shot would bring in my friends,
and you'd find yourself in a very unpleasant position. You had better
understand that the North-West Police have never visited this place and
nobody troubles about what goes on up here, while I believe I'm a
person of some influence." He indicated Harding's guide. "Then,
though I don't know what he's doing in this neighbourhood, this fellow
belongs to a tribe the Stonies have a grudge against. On the whole, I
think you have been very rash."

"I guess you're clever enough to see that since I've taken some chances
in coming I'm not likely to be bluffed off now. But we'll let that go.
The most important thing is that Blake will die unless he gets proper
treatment."

Clarke regarded him with a mocking smile. "It's a matter of
indifference to me whether Blake dies or not."

"No," said Harding, "I allow it isn't quite so. On the whole, you
would sooner he did die. He's in the way."

He could not tell whether this shot had reached the mark, for though
Clarke's eyes were steadily fixed on him the man's face was inscrutable.

"If you're right, it's strange you should urge me to prescribe for him."

"There are some precautions I mean to take," said Harding drily.
"However, I haven't come here to argue. For reasons of your own, you
sent us into a belt of country which you thought we couldn't get
through. My notion is that you expected us to be held up there until
our stores ran out and winter set in, when these Stonies would, no
doubt, have moved on. Well, part of what you wished has happened, but
the matter is taking a turn you couldn't have looked for. You led us
into difficulties and now you're going to get us out. I guess delay
means danger--get ready to start."

Then the Indian raised his hand in warning. Footsteps approached the
tepee with something strangely stealthy in their tread, and Clarke,
turning his head, listened with a curious expression. Then he looked
at Harding and as the steps drew nearer the American's lips set tight.
His pose grew tense, but it was more expressive of determination than
alarm. For a few moments none of the party moved and then the attitude
of all relaxed as the footsteps passed and grew indistinct. Clarke
broke into a faint smile.

"That was not an ordinary Stony but a gentleman of my profession, with
similar interests, going about his business. There are reasons why he
should undertake it in the dark. You were right in supposing that