hen Helen looked around for Fire Bear, the Indian had disappeared.

"We never could have done anything without Fire Bear," said Lowell, as
he swung into the saddle preparatory to the homeward ride. "He is the
greatest trailer I ever saw. Probably he's gone back to his camp, now
that this interruption in his religious ceremonies is over."

Plenty Buffalo led the way back to the agency with the wounded
policeman. Lowell had examined the man's injury and was satisfied that
it was only superficial. The policeman himself took matters with true
Indian philosophy, and galloped on with Plenty Buffalo, the most
unconcerned member of the party.

Lowell rode with Helen, letting the others go on ahead after they had
reached the open country beyond the foothills. He explained the
circumstances of the rescue--how Wong had brought a note signed "Willis
Morgan," telling of Helen's disappearance. At the same time Fire Bear
had come to the agency with the news that one of his young men had seen
McFann and Helen riding toward the mountains. Fire Bear was convinced
that something was wrong and had lost no time in telling Lowell. With
Plenty Buffalo and one or two Indian policemen who happened to be at the
agency, a posse was hurriedly made up. Fire Bear took the trail and
followed it so swiftly and unerringly that the party was almost within
striking distance of the fugitives by night-fall. A conference had been
held, and it was decided to let Plenty Buffalo parley with Talpers and
McFann from the trail, while Fire Bear attempted the seemingly
impossible task of entering the camp from the side toward the mountain.

Helen was silent during most of the ride to the agency. Lowell ascribed
her silence to a natural reaction from the physical and mental strain of
recent hours. After reaching the agency he saw that the wounded
policeman was properly taken care of. Then Lowell and Helen started for
the Greek Letter Ranch in the agent's car, leaving her horse to be
brought over by one of the agency employees.

"Do you intend to go back and take up the chase for Talpers and McFann?"
asked Helen.

"Of course! Just as soon as I can get more of the Indian police
together."

"But they'll hardly be taken alive, will they?"

"Perhaps not."

"That means that blood will be shed on my account," declared Helen.
"I'll not have it! I don't want those men captured! What if I refuse to
testify against them?"

Lowell looked at her in amazement. Then it