o survive. The fact was
recalled that Cayuse, the half-breed murderer of Culver, was as yet
unreported from the hills.

The sheriff, who had ridden day and night, in quest of either of the
"wanted" men, came back to Goldite from a week's excursion, packed full
of hardships, vigilance, and work, to renew his force and make another
attempt. He offered a job to Van.

"There's ten thousand dollars in Barger," he said. "And I guess you
could use the money. There's nothing but glory in gittin' Cayuse, but
I'll give you your pick of the pair."

That some half-formed notion of procuring a secret survey of the
reservation line, in his own behalf, had occupied Van's thoughts
somewhat insistently, was quite to be expected. That the work would
prove expensive was a matter of course. Money was the one particular
thing of which he stood in need. Nevertheless, at the sheriff's
suggestion he calmly shook his head.

"Thanks, old man. Blood-money wouldn't circulate worth a whoop in my
system. But I think I could land Cayuse." He held no grudge against
Culver now. Perhaps he regretted the fuss he had made on the day of
Culver's death. "I'll take ten dollars a day," he added, "and see what
I can do about the Indian."

"I knew it! I knew you'd do more than all the gang--myself in the
count," the sheriff exclaimed in profound relief. "I'm beat! I own
it! I ain't seen a trace of that black-headed devil since I started.
If you'll fetch him in----"

"Don't promise more than ten dollars a day," Van interrupted. "If you
do you can get him yourself. I haven't said I'll fetch him in. I
merely said perhaps I could get him."

"All right," said the sheriff, bewildered. "All right. I don't care
what happens, if you git him."

Glad, perhaps, to escape the town--to flee from the air that Beth was
breathing, Van rode off that afternoon.

He did not seek the Indian murderer, nor for traces of his place of
concealment. He went due west, to the nearest Indian camp, on the now
diminished reservation. He called upon a wise and grave Piute, as old
as some of the hills.

"Captain Sides," he said, when the due formalities of greeting had been
gratified, "I want you to get Cayuse. He stabbed a white man, Culver,
Government man--and you Piutes know all about it. Indians know where
an Indian hides. This man has broken the law. He's got to pay. I
want your men to get him."

Old Captain Sides was standing before his house. H