s,” answered Dick. -“Shall I go and wake them?” - -“Wait until I go. First of all, I’d like to be sure about the ponies. -Unless you have them, you’ll never be able to get over to Wandley’s in -time to meet Pearly.” - -“Sandy and I have a pony each,” Dick assured him. “They’re out in the -stable now with four others, which belong to Factor MacClaren. We’ll -pick out one of Mr. MacClaren’s horses for Toma. If you say the word, we -can saddle-up and be away from here in less than fifteen minutes.” - -“That’s the spirit!” Corporal Rand declared. “However, it will not be -necessary for you to start as soon as that. I think you’d better remain -for about three-quarters of an hour after I leave. It might be a good -idea to take emergency rations and an extra blanket or two. In eight or -ten hours there may be a decided change in the temperature. It is always -best to be prepared.” - -The mounted policeman tip-toed softly over to the table, struck a match -and re-lit the lamp. - -“Now, Dick,” he spoke hurriedly, “I’m going to leave you. In a very few -minutes I’ll be hitting the trail. I want you to remember everything -I’ve told you—but above all, be cautious and careful. When the time -comes, wake Sandy and Toma and make as little noise as possible. Unless -it is absolutely necessary, don’t disturb Factor MacClaren.” He turned -and held out his hand. “Good-bye, and good luck to you!” - -“Good-bye,” said Dick, accompanying the corporal as far as the door. “I -hope everything goes well with you.” - -A moment later, the door had closed behind the trim, athletic figure and -Dick was left with his mind whirling confusedly. The events of the -night, incident following incident so closely, formed a chaotic picture, -which passed in review before his weary eyes. With difficulty, he -stifled a yawn at the same time looking a wee bit covetously at the -clean, white bed at the far side of the room. - -“I’ll wait here for ten or fifteen minutes before I steal over to wake -Toma and Sandy. Gee, I’m so tired I don’t even dare to sit down.” - -He began a restless pacing back and forth across the room, occasionally -glancing up at the little clock that stood on a shelf near the door. The -minutes seemed interminable. A cold sweat broke out upon his face, his -hands twitched nervously. - -“Still five minutes more,” sighed the impatient young man. “This -suspense is terrible. I hope—” - -A slight noise in the hallway outside riveted his attention. He swung -about on his heel, took a few steps forward, then stood stock still, -shaking with excitement. It seemed as if some ghostly hand was opening -the door. Slowly, a few inches at a time, it swung on its hinges, and -presently the bearded, uncouth face of Murky Nichols appeared through -the aperture. - -“Stayin’ up kind o’ late, ain’t yuh?” he drawled out in an insinuating -voice. - -Dick’s two hands went up to his chin. He made a gesture of pain. - -“I’ve been up all night with this pesky toothache,” he said a little -shakily. “Nothing that I can do has seemed to help very much.” - -Murky pushed his way into the room, his evil mouth twisted into a sneer. -At the same time, Dick dropped back, edging his way over near the table, -where his rifle stood. Murky’s voice broke an interval of silence. - -“I shore feel sorry for yuh, young feller,” he grimaced. “Toothache -ain’t no fun. Ain’t anything I can do, is there?” - -“No,” answered Dick, “it will stop aching presently, I hope. Thank you, -just the same.” - -As he spoke, he glanced furtively at the clock. It was now twenty -minutes after one—time to wake Sandy and Toma. In less than half an hour -they were due to start for the Wandley post. His problem now was to get -rid of Nichols. On some pretext or other he must induce Murky to leave -the room. But how? - -Dick groaned inwardly as the prospector yanked forward a chair and sat -down. All the while his black, penetrating eyes were studying him -closely. His manner and expression showed only too plainly that he was -not in the least deceived by Dick’s lie. - -“If I can’t help yuh, I can keep yuh company,” he remarked, his thin -lips curling up at the corners in a faint indication of a smile. - -“O, no, that won’t be necessary,” Dick hastened to tell him. “You must -be tired yourself. It has stopped paining me a little now and I think -I’ll pop into bed. You’d better go to your own room, Murky.” - -With exasperating slowness, Nichols fumbled in a pocket for tobacco and -pipe. He stretched out his long legs at the end of a few minutes, -puffing contentedly. Evidently, he had no intention of moving just then. - -Dick glanced at the clock again. He had grown desperate—and angry. Back -and forth he paced, one hand held to his chin, trying to think of some -way in which he might outwit the imperturbable prospector. Anger, -finally, overcame his caution and he stopped short in front of the -lanky, indolent form. - -“I’ll have to ask you to get out,” he heard himself saying. “I’m going -to bed.” - -Nichols looked up into Dick’s indignant face, grinned exasperatingly, -and rose lazily to his feet. - -“Well, all right, if yuh say so. I jes’ happened to see your light under -the door an’ I thought I’d drop in. Feel kind o’ nervous myself after -what happened this afternoon. Don’t care atall ’bout goin’ tuh bed. -Guess I’ll walk up an’ down the hall fer a while.” - -Still grinning, he opened the door and went out. That he actually -intended to remain in the hallway for a time, there could be no doubt. -His suspicions had become aroused and he had shown by his actions that -he was frankly skeptical of Dick’s story. Standing guard outside, he had -his youthful suspect almost as completely under surveillance as if he -had remained in the room. - -Dick bolted and locked his door and made ready for his departure. Then -he blew out the light and sat down on the edge of the bed—waiting! Tears -of rage and exasperation welled into his eyes. They were delayed now—and -no immediate prospect of a start. How long would Nichols keep watch in -the hallway? Dick gritted his teeth and swore vengeance upon the wily -outlaw. - -The wind, rattling at the window, suddenly gave him an idea. The window! -Funny he hadn’t thought about that before! It would be a simple task to -raise the sash and slip around the building to Sandy’s and Toma’s room. -Once there he would tap lightly on the pane outside until Toma, ever a -restless sleeper, would come to admit him. - -A grim smile played around the corners of his mouth as he thought about -Murky standing guard just outside his door to prevent his escape. He was -half-chuckling to himself as he tugged at the sash there in the -darkness. It went up with only a slight squeak, and Dick slipped through -the opening with a wildly exultant heart. - -Hurrying around the house, a few moments later he stood just outside the -sleeping boys’ window. With his bared knuckles, he wrapped softly on a -square of glass, continuing intermittently until a shadow appeared on -the opposite side, and a sleepy voice demanded to know what was the -matter. - -“Open up!” Dick called softly. - -Toma complied willingly enough, and it was not long before Dick stood -within the room. - -Whispering a word of warning to the young Indian guide, he pulled a -blanket from the bed and threw it down in front of the door. Then he lit -the lamp. In night attire, rubbing his eyes sleepily, Toma regarded his -friend in wonderment. What sort of trick was this? Dick’s and Sandy’s -pranks were well known to him, and, judging from the broad smile that -quickly lit up his usually mobile features, it was apparent that he -believed that Sandy was to be made the victim of another practical joke. -However, Dick hurriedly disillusioned him. - -“No fooling this time, Toma,” he whispered into the Indian’s ear. “It -may be a life or death matter. The police want our help. We haven’t a -minute to lose.” - -“What we do?” asked Toma. - -“We’re to carry a message to Constable Pearly at Wandley’s post. It is -nearly two in the morning now. We must get there before noon.” - -“How we go so fast like that?” Toma wanted to know. - -“Ponies,” answered Dick. “Wake Sandy up while I gather together a few -things we may need. If Sandy starts talking before he is fully awake, -shove a pillow in his mouth. Get busy! We’ll have to hurry!” - - - - - CHAPTER VII - WANDLEY’S POST - - -The boys reached Wandley’s Post shortly after twelve o’clock and just in -time to intercept Constable Pearly, who had arrived early and was -saddling up in preparation for his departure. Their ponies covered with -mud and lather, Dick and his two companions dashed into the compound and -came to an abrupt halt not twenty feet from the policeman himself, who -had come rushing to the door of the stable at the first sound of -clattering hoofs. - -Dick stumbled from his mount and limped forward with the message in his -hands. - -“From Corporal Rand at Fort Good Faith,” he explained, presenting the -letter. “I’m Dick Kent. These are my two friends, Sandy MacClaren and -John Toma. At Corporal Rand’s request we rode over from Fort Good Faith -this morning.” - -The corporal acknowledged the introduction with a friendly smile and a -hand-clasp for each of the three mud-bespattered messengers. Then he -tore up the envelope. As he read its contents, a slight frown settled -and overspread his face. - -“This is important news. Thanks very much for bringing it over. I see -that the three of you are to go with me.” - -“Yes; that’s what we understood,” Dick replied. - -Pearly rubbed his chin thoughtfully. - -“It’s only a few miles from here to our destination. You’ll have plenty -of time to rest and get something to eat before we start.” - -Sandy greeted this declaration with an exclamation of approval. The boys -were ravenously hungry and so stiff and sore that they could scarcely -walk. Loss of sleep and the hard ride from Fort Good Faith had worn -Dick’s endurance to a shred. He was nearly tottering as he reached out -for the bridle-reins of his pony and led the fagged and foot-sore little -beast through the open door of the stable. - -A few minutes later, having cared for their tired mounts, they -accompanied Constable Pearly to Wandley’s trading room. Just outside the -door, Dick, happening to glance through the window, drew back suddenly -with a cry of surprise. Seated at one of the tables was the burly figure -of La Qua, and immediately opposite, their heads bent forward in -discussion, were the two half-breeds who had played such a conspicuous -part in the affairs of the previous day. Dick seized Pearly’s arm, just -as the latter reached for the latch-string. - -“We can’t go in there, constable,” he declared excitedly, his voice -hoarse and tremulous. “Quick! Let’s get away from here. If we step -inside, it’ll spoil everything.” - -In spite of Sandy’s remonstrances and the policeman’s puzzled and -questioning look, Dick hurriedly led the way back to the compound before -he could be induced to offer a single word of explanation. - -“It’s La Qua,” he broke forth eagerly, “the man who will be in charge of -the pack-train Murky is sending over to Blind Man’s Pass tonight. He was -sitting in there at one of the tables. He’s already suspicious of me, -and it would never do to meet him again now.” - -“Are you sure it’s La Qua?” Pearly wished to know. - -Dick nodded his head emphatically. - -“Yes, I am sure. He was over at Good Faith yesterday—in fact, until one -o’clock this morning—consulting with Murky Nichols. One of the two men -with him is the half-breed Corporal Rand arrested for attempting to stab -Nichols.” - -“Stab Nichols!” Pearly’s face lit up with sudden interest. “I hadn’t -heard about it. When did this happen?” - -“Yesterday afternoon,” Dick replied. “I thought perhaps Rand had -mentioned it to you in his letter.” - -“No,” answered Pearly, “he had too many other things to tell me. Most of -his message was taken up with instructions which we are to follow as -soon as we leave this post.” - -Sandy’s dispirited face clouded still more as the moments passed. Unable -longer to withstand the gnawing demands of his stomach, he stepped -forward and demanded: - -“What about something to eat? Just because that blamed outlaw is sitting -in there, is no reason why we should all go hungry. Constable Pearly, -isn’t there something you can suggest?” - -“Certainly,” smiled the constable, “I can easily arrange that. But first -we’d better find a more suitable hiding place than this.” - -“What about the loft in the stable?” proposed Dick. - -“As good a place as any,” Pearly decided, glancing across at Sandy’s wan -and disconsolate features. - -“I’ll hustle back to the trading room and purchase a few things for you -to eat. While I’m doing that, the three of you can go up to the loft.” - -The boys entered the barn and climbed the rickety ladder to the floor -above. Crossing over to a large pile of hay, they flung themselves down -to await the constable’s return. It was not long before he reappeared. - -With a sigh of intense satisfaction, Sandy reached out for the packages -Pearly had handed over and began dividing their contents. - -“I had a good look at this man, La Qua, and the three half-breeds,” the -policeman informed them. “From what little of their conversation I was -able to overhear, it is evident that they are about to leave Wandley’s. -They’ll probably proceed at once to Settlement Mountain.” - -“Will they follow the same trail as we will?” asked Dick. - -Constable Pearly nodded. “Yes, there’s only one route which leads off in -that direction. They will go directly past the bend in the river, where -we are to await the coming of Richardson and Rand. Our best plan is to -remain here until La Qua and his two men leave. Then we can follow them -leisurely. As I said before, we have only a few miles to go. I think -we’d better not take our horses with us. I’ll make arrangements with -Wandley himself to have them looked after.” - -Pearly excused himself, and a short time later the boys could hear his -measured tread across the frozen ground outside. - -“He’ll keep a sharp eye on La Qua,” decided Sandy. “I don’t imagine the -outlaw will stay here very long if they are really planning to set out -with the pack-train tonight.” - -“Constable Pearly him pretty good policeman,” said Toma. - -“Yes, he’s the new man from the Peace River detachment,” Dick explained. -“Corporal Rand spoke highly of him.” - -Sandy yawned and stretched out his legs. Since eating, it was quite -apparent that he felt much better. Eyes twinkling, he looked across at -Dick. - -“I’m beginning to feel like a new man myself. I’ll be ready to start any -time. I honestly believe, Dick, that I’m going to enjoy this adventure -almost as much as I would the trip to the coast. Hope nothing happens to -prevent a change in the outlaws’ plans to start for the pass tonight.” - -“I don’t believe anything is likely to occur now,” responded Dick. “La -Qua seems to be very anxious to return to Settlement Mountain. I’ll be -very much surprised if the pack-train doesn’t leave there soon after -dark.” - -The boys were so busily engaged in discussing the proposed trip that -they did not hear Constable Pearly when he stole silently up the ladder -and emerged to the loft. Dick turned quickly at the policeman’s -approach, then started in surprise. The constable’s face was grave, his -manner a little furtive. A slight frown had etched more deeply the lines -in his forehead. As he came over to where the three boys sat, he raised -a finger to his lips. - -“I can’t understand it,” he whispered. “The two half-breeds have gone! -But that isn’t all! Murky Nichols rode up to the door of the trading -room a few minutes ago, and he and La Qua are conferring now just -outside. I wonder what it means?” - -Dick’s face fell. Here was an unlooked-for turn of events. A feeling of -disappointment swept over him. So Murky had become alarmed and had left -Fort Good Faith as soon as he had discovered that he, Dick, had eluded -him. Was he here to instruct La Qua not to send the pack-train of stolen -fur through the pass? - -In as few words as possible, Dick informed Pearly of the incidents of -the previous night, describing Murky’s suspicious attitude when he had -forced his way into Dick’s room. - -“Do you think,” he concluded, “that Nichols has come expressly for the -purpose of warning La Qua?” - -The constable folded his arms and stood for a short time, his brow -wrinkled in thought. - -“It is hard to guess what will be the outcome of this visit,” he -answered finally, “or to know definitely Murky’s purpose. But it is easy -to see that he came here on some matter of extreme importance. His horse -nearly dropped from exhaustion as he rode in. Its flanks were steaming -wet, spattered with mud, while under its belly were two horrible welts -which the brute had inflicted with his spurs. At any other time, I would -have arrested Murky on the spot for cruelty to a poor dumb animal.” - -As he spoke, Pearly’s eyes flashed with indignation. - -“He’s driven furiously all the way from Fort Good Faith,” he went on. -“He would never have done that unless the occasion warranted the -effort.” - -“I guess we’d better remain in hiding,” trembled Sandy. “Do you think -we’ll be safe here, constable?” - -A ghost of a smile played across the policeman’s weather-tanned -features. - -“If you mean ‘safe from detection’—I doubt it. Sooner or later some one -is certain to enter this loft and will find you here. Murky may lead his -horse into the stable at any moment.” - -“Even if he does, he may not come to the loft,” reasoned Dick. “There is -plenty of hay piled up in the stable below.” - -“But what about your ponies? Wouldn’t he recognize them?” - -Dick and Sandy gasped in unison. Toma bounded to his feet with a -guttural exclamation of dismay. - -“Nichols be sure know ponies right away,” he declared excitedly. - -“What do you think we’d better do?” Sandy quavered. - -“Get your horses out of the stable as quickly as possible,” Pearly -replied. “This young man here”—indicating Toma—“can give me a hand. Come -on! We’ll have to hurry. You two,” motioning Dick and Sandy to remain -seated, “will remain here. I’ll let you know just as soon as the coast -is clear. I may possibly find another hiding place.” - -“They’ll take them out through the back door,” said Dick. - -A noise below, followed by the creaking of a door, indicated to the boys -that Constable Pearly and Toma were taking out the ponies. Soon after -another sound came from the front of the building. Almost immediately, -Dick heard someone walking across the stable floor and the gruff voices -of La Qua and Nichols. - -Although they listened intently, neither Dick nor Sandy could hear any -of the conversation. The rumbling tones died away presently. A tense -moment had passed. Sandy rose and tip-toed across the loft, endeavoring -to peep out through a narrow slit between the logs. He was about to turn -to come back, when he became visibly excited, motioning frantically to -his chum. - -“La Qua has taken out his horse!” he whispered breathlessly to Dick, as -soon as the other had joined him. - -“Is Murky going with him?” asked Dick. - -Sandy stepped back to permit the other to look through the tiny -aperture. - -“No,” he answered. “From the look of it, Murky intends to remain here. -La Qua is probably going on to Settlement Mountain.” - -Dick caught sight of a fleeting roan, upon which was astride the -slouching, unkempt figure of La Qua. Then abruptly he was startled by -the sound of the door of the stable creaking open again, and a few -moments later, heavy steps upon the ladder, leading to the loft. - -For one brief moment, Dick’s heart leaped to his throat. Had Murky -Nichols learned of their presence there? Or was it Constable Pearly and -Toma? He and Sandy stood shaking with suppressed excitement, their eyes -riveted on the trap-door. Both breathed a sigh of relief as the flushed -face of the mounted policeman appeared through the opening. Behind him, -came Toma. Dick and Sandy rushed forward excitedly to meet them. - -“Do you think La Qua is going on to Settlement Mountain?” Dick asked. - -The constable paused to brush the dust from his tunic. A thoughtful -expression shadowed his face. - -“This thing is getting more and more complicated,” he finally broke -forth. “I don’t know what to make of it. If La Qua has really gone on to -Settlement Mountain in anticipation of the trip tonight, I can’t -understand why Nichols did not accompany him.” - -“Perhaps he is here to watch our movements,” said Dick. “He may have -heard of our arrival.” - -Pearly compressed his lips and looked searchingly at the three boys. - -“Did any one see you when you rode up?” he demanded. - -Sandy and Dick both shook their heads, but Toma—it was quite -apparent—had important information to impart. - -“I see ’em two fellows walk away from compound just when we ride up,” -came his startling revelation. “Me no sure, but I think mebbe one fellow -him white man.” - -“Where did they go?” snapped Pearly. - -“Don’t know,” answered the young Indian guide. “When we get close I see -’em no more. Mebbe they walk around building and go in trading room.” - -A deep silence followed this last statement. Pearly regarded Dick with -questioning eyes. Sandy rubbed his chin thoughtfully. - -“Do you suppose that it was La Qua and one of the half-breeds, and that -they recognized us?” - -The constable made an impatient gesture. - -“This is all conjecture and will get us nowhere. We have no way of -determining whether the outlaws know you are here or not. The thing to -do is to assume that they haven’t seen you, and lay our plans -accordingly. Toma and I have staked out the ponies about a hundred yards -from here in a shallow coulee that slopes down to the shore of -Settlement House River. Your next move will be to get over there without -Murky seeing you.” - -“But what will we do with the ponies now?” Sandy interposed. - -“I’m coming to that. As I previously informed you, I had intended to ask -Wandley to look after them. That is out of the question now with Nichols -here. They must remain hidden from his inquisitive eyes—kept out of -sight entirely. The only thing I can think of just now is to take them -with us to the meeting place near the bend of the river.” - -The constable paused for a brief moment before he resumed: - -“Please listen to me closely. I’m going back to the trading room and -strike up an acquaintance with our friend, Mr. Nichols. I’ll engage him -in conversation for ten or fifteen minutes. That will give you plenty of -time to make your way to the coulee undetected. Wait for five or six -minutes after I go before you leave the loft.” - -“When we get to the coulee,” inquired Dick, “we’re to wait for you. Is -that the understanding?” - -“Yes,” nodded Pearly, turning to go, “I’ll rejoin you there in half an -hour. I’ll ride my own horse over.” - -Without further word, the policeman disappeared through the opening -again, much to the amusement of Sandy. - -“He must be tired climbing up and down that ladder,” he grinned. “Is -this the fourth or the fifth time he’s been up here?” - -“This is no joking matter,” Dick reproved him. “Sandy, I’ve left my -watch at home. Have you got yours?” - -“Yes,” answered Sandy, feeling in his pocket. - -“Better hold it in your hand until the time comes for us to slip away -from here.” - -Sandy followed out the suggestion with alacrity. Silence fell over the -little party, a silence so deep that Dick could have sworn that he could -hear the faint ticking of his chum’s watch. An interminable period -seemed to have passed before Sandy raised his arm. - -“Time to go!” he whispered eagerly. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII - THE AMBUSCADE - - -Toma led the way to the coulee where the ponies were picketed. On the -road thither they had met no one, and were in consequence in high -spirits as they pushed forward through the trees, entered the draw, and -came finally to the screen of thicket beyond which the horses munched -contentedly on the dry grass covering the space around them. - -Dick noted with deep concern that the wind had veered round more to the -north and that the weather had become appreciably cooler. As yet there -was no hint of a storm. Scarcely a cloud could be seen across the blue -expanse of sky. - -Sandy drew his coat more tightly about him and sat down in the shelter -of a small thicket, while Dick and Toma began a restless pacing back and -forth in the cleared space near the ponies. They were thus occupied when -the sound of clattering hoofs heralded the approach of Constable Pearly. - -A moment later he drew up in front of them, smiling down cheerily. - -“I guess we might as well start,” he declared. - -“As soon as you boys have saddled up, we’ll strike off along the -Settlement River trail. We have plenty of time and can proceed slowly.” - -The boys hastened to obey. Presently they drew away from the coulee, -keeping well within the shelter of spruce and jack-pine bordering the -river. A few hundred yards farther on they picked up the faint thread of -a trail, which soon brought them to the main travelled road. Here, two -abreast, Constable Pearly and Toma in the lead, they jaunted leisurely -along. - -Conversation lagged. For some unknown reason, the little party rode -under a cloud of dejection. Pearly’s face had become set and stern; -Sandy slumped in his saddle; Toma’s eyes wandered furtively from side to -side; while Dick himself was obsessed by a sense of foreboding. This -feeling persisted as they continued slowly on their way. Strive as he -would against it, he could not shake off the thought of impending -disaster. It was as if the gray spectre of some great trouble followed -in their rear. - -Dick wondered if this unpleasant phantasm had come as the result of his -nervous strain and lack of sleep, or if it was really a warning. Ought -he to tell Constable Pearly? Pressing his heels against his pony’s -flanks, he cantered up behind the policeman for the purpose of doing so, -but on second thought decided against it. Pearly would probably laugh at -him and with just cause, for his fears were groundless. It was folly -even to think about it. He must endeavor to get a better grip of -himself. - -A moment later, he wished he had acted upon his first impulse. The -constable suddenly threw his hands high in the air and dropped from his -saddle. The reverberating report of a rifle, a puff of smoke from the -side of the trail, the fleeting glimpse of someone hurtling away through -the underbrush—all were vivid impressions, indelibly traced across -Dick’s mind. With a snort of fear, his horse had thrown himself back so -abruptly that its rider had nearly become unseated. Dick sprang to the -ground just as Toma, who had already dismounted, stooped over Pearly’s -prostrate form. - -“Is he dead!” gasped Dick. - -Sandy rode up, his cheeks ashen with horror, a revolver gripped in one -trembling hand. - -“The half-breed!” he faltered. “The same man who tried to stab Nichols. -I saw him!” - -“The yellow, despicable cur!” - -As he spoke, Dick placed two hands gently under the constable’s broad -shoulders, and supporting the wounded man’s head against his own body, -raised the limp, but still breathing, form to a more upright position. - -“He may be mortally wounded,” he declared in a stricken voice. “We must -do something quickly. We’ll have to take him back to Wandley’s post.” - -Toma quickly unbuttoned the policeman’s tunic. A red stain colored the -cloth beneath. With his hunting knife, the young guide slit open the -shirt and undergarment, revealing the wound itself—a dangerous one, a -few inches below the right arm-pit. - -As Dick well knew, every member of the mounted police force was required -to carry a first-aid kit. Acting upon this knowledge, he and Toma -hurriedly went through the stricken man’s pockets until they discovered -the object of their search. Absorbent cotton, bandages, adhesive tape -and a small bottle of disinfectant were yanked out of the container and -placed in handy proximity. Toma began the work of dressing the wound -with the calm deliberateness of an experienced surgeon. At the end of a -few minutes he straightened up, breathing a sigh of relief. - -“Mebbe by do that we help save his life,” he murmured hopefully. “Next -thing—how we get him back to Wandley’s? Constable Pearly him too big to -tie on horse. What you think?” - -The boys looked from one to the other in dismay. How indeed, was this -imperative task to be accomplished. Dick thrust his hands disconsolately -in his pockets, unable to think of any adequate plan. Sandy dismounted -and strode forward. - -“Do you suppose that we could place him on one of the smaller ponies,” -he suggested, “and support him by riding on either side—three horses -abreast? It seems to be the only way. We could link our arms in his and -drive carefully.” - -Dick and Toma remained thoughtful for a moment, considering Sandy’s -plan. - -“It may work,” Dick decided. “At any rate, we must do something -quickly.” - -To raise the limp and heavy figure to the saddle proved to be a -difficult task. The ponies snorted and swung back. Dick was almost in -despair before they finally succeeded in getting the wounded man in -place and had made a start for Wandley’s post. He rode on one side of -the policeman and Toma on the other. Long before they had traversed the -first few hundred yards, their arms ached from the burden. Also some -difficulty was experienced in keeping the ponies together. - -In places, where the trail narrowed down to a mere foot-path, they were -compelled to break the close formation. At such times, one of the boys -would be compelled to dismount and support the figure from the ground -until the road again grew wider. - -Altogether, it was a sorry and dejected group that made its way back -over the selfsame route they had come only a few minutes before. In the -twinkling of an eye, the carefully laid plans of Corporal Rand had -miscarried. Their hopes had gone glimmering. Murky Nichols had shown his -hand. One of Dick’s greatest worries just now was that the crafty outlaw -himself would soon witness their arrival at the post. - -Moving along carefully, their arms and shoulders aching from the strain -put upon them, they came at last within sight of Wandley’s. As they -emerged upon the small prairie, at the far side of which the post was -situated, they came directly in the path of a sharp “northwester.” The -smiling sky of an hour previous had become leaden with menace. Dun, -metal-colored clouds scudded before the wind. The horizon, black and -threatening, indicated only too plainly the approach of a storm. - -They rode up to the door of the trading room in a dispirited silence. A -curious group gathered about them. Anxiously, Dick scanned the -unfamiliar faces, expecting to see that of Murky Nichols. But the outlaw -was not there. Willing hands assisted them in lifting Pearly down from -his precarious seat and help carry him within. The solicitous figure of -Wandley himself presently pushed forward through the crowd. - -“Mon Dieu! What has happened?” cried a voice. - -“A policeman!” gasped Wandley, his good-humored face suddenly gray with -concern. “Who shot him?” - -Sandy mumbled something under his breath. Dick turned his head and -looked up appealingly into the horrified eyes of the free trader. - -“Will you help us out, Mr. Wandley? Constable Pearly’s condition is -serious.” - -Wandley took in the situation at a glance. He was a man of action. In an -incredibly short space he had placed a room at the policeman’s disposal, -and in various ways assisted in making him comfortable. A short time -later, the three boys followed Wandley to the trading room, where they -told the story of the ambuscade. - -The free trader listened with rapt attention. A stolid, heavy-set man, -known throughout the North for his honesty and sincerity of purpose, he -showed by his manner and expression unmistakably what he thought of the -outrage. - -“Who do you suppose could have been guilty of such a dastardly attack?” -he asked at the conclusion of the boys’ recital. “Did you see the person -who fired the shot?” - -Sandy was about to tell Wandley of his suspicions, when Dick silenced -him with a look. Other persons were within hearing and might carry the -information to Nichols. - -“No,” he lied deliberately, “we haven’t the faintest idea. Sandy, here, -thought he caught a glimpse of a person running in the underbrush -shortly after the shot was fired. But we have no knowledge of his -identity.” - -Wandley turned sympathetic eyes upon his three informants. - -“I’ll see that everything possible is done for Pearly,” he promised -them. “I’m sending over to the Indian village for a native doctor who -has often proved to be very good in cases of this kind.” - -The boys thanked the free trader and turned to go. They still had time -to reach the bend in the river before the coming of Sergeant Richardson -and Corporal Rand. Their own ponies were waiting outside. At the door, -moved by a sudden impulse, Dick pressed Sandy’s arm significantly, then -hurried back to Wandley’s side. - -“May I have a word with you for a moment?” he inquired meaningly. - -The free trader started back in surprise. - -“Why certainly. What is it?” - -Motioning the other to follow, he led the way to an inner room, which -served as Wandley’s office. - -“Now what’s the trouble, my boy?” he asked. - -Dick stood awkwardly, cap in hand, a little confused, a little doubtful -whether, after all, it would be good policy to ask the question now -uppermost in his mind. Wandley seemed to sense the young man’s -difficulty. He patted Dick’s arm. - -“Don’t be afraid to speak up, if it is anything of importance,” he said -reassuringly. “You can trust me absolutely.” - -Dick smiled across at the grizzled, earnest face. - -“All right, Mr. Wandley, there is something I want to know.” - -“What is it?” - -“Did you see Murky Nichols here an hour or two ago, when he arrived here -at the post?” - -“Yes,” Wandley unhesitatingly replied. “He rode in here like a dozen -furies shortly after one o’clock. But he’s gone now.” - -“So he’s really gone?” Dick breathed a sigh of relief. - -“Yes,” answered the free trader, wondering what his young interrogator -was driving at. - -“How long since he left?” came the next question. - -“Not more than fifteen or twenty minutes ago. He was hardly out of sight -before you came in with Pearly.” - -“Which trail did he take?” - -“The one to Fort Good Faith.” - -Dick stepped forward and pressed the huge hand of the free trader. - -“Thank you very much. I’ll explain sometime, Mr. Wandley, but I’ll have -to hurry now. We’ll stop in to see you on our return.” - -Saying which, Dick hurried through the door, crossed the trading room -and quickly rejoined his two friends outside. - - - - - CHAPTER IX - THE MEETING PLACE - - -Faint flecks of snow were falling as they took the first turn in the -trail at top speed. The wind had increased in velocity. It had become a -gale that bent the tops of the spruce and poplar, driving down a fine -icy sleet through the trees. Toma raised anxious eyes to the lowering -sky and presently shrieked out above the roar of the approaching storm: - -“Big blizzard come pretty soon. How far we go before we get to bend in -river?” - -“It’s only a short distance,” Dick answered, yelling at the top of his -voice. - -At a brisk canter, they passed the place of the recent ambuscade, soon -afterward following the trail across an open meadow in the very teeth of -the storm. For a moment a white, driving curtain of snow almost -suffocated them. Only with difficulty could they drive their ponies into -it. - -“We’re licked!” shouted Sandy. “I dread to think of waiting for anyone -in this blizzard. The pack-train will never be able to start tonight.” - -When they had gained the woodland again, it was almost impossible to -make out their surroundings clearly. Overhead was a gray impenetrable -blur. Within the shelter of the trees, when Dick, straining his eyes -against the whirling particles of snow, endeavored to get his bearings, -he could see scarcely fifty yards ahead. Somewhere off to the right was -Settlement House River. Judging from the distance they had already come, -they must be close to their destination right now. - -Dick drew up his horse sharply, calling a halt. His two chums came -closer. - -“I think we’ve gone far enough,” was Sandy’s opinion, as they sat -huddled on their tired mounts, looking into each other’s apprehensive -eyes. “My suggestion is to leave the trail here and strike off to the -right in the direction of the river. What do you think, Toma?” - -The guide did not immediately reply. His face was calm and -expressionless. There was no outward manifestation of his secret, inner -emotions. Just then he was not thinking of the bend in the river at all. -Indeed, he had become so absorbed in his own thoughts that he was -scarcely conscious even of the presence of his two companions. At that -particular moment his mind was concentrated on a matter of extreme -importance. He gazed sombrely at the trail at their feet, across which, -plainly visible in the freshly fallen snow, were the imprints of -moccasined feet. - -Only a few minutes before someone had passed that way. The quick mind of -the guide reverted to the shooting of Constable Pearly. From ambush, a -man had deliberately shot down the mounted policeman. Were these tracks, -which he saw now, made by that selfsame man? Was the half-breed planning -a second attack? - -Toma did not wish to alarm Dick and Sandy needlessly. Yet he was -possessed of a feeling—intuitive perhaps—that the near presence of the -man boded no good to them. If it was the same person who had wounded -Constable Pearly, it was reasonable to suppose that he would not -hesitate to draw a gun upon them. - -It was a predicament indeed—and one fraught with danger. The footprints -led away in the same direction that Sandy now proposed to go. It would -be foolhardy for the three of them to take a chance. Turning the problem -over and over in his mind, Toma came to a decision. - -“No use all three ride over an’ try find ’em place where we meet -Sergeant Richardson. What you say I go alone? Sandy, you Dick stay here -in shelter of bush. No take ’em me very long. If I find bend, I come -back pretty quick an’ let you know.” - -The young guide’s proposal did not meet with the instant approval that -he had expected. - -“No,” growled Sandy, “we can all go. What’s the use of staying here?” - -“Look here, Toma,” interposed Dick, “three pairs of eyes are better than -one.” - -Toma scowled. He feigned an angry indifference. “All right. I do what -you say. I think you ’fraid mebbe poor Toma get lost.” - -Sandy reached up and snapped off the brittle twig from a branch just -over his head. He regarded it reflectively. - -“Pshaw! Let him have his own way, Dick. If he insists, I don’t mind in -the least. I’m going to crawl off this old nag of mine and stretch my -legs.” - -As if the matter were already settled, Sandy scrambled off his mount and -led it over to a thick clump of bushes, which offered better protection -from the storm. After a moment’s hesitation, Dick followed his example. -The two crouched there while Toma sprang to the ground, tied his horse -to a young sapling and then struck off sharply to the right on foot. In -a few seconds he became lost to view. - -Dick and Sandy brushed away the snow from a small space in front of them -and sat down, weary and disheartened. The ponies turned with their backs -to the wind. Dick was so sleepy and tired from his long hours of -wakefulness that he had scarcely sat down when his head began to nod, -and soon after he drowsed off completely. How long he slept he did not -know. He was awakened by the hand of his chum, clawing roughly, -excitedly at his shoulder. He opened his eyes to look into the startled -face of his friend. - -“Did you hear it?” gasped Sandy. - -Bewildered from sleep, Dick could not imagine what sound Sandy alluded -to, when abruptly there came to his ears the faint report of a rifle. - -“There it is again!” - -The boys jumped to their feet, gazing fearfully out through the storm. -They trembled at the thought of what might now have happened. They stood -shivering in the teeth of the icy gale, their faces gray with -apprehension. After a time, following the first shock, Dick turned to -Sandy. - -“It frightened me at first,” he confessed. “Thought it was the -half-breed. For a moment, I didn’t think about Toma. He probably saw a -moose or bear and fired at it.” - -Sandy was not so sure. He shook his head doggedly, staring gloomily away -in the direction of the river. - -“We’d better investigate, Dick,” he trembled. “Even if Toma did see a -moose, I doubt very much whether he would have taken a shot at it.” - -“The hunting instinct in every Indian is strong,” argued his chum. “Even -you or I would have been liable to act the same under similar -circumstances.” - -Sandy was not convinced. With his moccasined feet he kicked at a drift -of freshly fallen snow. Nervously, his hand played with the holster at -his belt. - -“Perhaps I’m foolish, but I can’t help thinking that something has gone -wrong. The sound we just heard, although fainter, was very much like the -one we heard this afternoon when Pearly was wounded. Besides, if I -remember correctly, Toma has no rifle. All he has in the way of firearms -is a small automatic, which could not possibly make as much noise as we -heard just now.” - -Dick’s face became sober again. He looked at Sandy in alarm. - -“But all of us had rifles strapped to our saddles when we set out from -Fort Good Faith,” he pointed out. - -“You and I—but not Toma! When Toma and I went out on our hunting trip a -few days ago, he broke the trigger-spring on his gun, and yesterday, -when we returned, he left it at the Indian village to be repaired. When -you wakened us last night, I had my rifle in my room. Toma had none. I -know I’m right about this, Dick.” - -It was the other’s turn to become alarmed. With an excited exclamation -he stepped forward, and with fumbling fingers began to remove his own -rifle from the saddle. Sandy followed suit. Without further preliminary, -they hurried to the rescue. - -Shoulders hunched, faces wet with melting snow, they darted forward -through the underbrush. Dick’s heart was beating miserably at the -thought of this new danger. Had Toma also been waylaid—probably -murdered? Desperately, he stared ahead, expecting momentarily to find -the crumpled figure of the young guide lying in the snow. They -progressed farther and farther away from the trail. Sandy’s breath came -in choking gasps. - -“Toma! Toma!” he kept repeating. - -Presently their hopes mounted. Thus far they had found nothing. Perhaps -the young Indian was still alive. Perhaps in some miraculous way he had -escaped the half-breed’s death-dealing bullets. - -Through the blinding snow-mist directly ahead, they made out the vague -outline of Settlement House River. Toma’s tracks had become obliterated -here. They had emerged upon an open space across which the wind had full -sweep. They would be unable now to track Toma down. If they found him at -all, it would be through some lucky chance, rather than through any -direct effort on their part. Fifty yards ahead, standing like a huge -sentinel, guarding the descent to the river, the boys discerned a large -jack-pine. - -Toward it they made their way, reached it after a short interval, and -glanced down along the slope expectantly. But there was no sign of -anyone. The storm now had reached its height. Snow and sleet lashed -across the earth. Trees bent their heads before the furious blast. Both -Dick and Sandy had seen many blizzards, but never such a one as this. - -Sandy took Dick’s arm and shouted above the roar of the storm. - -“No use in standing here, Dick. We may miss Toma altogether. If he’s -alive, he’s probably back to the trail by this time. Come on! Let’s -hurry over there ourselves.” - -With a last look along the slope, Dick was about to turn, when he saw -the dim outline of something just ahead. Straining his eyes, one hand -shielding his face from the driving snow, he made out, at length, what -was unmistakably the figure of a man. Could it be Toma? The man was -afoot. Quickly, Dick started back, overcome by sudden fear. It was the -half-breed—and he carried a rifle! - -Springing forward down the slope, Dick pulled Sandy after him. Just -ahead, a thick screen of bushes—now weighted down with snow—would hide -them from view. Yet here it would still be possible to watch the -movements of the figure proceeding toward them on the level ground above -the slope. - -Sandy removed his parka and glared back toward the spot Dick had -indicated. - -“The half-breed!” he whispered hoarsely. “The same man who shot -Constable Pearly. What do you suppose has happened to Toma?” - -Rifle in hand, the half-breed came on, looking furtively to the right -and left. He seemed oblivious to the storm. In a few moments he had -approached to within fifty feet of the place where the boys lay -concealed. - -Instinctively, Dick and Sandy reached for their revolvers. But before -they could be drawn from their holsters, the half-breed accomplished an -incredible and surprising movement. His head went back with a jerk—so -suddenly that he nearly lost his balance. For a moment he stood stock -still, then leaped for the protecting trunk of a poplar. Above the -roaring of the wind and storm, the boys heard distinctly the sound of a -muffled report. - -The boys rose to their feet with a cry of joy. Well they knew the -meaning of the half-breed’s actions and the sound they had heard. Toma -was still alive! Not only that—he was carrying on a sort of running -fight with the outlaw. Sandy flourished his own gun, and, had Dick not -prevented it, would have fired point-blank at the figure, which, though -sheltered from Toma’s fire by the poplar, offered a splendid target for -the boys. - -“Here, Sandy!” remonstrated Dick. “Don’t do that. Stop!” - -“I haven’t forgotten Constable Pearly,” Sandy retorted angrily. “The -fellow deserves it.” - -“Possibly he does. But it’s not your place to retaliate. Toma is well -able to look after himself. If I’m not mistaken the outlaw will be ready -and willing to take to his heels before long.” - -“But Toma may be wounded,” argued Sandy. - -“I doubt it. If he is, it’s only slightly. Our best plan is to stay here -and await developments.” - -A few more shots from Toma’s automatic drove the half-breed from his -inadequate barricade. The stocky figure suddenly lurched backward, one -hand grasping his arm. His rifle dropped to the ground. For a -split-second his face was distorted with pain. Then, turning swiftly, he -retrieved his weapon and sped toward the slope, gaining its shelter -without sustaining further injury. The boys watched him as he scrambled -down through the trees and underbrush in the direction of the river. - -“Come on, Dick!” Sandy shouted excitedly. “We’ll go over and see Toma. -That’s what I call marksmanship!” - -“You’re taking a chance if you do. In this storm Toma wouldn’t be able -to tell whether it was you or the half-breed. Good way to commit -suicide.” - -“Guess I won’t take a chance,” grinned Sandy. “But how are we going to -join him?” - -“I think we’d better slip along the slope for a few hundred yards, then -circle back to the trail where the ponies are,” was Dick’s suggestion. - -The two friends proceeded to put this plan into execution. In high -spirits again, now that they knew that the guide was safe, they hurried -along, and in less than twenty minutes were back at the same place they -had left but a short time before. They had scarcely taken up their -former position beside the ponies, when a sharp crackling in the -underbrush close at hand, told them that Toma had returned. He sauntered -up as if nothing had happened, his face as inscrutable and -expressionless as ever. - -Secretly, Sandy poked Dick in the ribs. Then he turned upon the newcomer -scowling. - -“Where have you been all this time?” he demanded hotly. “Did it take you -nearly an hour to walk over to the river? We’ve been sitting here so -long that we’re nearly frozen.” - -Toma offered no explanation. He strode over and pulled the blanket from -his pony. - -“Mebbe we find bend little farther on. Me no think it very far now.” - -Dick and Sandy winked at each other as they got once more into the -saddle and followed Toma along the drifting trail. For a time they rode -on in silence, once more conscious of the fury of the storm. Abruptly, -the trail swung to the south and very soon they could see the broken, -snow-covered valley of the river—so close that it seemed as if the trail -ran into it. Here was the bend at last! - -Dick recalled that Corporal Rand had instructed him to descend to the -floor of the valley and make camp close to the river. They proceeded to -do this, first dismounting and leading the ponies after them. - -A short time later they had gained their objective. The ground was level -here, densely overgrown with trees and shrubs. The river had not yet -frozen over. Slush ice choked the current, making a grinding, roaring -sound as it floated swiftly past. Here and there on the sandbars, large -piles of ice and driftwood had been shoved ashore. In another -twenty-four hours, with the steadily falling temperature, the stream -would be frozen over, although it would be many days before it would be -safe to cross on foot. - -As he gathered driftwood for the fire, Dick’s gaze returned again and -again to the ice-choked current. A thought suddenly came to him. -Sergeant Richardson and Corporal Rand were to meet them here at -nightfall. The two were travelling westward, and it would be necessary -for them to cross the river here before they could go on to the cabin of -the outlaws at Settlement Mountain. - -Would they be able to do it? He looked out again across the grinding, -grating field of ice and slowly shook his head. It was a feat he had no -desire to attempt himself. It seemed foolhardy even to think of it. Not -only would a raft be in imminent danger of being broken to pieces by the -drifting chunks of ice in the whirling current, but there was also the -possibility of its occupants being shaken or thrown precipitately into -the river. - -He consulted his watch. It was now nearly four o’clock. The short -afternoon would soon be terminated by the approach of darkness. Night -would descend, and he shuddered to think of any attempt on the part of -the police party to cross. - -When the flames from their campfire had commenced to leap up, radiating -warmth and comfort in a wide circle around them, he broached the subject -to Sandy and Toma. - -“I don’t see how they’ll ever manage to get over. It’s getting late now. -By the time they’ve built a raft, it will be so dark that it will be out -of the question to think of crossing.” - -“Mebbe him Corporal Rand know about raft somewhere on other side of -river,” said Toma. - -“He never mentioned it to me.” - -Sandy, who had been sitting on the end of a fallen tree, gazing -thoughtfully into the fire, looked up with a smile. - -“You can trust Rand and Richardson to do the impossible,” he pointed -out. “I’d like to lay you a wager that if they reach the opposite side -of the river tonight, they’ll manage somehow to find a way to get -across. Perhaps they’ll come floating over on one of those huge cakes of -ice.” - -“I won’t take your bet, Sandy,” Dick laughed. “Just the same I’d hate to -be in their shoes.” - -Toma rose and walked down to the edge of the river, returning a moment -later with water for tea. Huddled around the blaze, they ate from the -supplies that had been purchased at Wandley’s post. Darkness was quickly -descending. As is frequently the case in the North, the wind subsided as -night approached; but the snow continued to fall. If possible, it came -down thicker than ever. About them was one all-enveloping mantle of -white. Even the trees and underbrush bent under the weight of their -snowy burden. - -The three ponies, warmly blanketed, each one tied to a long picket-rope, -pawed away the snow in order to browse at the dead grass and moss -underneath. Dick felt sorry for the little beasts, almost wishing that -he had left them with Constable Pearly’s horse at Wandley’s. While he -was watching them, Toma broke forth abruptly: - -“Did you hear that?” - -The three rose swiftly to their feet and rushed down to the shore of the -river. Again came the sound—a faint halloo which trembled across the -valley. The boys cupped their hands to their mouths and sent back an -answering shout. - -“The police party! What did I tell you, Dick? They’ll make it yet!” - -As he spoke, Sandy reached out and slapped Dick excitedly on the -shoulder. - - - - - CHAPTER X - THE FIRST PRISONER - - -Swinging their arms against their bodies, and walking up and down along -the river bank, from time to time the boys shouted out words of -encouragement. Time dragged monotonously. Hours seemed to have passed -before they heard again from the mounted policemen. - -Faintly at first, then louder as it approached, they heard the scraping -of the raft. Human voices sounded eerily out of the gloom. A thrill of -excitement coursed along Dick’s spine. The suspense was nerve-breaking. -He had become almost as limp as a rag, when finally he discerned a dark -shape ahead and the raft pushed in closer to shore. A few minutes later, -using the long poles which had served them so well in crossing, Sergeant -Richardson and Corporal Rand vaulted across the intervening space -separating them from the beach. - -It was a happy re-union. The three boys had not seen Sergeant Richardson -for months. They wrung the policeman’s hand, then escorted him and his -companion back to the campfire. - -“Where’s Pearly?” demanded Corporal Rand, looking about him. - -“Wounded,” replied Dick. “We’ve had a terrible time, corporal. Murky -Nichols followed us to Wandley’s post, where he conferred with La Qua. -La Qua went on to Settlement Mountain alone, first sending ahead the two -half-breeds who were with him. While Pearly and the three of us were -journeying along the trail on the way here, Pearly was shot down from -ambush. We were compelled to take him back to Wandley’s. The man who -shot him was the same person you arrested yesterday—the one who -attempted to stab Nichols. He’s in this vicinity right now. Less than -two hours ago, when Toma was reconnoitering in an effort to find this -place, he fired at him several times. Toma managed to escape injury and -made things so hot for him that he was compelled to seek shelter along -the slope of the river.” - -The young guide’s eyes had widened perceptibly and he stared -unbelievingly at his chum. - -“How you find out about that?” he blurted. - -Sergeant Richardson ignored the interruption. - -“Did Murky Nichols see you when you left Fort Good Faith?” - -Dick flushed under the searching scrutiny. - -“I don’t think he saw us, but he found out about our departure right -after we left.” Then Dick turned to Corporal Rand. “It wasn’t altogether -my fault, corporal. In less than ten minutes after you went out of my -room, the door opened and Murky Nichols came in. He seemed suspicious -and asked me what I was doing up at that hour. I pleaded a toothache and -was finally forced to ask him to leave. He took up a position in the -hall outside. It was easy to see that he did not believe my story and -intended to watch me. I was compelled to slip out of the window and go -around and wake Sandy and Toma. We were very quiet and I do not believe -that he had any intimation of the trick we had played upon him until an -hour or two after we’d gone.” - -Neither Richardson nor Rand had anything to say. Dick felt that their -silence was in itself condemnatory. - -“I did the very best I could.” His voice shook a little. “Corporal Rand, -I endeavored to follow out your instructions. If I have spoiled your -plan, I’m sorry.” - -Dick turned his head to hide the tears which had suddenly welled into -his eyes. Then he felt a strong comforting hand on his shoulder. - -“Forget it, Dick. It’s not your fault,” Corporal Rand declared -consolingly. - -“You have all done remarkably well,” Sergeant Richardson congratulated -them. “I’m proud of you. In the person of Murky Nichols we have one of -the cleverest, shrewdest outlaws in this North country. He was your -opponent today. You must remember that. He’s not very easily outwitted.” - -“How badly is Pearly wounded?” asked Rand. - -“Quite seriously, I think,” Sandy answered. “He was unconscious and lost -a good deal of blood before we could get him back to the post. Wandley -is doing all that is possible for him.” - -“Are you going to push on to Settlement Mountain tonight?” Dick -inquired, addressing Sergeant Richardson. “Or do you think that no -attempt will be made to start for the pass?” - -“It’s hard to say. Personally, I’m inclined to believe that they will.” - -“But this storm!” gasped Sandy. - -“I doubt if that will make a great deal of difference. I’m convinced now -that they have a huge cache in their cabin at Settlement Mountain. -They’ll be compelled to do one of two things—either remove their fur to -another place of safety, or follow their original plan to take it -through Blind Man’s Pass. They’ll be forced to act quickly. They’re in a -difficult predicament and know it. From what you have already told me, -it is easy to see what has happened.” - -The others were hanging upon the sergeant’s words. He had ceased -speaking for a moment and had stepped closer to the fire, his handsome -upright figure outlined clearly against the background beyond. Corporal -Rand addressed his superior: - -“Exactly what do you mean, sergeant?” - -“It is all clear enough,” Richardson spoke again. “Nichols’ suspicions -have become aroused. When he found out that you three boys had left Fort -Good Faith and had started north for Wandley’s, he surmised at once what -was afoot. Arriving at Wandley’s and finding Pearly there, very -naturally still further alarmed him. Fortunately for him, his -confederate, La Qua, had not yet gone on to Settlement Mountain. - -“Now put yourself in his place,” he went on after a short pause. “What -was to be done? A cache of stolen fur worth thousands of dollars in a -cabin only a few miles away awaiting shipment—and the police aware of -this fact! He would suppose naturally that Pearly intended to go -immediately to seize the cache. In desperation, he ordered La Qua to -send the two half-breeds ahead with instructions to ambush the police -party. La Qua himself hurried on to Settlement Mountain.” - -“Your theory seems reasonable enough,” said Corporal Rand. “But now that -the outlaws know that Pearly is out of the way, do you suppose that they -will do anything tonight?” - -“La Qua doesn’t know this. Even if he did, it would be folly on his part -to take chances. Something must be done with the cache at once.” - -“So you really intend to start?” asked Sandy. - -“Yes. Right away. Neither the corporal nor myself have had anything to -eat since this noon, but we dare not stop now.” - -Toma, who had gone out to gather brush for the fire, suddenly darted -back within the circle of light, a startled cry on his lips. - -“Quick!” he faltered. “Get to cover! I jus’ see ’em someone!” - -Toma’s warning came in the nick of time. Motioning to the boys to drop -back away from the campfire, Sergeant Richardson and Corporal Rand -struck off hurriedly. With Sandy at his side, Dick found himself a -moment later stumbling through snow more than ankle-deep. They could -hear the sound of hurrying forms, a sharp word of command—then silence! -They brought up before a willow copse, thick and almost impassable. Here -they crouched low, waiting developments. - -“It must be the half-breed again,” Dick whispered hoarsely. “It’s a good -thing we scattered when we did. Anyone near the campfire would make a -splendid target.” - -He turned and looked back toward the place they had just vacated. A -bright glare of firelight cast its reflection through a wide circle of -pitchy darkness, producing an eerie effect. The trees looked stark and -gaunt at the outer fringe of the circle. The place, which a few moments -before had been alive with the human forms of his companions, was now -totally deserted. - -They waited breathlessly. The commotion, following Toma’s announcement, -had died away. Deep and forbidding seemed the solitude of the forest. -Dick wondered what had become of the two policemen and Toma. He half -expected to hear the disconcerting crack of a revolver. The minutes -passed slowly. The snow fell softly now—huge white flakes floating -through the air like particles of fluff. Sandy stamped his feet -impatiently, then pulled his parka farther down so that it muffled his -face. - -“If it isn’t one thing, it’s another,” he lamented. “If that half-breed -has come back to bother us, he may get more than he has bargained for.” - -Dick looked up sharply. A sudden tramping of feet and the crackling of -underbrush, warned him of someone’s approach. For a split-second his -heart caught with excitement. Was the half-breed himself coming their -way? Then his mouth gaped open in amazement. Within the circle of light -there appeared abruptly three forms, two of which the boys quickly -recognized—Richardson and Rand. They half-carried, half-dragged between -them a struggling protesting creature—none other than the half-breed -himself! - -The boys hurried forward. As they came up to where the policemen and -their prisoner stood, they observed that the half-breed’s wrists had -been manacled. Over his prominent cheekbone, close to his left eye, was -a large welt he had received in his encounter with the guardians of the -law. Corporal Rand’s uniform was slightly dishevelled. A button had been -torn from his coat. He was bleeding from a cut on one cheek. - -“Here’s one of Murky’s friends that won’t give us so much trouble in the -future,” Sergeant Richardson stated evenly. - -“He’ll not be released this time either,” the corporal said with -conviction. - -“How did you manage to capture him so quickly?” Sandy inquired -wonderingly. - -“I kept him occupied,” the sergeant replied, “while Corporal Rand stole -up on him from behind. Rand got him after a short struggle.” - -“We’ll have to take him along with us, I suppose,” said Dick. - -“It can’t be helped,” Rand answered. “Hadn’t we better start, sergeant?” - -Richardson brushed the snow from his fur jacket. - -“Yes. At once. Dick,” he instructed, “you can saddle your ponies right -away. We’ll use them in breaking trail.” - -The boys offered the two policemen the use of their mounts but the offer -was rejected. - -“You’ll be tired enough as it is,” Corporal Rand pointed out. “Dick here -hasn’t had a wink of sleep in the past twenty-four hours.” - -The party set out shortly afterward, moving quickly through the -darkness. They reached the Settlement River trail without mishap. Not a -word was spoken. Silently they trekked on. In spite of the importance of -their undertaking, the travelling had become so monotonous that Dick -nodded in the saddle. The crunch, crunch, crunch of the ponies’ hoofs -was slowly lulling him to sleep. Had his horse not stumbled occasionally -over some obstruction in the trail, it is probable he might have fallen -from his seat. On one of these occasions, shaken back to consciousness -when on the verge of dropping off into sound sleep, he heard the voice -of Sergeant Richardson. - -“Just a moment, boys, until I get my bearings.” - -They checked their forward progress at once. Instructing Sandy to look -after the prisoner, the two policemen came up to the head of the column, -conversing in low tones. - -“We leave the trail here somewhere,” Richardson announced. “There used -to be a tiny foot-path that wound away through the trees to our left. -This is the one the outlaws must use in going to and from Settlement -Mountain.” - -“Like hunting for a needle in a haystack,” Dick heard Rand remark. “Have -you a flashlight, sergeant?” - -A faint flicker of light appeared and the two men started up the trail, -their eyes searching the ground. Dick would have pushed on after them -but Toma, who was in the lead, restrained him. - -“They want us to stay here,” he whispered. “Come back jus’ so soon find -’em pack-trail.” - -The curious eyes of the boys followed the retreating figures. Now and -again, like a large fire-fly, the small electric torch flashed out. It -appeared, disappeared, re-appeared, lending reality to the illusion. - -How long they watched there, Dick could not say. He was nodding again -when the two returned. - -“We found it,” said Sergeant Richardson. “Follow us. Sandy, keep a good -watch of the prisoner.” The party came to a halt again at the juncture -of the two trails. The one which threaded its way on their left, led -more or less directly to Settlement Mountain. - -They were now only a mile from their objective. A thrill of suppressed -excitement permeated each member of the party. Dick shook off his -drowsiness and now sat alert, every sense keyed to the highest pitch. -The policemen continued in the lead, walking forward at a brisk rate. -Toma half-swung in the saddle and asked Dick in a subdued whisper: - -“You think we find ’em outlaws pretty soon?” - -Dick answered hesitatingly: “Yes, I think so, Toma. It isn’t very far -now. Too bad you haven’t your rifle.” - -A sudden commotion behind drew their attention. Sandy cried out in a -tremulous voice as he slid from the saddle. A moment later he was -rushing wildly away through the darkness. The snapping of dry branches, -the crackling of underbrush was succeeded by a weird, unearthly shout. - -“The prisoner has escaped!” Dick exclaimed breathlessly. - - - - - CHAPTER XI - AN UNEXPECTED SETBACK - - -Guided by the sound at the side of the trail, Dick bounded forward to -Sandy’s assistance. In his excitement, he ran straight into a small -sapling with a force that shook the breath from his body. Dazed, he -struck forward again, tearing his face and hands in a thicket of -saskatoon. Desperately, he struggled on. - -Faintly outlined in the gloom ahead, he saw two struggling forms. He -drove straight toward them, striking Sandy’s opponent with a jarring -impact. The three went to the ground in a squirming heap. The -half-breed, who was fighting for his life, struck out with arms and legs -like a madman. As Dick’s unguarded left arm swung across his adversary’s -face, the outlaw sank his teeth into it, hanging there very much after -the manner of a bull dog. - -A blow in the pit of Sandy’s stomach had put that young man temporarily -out of commission. He lay groaning a few feet away. It was this -sound—more than the excruciating pain he suffered himself—that finally -induced Dick to shake his arm free and scramble dizzily to his knees. -But he got no further. The half-breed’s manacled wrists brought down -with all the strength and force of which he was capable, transferred the -temporary advantage. Dick sat down with a grunt, many brilliant, -multi-colored lights popping before his eyes. - -The outlaw pushed himself back, turned on his side and rose hastily to -his feet. He had gone only a few yards, however, when Dick, somewhat -recovered from the effects of the blow, sprang up in hot pursuit. The -race was of short duration. A few moments later, Dick had seized the -stocky runner by the nape of the neck and had jerked him to a sudden -halt. - -“Guess you’ll be ready to go back now,” gritted Dick. “Any more of your -funny tricks and I won’t be responsible for what happens. Come on, -now—get going!” - -Sandy joined them a moment later. With the prisoner between them, they -soon reached the trail. Toma and the two policemen came hurrying up. - -“So he didn’t get away after all!” Sergeant Richardson exclaimed -thankfully. “I’m mighty glad of that. But it’s my own fault. I should -have known better than to give him this chance.” - -“Either one of you hurt?” Rand inquired anxiously. - -“No,” Dick replied. “We were shaken up a bit—all of us. But we’re ready -to go on now.” - -“Corporal Rand will take charge of the prisoner,” Richardson instructed. -“I’ll lead the way alone.” - -They pushed on again, following closely and silently the tall figure of -the police sergeant. Without incident, they travelled another quarter of -a mile. Each minute was bringing them closer and closer to the outlaws’ -encampment. Unknown dangers lay ahead. Dick’s heart beat quickly at the -thought of what might presently transpire. - -A short time afterward Richardson called a halt. He hurried back to -confer with Corporal Rand. Then he came forward to where Dick sat and -announced briefly: - -“Settlement Mountain just ahead. Two hundred yards from the outlaws’ -cabin. Dismount quickly, tie your horses somewhere near here in the -underbrush. Then come back for further orders.” - -The three boys complied hastily. When they returned, the sergeant spoke -again: - -“Corporal Rand and I are going forward to investigate. We’ll leave the -prisoner here with you. Under no circumstances are any of you to follow -us. Remain here. We’ll be back as soon as possible.” - -Another long wait. The boys stared out fearfully through the darkness. -Their pulses pounded with excitement. Impatiently, they paced back and -forth, scarcely able to endure the suspense. When finally they heard -footsteps approaching, they breathed relievedly. - -It was Corporal Rand. He too was excited. When he spoke, his voice was -husky with some deep emotion. - -“Richardson’s gone!” he panted. - -It was a verbal thunderbolt. The boys jumped. - -“What’s that?” Dick and Sandy gasped out in unison. - -“Gone, I tell you!” Rand whispered hoarsely. “Gone as completely as if -the earth had swallowed him up. I think they’ve got him. We were walking -along—the sergeant about thirty feet in advance of me—when the thing -happened.” - -It seemed incredible. A feeling of horror swept over Dick, while Sandy -stood, shaking like a leaf. A poignant, miserable silence ensued. - -“But—but di—did you look for him?” stammered Dick. - -“Yes. I looked everywhere. In the darkness, I could see nothing. I dare -not call out for fear the outlaws might be close at hand. Richardson -probably walked straight into the arms of one of La Qua’s sentries, was -struck over the head and then dumped bodily into some thicket. It was a -good thing for me that Richardson had the flashlight. I think I would -have been tempted to use it.” - -“Good heavens! What are we going to do?” - -Sandy had recovered the use of his vocal organs and now poured out his -plaint—a sort of wail that rang softly through the forest’s stillness. - -“First Pearly and now Richardson!” groaned Dick. - -“There! There!” Rand attempted to comfort them. “It’s a hard blow, I’ll -admit, but we’ll contrive to get out of this scrape somehow. You boys -will have to help me. I must rely on you. I can’t very well go on with -this thing alone. Are you with me?” - -“We are!” Dick and Sandy sang out in chorus. - -“And you, Toma?” - -“You bet! Fight ’em all same like mad wolf.” - -“That’s the spirit. The first thing to do is to find out what has become -of Richardson.” - -The five minutes which passed before Rand spoke again seemed like an -eternity to the three young adventurers. - -“Sandy will stay here with the prisoner and the ponies. If he attempts -another break for liberty, shoot him on the spot.” - -The trembling young Scotchman made no reply. - -“Did you hear me, Sandy?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“You’ll do as I say?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“All right. Now—with regard to my plan: With the exception of Toma, -we’re all heavily armed. Toma, you will take the half-breed’s rifle. The -three of us will set out at once for the outlaws’ cabin, which is -situated about two hundred yards straight ahead of us. Toma will circle -around to the left, Dick to the right, while I will proceed directly -along this trail to the place where Richardson disappeared. Neither one -of you will fire a shot unless cornered—or in self-defense. What I want -to do first of all is to try to find Richardson. If he hasn’t been taken -to the cabin, he won’t be very far from the place I saw him last. -Naturally, he’ll be heavily guarded. In some way we must secure his -release.” - -Rand ceased speaking. An unearthly hush had settled around them. Dick -was shaking as if from the ague. Terror gripped him. Thankful he was -that the darkness shadowed his face. He realized that his cheeks must be -ghastly white. In spite of the cold, drops of moisture had gathered on -his forehead. He seemed to be burning up. Like Sandy, he had temporarily -lost the use of his tongue. - -“Any questions to ask?” tersed Rand. - -“N-n—no,” Dick heard himself stammering. - -“Very well then, we’ll start. Remember—no shooting unless it is -absolutely necessary.” - -They separated forthwith. Almost immediately Dick was on his way. He -moved cautiously and very slowly. His terror, the choking fear of a few -moments ago, had gone. It was relief to move his limbs. He had become -himself once more, determined to give the very best he had—to meet -danger calmly. - -Off to his left he saw the twinkling lights of the cabin. He was getting -closer now; he must be still more careful, more deliberate in his -movements. Perhaps the faintest sound would betray him. - -Haunting the deepest shadows, he stole furtively along, treading softly -through the snow—crouching here—hurrying forward there; in one place, -that seemed more exposed to view, creeping forward on hands and knees. - -He brought up suddenly, so startled that he nearly emitted a shriek. He -stood perfectly still, his breath catching in his throat. Straight -ahead, scarcely ten feet away, he saw the silhouette of one of La Qua’s -sentries. The man was alone, a rifle slung carelessly over the crook of -his left arm. He paced silently back and forth, occasionally turning his -head in the direction of the cabin. - -After a moment’s deliberation, Dick decided to steal past the sentry. At -all cost, he must go on to the cabin. Inch at a time, he wormed his way -ahead, contriving to keep a screen of underbrush between him and his -enemy. Once the sharp crackling of a twig caused his heart to leap in -apprehension. His hands shook. His breath seemed to burn in his throat. -Instinct told him to turn precipitously and take to his heels. With -difficulty was he able to steel himself for the ordeal. He was so close -to the sentry now that he actually believed he could hear the man’s deep -breathing. - -For one tense moment he waited, shrinking back in the shadows, not -daring to move. The sentry had turned his head and was looking straight -in his direction. Dick thought that he could see the other’s eyes, -shining like those of a cat in the darkness. Then abruptly his heart -almost stopped beating. For the first time he became aware of another -presence. He perceived now the reason why he had not previously seen the -second outlaw. This person, short in stature—unmistakably an Indian—had -stood with his back against a large spruce, seeming to form a part of -the trunk of the tree. But he had stepped forward now, his body limned -in the half-light, and had stolen over to the right, disappearing behind -the thicket in which Dick himself stood concealed. - -Dick was fully conscious of the peril of his position. The Indian was -probably stalking him, as a tiger stalks its prey. Not a moment was to -be lost. He placed one foot gingerly in front of him and started away, -quickening his pace after he had placed a few yards between himself and -the sentry. A very much frightened and trembling young man moved out to -the edge of the clearing which encircled the cabin. - -What ought he to do now? - - - - - CHAPTER XII - THE OUTLAWS’ CABIN - - -He could hear voices now and the hurried trampling of feet. Once a husky -howled. From the open door of another building—evidently a stable—there -flickered the light of several lanterns. The stable, about fifty yards -on the north side of the house, was the center of unusual activity. Here -men called to each other in guttural Cree amid the confusion of barking -dogs and the nickering of ponies. Back and forth between the stable and -the cabin the outlaws continually hurried. Dick knew what it all meant. -La Qua was preparing for his departure, to take with him the cache of -stolen fur. - -As he stood watching and waiting, a daring plan leaped into his mind. -His breath caught at the very thought of it—to walk boldly up and mingle -with the outlaws. They, in the general excitement and confusion, would -probably let him pass unnoticed. As long as he kept away from the -tell-tale lights of the lanterns or the lamps in the cabin, he would -probably be safe enough. - -At any rate, he decided to do it. Thoughts of Sergeant Richardson -spurred him on. No effort or sacrifice would be too great. It was little -enough to do for the man who had befriended him on so many previous -occasions. - -He walked boldly forth, swung in behind a tall figure hurrying toward -the stable. Half way there, he stopped, glancing furtively about. He -tip-toed over to the window on the side of the cabin opposite the door -and looked within. - -For a moment his breath caught. He was both startled and amazed at what -he saw. The room, near the far end, was stacked with bales of fur -reaching to a height of nearly five feet. Thousands of dollars were -represented here. Wonderful black and cross-fox pelts! Rich-looking, -unplucked beaver! Lynx, marten, mink—even the glistening coat of bruin -himself, the least valuable of all. There were furs so valuable, so -precious, that a single bale would have been more than sufficient to -purchase a king’s ransom. - -A steady file of men entered and departed. Each carried away a heavy -burden. Standing over them, La Qua threatened and gesticulated fearful -lest a moment might be wasted. It was evident that the outlaw was -thoroughly frightened and intended to rush through the work as quickly -as possible. - -Dick’s gaze turned from the cache to the opposite end of the room in the -hope that he might see Sergeant Richardson. But, although he craned his -neck in the effort, he could discern nothing. He had decided to slip -around to another side of the dwelling, when the sound of footsteps came -from the darkness beyond. Instinctively, he flattened himself against -the wall of the cabin. The steps came closer. A vague form! A start of -surprise—Rand! - -The policeman did not see him at once, but Dick drew his attention by -whistling softly and very soon the two stood close together gripping -each other’s hands. - -“Lucky you’ve come,” whispered Dick. “Just take a peep inside.” - -“I don’t believe that Richardson’s here,” said Corporal Rand when he had -stepped back. “As I came out to the clearing, I thought I saw two of the -outlaws carrying something between them. Possibly the sergeant. I had no -way of stealing up on them without being detected. So I decided to come -on here and await their arrival.” - -“If it is Richardson, do you think we can get him away from the -outlaws?” - -“We can try.” - -“What plan would you suggest?” - -“Wait until La Qua has taken out all of the fur and the pack-train is -ready to start. They’ll be compelled to leave Richardson here under -guard. Our chance will come then.” - -Two powerful breeds appeared at the door soon after, carrying the -prostrate form of Sergeant Richardson. They dropped him, none too -gently, on the floor close to the fire-place. The prisoner’s limbs were -bound. He was unconscious, his face ghastly white except where a small -stream of blood trickled down from his forehead. - -Sudden rage seared Dick’s mind. His friendship for the police sergeant -was great and he resented the malicious attack upon him. He could hardly -contain himself as the packers left their work and advanced in a curious -group, only to be driven back again by the cursing, perspiring La Qua. -Then as a vent for his outraged feelings, the outlaw kicked the -unconscious man in the ribs. - -At sight of this gross treatment, Rand started forward, scarcely able to -suppress his cry of rage. He checked himself, but one hand gripped -Dick’s arm, fingers digging into the flesh. - -“I could almost kill him for that!” he snarled. - -The cache diminished quickly. All that remained of the bulky pile in a -few minutes more were a few scattered bales, lying on the floor at the -far end of the room. Corporal Rand and Dick were waiting impatiently for -the completion of the task, when suddenly the policeman’s sharp intake -of breath drew the other’s attention. - -“Shades of Lucifer!” gasped the corporal. “Look at that!” - -At first Dick did not understand, but presently he saw the cause of the -corporal’s excitement. A low cry of admiration escaped his own lips. - -“Why—why, it’s Toma! The nerve of him! Can you imagine anything more -foolhardy?” - -Toma it was—Toma, sober and unconcerned as ever. In the guise of a -packer, he had joined the other half-breeds and Indians. He followed -closely behind two strapping natives, picked up a bale of fur and walked -out with it. Twice more in the next few minutes he repeated this -performance. On his third trip, however, all the fur had been removed. -La Qua and a somewhat short and corpulent half-breed of indeterminate -age were the only occupants of the room. These two looked up, as if -resenting Toma’s intrusion. Then they sprang back, hands high in the -air, as a dangerous-looking automatic seemed to leap into the young -guide’s hand. Calmly, Toma ordered the two men back against the wall and -disarmed them. - -Dick followed Rand and the two stormed through the door, revolvers in -readiness. They called out to Toma not to shoot. The corporal yanked -down a coil of rope from a peg on the wall and proceeded to bind the -outlaws, at the same time ordering Dick to bolt and lock the door, then -to release Richardson. - -La Qua was pale with fury, swearing vengeance upon the police. - -“Yuh can’t get away with this,” he snarled. “You’ll pay good an’ plenty. -Jus’ remember that.” - -“I’m willing to answer for my conduct here,” laughed Rand. “I’m not -frightened.” - -Toma and Rand dragged the bodies across the floor, concealing them -behind a pile of blankets. Then they turned to examine the sergeant. - -His injuries were not serious. Already he showed signs of returning -consciousness. Rand brought water and bathed and dressed the wound with -a skill and precision that struck Dick’s admiration. - -Someone pounded on the door. Drawing his revolver, the policeman hurried -over, shot the bolt, swung open the door, concealing himself behind it. -A tall, fierce-visaged man stepped into the room, demanding harshly: - -“Who locked this door? Where’s La Qua? The boys are ready to start.” - -Instantly he perceived that he had committed a blunder. Dick and Toma he -had never seen before. Slightly puzzled, he took one step forward, when -he felt the steel muzzle of Rand’s revolver poking him in the ribs. - -“Stand right where you are,” said the corporal pleasantly. “Glad you -came in. Permit me to relieve you of your hardware.” - -One glance into the steady eyes, a look at the familiar uniform, and the -intruder saw the futility of resistance. Yet there was bluster in his -voice. - -“What does this mean?” - -“It means that the fun’s over,” Rand stated evenly. “Stand right where -you are! So the pack-train’s ready to start?” - -The prisoner made no reply. Tall, sullen, resentful—unflinchingly he met -the cool gray eyes of the mounted policeman. - -“Come, speak up! I mean business!” Rand shoved his revolver into the -man’s ribs again. There was nothing pleasant about his voice now. - -“They’re ready tuh start if yuh want to know,” begrudgingly answered the -outlaw. - -“Are you heading straight for the pass?” - -Again the hesitation. Again the revolver fondling the man’s ribs. - -“Yep.” - -“All right,” said Rand, cooly deliberate. “You can go out and tell them -to start. Tell them La Qua is ready.” - -The prisoner stared. - -“Go out. Yuh mean that?” - -“Yes, but not alone. I’ll go with you. I’ll be standing right behind you -when you give them those orders. But before we go, you might as well -understand that there’s to be no trickery. No treachery. It might prove -fatal.” - -Rand opened the door, making a gesture with one arm. - -“Out of here—and watch your step! I’ll have my gun on you every minute!” - -The door closed softly. The sound of retreating footsteps, a pregnant -silence—a period of waiting which seemed interminable. Then the door -opened again and Rand and the prisoner appeared. In the eyes of the -policeman there sparkled a triumphant light. He turned to Dick with a -smile. - -“They’ve gone. Never suspected anything. Told them that La Qua and our -friend here would follow at their leisure. Bring me the rest of that -rope, Toma.” - -They trussed the man and dragged him back to the far corner of the room -to keep company with La Qua. Again they stood in front of Richardson, -who lay with half-closed eyes. He had not yet recovered consciousness. -Rand spoke quickly: - -“We haven’t a minute to lose. Every moment counts. Toma, I’m going to -ask you to remain here to guard these prisoners while I hurry on after -the pack-train. You, Dick, will return to Sandy and conduct him here. As -soon as you do that, Sandy will relieve Toma. In another hour or two, -Richardson will be able to sit up. It won’t be long before he recovers -completely. You and Toma are to follow and overtake me. I may need your -help. Think you’ll be able to follow our tracks, Toma?” - -“No trouble do that,” nodded the guide. “We find ’em all right.” - -Dick found Sandy without much difficulty. His chum was shivering from -the cold. Also he had grown impatient and resentful, as his first words -indicated. - -“Well, did you finally consent to come back and let me know how things -are? I was just getting ready to leave this place. Surely, the corporal -didn’t expect me to stay here all night.” - -“I’m sorry, Sandy,” placated Dick. “We couldn’t get here any sooner. Too -bad you’re cold.” His voice rose animatedly. “And good news! We’ve found -Richardson and have taken three prisoners—one of them La Qua. Rand is -following the pack-train in the direction of the pass. We must hurry.” - -“Whew! Good work! I suppose you’re one of the heroes.” - -“No such luck,” Dick replied. “I didn’t do a thing. All the credit is -due Rand and Toma. Both were wonderful. I’ll tell you about it sometime. -But now we must hurry. Toma and I are to follow Rand. You’re to remain -with Richardson and the prisoners in the cabin.” - -“Suits me,” Sandy’s teeth chattered. “Hope it’s warm over there. I’ve -caught a chill. Anyway, good luck to you, Dick. When do you think you’ll -be back?” - -“Don’t know. It’s a long way to the coast. Hundreds of miles, I guess.” - -“The coast!” almost shrieked Sandy. - -“Yes,” returned Dick a little proudly, “we’re going straight through to -the Pacific!” - - - - - CHAPTER XIII - A SCOUT RETURNS - - -Contrary to Dick’s expectations, Sandy did not resent being left behind. -True, the young Scotchman had experienced a certain amount of regret to -learn that he was to be separated from his two chums and miss the -excitement and adventure of the western trip, yet this feeling passed -quickly. In spite of his occasional rebellious mood and seeming -stubbornness, Sandy was really a philosopher. His grumbling and -complaining seldom were taken seriously. Under the surface, somewhere -deep down within him, were the flowing springs of an unconquerable good -nature. - -He knew that it was necessary for someone to stay with Sergeant -Richardson and the prisoners, and he accepted Rand’s orders -unhesitatingly. Even if he couldn’t go along with Dick and Toma, he -could at least prove his worth in other ways. He’d see this thing -through to the finish. - -Shortly after the two boys had left, Sergeant Richardson completely -recovered consciousness. It was not long before he sat up and began to -ask questions. He smiled a little wanly when he had been informed of -Corporal Rand’s successful strategy. - -“I’m glad they got La Qua. Tomorrow, Sandy, we’ll take these prisoners -back to Wandley’s post. Perhaps we can find a place where we can lock -them up. I’ll put a man in charge.” - -“Good idea,” approved Sandy. “It isn’t far from here. At the same time, -we can find out how Pearly is getting on.” - -Later, the policeman walked over, a little unsteadily, to the corner -where the prisoners lay. - -“Well, La Qua, I’m glad to see you here. Have you anything to say for -yourself?” - -Apparently, he had. He immediately broke forth in a storm of invective -that scorched the already overheated room. Sandy’s ears fairly tingled -as he listened to the horrible oaths and scathing denouncement. - -“Mebbe yuh got me now,” he snarled, concluding his tirade, “but yuh -ain’t finished with me yet. The knock on the head yuh got a while back -won’t be nothin’ compared to what’s coming to yuh. Yuh ain’t got no call -to meddle in honest men’s business.” - -“Honest men!” gasped the sergeant, plainly taken aback. “Honest men,” he -repeated, staring in a sort of grim fascination at the row of evil faces -in front of him. “Why, my good fellow, I wish you’d explain one or two -things to my satisfaction. I wish—” - -Sandy’s roar of laughter interrupted him. La Qua seized the opportunity -to declare venomously: - -“I don’t need to explain nothin’. If one or two o’ your men got hurt, -it’s all on account o’ their meddling.” - -The policeman saw the folly of further argument. He turned back to where -Sandy stood. - -“Let’s try to find something to eat,” he proposed. “A hot cup of tea -would go well right now. I’m famished. After we’ve eaten, you can roll -in, Sandy, while I stand guard.” - -“That’s mighty kind of you, sergeant, but I don’t think I’ll accept. You -need the rest more than I do.” - -Richardson smiled and patted Sandy’s thatch of yellow hair. - -“All right, if you insist. I’ll agree to take advantage of your offer, -but only on one condition.” - -“What’s that?” Sandy asked wonderingly. - -“That you wake me up in three hours’ time. A sort of compromise, you -see. In that way we’ll both get a little rest.” - -“I’ll accept your terms,” said Sandy with great solemnity. - -A search in the cupboard behind the fireplace was rewarded by the -discovery of a small container, full of tea, sugar in an earthen jar, -and a stack of doubtful-looking bannock, piled high on a granite plate. -A kettle was soon simmering over the fire. - -When they had eaten, Richardson arose and, walking over, inquired if any -of the prisoners wanted refreshments. La Qua spurned the offer with a -hair-burning oath. The others were more tractable. Yes, they were -hungry. They would consider it a great favor if monsieur would do as he -said. - -Without a moment’s hesitation, the policeman unbound the arms of the -three men, while Sandy brought tea and bannock. Later, he even permitted -one of the half-breeds to smoke. Then he bound them up again. - -Long before the coming of daylight, the party started back on the trail -to Wandley’s. Arriving there without incident, four hours later, Sandy -and Richardson were considerably startled when the door opened and a -stalky, well-knit figure emerged. - -“As I live,” shouted Sandy, “Malemute Slade! Where did you come from?” - -They shook hands with the police scout, beaming over the good fortune -that had brought them together. - -“Yeh, Sandy, I kind o’ thought it was about time to come mushin’ in. -Been up in the foothills fer nearly three weeks. But by the looks o’ it, -I’m two days late. Wished I’d been here when that Nitchie took his shot -at Pearly.” - -He paused as his gaze wandered in the direction of the prisoners. - -“Sufferin’ pole-cats! What’s all this scum?” - -Malemute Slade’s critical eye ran over them, seeming to measure each in -turn. - -“Fine specimens, ain’t they?” he rumbled on, half to himself. “Looks -like the scourings from Hades. There ain’t a single one o’ them I’d -trust any further than I could see. But where did yuh get ’em all, -sergeant? An’ why did yuh leave the hungriest wolf of ’em all scot -free?” - -“You mean Murky?” - -“Yeh.” - -Richardson smiled. - -“As a matter of fact, Slade, we’re not quite ready for him yet. We -haven’t a thing thus far we can use as evidence against him. We wouldn’t -have taken these men here either, if there had been any way of getting -around it. We won’t press charges against any of them until we have -secured the fur which was cached over there at Settlement Mountain.” - -“So yuh found the cache?” - -“Yes,” answered Richardson. “I’ll tell you about it presently. But -first, give me a hand to look after these men.” - -As he spoke, the policeman jerked his head in the direction of the door. -A steady stream of the curious were pouring out. An inquisitive throng -soon gathered around them. On every side rose guttural exclamations, -accompanied by much chattering and shaking of heads. Attracted by the -commotion, Wandley himself appeared presently. - -“Why, hello, sergeant!” he hailed the policeman. “What’s up? Bring your -men inside.” - -Richardson drew the free trader aside and a whispered consultation -ensued. At its conclusion, Wandley led the way to a small building, -which had previously been used for storing fur, but which, during recent -years, had become too small to accommodate the trader’s growing -business. - -“You can fit up this place to suit yourself. It’s strongly built and -will probably serve your purpose. I have a padlock inside for the door.” - -It was not long before La Qua and his followers were locked up and a -guard, recruited from the crowd, stationed just outside. Then Sandy -accompanied Malemute Slade and Richardson to Pearly’s room. The wounded -man smiled cheerfully as they entered. - -Sandy was overjoyed at the remarkable change in Pearly’s appearance. -Although still running a high fever, he had taken a turn for the better. -The greatest danger had passed. Sergeant Richardson stood near the bed -but did not speak. A deep hush had fallen over the room. Suddenly the -grizzled veteran of a hundred trails put out one hand and permitted it -to rest for one brief moment upon the wounded man’s head. That was all. -But many of the harsh lines in the face of the police sergeant had -softened. Silently he turned away, motioning to Slade and Sandy to -follow him. They repaired to the room, which had been placed at their -disposal. Closing the door after him, Richardson lost no time in getting -down to business. - -“You asked me, Slade, where we got our prisoners. Over at Murky’s cache. -We had a little trouble there. If you’ll listen closely I’ll give you -full particulars of the affair.” - -When the policeman had finished his narrative, Sandy noted the -impression it had made upon the scout. Malemute’s eyes were shining with -excitement. - -“So that’s where Murky had his cache. Yuh can believe it or not, -sergeant, but I passed that place not more than two days ago. I didn’t -see nothin’ that looked suspicious. Mebbe it was a good thing I didn’t -stop to investigate. It might o’ spoiled ever’thing. So Rand is -followin’ the pack-train through Blind Man’s Pass? Can yuh beat that? -Here I’ve been searchin’ fer nearly a month an’ couldn’t find it.” - -Sergeant Richardson drummed softly on the table. He looked up and -smiled. - -“Unless I’m badly mistaken, the exact location of the pass will soon be -public property. Perhaps tomorrow by this time, Rand and the two boys -will have entered it.” - -“Wish I was with them, sergeant.” - -“You can go later. Just now I have other work for you.” - -“You mean the prisoners?” - -“Yes.” - -“Want me to take ’em back to Mackenzie barracks?” - -“They’ll be safer there,” nodded the sergeant. - -“You’re goin’ out after Murky then, eh?” - -“No. Rand may have more to do than he’s bargained for. I think I’ll take -Sandy here and set out after them. Murky will have to wait. I don’t -believe he’ll attempt to escape. He’ll probably stay over at Good Faith -for a few weeks longer.” - -“Few weeks!” sputtered Malemute. “Why, he ain’t there right now!” - -“Isn’t there!” - -“No. When I come in a while ago, Wandley told me he’d seen Murky again -jes’ a few hours before.” - -“Great Scott! Then he didn’t go back to Fort Good Faith after all.” - -“Don’t see how he could.” - -“But which way did he go? Did you hear?” - -“Wandley didn’t seem to know. If anyone was to ask me fer an opinion, -I’d say he’s out scouting fer more fur.” - -Richardson rose thoughtfully to his feet and walked over to the window. -The bleak, cheerless landscape met his gaze. Sandy, who had a good view -of the policeman’s face, saw the jaw set grimly. - -“I may be able to pick up a trace of him somewhere during the next few -days. Of course, that means that my trip through the pass must be -postponed for a short time.” - -He turned and smiled at Sandy. - -“While I’m out making my investigations, you’d better stay right here. -If you wish, upon my return, you can accompany me on the journey.” - -“I’ll wait for you, sergeant. I’m anxious to go through Blind Man’s Pass -and join Dick and Toma.” Then more plaintively: “You won’t change your -mind, will you?” - -Both Richardson and Malemute Slade laughed at the young man’s -earnestness. - -“No, Sandy, a promise is a promise. I’ll not go back on my word.” -Richardson turned and addressed Slade. “You’d better make arrangements -to take the prisoners over to barracks as quickly as possible. I’d -suggest that you start tomorrow.” - -“I’ll start this afternoon if you say the word, sergeant.” - -“No. You need a few hours in which to rest up. Tomorrow will do almost -as well.” - -With a nod and a smile for both of them, the policeman turned quickly -and strode out of the room. - - - - - CHAPTER XIV - FOLLOWING THE PACK-TRAIN - - -Through an opaque darkness filled with the oppressive silence of Arctic -night, Dick and Toma made their way. A few stars had come out like -wayward wanderers. On every side were gray, unfamiliar shapes. Objects -were shadowy and indistinct. Wolves and coyotes made the only sound -heard across that weird and mysterious wilderness. - -“We ought to find him pretty soon, Toma,” Dick broke forth. “We’ve been -travelling for an hour now, and I’m sure we’ve been making better -progress than the pack-train.” - -They came to the foot of a slope and started up, side by side, their -moccasined feet swishing through the freshly fallen snow. Gaining the -summit of the hill, they paused for breath. Then the quick ears of the -guide, straining always for some sound that might be significant, -detected a faint rustling ahead. - -“I hear him. We go careful now. Mebbe him Corporal Rand. But no take -chances. Not always be too sure.” - -Rand it was. He stood waiting for them, one hand on his hip, the other -raised in a warning gesture. - -“They’re ahead—not more than a few rods. Listen, and you can hear them.” - -“Yes, I can hear something,” whispered Dick. “Did you think we were -never coming, corporal?” - -“As a matter of fact,” Rand answered him, “I didn’t expect you for -another half hour. You’ve made good time.” - -The three started forward slowly, keeping always within sound of the -cavalcade in front. Sometimes they approached so closely that they could -hear the voices of the packers and occasionally the snarling of the -dogs. Soon they had learned something of importance: La Qua’s pack-train -consisted both of ponies and dog teams. There were seven or eight -horses, in addition to four teams of huskies. - -“You see,” explained Rand, “La Qua was in a predicament. The snow storm -interfered with his plans. His original intention, evidently, was to -take only pack-horses. The heavy snow made this inadvisable. But he -didn’t have as many dog teams as he required to move away the cache. So -he was forced to use the ponies as well.” - -Just before daybreak, the pack-train halted in the lee of a small -mountain. From a position a few hundred yards away, concealed by rocks, -Rand and the two boys watched it. Breakfast was soon in progress. Smoke -curled up from several campfires. It was not an altogether unpleasant -scene and Dick’s mouth watered at the thought of the nourishing meal, -piping hot, the outlaws would presently sit down to. He even imagined he -could smell the appetizing odor of frying bacon and the pungent aroma of -coffee. A little crestfallen, he nibbled at his own emergency rations, -huddling down against a flat surface of rock. - -Later, Dick looked out again, eyes bleared and bloodshot. Every muscle -in his body ached. Lack of sleep had induced a strange condition—an -overpowering lassitude he could not shake off. The rustling of a pine -tree near by had become a sing-song, half-musical chant, which -momentarily grew louder. His vision played him false. Objects around him -were distorted, sometimes grotesque. His mind had lost its function. -Nothing was real. Nothing mattered. He fell asleep, sitting up—a sleep -so sound, so intense, so deep that Rand saw the uselessness of -attempting to wake him. - -When he recovered consciousness, he heard the corporal speaking: - -“He’s coming to, Toma. Give him another shake.” - -Dick stared about him guiltily. He surmised that he had slept only a few -minutes but the sight of the round orb of the sun, high above the -horizon, quickly disillusioned him. - -“Why—why didn’t you wake me?” he gasped. “How long have I been here? -What time is it, corporal?” - -“Nine o’clock. You’ve slept four hours.” - -“I did?” Dick’s eyes were wide with dismay. - -“Yes, you did. But don’t think I blame you,” Rand laughed. “You couldn’t -help it. It was inevitable. No person can manage without sleep. I had a -little doze myself. We can’t lose the pack-train now. It will be easy to -follow their tracks in broad daylight. We’ll catch up to them again -before nightfall.” - -All day they travelled, passing through a country of hills and rocks, -with mountain peaks towering above them. The summits of the mountains -were lost in an enveloping, vaporous mist. Shaggy heights were -resplendent in rainbow garb. The deep brown of rock surfaces was a -decided contrast to the scintillating white of the trail. - -Late in the afternoon the tracks led them across a wind-swept plateau, -thence down to a narrow defile which ran uninterruptedly westward for a -distance of four or five miles. As they approached its end, Corporal -Rand was surprised into a quick ejaculation. - -“Can’t see how we can get out of this. Surely they didn’t climb those -slippery rocks.” - -A few yards further on, they found the solution to the mystery. On the -left they saw an opening in the rocks, scarcely more than four feet -wide—in reality a wide crack that split the immense formation of rock -from top to bottom. Passing through it, they emerged into what appeared -to be a wide valley, stretching far ahead. The corporal gasped in -amazement. Dick stood bewildered. Even Toma so far forgot himself as to -cry out in wonder. - -“Blind Man’s Pass!” exclaimed the two boys. - -“Blind Man’s Pass,” replied the policeman. “At last a reality! -Wonderful! I can scarcely credit my senses. Beautiful, isn’t it, Dick?” - -Dick nodded. “I was never more astonished in my life. No wonder the -entrance to the pass is so hard to find. Even now I doubt if I could go -back eight or ten miles and find my way here again.” - -A strange far-away look flecked the eyes of the policeman. He glanced up -at the receding walls of the valley. Up, up, up, hundreds, thousands of -feet through an amber haze of sunlight, streaked here and there with -bright tints and shades. Magic seemed to touch everything. Dick was -obsessed with a sense of unreality, of majestic heights, of vague -distances. - -Along the comparatively level floor of the valley lay only a few inches -of snow. The tracks of the pack-train could easily be seen. They were -not difficult to follow. There was no danger now of wandering afield and -losing their bearings. The mountains shut them in—completely encompassed -them. Neither they nor the outlaws could clamber up the unscalable -heights. - -Their onward trek had assumed something of the nature of an outing, a -mysterious adventure through unfamiliar scenes. In the hours that passed -never once did Dick lose interest in his surroundings. Sleep had revived -him and his spirits had risen accordingly. He and his two companions -hurried on, conversing as gaily as if they were going to a holiday -festival. - -Day ended with startling suddenness. But the gloomy, threatening -darkness of the preceding night did not come. It was more radiant, -softly nocturnal—a half-moon riding across a bedecked, star-sprinkled -sky. Crackling northern lights. Clear, crisp, exhilarating air. The only -obscurities lay along the shadowed walls of the valley, in the deep -recesses and fissures of the rocks. - -Day after day, they fared westward amid scenes of grandeur and -magnificence. Never did they approach closer than a mile or two to the -outlaws. At night very often they could see twinkling campfires ahead. -Frequently, on clear days, they perceived the pack-train itself—tiny -black dots, crawling like ants over sugar or white sand. Once, climbing -to the commanding position of a huge crag, for nearly an hour Dick -watched the progress of the cavalcade. - -Outside of these minor incidents, there was little of importance to -distinguish one day from another. Fortunately, there had been no marked -change in the weather. They were forced to conserve their supplies, but -now and again ptarmigan were secured, making a much appreciated change -in the monotony of their diet. On the morning of the tenth day the -valley widened out and by evening they had made their way out of the -pass into a country of rugged and broken contours. Soon the forest -encroached. Then the topography of the land became less undulating, less -forbidding. In the breath of the wind they could smell the unmistakable -tang of the Pacific. It was shortly after this that a most mysterious -incident occurred. - -It was afternoon, of a calm, sunshiny day, and only a few hours previous -they had picked up a well-marked trail, leading to the westward. The -pack-train—they had good reason to believe—was less than a mile ahead; -and Dick and his two companions were moving along slowly, when, -unexpectedly to their right, scarcely a hundred yards back from the -trail, they perceived a log cabin. Upon closer approach, they saw that -the place was inhabited. A thin spiral of smoke curled up from the mud -chimney. Outside, stretched on convenient drying-frames, were pelts of -various wild animals. - -Invariably cautious, Rand decided not to go in, even though his visit -might have been rewarded by a goodly supply of fresh meat. - -“I hate to risk it,” he informed the boys. “No telling who lives there. -I’ve no desire to advertise my presence. We’d better conquer our -curiosity and our appetites and keep right on.” - -They were now directly opposite the cabin. Dick and Toma turned longing -eyes in its direction. - -“Look! Ponies!” exclaimed Toma. - -“Where?” sharply demanded Rand. - -The guide pointed. Back in the heavy underbrush, near the edge of a -natural clearing, were three ponies staked out in the snow. The -policeman’s face instantly became serious, though for what reason Dick -could not decide. From that moment, he grew more and more thoughtful. -Once or twice, as Dick looked his way, he saw Rand shake his head. But -in the interest of new scenes, Dick quickly forgot the incident. It was -fully an hour later before it was brought again to his attention. - -“Queer thing about those ponies,” Rand mused aloud. “Seldom that these -trappers keep any around. It puzzles me.” - -“It does seem strange,” agreed Dick. “Can’t imagine what use a trapper -would have for them.” - -A few miles farther on they passed a second cabin, almost identical to -the first. Here too was the same phenomenon—except that at this place -there were two ponies instead of three. So amazed was Rand that he -stopped short and scratched his head in perplexity. - -“This is a new one on me,” he scowled. “I’ve travelled thousands of -miles through the North, met every type of trapper, both Indians and -white men, but this is the first time I have ever witnessed this -incongruity. Trappers with ponies! Dog teams—yes! But ponies never! Can -you explain it, Toma?” - -“No. I not understand, corporal.” - -Twice, during the next two days, the incident was repeated. They passed -other trappers’ shacks where there were ponies. However, now the thing -had become such a commonplace occurrence that they ceased to marvel at -it. New interests occupied their attention. The trail had widened and -had become almost a road. Indian villages were passed. They saw totem -poles. They crossed a river. Obliterated now were the tracks of the -pack-train. More and more traffic with each succeeding day. One morning -Dick made a suggestion. - -“Don’t you think we ought to hurry along and catch up to them, corporal? -They may be travelling faster now and may give us the slip. We can slow -down again as soon as we catch sight of them.” - -“Good idea,” responded Rand. - -There ensued a long period of forced marching, during which the little -party hardly took time to eat or sleep. Hour after hour, they hurried -on. The pace began to tell. Nearly fifty-four hours later, climbing to a -height of land, they saw stretching out before them, perhaps not more -than ten miles away, the huge, broad expanse of the ocean. But nowhere -along the trail ahead was there a sign of the pack-train. Corporal -Rand’s face shadowed with apprehension. - -“Something mighty queer about this,” he pronounced. “I can’t understand -it. I’m beginning to feel like a fool.” - -“But what do you mean, corporal?” - -“The pack-train—” the policeman’s voice caught. - -“Yes. Yes,” persisted Dick. “What about it?” - -Rand rubbed a hand across his troubled forehead. - -“Just this, Dick: I can’t believe that the outlaws have been able to -gain so quickly on us. I wonder what has happened.” - -“They must be ahead somewhere. We’ve followed them all the way. They -couldn’t just disappear in thin air.” - -Before replying, the corporal brushed the snow from a flat rock and sat -down. - -“That’s the natural hypothesis. But the facts don’t seem to bear it -out.” - -“You mean—” - -“I mean,” said the policeman, “that we’ve been hoodwinked. They’ve -contrived somehow to give us the slip. I’m positive we won’t find them -ahead. Do you suppose we passed their camp during the night?” - - - - - CHAPTER XV - THE CORPORAL UPBRAIDS HIMSELF - - -During the ensuing consultation there appeared to be a diversity of -opinion. Toma thought that they ought to retrace their steps in an -attempt to find out where the outlaws had turned off the trail, while -Dick still held to the belief that the pack-train must be somewhere -ahead. As for Rand, he did not immediately declare himself. Sitting on -the rock, his chin resting in his hands, he was immersed in deep -thought. Nearly ten minutes elapsed before he looked up and addressed -his two companions. - -“I might as well be perfectly frank. I’m stuck. I must confess that I -don’t know where the pack-train is. It may be behind or it may be ahead. -If they—the outlaws—are ahead, I will say they’ve been moving faster -than at any time since we left Settlement Mountain.” - -Dick stood impatiently, hands on hips, one moccasined foot tracing -patterns and queer hieroglyphics in the soft snow at the side of the -trail. Toma’s face was inscrutable. What lay behind his mask-like -features no one might guess. Another interval of silence—of inactivity. -Finally Rand rose to his feet. - -“We’ll go on,” came his decision. “I doubt if we’ll find them ahead, but -we can search for the cabin in which the furs are stored. The cache must -be there somewhere.” - -Later in the day, they came out upon a tree-covered plain close to the -Pacific. They camped within a thick shelter of pines, rolled in their -blankets, and on the following morning inaugurated a careful, -painstaking search. - -Weary and discouraged, almost out of food, at the end of the second day -they found themselves on the south side of a tiny inlet. - -“We seem to be getting nowhere,” Rand confessed. “I believe now that if -there is a cache, it’s farther back from the coast. We’ll skirt this -inlet and then return inland to see if by any chance we can find a trace -of the pack-train.” - -Doggedly, in silence, the boys trailed along after Rand. Half an hour -later they broke through a tangle of underbrush to a clearing beyond. -Their hearts leaped with joy. Built out from the shore was a crudely -constructed landing wharf, fashioned entirely from pine and spruce -timbers with a covering of hewed poles. Close to the wharf—and what -struck their attention still more forcibly—stood a large log building -without windows—and with only one door. It was a warehouse—nothing else! -Probably the cache itself! - -“Hurray!” shouted Dick, as he broke into a run. “We’ve found it!” - -They brought up before the door of the building, panting breathlessly. -The door was padlocked. In feverish haste, Toma secured a couple of -sharp rocks and commenced hammering upon the clasp. Rand was smiling now -for the first time in many hours. When the efforts of Toma had been -rewarded, he stepped forward and yanked open the barrier. - -“Murky Nichols has been storing fur in here for the past three or four -years,” he told the boys. “This will be the largest cache of stolen fur -ever seized by the police. It will mark the end of a series of lawless -depredations by the cleverest gang of crooks that has ever operated in -the North.” - -When he had ceased speaking, the corporal stepped inside. The place was -dank, dark, evil-smelling. It was impossible to see anything. Standing -just behind him, Toma struck a match. The tiny flame flared up, but -failed to light the mysterious, dark recesses of the room. Dick and Toma -alternated in lighting matches. They pushed their way farther into the -darkness, groping about like ghouls in some subterranean passage. - -Moisture had sprung out upon Dick’s forehead. He was trembling and hot. -Each tiny taper carried them farther and farther on their round of -exploration. Finally, Corporal Rand stopped short and threw up his hands -in an exasperated gesture. - -“Shades of a purple skunk!” he cried out angrily. “There’s nothing here! -Pshaw! The place is as clean and bare as Mother Hubbard’s cupboard.” - -The disappointment succeeding this announcement was keen. Dick’s -shoulders slumped and his head drooped as he turned dejectedly and made -his way back to the door. Toma was the only one who had anything to say. - -“I tell you something, corporal. Mebbe no fur here now, but all same -Murky Nichols use this place to make ’em cache. I know that.” - -“How do you know it?” growled Dick. - -“I tell by smell,” answered the guide. - -“He’s right,” broke forth the corporal. “Fur has been stored here. I can -detect a familiar odor myself.” - -“But how do you explain it?” asked Dick. “You were under the impression -that Nichols had a two-year supply of stolen fur here. What has become -of it?” - -“Unfortunately, I’m no wizard,” Rand answered a little testily, “or I -might be able to answer your question. All I know is that Nichols has -been shipping fur for the last three or four years. As I told you once -before, we believe that a large shipment was taken from here to Seattle -by someone, who either purchased the fur in good faith or who is a -confederate of Murky’s. Perhaps this person comes up here oftener than -we surmised. It may be that he has just recently cleaned out this cache -and will return later for the fur now being brought here by pack-train. -Of only one thing am I reasonably sure, and that is that this is the -place where Nichols sends his shipments.” - -“If we wait here, pretty soon pack-train will come. What you think?” -Toma raised questioning eyes to the mounted policeman. - -“Yes,” said Rand, “the pack-train will come here. We can’t miss it.” - -“But what I don’t understand,” Dick spoke hesitatingly, “is why the -outlaws haven’t arrived days ago. They were ahead of us when we started. -Now we’re ahead of them. How do you explain it, corporal?” - -“I can think of only one explanation. The boat from Seattle may not be -due here for a week or two. In the interim, the outlaws are putting up -somewhere along the trail, where there are better facilities for feeding -the men and caring for the dogs and ponies. We must have passed them in -the dark.” - -“What will we do?” asked Dick. “Go back and try to find them or stay -here?” - -Rand made his decision promptly. “We might as well stay here. They’ll -have to come sooner or later. All we can do now is to wait.” - -Considerably cheered, the three walked out of the building and made -their way over to the landing wharf. As they stood there, a -disconcerting thought occurred to Dick. - -“The outlaws will be sure to see our tracks around the warehouse when -they come with the fur,” he pointed out. - -“Don’t worry about that,” said Rand. “They don’t know yet that they’ve -been followed by the police. I doubt if they have a single suspicion. -However, when we go back, we’d better repair the damage to the lock and -door.” - -Standing there, Dick half-expected to see at any moment a vessel round -the heavily wooded point and come steaming toward them. He thought about -the boat from Seattle. Wouldn’t it be great sport if the ship would -arrive ahead of its schedule? If this happened, would they drop anchor -in the deep waters of the inlet and wait for the coming of the outlaws? -What action would Rand take? Would he attempt to capture the vessel, or -would he fall back out of sight to lay in concealment until the arrival -of the pack-train? - -The first light of oncoming dawn struck Dick’s eyes on the following -morning when he peeped out from between his Hudson’s Bay blankets. It -was really still too early to get up and it provoked him to find that he -had awakened so soon. Neither Toma nor the corporal would be astir for -another two hours. What had aroused him? He sat up impatiently, tucked -the blankets around his feet. Then he heard a voice: - -“What a fool I am. I must be suffering from a mental relapse. What is -the matter with me? A blind bat! A nincompoop! Honestly, I need a -guardian.” - -The assertions were made with such deliberateness, with such sincerity, -that Dick grinned in spite of himself. He turned his head quickly in the -direction of Rand’s bed and discovered that person sitting up like -himself, and staring moodily out through the thick obstruction of trees. -Rand’s back was towards him. Apparently, the policeman believed that his -remarks had fallen upon heedless ears. Naturally he supposed that the -boys still slept. - -“What’s wrong, corporal?” pleasantly inquired the eavesdropper. - -Rand started and half-turned. His manner was a little sheepish, like -that of a boy caught in some foolish prank. - -“So you heard me?” Rand turned completely around and grinned. “Well, -anyway, you know now what I think of myself. When you have finished -dressing, Dick, come and clout me over the head. You have my permission. -I’ve been guilty of blithering idiocy. How I ever contrived to persuade -the R. N. W. M. P. to take me into the service will always remain an -unsolved mystery.” - -Dick laughed outright. “I don’t think you do yourself justice, corporal. -What makes you say that?” - -“My conscience hurts me. I’m an ass. When I awoke about twenty minutes -ago, it suddenly dawned on me how completely we’ve been fooled.” - -“By whom?” inquired Dick, wondering if the policeman had taken leave of -his senses. - -“By the outlaws.” - -“You mean when they gave us the slip?” - -“Yes. That’s it exactly.” - -“That wasn’t your fault. We’ve been careful enough.” - -Corporal Rand threw back his blankets and commenced to dress. - -“Do you remember, Dick,” he resumed, “when we passed the first trapper’s -shack on the trail this side of Dominion Range, and Toma called our -attention to the three ponies?” - -Dick nodded. - -“You may recall,” Rand went on, “that the presence of the ponies there -puzzled me. Subsequently the thing was repeated at other trappers’ -cabins along the route we were travelling. Now, as I look back upon it -all, I’m ashamed of my stupidity, I should have known right away what -was taking place.” - -“I’m afraid I don’t follow you.” - -“The ponies were part of the pack-train. The furs were unloaded at -various places along the line. As the pack-train progressed, it became -smaller, until, finally, nothing was left of it. That explains many -things. It explains why we have been unable to overtake the outlaws. -Murky’s precious shipment is scattered along the trail over a distance -of twenty miles.” - -“What a trick!” Dick exclaimed. “Pretty clever ruse, wasn’t it? The -outlaws must have known all the time that we were following them. It -took a genius to think of a plan like that.” - -“I don’t believe they knew we were following them,” stated the corporal. -“It’s probably the usual procedure, inaugurated by Murky himself. -Nichols does not feel safe with all of his eggs in one basket. He -doesn’t believe in taking unnecessary risks. The trappers who live along -the trail, where we saw the ponies, are probably in his employ—really -not trappers at all. They guard the caches of stolen fur.” - -Rand paused for a moment, then continued: - -“Do you remember, Dick, how many of those trappers’ shacks there were -where we saw ponies?” - -“Three,” answered Dick quickly. - -“But we went past several where we saw none. Do you recall whether there -were dogs around these places?” - -“Yes, I believe so.” - -Rand mumbled something which Dick did not catch. Then— - -“Well, I’ve come to this conclusion: Those five or six places harbour -the outlaws—all of them, every member of the pack-train. I’m convinced -that if we went back there tomorrow we’d also find the fur.” - -“If Murky has five or six separate caches, why did he build the -warehouse?” - -“Couldn’t very well get along without it. Consider his position. The -boat from Seattle may on occasion be two or three days late. What is to -be done with the fur? It is too valuable to be piled up on the landing -wharf in all kinds of weather. The warehouse would be—” - -Corporal Rand did not complete the sentence. Dick had jumped to his feet -and was waving his arms about wildly. - -“There it comes! There it comes!” he shouted. “The boat! It has entered -the inlet. Look, corporal!” - - - - - CHAPTER XVI - MURKY NICHOLS! - - -The vessel came to anchor not far from the landing wharf. The throb of -her engines ceased. Immaculate in fresh paint—a dull gray—she rode -prettily in the water. Her graceful lines resembled those of a yacht. It -was evident that she had been built for speed. Slung out over port and -starboard, were two small boats, one of which, judging from the -plaintive creaking of ropes, was about to be lowered. The three watched -her for a while, endeavoring to make out some of the figures on board. - -“She must be days ahead of her schedule,” surmised Rand. “The outlaws -would never have cached the fur along the line if they had known she was -coming in so soon. What’s that?” - -They heard rather than saw the oncoming figure—someone trampling along -through the brush. Then the newcomer broke into the clearing and for the -first time his form stood revealed. - -Dick’s throat contracted. He shrank back against the thicket, reaching -out for support. A faintly audible exclamation rose to his lips. - -“Murky Nichols!” - -The silence that fell over the little party was so deep, so breathless -that they could hear the thicket rustling in the faint breeze. Corporal -Rand stared at Dick, and that young man returned the gaze with an -expression that was indescribable. Toma whispered hoarsely: - -“How him get here? I thought he go back to Fort Good Faith.” - -“Apparently not!” Rand gritted from between set teeth. “A ruse, a -trick—he’s full of them. One never knows what Nichols is planning, or -where he is likely to be at any stated time. He bobs up everywhere. It -has always been difficult to follow his movements. He’s here now. It’s -something I hadn’t bargained for.” - -The lanky, indolent figure slumped past the warehouse, heading for the -wharf. A gray felt hat was pulled down over his forehead, the brim -almost resting upon his shaggy eyebrows. Reaching his objective, he -pulled a knife and plug of tobacco from his pocket and lazily sliced off -a generous hunk. Having completed this important operation, he glanced -up, slowly raised his arm and began signalling the vessel. - -There sounded the creaking of hawsers, then a low splash as the boat hit -the water. Two men, one of them in a blue cap and uniform, rowed for the -shore. They reached the landing wharf, clambering up with the assistance -of Murky. - -Although they could see everything that happened, Rand and the two boys -were unable to catch more than a low murmur of sound coming from the -conspirators. Once the voice of the man in uniform rose appreciably, but -even then they could not catch what was said. - -“I’d give my right arm to be able to sit under that wharf and listen to -them,” Rand whispered eagerly. - -“What you think them fellows do?” Toma wished to know. - -“Can’t imagine. Something’s up. I wonder why Murky didn’t bring along -his pack-train. What’s the reason for the delay?” - -Scarcely had the words left the policeman’s mouth, when he jumped back, -nerves taut, eyes shining. A perfect bedlam of sound arose. It drifted -across to them through the trees, disturbing the stillness, the calm of -the forest’s solitude. They could hear the voices of men, the whinnying -of ponies, the guttural shouts of packers, the swishing and snapping of -underbrush. Dick seized Toma’s arm and held it in a vise-like grip. In a -sort of stupor, he noticed that Rand was filling a rifle-clip with -cartridges. The pack-train came into view at the edge of the -clearing—ten horses, four dog teams and six men. They gathered about the -warehouse, a confused mass of horses, dogs and men, seeming to hesitate, -in reality waiting for a signal from Nichols. - -It was a crucial moment. Dick knew that the time had come for action, -yet the thought terrified him. What chance had they against so many? Not -counting Nichols, there were six of the outlaws and probably as many -more sailors aboard the yacht. Chills, like tiny currents of ice, -coursed down Dick’s spine. - -The policeman seemed to sense Dick’s feelings, almost to read his -thoughts. He reached over and patted the younger man affectionately on -the shoulder. - -“Don’t worry, Dick, we’ll come out all right. Just keep cool. You’ve -been anxious to join the Royal Mounted—now show me the stuff you’re made -of. You too, Toma.” - -“Yes sir, corporal, I stick by you when we make ’em big fight. You just -tell ’em Toma what to do.” - -“What’s our first move?” asked Dick. “Do you intend to meet the outlaws -face to face? Aren’t there too many for us?” - -“The best way to defeat a gang like this is to capture its leader. -That’s what I propose to do now. Murky Nichols is the man I want. He’s -the directing force here, the brains behind every move. The others are -mere chessmen. He’s the player. I intend to walk right over in the -presence of every one of his men and take him prisoner.” - -“What!” gasped Dick. - -“I can do it.” Rand’s voice was calm. - -It was a breathless, incredible thing that Rand proposed. A desperate -plan indeed—seemingly foolhardy! It required bravery of the deepest -brand—nerves of steel and a courage that would never falter. - -“You can’t make it,” almost whimpered Dick. “A bullet will bring you -down before you go fifty yards.” - -“I don’t think so,” the corporal answered, only a slight tremor in his -voice. “There’s a psychology about this thing, Dick, that neither you -nor I understand. At first, they’ll be too startled to do anything. By -the time they have recovered from their surprise, they won’t be able to -shoot without endangering the lives of Nichols and the two sailors. At -any rate, I’m willing to take the chance.” - -“It isn’t fair!” Dick protested hotly. “Why should you run all the risks -alone? Corporal Rand, I won’t permit it. If you’re going to walk over -there, I’m going with you.” - -The suspicion of a twinkle showed in Rand’s unwavering gray eyes. But -his voice was stern. - -“Who’s in command here?” - -“Yes, I know,” argued Dick. “But just the same—” - -“You and Toma will stay here. That’s final. By doing that, you can serve -me better than by going along with me.” - -“How?” - -“In various ways. I could tell you better if I knew exactly what is -going to happen. I may not capture Nichols at all; he may capture me. If -he does, there is the chance that you may be able to rescue me. It may -be that I am wrong too about the outlaws being too astonished to fire at -me while I am crossing the clearing. If I am wrong, you may be able to -draw their fire and give me a chance to escape.” - -Without once faltering, Corporal Rand struck boldly out into the -clearing and headed straight for the wharf. His course would take him -about forty yards west of the warehouse on the side opposite the door. -The outlaws completely encircled the building. Dick thought at first -that it was their purpose to unload the furs, placing them in the -building, but on second thought, he realized that this would not be the -case. With the yacht riding at anchor in the inlet, it stood to reason -that the furs would be placed on the landing wharf, thereby saving a -second handling. In fact, the corporal had proceeded scarcely twenty -feet on his way, when Murky raised one arm as a signal for the -pack-train to come closer. Fortunately, no one had as yet noticed the -policeman. - -Dick was rapidly losing control of his nerves. The tension was terrible. -He experienced a feeling similar to that of being smothered under a -blanket. His gaze was fairly riveted on the retreating figure. Every -step that the corporal took positively hurt him. - -He closed his eyes for a moment. He felt dizzy and weak. He could hear -Toma’s breathing—choking and asthmatic. He reached out and grabbed -convulsively for a branch that drooped down in front of him. A wail of -terror issued from his lips. A crash, a puff of smoke! Corporal Rand -stumbled a little, as if his toe had caught in some obstruction -underfoot. Dick saw Murky wheel in surprise, his hand fumbling at his -belt, face white and tense. But Rand had already pulled his gun and -though still thirty feet away, he had the drop on his opponent. Murky’s -hand and those of the two sailors went up, clawing the air. A few more -steps, and Rand stood amongst them. - -Murky shrieked out something in Cree, which resulted in immediate -confusion around the warehouse. Packers sprang to their ponies, whips -cracked—hurried calls and frenzied oaths. Figures darted back and forth -as though daft. Presently out of the confusion came some semblance of -order. The pack-train started away in full retreat—a retreat that was -almost a rout. - -Dick knew now what Murky’s command had been: Unable to save himself, -only one chance was left him—to send away the pack-train, to get rid of -the tell-tale evidence. Occupied as he was, Corporal Rand was powerless -to prevent it. - -The packers had drawn their guns and were herding the ponies across the -clearing, shouting hoarsely at the top of their lungs. Dick saw Toma -leap past him, rifle held in readiness. For a split-second he stood -undecided, then he too turned and rushed frantically away to head off -the retreating party. Panting, they circled around to the far side of -the clearing, just as the head of the column entered the woods. Toma’s -rifle spurted fire and Dick followed his example. The rout became a -stampede. Ponies broke away from their packers and rushed away at a mad -gallop. Dog teams snarled and fought. Taken completely by surprise, the -outlaws huddled together, firing volley after volley at the place where -the boys lay concealed. - -From that time on, at least as far as Dick was concerned, things became -blurred, hazy—unreal. Bullets flew in the brush everywhere. The -pack-train had stampeded, but the outlaws still remained. Most of -Murky’s adherents had now taken to cover and were offering a most -stubborn resistance. It was plain that Dick and Toma had failed in their -efforts. - -There came suddenly a lull in the firing. In a choked, excited voice, -Dick spoke to Toma: - -“This is a terrible mess. We haven’t succeeded in accomplishing -anything. First thing we know, one of these outlaws will get a pot-shot -at Rand—and then all will be over.” - -“Corporal no fool,” Toma replied. “Things not so bad what you think. -Here come policeman now.” - -It was true. With the prisoners walking ahead of him, Rand came straight -toward the place of the recent skirmish. This was the reason why the -firing had ceased. The outlaws were waiting for Murky. As the policeman -and his three prisoners came directly opposite Dick heard Rand giving -orders. Then Nichols called out in a trembling voice: - -“Come out of it, boys. It’s all over. Come out, I tell yuh. If any o’ -yuh shoot, I’m a dead man!” - -One or two at a time, the outlaws came out, dropped their guns and moved -forward to Murky’s side, hands held high. Seeing the turn affairs had -taken, Dick and Toma also lost no time in joining the group. - -“Well, Murky, I guess it’s all over,” Rand stated evenly. “We haven’t -seized your fur yet, but that won’t take long. Have you anything to say -for yourself?” - -“Nothin’ at all, corporal,” Nichols answered insolently. “But mebbe we -ain’t through yet—you an’ me.” - -Rand ignored the threat. - -“You can dispatch two of your men to overtake the stampeded ponies and -find the dog teams. Toma will go along with them.” - -Murky issued the orders, but the young guide stepped forward and -exclaimed: - -“Men not all here, corporal. First time over at warehouse I count six -packers. Only four here.” - -Dick confirmed Toma’s statement. - -“That’s right. There were six. I counted them myself. We’d better be -careful.” - -“Is this true, Murky?” Rand scowled. - -“Yep.” - -“Where are they?” - -“How should I know? I wasn’t here. Yuh oughta know that.” - -“You’ll be responsible if anything happens,” warned the policeman. - -Not long afterward, Toma and two of the outlaws went out in search of -the stampeded ponies, while Rand and Dick took the remaining men—with -the exception of the uniformed sailor and Murky—and locked them in the -warehouse. Then Rand turned to the officer in charge of the yacht: - -“You’d better order your vessel in, captain.” - -“I’ll try, but I don’t know whether they’ll come,” trembled the sailor. - -“They’ll save themselves a lot of trouble if they do. I have the name -and description of your vessel. Remember you’re dealing with the -Canadian government now.” - -But the captain was right. Signalling from the wharf proved of no avail. -There came derisive shouts from the men aboard, and not long afterward -the sailors hoisted the anchor and the yacht steamed out of the inlet. - - - - - CHAPTER XVII - DICK GOES TO THE RESCUE - - -The escape of the outlaws from the warehouse during the night was one of -those regrettable happenings that come occasionally when least expected. -On the following morning as Dick opened the door a deep silence greeted -him. The prisoners had gone. Investigation showed that part of the -flooring had been removed and that the outlaws had dug their way out -during the night. The shock of this discovery staggered Dick, who lost -no time in reporting to Constable Rand. The policeman received the news -calmly. - -“Well, there’s no use worrying about it. I’m sorry, but it can’t be -helped. We have the ring-leaders—which is much more important. The -police will retake the others in the course of time. Right now, I’m -worrying more about Toma and the pack-ponies. What has become of the -fur? If we lose the fur, we’ll have no direct evidence against Murky.” - -“Why,” said Dick in surprise, “I should think you could convict him -easily. What about the shooting of Pearly and the assault upon -Richardson?” - -“True enough. But Murky didn’t commit these crimes.” - -“No; but he ordered them done. He’s the person responsible.” - -“Unfortunately, that may be rather hard to prove. It all depends upon -what attitude the other outlaws take.” - -The forenoon was long and tedious. Lines of worry began to crease the -corporal’s forehead. Dick was driven to the verge of desperation. The -pack-train had not yet returned. Sitting in front of the campfire, -opposite the sailor and Nichols, with Rand pacing nervously back and -forth behind him, Dick pictured a hundred imaginary perils and disasters -that had befallen Toma. Sometimes he saw him languishing in a dark, foul -room, suffering all the tortures of imprisonment; and again he -visualized a limp, lifeless form, crumpled in the snow in the depth of -some forest solitude, around him the leering, grinning faces of the -outlaws. By three o’clock in the afternoon, Dick had become almost -desperate. He rose to his feet and drew the corporal aside. - -“I can’t endure this much longer. Let’s do something.” - -The policeman took the younger man’s arm affectionately. - -“What would you suggest?” - -“I don’t know,” wailed Dick. - -“There is only one thing that I can propose—and you may not like that.” - -“What is it?” - -“You can stay here and watch these two vultures while I go out and try -to find Toma.” - -Moisture had gathered in Dick’s eyes. Through a glistening film, he -looked up at the corporal. - -“Will you let me go? This inactivity, this suspense is killing me by -inches. Corporal, I’ll promise to be very careful. But please let me -go.” - -“All right, Dick, you can start. Take your blankets and a few -supplies—if you can find any. If you have not discovered any trace of -him by noon tomorrow, come back and report to me.” - -Dick lost no time in making his departure. All that afternoon he trudged -through the snow, sometimes picking up the track of a pony and losing it -again, on other occasions, coming across human footprints or the charred -remains of a campfire. When darkness descended, he was miles back from -the coast, with nothing more encouraging to buoy up his spirits than the -thought that he must soon reach the main-travelled trail. His aching -legs carried him along the slope of a hill—up, up interminably; then he -struck out north by east in the direction he knew must eventually lead -him to the place he sought. But as the miles slipped past, he grew so -weary and footsore that he decided to make camp for the night. Just -ahead he could see what appeared to be the edge of a coulee—and he -struggled on with the intention of entering it, thereby gaining -protection from the chill, moist wind that blew in from the sea. - -Imagine his surprise, upon approaching closer, to discover that it was -not a coulee at all, but a deep-set basin, looking somewhat like the -ancient bed of a lake. It was nearly three miles across, several hundred -feet deep, and thickly overgrown with red willow. Near its center, he -saw the twinkling light of a cabin. - -An hour later, he approached the cabin and knocked timidly at the door. -A squint-eyed native, so old that his yellow face was a curious net-work -of wrinkles, admitted him. - -“I want drink and food,” Dick informed the man, stumbling over the -Indian words. - -The old man nodded acquiescence, leading the way into the house. He -clapped his hands together sharply and waited. From the loft above, -there came immediately the sound of shuffling feet, then a form, even -more senile than that of Dick’s host, slowly descended a rickety ladder, -emitting as it came a series of rheumatic groans. The woman, following -instructions from her husband and a half-timid stare at Dick, hobbled -into the adjoining room and returned presently, carrying an earthern -pot, which she placed upon the floor in front of her visitor. It was a -cold but not unsavory mixture of fish and vegetables and Dick, weak from -hunger, carried the food to a bench at one side of the room and began -eating with avidity. - -Thus far, he had not been successful in finding any trace of Toma. -Neither had he seen any of the outlaws, although he was sure they must -be somewhere in the vicinity. Probably a few of them had even passed by -this cabin. Dick had learned a little Cree and he decided to question -the old Indian. After several unsuccessful attempts, he finally gained -the information that a number of pack-horses, in charge of three men, -had crossed the basin only a few hours previous. - -Dick received the news with a joyous quickening of the heart. From the -native’s description, Toma was one of the party. - -“Which way were they travelling?” came his next eager question. - -He expected, of course, to hear that they were going east in search of -the remainder of the ponies, but to his surprise the Indian pointed -westward. This meant that he and Toma had passed each other only a short -time before. The guide, having completed a successful search, was -returning to the coast. - -It was cheering information and Dick decided that as soon as he had -finished his welcome repast and had rested for a short time, he would -retrace his steps and rejoin his friends. Putting aside the empty dish, -he turned eagerly upon his host, just as that worthy stepped back from -his place by the door, fear and dismay depicted in his watery old eyes. -Almost simultaneously, there fell across Dick’s sensitive ears the sound -of approaching footsteps, then a voice that caused him to experience a -momentary sensation of chill. - -With a finger on his lips as a warning to the native, Dick scurried up -the ladder, pulling it up after him. His hands were shaking. He -deposited the ladder on the floor, tiptoed across the loft and lay down -with his eyes at a crack. - -The door of the room below was pushed rudely open, without even the -formality of a knock, and three men—all of them outlaws—entered. Of the -three, one was a white man—the sailor who had come ashore with the -captain of the yacht. He wore a gray cap and a much-soiled suit of -clothes—apparel too thin for that climate! He sat down shivering close -to the fireplace, extending his blue, unmittened hands toward the blaze. -He did not even look up as one of the other outlaws called loudly for -food and growled unpleasantly when it did not appear forthwith. - -While they ate, Dick lay watching them. He hoped that none of the -outlaws would make a search of the house. Even if they did—now that the -ladder was pulled up—he was fairly sure they would not come to the loft. -He was feeling comparatively safe, until he became conscious of a step -behind him. Then he became panic-stricken. His tongue clove to the roof -of his mouth. He had hardly the strength to turn his head as the -apparition passed, a young Indian girl not over seventeen or eighteen -years of age. She had paused, looked at him in a sort of bewildered -manner, then moved forward, picked up the ladder, let it slip through -the hole in the floor, and proceeded to climb down to the room below. - -Dick’s breath caught as he thought about the ladder projecting there -through the aperture, where the Indian girl had left it. It was a -strange trick of fate that had been played upon him at a most -inopportune time. The outlaws now had easy access to the loft. It would -be simple enough indeed to come up and take him like a rat in a trap. - -Also, there was another horn to the dilemma. Unwittingly, the girl might -blurt out something about his presence there. And if she did, the -outlaws would hear it immediately and the game would be up. The very -imminence of the thing was not conducive to Dick’s peace of mind. Lying -there, not daring to stir, expecting at any moment to hear the ladder -creak under the weight of one or more of his enemies, he sweated in an -agony of apprehension. He had left his rifle below and, unfortunately, -his revolver was empty. Desperately, he looked about him for some sort -of weapon that he might use in his own defense. He could see nothing. -Except for the blankets in the far corner, the loft was bare. A small -pocket-knife was the only thing he had that would be of the slightest -service in a hand-to-hand encounter. - -Soon afterward, one of the outlaws turned upon the Indian woman and -demanded more food. She shook her head, informing him in Cree that there -was nothing more in the house. The outlaw apparently did not believe -this and, in a sudden burst of anger, advanced and shook her roughly by -the shoulder. - -The girl intervened. With a tiger-like spring, she bounded forward, -slapping him across the face. In a blind fury now, he attempted to -retaliate, but she eluded him and ran to the center of the room. Here he -caught her, but released her with a snarl, as her teeth sank into his -arm. Eyes blazing, he grabbed for her again, but she dodged past. His -long fingers caught in a string of beads, tearing it from her neck. Then -Dick’s heart seemed to stand still. She had started up the ladder, the -outlaw in hot pursuit. - -During the next few moments Dick’s movements were performed -subconsciously—and with the speed of desperation. The girl’s head had -appeared in the aperture, when he jumped past her. Feet foremost, he -crashed into the repulsive up-turned face; crashed into it, then went -down—girl, outlaw and ladder together—landing with a terrific impact -that shook the house. - -Stunned, he and the girl separated themselves from the confused muddle -and struggled to their feet. The outlaw, however, did not stir. When -Dick sprang forward and seized his rifle, the man still lay there, one -brown, claw-like hand still retaining three or four unstrung beads. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII - A DUSKY FRIEND - - -No sooner had Dick picked up his rifle than he realized that he could -not possibly escape the second half-breed and the sailor who stood by -the fireplace. The odds were against him. The sailor had covered him -with an ugly-looking automatic, while the breed’s rifle was held at a -threatening angle. He put down his gun as quickly as he could, deciding -to face the situation squarely. Reaction from his first spasm of fear -had left him calm and cool, his mind on the alert. - -“You’re too many for me. I’ll give up.” - -“You showed a lot of good sense there,” approved the sailor. “We sure -would o’ drilled you, Buddy, if you’d made another move. Looks as if -you’d done about enough damage now.” - -Dick turned his head and looked again at the crumpled form of the girl’s -assailant. - -“I’m sorry this had to happen. I guess he’ll recover.” - -“Playing the hero stuff, eh?” leered the sailor. “She ought to feel -pretty proud o’ your work. I must say you made a good job o’ it.” - -Dick flushed, but did not reply. He was watching the half-breed, who had -advanced upon the old Indian and had demanded a rope with which to bind -his prisoner. He saw the old man shake his head. The watery old eyes, -set in the curious net-work of wrinkles, roved fearfully from face to -face. Would the outlaw please believe him? He spoke the truth. God was -his witness. - -The half-breed considered the problem for a short space, his crafty gaze -darting here and there around the room. In spite of his host’s assertion -to the contrary, he was sure that the old man was not telling the truth. -He walked into the kitchen and came back, shaking his head. He scrambled -up to the loft, where Dick heard him prowling around, muttering to -himself. He reappeared, at length, carrying a thick woolen blanket, -which he had taken from the girl’s bed. Producing a hunting knife, he -cut this into strips about two inches wide, and in a short time had Dick -bound as securely as if he had used moosehide thongs or manilla rope. - -“Kind o’ hard on you, ain’t it, Buddy,” sympathised the sailor. “If it -was me now, running this show, I’d let you go free. ’Cause we ain’t got -no particular quarrel with you. But his nibs here seems to think that -you require special attention.” - -Dick and the sailor kept up a desultory conversation for the next two or -three hours, the sailor doing most of the talking. He bitterly regretted -the circumstances that had brought him here. He spoke contemptuously of -his two companions. They were not his sort. He liked neither of them. -During the day he had suffered from cold and exposure and had undergone -a terrible agony caused by blistered feet. This was no country for a -white man. - -“If I had my wish right now, Buddy, I’d be aboard the ‘Elenore,’ -steamin’ down along the coast,” he declared presently. - -“You should have remained behind when the outlaws broke out of the -warehouse,” Dick reminded him. - -“What! Stay there, an’ later on get throwed into jail? I should say not. -Even if I do have to suffer now, I can mebbe make my way back to the -States somehow.” - -“They’ll get you sooner or later,” Dick argued. - -“Mebbe so, but I’ll take my chances.” - -The room became more quiet. The old Indian and his wife and daughter -retired to the loft, leaving the outlaws in full charge. The man, whom -Dick had hurt in his leap from the top of the ladder, had recovered -consciousness, but was as yet too dazed and shaken to do more than lie -groaning in the corner, where he had been carried. His friend—he who had -bound Dick—paid little attention either to this manifestation of -suffering or to the conversation between Dick and the sailor. In a short -time he had begun to drowse, chin on his chest, eyes half open. With a -friendly nod to Dick, the sailor rose from his place by the fire, and, -using his coat as a pillow, lay down upon the hard floor. - -Two candles furnished light for the room. One had been placed on a shelf -on the wall, the other on a small table by the door, leading to the -kitchen. Except for the ruddy glare from the fireplace, there was no -other light. When the other occupants of the room had fallen asleep, -Dick rolled restlessly from side to side. Occasionally, his gaze fell -upon the candles. Both had burned low, now flickering and fluttering -eerily. The shadows deepened. When he awoke, following a fitful nap, one -of the candles had gone out. The fire also had burned low. Its feeble -red glow cast a weird and ghastly shaft of light across the floor. As -Dick turned his face to the wall, the remaining taper sputtered and -burned down. - -Again sleep claimed him—this time deep and unbroken for several hours. -He was startled into wakefulness by a loud banging at the door. A match -flared through the darkness, footsteps sounded across the floor, the -bolt was slid back to admit two muffled forms. The two newcomers, -accompanied by the man who had bound Dick, strode over to the fireplace -and piled on more fuel. In the ruddy glow that sprang up shortly -afterward, Dick recognized them both—two more of the packers who had -escaped from the warehouse. - -For nearly an hour, the three jabbered unabatingly in Cree. Dick was -able to understand a good deal of what was said. He followed their long, -rambling discourse with increasing interest. Here was news indeed! A -plot! The eavesdropper caught his breath, felt his pulses leap quickly. - -They proposed on the following morning to set out for the warehouse to -rescue Murky and the others. But it was more than a mere rescue. It was -to be an ambuscade. From different directions they would creep up within -rifle range of the policeman and, when the first opportunity presented -itself, would riddle his body with bullets. Later on, they would shoot -Toma. As soon as Murky had been released, they would recover the fur and -travel south. - -Then, with a start, Dick heard them mention him. He too would meet the -same fate as the others—only much sooner. Was it not a tedious business -to drag along a prisoner? Much more simple to dispatch him with a knife -or bullet before starting. Anyway, it was no more serious an offense to -kill three men than two. The punishment would be the same if they got -caught. But that was unthinkable. They would escape easily this time. It -would be very simple. - -“Is not all this true, brothers?” inquired the chief conspirator. - -There came guttural assent. Emphatic nods of confirmation. - -“Is there anything to eat in the house of this doddering old spy?” one -of the newcomers wished to know. - -The answer came in the negative. - -“Or drink?” - -“There is nothing, my brother.” - -“Then we will sleep.” - -They proceeded to do this with a celerity that was astonishing. Soon -their heavy snoring rumbled across the stillness of the room. - -The hours passed slowly, seeming interminable. Dick slept by fits and -starts. Once he awoke, conscious of a strange feeling. Had he heard -someone moving about? He lay very still, endeavoring to catch the sound -again, but although he listened for a long time, it was not repeated. He -was almost asleep again when soft footfalls issued from the loft. A -faint cushion-like tread, a creak of the ladder, then a vague form -groping about the room. - -The person, whoever it was, paused and remained perfectly still for -several tense moments. Again the soft footfalls. Another pause. The -ghostly visitor was getting closer now—almost within reach of Dick’s -arm, had he been able to use it. The figure advanced another step; a -hand groped forth experimentally. Dick’s heart almost stopped beating. -Dark as it was, he caught the gleam of a knife. - -The Indian girl! A surge of elation swept over him. She stooped down and -a moment later his bonds were cut. He was free! It seemed incredible. He -was free! He could move his numb and aching limbs. Under the stress of a -great emotion, he reached up and patted his rescuer’s soft cheek. Just -then he could have shed tears of happiness. - -Not even a whisper had passed between them. The girl pressed the knife -in his hand, and then, to his utter astonishment, a bulky object, which -he knew immediately was his own automatic. Abruptly she left him. The -soft footfalls across the floor, the faint creak of the ladder, a rustle -in the loft above—followed by a deep, unearthly silence. Dick lay, eyes -open wide, staring out across the room. The girl had not been heard. The -whilom packers still slept, as their deep breathing attested. His chance -had come! - -He sat up cautiously, his gaze turned in the direction of the door. It -was about twelve feet away. To reach it, it would be necessary to pass -the sleeping form of the half-breed who had bound him. Trembling, he -arose, feeling his way ahead but had gone only a few steps when he -stopped short in uncertainty. No longer could he hear the man’s deep -breathing. Was he awake? Fully five minutes passed before Dick again -essayed to move, to dare take the risk. Then, gaining more confidence, -he tiptoed straight to the door, one hand reaching out to shoot the -bolt. - -Two spurts of flame stabbed the dark, a hurtling form missed him by a -scant three inches as he swung open the door. He leaped outside and -started away on a run. The wind tore at his clothes. His parka slipped -from his head and fell to the ground. Through the smothering obscurity -of the night he raced wildly, in his terror imagining that he could hear -plainly the patter of footsteps behind. Never once did he slacken his -speed until he had reached the foot of the slope, leading up from the -ancient bed of the lake. Here he stopped short, choking for breath, -listening fearfully for the sound of his pursuers. - -Dick did not deceive himself in believing that no attempt would be made -to recapture him. Even now the outlaws had probably left the cabin and -were in swift pursuit. He paused in the shelter of a bush to strike a -match and consult his watch. To his surprise, it was now nearly six -o’clock. Dawn would soon break and it behooved him to put as many miles -between him and his pursuers, as possible. - -He went on through the pitchy darkness that obscured the earth. He had a -fair sense of direction, but at length he became confused. For all he -knew, he might be travelling miles off his course. When the first faint -light of day streaked the east, he paused in dismay. His fears were -confirmed. He had been walking south instead of west, and it would be -necessary to retrace his steps. His heart was heavy as he turned to the -right and struck off through a wilderness of rocks and trees that -encompassed him on every side. - -Daylight found him on the shore of a small river, not yet frozen over, -whose icy waters cascaded down from the hills. He knew that if he -followed this stream, it would lead him eventually to the ocean. He -struggled on, conscious of fatigue and hunger. His feet were blistered -and sore. His clothing was torn. An unexpected fall on a slippery rock -had wrenched his right wrist, causing him excruciating pain. He was -moving slowly along, wondering how much farther he would be compelled to -go before he reached the coast, when a tall figure stepped out from its -concealment of rocks, less than fifty yards ahead. It was one of the -outlaws. - -For a time despair choked him. Then he jumped quickly to cover and -hurried back over the selfsame route he had come. - - - - - CHAPTER XIX - A GAME OF HIDE-AND-SEEK - - -During the next few hours, Dick engaged in a grim and desperate game of -hide-and-seek with the outlaws. On several occasions he escaped death -narrowly. He turned hither and thither, like a hunted animal, only to -find his path barred by one or more of his enemies. Finally, in a last -despairing effort to save himself, he struck off toward a high hill, on -the crest of which were lofty rocks and towering pinnacles—broken and -jagged slabs of granite. Here he would make his stand. Even though -surrounded, he would have a chance to ward off attack. If necessary, he -would remain here all day and make another break for freedom with the -coming of darkness. - -Climbing up, he reached the natural fortress and breathed a sigh of -relief. He had neither food nor water. From a bush, which grew in a -crevice in the rocks, he gathered fuel with which to start a fire. Then -he sat down to wait. - -In all his experience, he had never suffered more than upon this -occasion. His stomach gnawed with hunger. He shook from exhaustion. -Bareheaded, moccasins almost cut from his feet, clothing soiled and -tattered, hands and face scratched—his appearance beggared description. -His cheeks were hollow, while his eyes shone with a feverish, almost -insane light. - -After two hours of inaction, squatting miserably in front of his fire, -he began to wonder if, after all, the outlaws had not abandoned the -chase. In an effort to find out, he slipped gingerly over his barricade -and scrambled down to the ledge below. He could command a good view -here. His eyes roved the surrounding woodland. Everywhere he looked—but -he could see no one. The silence was intense, deep, a sort of rhythmical -beat pulsating through dead space under the vast dome of the sky. - -His heart leaping with joy, he decided to quit his post and resume his -journey. But something made him hesitate. An almost indiscernible -movement along the slope below attracted his attention. He ducked -quickly. A bullet whistled over his head. Angry and disappointed, he -climbed back to the safety of the rocks. - -How he would ever manage to endure the long and tedious wait for the -coming of night, he did not know. The strain was so great that he -decided more than once to walk boldly out and give himself up. Even -death was preferable to this. Time after time, he rose and with -bloodshot eyes stared out toward the west—to the broad, green expanse of -the Pacific. If only Corporal Rand or Toma knew of his trouble, they -would come to him. Sometimes, sitting moodily, chin resting in his -hands, he thought of Sandy back at Settlement Mountain and wished that -he were with him. Why had he been so eager to come in pursuit of the -pack-train? - -Night came as slowly as a limping beggar to a gate. Shadows deepened. -Strange silhouettes appeared along the slope. Not a breath of wind -stirred the trees below. The sounds of the forest were buried in the -evening’s hush. - -One hour more—and he would make his final break for safety. Impatiently, -he rose and began pacing back and forth in the narrow, confining space, -swinging his numb arms against his shivering body. - -Suddenly, Dick’s hand went to his automatic in a quick, convulsive -movement. But he did not draw his gun. Instead, he grinned sheepishly, -staring at the dusky face which peered up from below. - -“Hello,” he sang out. - -The Indian girl smiled and clambered up to the perch beside him. She -spoke in Cree: - -“They did not see me come. I will help you. Does monsieur know where he -is?” - -With the few Indian words at his disposal, Dick endeavored to explain -his case. He admitted that he had become confused. He could see the -ocean, but it was still a long way off. In an attempt to escape his -pursuers, he had been forced to travel in the wrong direction. How far -was he now from her home? - -“You are very close,” replied the girl. “If it were not for the heavy -woodland just over there, in the light you would be able to see it.” - -“How did you find out I was here?” queried Dick. - -“From your enemies,” the girl answered unhesitatingly. “One of them came -to my father’s house a short time ago and asked for food. I overheard -him tell my father that you had sought concealment on this hill. So I -came at once to help you, monsieur.” - -“Where are the outlaws now?” - -“One is hiding in the tree below, waiting for you to come out. Very soon -this one will be joined by the man who went to see my father. Three -others have gone down to the coast to intercept you, should you escape.” - -“Did I understand you to say that your home is not very far from here?” - -“Yes, monsieur. Less than two miles.” - -Two miles! Dick’s mouth set in a grim, hard line. All day long he had -been scrambling, struggling, fighting his way through trees and -underbrush, over tortuous rocks—and yet had proceeded no farther than -that. The thought galled him, made him feel a little foolish. - -The girl spoke again. In her excitement, she spoke so rapidly now that -he found it almost impossible to understand her. However, there was one -word she emphasized, frequently reiterated. The boat! She would lead him -thither. Monsieur would row the boat. She knew exactly where to find it. -His escape would be certain. They must hurry before the other outlaw -came back. - -“She intends to accompany me all the way to the coast,” thought Dick, a -flush of embarrassment suffusing his cheeks. - -He attempted to voice a protest, exhausting his complete stock of words -in an endeavor to make her understand. But to no avail. She repeated the -word, pointing away to the south. - -“The boat is three miles from here. I will take you there,” she -explained to him. - -The fugitive scratched his head in perplexity. What did she mean? A boat -three miles away. Why, there wasn’t even water over there. The ocean lay -to the west—ten or twelve miles distant. The thing was absurd, -preposterous! - -Then, suddenly, there came to him a glimmering of the truth. He thought -he knew now. She referred, no doubt, to some sort of navigable stream, -along the shore of which was moored a boat, belonging to her father. - -With a nod to the girl that he understood and was ready to start, he -jumped quickly to the level surface of the rocks above, took her hand -and helped her down to the ledge. From there they set out through the -rapidly gathering darkness. An hour later, without mishap, they pushed -their way through the pines to the edge of a wide stream, where, sure -enough, they found the boat. Hurriedly, Dick made ready for his -departure. Arctic night had fallen. Above them, through a rift in the -heavy clouds, a few faint stars were visible. - -He turned for a last look at the little Indian girl who had brought him -there. A few yards away she proceeded through the pines and presently -her dark silhouette became lost to view. With a slight constriction of -the throat, Dick swung about and pushed off, his pulses quickening again -at the thought of the danger which might lay ahead. In two hours he had -floated along the swift current and had entered a narrow arm of the sea. - -Thus far he had drifted leisurely along, every sense alert, endeavoring -to make as little noise as possible. If he could negotiate a mile or two -from shore he would feel comparatively safe. After that there was little -likelihood that the outlaws would ever overtake him. Paddling north, he -would enter the inlet. He hoped he would arrive in time to warn Corporal -Rand and Toma. - -As the minutes went by, hope grew in his breast. Conditions, he -perceived, were ideal for his escape—almost complete darkness and a -stretch of smooth water ahead. Every little while he paused to look -around in apprehension. Once, with a quick start, he thought he had -heard something. Paddle raised, he permitted the boat to drift for a -moment or two, panic in his heart. But the sound was not repeated. - -Pursuit, he felt, would come from behind; the outlaws might secure boats -somewhere and attempt to overtake him. Looking for pursuit from the -shore, he was wholly unprepared for what actually happened. A little -later, just as he had begun to believe that he was out of danger, -unexpectedly through the velvety gloom that had settled about him, -ahead—not behind—there loomed a shape, a dark smear across his troubled -vision. - -It was so close that escape seemed absolutely out of the question. -Notwithstanding this, Dick turned and started back. Frantically his -paddle cut the water for ten or fifteen yards, then a guttural voice -rang out and immediately the night became a medley of sound; rifles -cracked forth, oars splashed, vivid spurts of red flame flashed through -the dark, while all around him the water hissed and sputtered where -struck the lead from Murky’s murderous crew. - -A bullet whistled close to his ear. Another tore through the loose -sleeve of his coat. At this juncture, he dropped his paddle, and, in an -effort to retrieve it, nearly capsized. As he came back to a sitting -position, his craft rocking perilously, a small piece of wood, torn from -the side of the boat, struck him full in the mouth. Dazed, he put up one -hand to his face, feeling the warm blood trickling down through his -fingers. - -In desperation, Dick abandoned all hope of escape, deciding to sell his -life as dearly as possible. Revolver in hand, he crouched in the stem. -The outlaws’ boat was closer now, sweeping down upon him at top speed. -He had barely time to empty his revolver at the oncoming craft before it -crashed into him. They had deliberately run him down. He was in the icy -water now, coughing, choking, attempting to dodge the bullets of the -half-breeds by diving under the surface. - -It would be more difficult to see him now. He would fight to the last. -Thank God, he could swim! - - - - - CHAPTER XX - THE INVALID - - -Strong arms raised him up and carried him tenderly along the beach as -one might have carried a child. Anxious eyes peered down at the placid -face; voices, subdued and solicitous, murmured around him. Near at hand, -the river fretted against its shores, its gurgling song more melancholy -than the plaintive dirge of the pines. - -Wading ashore, following his last encounter with the outlaws, Dick had -collapsed, and, when found later by the rescue party, lay with his feet -in the water and his arms flung out above his head. At first, they had -believed him dead. No senseless, inanimate thing cast up by the sea, -ever presented a more bedraggled appearance. The stubborn spark of life, -which still glowed feebly within him, was not manifest. Corporal Rand, -who had elected to carry him back to the shelter of trees, where Toma -had already kindled a fire, could have sworn that his young friend had -fought his last fight. - -The sound of firing had carried to the inlet, and had been the cause of -much concern and conjecture on the part of Dick’s companions. Both -surmised that the youthful adventurer was in trouble and they had come -expecting to find him in some tight corner, hotly besieged, yet -valiantly holding his own. They were wholly unprepared and not a little -mystified, when after a painstaking search, they finally stumbled upon -his body. - -Neither could explain how Dick had come there nor exactly what had -happened to him. The nearest approach to a reasonable solution was that -Dick in some unaccountable manner had been knocked unconscious and then -thrown into the water—left there by the outlaws to drown. The cold -plunge had partly revived him and he had contrived somehow to swim or -crawl ashore. - -“I doubt if he’ll live,” Rand’s voice was sepulchral. - -For hours they employed restorative measures. Toma went back to the -warehouse to fetch a blanket. They chafed his limbs; built up a huge -bonfire; worked desperately over him. Just before morning Dick lay in a -comatose state, his pulse more steady, his condition considerably -improved. Faint color began to tinge his cheeks. After a time, his eyes -opened dazedly and with much wrinkling and puckering of his brow he -endeavored to fill in his gaps of memory. - -Wraiths and shadows of once familiar things drifted across his mental -vision. Through the darkness and obscurity of his mind, not in orderly -sequence, but in a provoking, mysterious fashion, there flashed -haphazardly half-familiar scenes of the past. - -Toma, stooping to smooth back the rumpled hair, glanced sombrely at the -policeman opposite. - -“You think him better?” he demanded in a strained, cracked voice. - -“Much better,” answered the corporal. - -“I glad to hear that. You think pretty soon we be able to move him over -to warehouse?” - -“Perhaps—but not yet. He’s still too dazed and weak. He needs rest and -quiet. But he’s doing nicely.”, - -They left him while they went to prepare breakfast. When Toma returned -to the place where the patient lay, he was greeted with a wan smile of -recognition. The Indian lad cried out jubilantly. Hearing him, Rand -rushed over. - -“Thank the good Lord you’re coming round,” he cried out. “I can’t begin -to tell you how happy I am.” - -They made Dick a light broth and towards noon he was feeling so well he -was able to sit up. Always there was one of the two near him. They were -compelled to make frequent trips to and from the warehouse. In addition -to caring for Dick, they had the prisoners to look after. On the -previous night, before starting out, they had bound the four men hand -and foot. There were now extra meals to prepare, increasing -responsibility. The larder required replenishing. During his spare time, -Toma went out to hunt for rabbits and ptarmigan. - -Shortly before two o’clock, the policeman, who had been busy gathering -fuel for the fire, came over and sat down by Dick’s side. - -“Do you feel strong enough now to tell me all about it?” he asked. “How -did you get here? How many of the outlaws were in the party which -attacked you?” - -“Before I do that,” Dick spoke up, rubbing one shaky hand across his -forehead, “I want to warn you, corporal, that those packers may return. -They were planning to rescue Murky and the others and to murder you and -Toma. It’s queer they haven’t already come. You must be very careful.” - -“Are you quite sure about this, Dick?” - -“Yes,” the other answered. “An ambuscade! A treacherous, cowardly thing! -They planned to secrete themselves in the brush and take pot-shot at -you. Later, when they had released Murky and the prisoners, they -intended to go south with the fur.” - -Then Dick recounted his adventures. When he had finished, the corporal -exclaimed: - -“You’ve certainly had your share of trouble. It must have been a -terrible ordeal.” - -He rose hesitatingly to his feet. - -“Will you think that I am inconsiderate if I leave you for a time -alone?” - -“Why, no,” quickly responded the invalid. “I’m all right. Don’t worry -about me.” - -“You see,” Rand hesitated, “after what you’ve told me, I feel a little -apprehensive. I must go over and warn Toma. The warehouse will be the -point of danger.” - -Dick smiled weakly. “Certainly, go ahead. It’s the only thing to do.” - -Rand threw more wood on the fire and departed. It was nearly two hours -before he returned. The moment Dick saw him, he noted immediately that a -marked change had come over the policeman. He was more lighthearted than -before. He smiled frequently. He joked and laughed, regaling Dick with -stories of the service—amusing anecdotes and breathless escapades. While -he was preparing lunch, he looked up and grinned across at Dick. - -“I suppose you’ll be sorry when this thing is over and we return to Fort -Good Faith?” - -Dick laughed outright. “Well, not exactly, although I wouldn’t have -missed the experience for anything. By the way, corporal, how much of -the fur did you recover?” - -“All of it.” - -“That’s fine. Then all that remains to be done is to capture the four -packers and the sailor. Do you think we’ll be able to do that?” - -“Yes,” smiled Rand, “I have two young but very capable assistants. -Tomorrow you’ll be on your feet again, while Toma is feeling as fit as a -fiddle.” - -“Toma is wonderful,” said Dick. “You can always rely on him. I don’t -believe he knows what fear means.” - -“You’re right,” approved the other. “He’d make an exceptionally good -scout, a splendid partner for Malemute Slade. He may get the chance too. -When the Inspector receives my report, there’ll be several persons I -know who’ll receive laudatory mention.” - -Dick gazed dreamily into the fire. - -“Then they may send Toma to the training barracks at Regina this -winter?” - -“Yes, very probably—and another young man, too, if he cares to go -along.” - -“You mean me?” gasped Dick, blinking suddenly, a queer tugging at his -heart. - -“Well, it’s within the realm of reason,” Rand looked up mischievously. -“But are you sure you haven’t had enough of this sort of thing?” - -“No, corporal, I’d like to go.” - -“It isn’t an easy life,” Rand informed him. “The pay is small. One never -knows what tomorrow may bring forth. Your greatest reward will be the -satisfaction of knowing that you have strived to do your duty. If I were -you, I’d think long and seriously before I took the step.” - -“But you took it. Do you mean to say that you regret your move? Would -you change places with someone else?” - -The corporal’s face had become very sober. He too stared dreamily into -the fire. In the steel-gray eyes was a look Dick had never seen before. -There was a catch in the policeman’s voice when he spoke again: - -“It’s too late to think about that now. I’ve crossed my Rubicon. It was -my own choice—but I’m not sorry. I think I’ve run the gamut of human -emotion. I’ve experienced every phase of physical suffering. On the -other hand, there have been times when the mere joy of living -paramounted every other thing. The rugged life that we lead gets into -the blood. Even if I should return to civilization, I doubt very much -whether I would ever be happy or satisfied.” - -Dick smiled reminiscently. - -“That reminds me of what Sergeant Richardson told me about a year ago, -just before he received his promotion. He said that there were times -when he gloried in the service; at other times he positively hated it. -When he first came to this region, the Inspector sent him out to arrest -an Eskimo murderer. It took him eight months. In all that time never -once did he see the face of a white man. The memory of that exploit -still haunts him. He weighed a hundred and seventy-eight pounds when he -set out on that trip and one hundred and fifty when he returned with his -prisoner. All that remained of his uniform was his service hat. His hair -and beard were so long that he looked like a wild man. Habit was so -strong that when the Inspector addressed him, he answered in Eskimo.” - -Corporal Rand laughed, but made no comment. - -Not long afterward, Toma appeared. His usually expressionless face -radiated good nature. He too seemed to be very happy. He sat down in -front of the fire, pulled an harmonica out of his pocket and commenced -to play. Rand leaned back against a convenient tree trunk and filled and -lit his pipe. As time passed, Dick began to wonder if it were good -policy to leave the prisoners so long alone. Under no circumstances, -ought they to trust Murky. - -“Will the prisoners be all right, corporal?” Dick finally blurted out. -“Isn’t there danger that one of them may become untied?” - -Rand shook his head complacently and winked covertly at Toma. - -“There! I’ve caught you, corporal. Something has happened. Have the -prisoners already escaped?” - -“No, they still here,” Toma denied the allegation. - -Dick was not convinced. Although the high spirits of his two companions -belied the supposition, he could not help feeling that something was -amiss. The more he thought about it, the more perplexed he became. It -was not like Corporal Rand to be so careless. Surely experience had -taught him better than this. - -“Corporal,” said Dick, “I think you must be keeping something from me. -What is it?” - -The policeman feigned annoyance. - -“You’re mistaken. I can’t remember that I’ve ever given you cause to say -that.” - -The invalid flushed and averted his gaze. He had been sitting up, -wrapped in blankets, his shoulders resting against a tree. Just then he -felt sheepish and wished that he had held his tongue. He was depressed. -But his mood changed suddenly—first to amazement, then to joy. He raised -one trembling hand and rubbed his eyes. One long, glad cry rang from his -lips: - -“Sandy!” - - - - - CHAPTER XXI - CAMPFIRE SMOKE - - -Dick’s eyes were shining as Sandy strode up. - -“The last person on earth I expected to see!” he shouted. “When did you -get here?” - -“A few hours ago,” replied Sandy, releasing Dick’s hand and standing up -to look curiously about him. “Corporal Rand was over at the warehouse -when we arrived.” - -“We!” exclaimed Dick. - -“Yes. Do you think I came alone? Sergeant Richardson and I left -Settlement Mountain a week ago, and I want to tell you we’ve made quick -time.” - -“But what did you do with your prisoners?” - -“Took them back to Wandley’s post. Had ’em locked up. While we were -there we saw Pearly. He’s very much improved.” - -“I’m glad to hear that,” said Dick. “Well, how did you like the trip? I -suppose you had difficulty in finding the entrance to Blind Man’s Pass.” - -“We were afraid we would, but fortunately everything turned out all -right. You see, Dick, there hasn’t been a heavy snow storm since that -day we started out with Pearly. We were able to follow your tracks most -of the way. The only place, where we had any trouble at all, was just -east of that long ravine. Here the wind had drifted in your trail. We -were delayed several hours before we found it again—about a mile farther -on.” - -“I’m anxious to see Sergeant Richardson. How is he?” - -“As fit as ever.” - -There ensued a short interval of silence. Sandy gazed down at his chum, -sympathy and commiseration in his eyes. - -“I guess you’ve had a pretty tough time of it. Do you think you’ll be -able to be around soon? Over at the warehouse, Toma told me all about -your experiences.” - -At the memory, Dick’s face shadowed. - -“I wouldn’t care to go through it all again. I’m glad you weren’t here, -Sandy. You might not have been so fortunate.” - -Sandy grinned to himself. “Well, we’ve had a few exciting moments -ourselves. Early this morning we discovered the packers. I suppose Rand -told you.” - -“Packers! What do you mean? Both the corporal and Toma have been as -secretive as clams. But once or twice I almost caught them. Tell me -about it, Sandy.” - -The young Scotchman pulled forward a block of wood and sat down. - -“It isn’t a very long story, Dick. I think our meeting with the packers -was as much a surprise to us as it was to them. You see, all day -yesterday we had been hurrying along, anxious to get down here to the -coast. We were not sure where we would find you. Sergeant Richardson was -always looking for the smoke of a campfire. When we were still ten or -twelve miles back along the trail, every chance he got he’d climb some -hill and scan the surrounding country with his field-glasses. - -“We passed several cabins, but he thought it would be better not to make -inquiries there. Last night, just before we made camp, he shinned up a -tall tree and looked everywhere. He thought he could see the distant -glow of a fire, but he was not sure. This morning we rose early. It was -still dark when we started out. Sergeant Richardson was in the lead. -When daylight came, I remember he turned to tell me that we were not -more than four miles from the ocean.” - -Sandy paused and smiled reminiscently. - -“Not long after that we smelled smoke. It was faint, yet one could -detect the odor. The sergeant said: - -“‘We’re pretty close to them now, Sandy. When we find the source of this -smoke, I think we’ll find them.’ - -“A little farther on, we saw a blue spiral, twisting and curling up -among the trees. We were very close now. Naturally, I was very anxious -to see you all again, and started forward on a run, but the sergeant -overtook me, seizing me by the collar. He yanked me into the bush. - -“‘Don’t be a fool!’ he said. - -“I thought he was unduly cautious. He warned me to be quiet, to follow -him. We advanced toward that smoke spiral as stealthily as a couple of -Bengal tigers. I’m here to tell you, Dick, that I’m mighty glad now that -we did. - -“I guess you can imagine our surprise. Not you at all—not any of you! -Instead four dirty half-breeds and a queer-looking duffer of a white -man. I was disappointed. I didn’t have the least idea who they were, and -supposed, of course, that we would leave them and proceed on our -journey. I recall plucking at the sergeant’s sleeve and whispering -something about hurrying along on our way. - -“But for some reason, Richardson was suspicious. He instructed me to -remain there while he crawled closer. The men were eating their -breakfast and talking amongst themselves. Richardson wanted to hear what -they said. - -“I was annoyed over the delay. I wasn’t the least bit interested in -those half-breeds. - -“‘We’re just wasting valuable time,’ I told myself. - -“After a time, a rabbit hopped up close to where I was sitting and I -became interested in him. I had just chucked a piece of bark at him, -when I heard a sudden commotion. Someone was talking in a loud voice. - -“It was the sergeant. There he stood with a gun in his hands, bawling -out orders. The half-breeds and the funny duffer in the gray cap were -huddled in front of him like a flock of frightened sheep. - -“Even then it didn’t occur to me that they were Murky’s packers. I guess -I was a little bewildered. The thing had happened so suddenly. I heard -Richardson calling me. - -“It was the white man who told us the story. He said he was sick of the -whole business and was ready to quit. He said he hadn’t done anything -wrong anyway, but even if he had, he preferred jail to another day in -that wilderness. He was only a common sailor, he told us, and would be -mighty glad to get back to his ship. Until just recently, neither he nor -any of the other sailors knew that the fur had been stolen. Captain -Reynolds, master of the yacht, had told them a very plausible story and -they had believed it.” - -Sandy paused again. - -“There isn’t much more to tell. We reached the warehouse less than an -hour later, where we found Corporal Rand and his prisoners. Maybe you -think I wasn’t glad.” - -Dick looked up into his chum’s face and smiled. - -“I’m glad too. This surely came as a surprise to me. It won’t be long -now until we can return to Fort Good Faith.” - -Sandy rose to his feet. He stretched his arms above his head, yawning -lazily. Suddenly his hands dropped and he stared in surprise. - -“Look, Dick! Here comes Sergeant Richardson. He’s bringing all the -prisoners.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXII - MURKY’S CONFESSION - - -Murky Nichols was a changed man. His spirit had been broken. No longer -he assumed his defiant attitude, his blustering, cock-sure manner. His -sins had found him out. He had been caught in the toils of the -long-reaching arm of the police. - -Whenever he was spoken to, he answered in monosyllables. For the most -part, he sat brooding, eyes downcast, tormented by his thoughts. A short -time before the police party prepared for its departure, he stirred from -his lethargy and beckoned to Sergeant Richardson. - -“There’s a few things I’d like to tell yuh. I know what yuh all -think—that I’ve always been a bad egg an’ a crook. Yuh believe I’ve been -runnin’ stolen fur through to the coast here fer a good many years. But -that ain’t the truth.” - -“What is the truth?” inquired Richardson. - -“First, Sergeant, I’d like tuh ask yuh a question. How long do yuh think -it’s been since I found out about the pass?” - -“I can’t imagine, Murky. Tell me.” - -“Eight years,” replied the outlaw. “It was eight years ago that I found -it.” - -“_You_ found it?” - -“Yeh,” drawled Nichols. “It was me. I was prospectin’ then an’, whether -yuh believe it or not. I’d always been honest—never done a wrong thing. -It was in the spring o’ the year. I’d been havin’ some hard luck the -previous summer, pannin’ gold up along the Lobstick River. I was broke -all the followin’ winter an’ when spring come Wandley staked me to a -grubstake fer another try at gettin’ back what I’d lost. - -“Durin’ the winter I had talked with an ol’ Indian, who used to live on -Settlement River. He told me that about twenty years before a white -prospector had made a big strike in the foothills west o’ Settlement -Mountain. I decided to go there, though as a usual thing I don’t put -much stock in these yarns o’ the Nitchies. - -“So jus’ before the first big thaw, I slips out there, while the frost -is still in the ground an’ builds me a small shack. Mebbe yuh saw it—a -little way back from the ravine that yuh come into before reachin’ the -pass. Well, I prospected through that country an’ one day I struck it -rich. Nothin’ very big, sergeant, but it looked good to me then. I had -nearly two thousand in gold by midsummer. I was able to square my -account with Wandley, an’ I had a nice little nest egg to keep me goin’. - -“One day, lookin’ for new pockets, I slipped down into the ravine an’ -begins to follow it up. I kept movin’ westward an’ after a while I -reached the end an’ saw that big crevice in the rock. Bein’ kind o’ -curious, I walked through an’ came out into the pass.” - -The gloomy face of the big prospector brightened perceptibly. He paused, -mumbling to himself. Just then he was living in the past. - -“At first, I couldn’t hardly believe what I seen. Here was a big valley -in the very heart o’ the mountains. I remembered the ol’ Nitchie yarn -about Blind Man’s Pass. I began wonderin’ if this was it. I made up my -mind that it wouldn’t do no harm to investigate. I spent two weeks out -there an’ finally when I went back to Wandley’s, I had a secret. I knew -that ’most everybody would be glad to hear the good news. - -“The first man I see at Wandley’s is O’Connell. He’s been busy all -summer freightin’ supplies. I guess he’d about cornered ever’ available -pack-horse in the country. Him an’ Hart, ’count o’ the bad condition of -the trails, wasn’t makin’ very good headway. O’Connell tells me he has -thousands o’ pounds to take out, an’ no way to do it. He has a big -shipment ready to send ’round to the coast but don’t durst tackle it. - -“‘Which way yuh going?’ I asks. - -“‘Yellowhead Pass,’ he answers. - -“‘Kind o’ long trip,’ I says. - -“‘Yeh, it sure is,’ O’Connell shoot back. ‘An’ I dread it. The trails -down that way is mighty near impassable.’ - -“It was jus’ on the tip o’ my tongue to tell him about my discovery, -when somethin’ makes me change my mind. There’d be nothin’ in it fer me -if I tells what I knew, an’ besides I figgered I ought to be paid fer -all the trouble I’d been put to. So I says to him: - -“‘O’Connell, what’ll yuh give me if I take that stuff through fer yuh?’ - -“He didn’t answer right away, ’cause he thought I was jokin’. He winked -at Wandley an’ laughed. - -“‘Yuh wouldn’t get very far,’ he tells me. - -“‘Mebbe not,’ I says to him, ‘but I’m willin’ to take the chance. Jus’ -name your price.’ - -“‘If yuh really mean it,’ O’Connell gasps, ‘yuh can have the whole -blamed contract an’ good luck to yuh. The summer rains have made the -trails so bad that I won’t be able to get through fer another month.’ - -“We talked an’ figgered fer a while an’ finally I gets the contract. I’m -to get nine hundred dollars an’ keep seven hundred fer myself. I could -tell by the way he acted that he thought he’d beat me pretty bad in the -deal. So did everybody else. They was all laughin’ up their sleeves, -thinkin’ about what a fool I had made o’ myself. Wandley calls me to one -side. - -“‘Murky,’ he says, ‘yuh jus’ made a hasty contract. Yuh better change -your mind before it’s too late. You’ll lose all the money yuh made up in -the hills this summer an’ mebbe a lot more besides. O’Connell knows he -can’t make a cent on that west coast shipment, an’ you’re playin’ right -in his hands. Yuh better see him now before he leaves an’ tell him -you’ve changed your mind.’ - -“‘What would you like to bet I can’t make it?’ I asks him. - -“‘You may be able to make it, but you’ll lose money. Don’t try it, -Murky. Yuh ain’t no packer to begin with. It stands to reason that if -O’Connell is afraid o’ it, it’s no good.’ - -“I thanked him, but I stuck to the contract in spite of what everybody -said. I bought some pack-horses an’ O’Connell lent me five o’ his. My -greatest trouble was to find packers I could trust to keep their mouths -shut about the pass. You see, I wanted to keep that a secret. It took me -nearly two weeks to get my crew together an’ load up the stuff. - -“In order to deceive everybody,” Murky resumed after a short pause, “we -started out in broad daylight over the regular trail leading to the -Yellowhead. They all jeered at us when we left Wandley’s. Two days out, -we left the trail, circled back, an’ then one dark night slipped down -into the ravine an’ entered the pass.” - -At this point, Sergeant Richardson interrupted the narrator. - -“To whom was the shipment consigned?” he asked. - -“To a free trader named Bentley,” Nichols promptly replied. “He was jus’ -opening up a new tradin’ post in the Goose Lake country.” - -“Well,” Murky continued, “we made a quick trip. I was able to pay my -packers almost double what they generally got. Comin’ back, we took -plenty o’ time so as to make it appear that we had gone by the -Yellowhead route. But even at that, we was weeks ahead o’ the schedule. -O’Connell nearly fell out o’ his skin. He didn’t know what to say an’ -neither did Wandley. O’Connell offered me other contracts an’ fer two -years I made some easy money. Then one day he comes to me, an’ by the -look on his face, I could see somethin’ was up. - -“‘Look here, Murky,’ he says, ‘there’s somethin’ wrong about all this. -I’ve been watchin’ yuh. Yuh ain’t been takin’ none o’ the stuff through -the Yellowhead. What yuh been doin’ with it?’ - -“‘I don’t know as that’s any o’ your business,’ I comes back. ‘As long -as the shipments reaches their destination, yuh ain’t got no kick.’ - -“‘Yuh’ve found a shorter route,’ accused O’Connell. - -“‘Well, what if I have?’ - -“‘It ain’t fair to the shipper,’ he says. ‘Suppose it leaks out that -he’s payin’ all this extra mileage. What’ll happen to me?’ - -“‘It don’t never need to leak out,’ I said. - -“But O’Connell is hot-headed, an’ he informs me that he’s through. He -goes away in a huff, an’ I don’t see him again fer nearly a week. Then -he comes over an’ tries to make a dicker with me. - -“‘How much cash money will yuh take to show me your route?’ he says, -fingerin’ a roll o’ bills. ‘This thing has gone far enough.’ - -“‘I ain’t in the markey today,’ I told him a little huffy. ‘Yuh can do -your own west coast packin’ over any route that yuh like. I won’t even -listen to yuh.’ - -“He offered me fifteen hundred dollars but I refused. Finally he goes -away, an’ fer nearly a year packs his own stuff through the Yellowhead, -nursin’ a sore spot in his chest. In a way, it was kind o’ hard on me -too. It had got so that I depended on the money I received from him fer -the work I did. After a while, my capital dwindled down to jus’ a few -hundred dollars. I could see I had to go back to work. - -“Along about that time, a Nitchie breaks into the warehouse at Fort -Point o’ Call an’ steal a lot of valuable fur. One o’ my packers heard -it. The thief was a friend o’ his. He had the stuff cached up in the -foothills but was afraid to move it for fear he’d get caught.” - -Murky ceased speaking and sat for several minutes deep in thought. Then -he turned upon Sergeant Richardson. - -“Yuh see, I was gettin’ kind o’ desperate, sergeant. This was a big -temptation. My money was runnin’ low. I thought it over fer a long time -an’ finally made a dicker with the thief. I agreed to take the fur off -his hands an’ dispose of it, gettin’ one-third o’ the money fer my -trouble. - -“We didn’t have no difficulty at all takin’ the fur through the pass, -an’ less than three weeks later I had the money it brought safe in my -pocket. The man what bought the fur was a free trader who had been in on -some shady deals before, an’ I knew he’d keep his mouth shut. - -“I guess the money sort o’ turned my head. It was all so easy an’ -simple, that I encouraged the half-breed to try his luck again. The -second time we was successful. Then I went into the business wholesale. -I got my packers to steal too. Ever’ man I hired was a crook. I needed a -good confederate so I made a proposition to La Qua an’ he accepted it. -Pretty soon I had agents all over the country. - -“My business grew like a snowball rollin’ down hill. It seemed like I -couldn’t stop it. I laid my plans so well, it was pretty hard fer yuh -fellows to catch me. I made friends with Hart an’ O’Connell again, -agreein’ to take out their shipments at a reduced rate. When they -accepted my offer, they didn’t know I was usin’ them as a sort o’ screen -to hide my real work—to keep yuh mounties guessin’. - -“In the last two years I’ve made close to two hundred thousand dollars. -I was takin’ out stolen fur on such a big scale that it didn’t seem wise -to sell to the free traders any longer. It was too dangerous. So I went -to Seattle an’ made arrangements with Captain Reynolds to come up here -with his yacht several times durin’ the year. I built the wharf an’ -warehouse. I think ever’thing would be all right today if—if—” - -“Yes,” encouraged the policeman. “If—” - -“If it hadn’t been fer Daddy McInness,” Nichols concluded. - -“I’m not so sure about that,” Corporal Rand cut in. “We’ve been -suspicious of you for a long time, Murky. The death of Daddy Mclnness -merely brought matters to a head. Murder is a terrible thing, Nichols.” - -At mention of the word, the prospector went suddenly deathly white. - -“I didn’t kill him!” he croaked. “Before God, I tell yuh—” - -The sentence ended in a groan. Murky turned his head guiltily and looked -into the slowly dying fire. For a long time he sat, eyes fixed sombrely -on the darkening mass. It was symbolic of his own case—charred hopes and -the ashes of defeat, where once had burned brightly the consuming flames -of avarice. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII - BACK AT FORT GOOD FAITH - - -Months later, at Fort Good Faith, Dick and Sandy sat in the trading room -engaged in a game of cribbage, when Factor MacClaren strode over to -their table, carrying in one hand a month’s old copy of an Edmonton -newspaper. He interrupted the game by spreading out the paper between -them, and turning the pages until he came to the particular item he had -just read. - -“I knew you boys would be interested,” he said, indicating the place at -the bottom of the column. “Yesterday when the mail came in, I looked -over this copy of the Bulletin, but missed it somehow. Read it.” - -“All right, Dick,” commanded Sandy, “read it aloud.” - -Dick picked up the somewhat crumpled sheet and commenced breathlessly: - - “Seattle, Washington, Dec. 3.—When the yacht, Elenore, put into harbor - this morning at eight o’clock, she was met at the wharf by Revenue - Officer Charles M. Steele and Corporal Dickinson, the latter a member - of the Canadian Royal Northwest Mounted Police, with papers for the - arrest and detention of the crew. The captain of the vessel, Silas - Reynolds, and one sailor were missing. - - “It is alleged that the Elenore has been engaged in running contraband - and stolen fur from various Canadian points to this port. It is - understood that Captain Reynolds is under arrest in British Columbia.” - -“The long arm of the law,” commented Sandy, as he glanced over Dick’s -shoulder. “I suppose it would have been just the same if they had -steamed into Rangoon. In the end, they always get caught.” - -“Just like Murky did,” added Dick. - -“Yes, just like Murky. You can’t fool the police.” - -“Especially the Canadian Royal Mounted,” appended the other proudly. - -In truth, Dick had every reason to be proud. In the inside pocket of his -coat there reposed the most priceless of all his possessions—a letter -from the commissioner at Ottawa. - -His application had been approved. Next spring he and Toma would report -to the adjutant at the mounted police training barracks at Regina! - - - - - * * * * * * - - - - -Transcriber’s note: - ---Silently corrected obvious typographical errors; left - non-standard (or amusing) spellings and dialect unchanged. - ---Added a Table of Contents based on chapter headings. - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK KENT, FUR TRADER*** - - -******* This file should be named 52207-0.txt or 52207-0.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/5/2/2/0/52207 - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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