in with a band of Stony Indians,
found that the band had been robbed and two of their number murdered."

"Two murdered?" The Commissioner's voice was stern.

"Yes, Sir. Shot down in cold blood. We have the testimony of an eye
witness. We followed the trail and came upon two of them. My horse was
shot. One of them escaped; this man we captured."

The Commissioner sat pondering. Then with disconcerting swiftness he
turned upon the prisoner.

"Your name?"

"Cameron, Sir."

"Where from?"

"I was working in McIvor's survey camp near Morleyville. I went out
shooting, lost my way in a blizzard, was captured by a man who called
himself Raven--"

"Wait!" said the Commissioner sharply. "Bring me that file!"

The orderly brought a file from which the Commissioner selected a
letter. His keen eyes rapidly scanned the contents and then ran over the
prisoner from head to foot. Thereupon, without a moment's hesitation, he
said curtly:

"Release the prisoner!"

"But, Sir--" began Sergeant Crisp, with an expression of utter
bewilderment and disgust upon his face.

"Release the prisoner!" repeated the Commissioner sharply. "Mr. Cameron,
I deeply regret this mistake. Under the circumstances it could hardly
have been avoided. You were in bad company, you see. I am greatly
pleased that my men have been of service to you. We shall continue to
do all we can for you. In the meantime I am very pleased to have the
pleasure of meeting you." He passed the letter to Sergeant Crisp. "I
have information about you from Morleyville, you see. Now tell us all
about it."

It took Cameron some moments to recover his wits, so dumbfounded was he
at the sudden change in his condition.

"Well, Sir," he began, "I hardly know what to say."

"Sit down, sit down, Mr. Cameron. Take your time," said the
Commissioner. "We are somewhat hurried these days, but you must have had
some trying experiences."

Then Cameron proceeded with his tale. The Commissioner listened with
keen attention, now and then arresting him with a question or a comment.
When Cameron came to tell of the murder of the Stonies his voice shook
with passion.

"We will get that Indian some day," said the Commissioner, "never fear.
What is his name?"

"Little Thunder, Raven called him. And I would like to take a hand in
that too, Sir," said Cameron eagerly.

"You would, eh?" said the Commissioner with a sharp look at him. "Well,
we'll see. Little Thunder," he repeated to himse