Stonor. Aloud he said: "Imbrie, if
you do what I tell you you can ride as you are. But if you want to make
trouble I'll have to tie you up. So take your choice."

"Oh, I don't hanker after any hempen bracelets," said Imbrie. "What do
you want of me?"

"First of all order somebody to bring out all your gear and spread it on
the ground."

"That's not much," said Imbrie. By word and by sign he communicated the
order to one of the Kakisas. It seemed to Stonor that something was
reserved.

The Indian disappeared in the tepee and presently returned with Imbrie's
"bed," that is to say, a pair of heavy blankets and a small, grimy
pillow, and Imbrie's hatchet.

"That's all I brought," said Imbrie, "except a little dried moose-meat,
and that's eaten up."

"I want your gun," said Stonor.

"Didn't bring any."

"Then what are you wearing a cartridge-belt for?" Imbrie shrugged
airily.

"Produce your gun, or I'll tie you up, and search for it myself."

Imbrie spoke, and the Kakisa disappeared again, returning with a
revolver, which he handed to Stonor. Stonor was careful not to betray
the grim satisfaction he experienced at the sight of it. It was of
thirty-eight calibre, the same as the bullet that reposed in his pocket.
While not conclusive, perhaps, this was strong evidence. Since he had
seen this man he had lost his dread of bringing the crime home to him.
He wished to convict him now. He dropped the revolver in his side
pocket, and held out his hand for the ammunition-belt, which was handed
over.

"Now get a horse," he said.

Myengeen objected with violent shakes of the head.

"He says he's got no horses to hand over," said Imbrie, grinning.

"Make him understand that I will give a receipt for the horse. If it is
not returned the company will pay in trade."

"No spare horses," he says.

"Let him give you the horse you came on."

"I walked."

Stonor did not believe this for a moment. "Very well then, you can walk
back," he said coolly.

Imbrie thought better of this. He entered into a colloquy with Myengeen
which eventually resulted in a horse being caught and led up and
saddled. Stonor gave a receipt for it as promised. Myengeen handled the
bit of paper fearfully.

"Now mount!" said Stonor.

"Aren't you going to let me have my breakfast?"

"We'll spell beside the trail."

Myengeen became visibly excited and began to harangue Imbrie in a fiery
style, with sidelong looks at the policeman. Stonor out