g the fingers
twice. Ambrose guessed from this that the coming police party numbered
twenty.

The last thing he saw as darkness infolded the camp was the boys
driving in the horses from the hills.

CHAPTER XXXII.

THE TRAP.

He shared the teepee with his six guards. Sleep was remote from his
eyes. Nevertheless, he did fall off at last, only, it seemed to him,
to be immediately awakened by his guards.

His ankles were unbound, and he was made to understand that he must
ride again. Ambrose, seeing no advantage to be gained by resistance,
did what they ordered without objection.

He got to his feet and went outside. A pitiful little yelp behind him
caused him to whirl about and dart inside again.

"Hands off my dog!" he cried in a voice that caused the Kakisas to fall
back in affright.

There was a little light from the fire. Their attitude was
conciliatory. In their own language they sought to explain. One
pointed to a kind of pannier of birch-bark hanging from a teepee pole,
whence issued a violent scratching.

"Let him out!" cried Ambrose.

They expostulated with him. None made any move to obey.

"Let him out!" commanded Ambrose, "or I'll smash something!"

Watusk, attracted by the noise, stuck his head in. The matter was
explained to him. Lifting the cover of the pannier, he exhibited the
frightened but unharmed Job to his master.

"Him all right," he said soothingly. "Let be. We got mak' new camp
to-night. Can't tak' no dogs. Him come wit' women to-morrow."

Ambrose did not believe him, of course; but if help were really so
near, he felt it would be suicidal to provoke a conflict at this
moment. Apparently they intended the dog no harm. He assumed to be
contented with Watusk's explanation.

"Good dog," he said to Job. "You're all right. Lie down."

Ambrose mounted, and they tied him on as usual. On every hand he could
see men mounting and riding out of the village. His heart slowly rose
into his throat.

Could it be meant that he was to take part in a night attack on the
police? Surely the redcoats would never allow themselves to be
surprised! Anyhow, if he was to be present, it would be strange if he
could not help his own in some way.

His horse was led up the hill, off at right angles to the village.
Watusk remained near him. As they rose to higher ground the moon came
into view, hanging above the tree-tops across the valley, preparatory
to sinking out of sight