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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..62c9236 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #50275 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/50275) diff --git a/old/50275-0.txt b/old/50275-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 5b57b9c..0000000 --- a/old/50275-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6226 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Dick Kent on Special Duty, by Milton Richards - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Dick Kent on Special Duty - -Author: Milton Richards - -Release Date: October 22, 2015 [EBook #50275] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK KENT ON SPECIAL DUTY *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Rod Crawford, Rick Morris -and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - - DICK KENT - ON SPECIAL DUTY - - - By MILTON RICHARDS - - - Author of -“Dick Kent with the Mounted Police,” “Dick Kent in the Far North,” “Dick - Kent with the Eskimos,” “Dick Kent, Fur Trader,” “Dick Kent with the - Malemute Mail.” - - - THE SAALFIELD PUBLISHING COMPANY - Akron, Ohio New York - - Copyright MCMXXVIII - THE SAALFIELD PUBLISHING COMPANY - _Made in the United States of America_ - - - - - Contents - - - CHAPTER PAGE - I Rand Tackles a Difficult Case 3 - II The Price of Folly 12 - III Three New Recruits 17 - IV Frischette’s Money Box 28 - V A Midnight Prowler 38 - VI New Complications 49 - VII The Mysterious Poke 57 - VIII Corporal Rand Takes Charge 66 - IX Unexpected News 76 - X Conflicting Theories 85 - XI Finding a Motive 93 - XII “Rat” MacGregor’s Wife 103 - XIII On Creel’s Trail 111 - XIV A Meeting in the Woods 121 - XV A Deserted Road-House 129 - XVI Trapped! 134 - XVII A Policeman’s Horse 144 - XVIII A Red Blob 154 - XIX Across Hay River 161 - XX A Thrilling Experience 170 - XXI The Key to the Mystery 180 - XXII Dewberry’s Treasure 188 - XXIII Leaves From an Old Diary 197 - XXIV Carson’s Son 206 - XXV Piecing the Threads 216 - XXVI Dick Rejoins His Comrades 225 - - - - - DICK KENT ON SPECIAL DUTY - - - - - CHAPTER I - RAND TACKLES A DIFFICULT CASE - - -“Rat” MacGregor dropped to the floor and crawled on hands and knees to -the bunk wherein Dewberry, weary after hours of heavy mushing over an -almost unbroken trail, now slept the sleep of the just. Dewberry’s -raucous snores could be heard plainly. He lay face up, mouth partly -open, while one large, hairy arm hung limply over the side of his bed. - -MacGregor knew that Dewberry was really asleep. Not only did he know -this, but he was cognizant of another fact, of which he alone was the -sole possessor. He knew that the big Englishman could not easily be -awakened. He was aware that something else besides weariness and -exhaustion compelled Dewberry to slumber thus. And he grinned over the -thought of it. - -Before retiring for the night, the prospector had, following the usual -custom, removed none of his clothes. Neither had he troubled to unstrap -the money-belt that he wore, and place it in safe-keeping. The -money-belt was full, almost bursting with yellowbacks and greenbacks of -various denominations. But the thing which interested MacGregor even -more, was the small poke, suspended from a moosehide cord, and tied -securely about the sleeping man’s neck. - -In his present predicament, the prospector would have been easy prey for -the figure who crept towards him, had circumstances been a little -different. The difference was this: In the room, the large airy room of -one “Frenchie” Frischette, keeper of road-houses, were a number of other -persons besides MacGregor and the drugged Dewberry. - -These persons reclined in various attitudes and conditions of sleep. Not -a few of them, including Corporal Rand, of the Royal North West Mounted -police, possessed—even in slumber—a sense of hearing exceedingly acute. -The creak of a board, a sudden rustling movement—almost any noise at -all—would have aroused them at once. No one realized this any better -than MacGregor. His job had been only half accomplished a few hours -before when, with very little difficulty, he had drugged the man from -Crooked Stick River. - -The thief rose slowly to a position on his knees. He was so close to his -victim that the man’s feverish breath fanned his cheek. He could hear -plainly his own heart and the heart of the sleeper, beating in a sort of -wild harmony together. His right hand was within eight inches of the -rugged prospector, yet he seemed unable, powerless to extend it one -infinitesimal part of the distance which separated it from the actual -point of contact. - -In the dull, red glow of the fireplace he could see the tell-tale bulge -on Dewberry’s barrel-like chest. It filled him with a sort of agony to -realize that at the crucial moment he lacked the courage and the -strength to accomplish his task. Never before had he been so overcome -with weakness. A few quick movements only were required to bring wealth -into his grasp; yet here he knelt, with a cold dampness suffusing his -face and a tingling paralysis of all his muscles. - -The prospector groaned and moved slightly, then raised one knee in a -convulsive movement of pain. MacGregor shrank back trembling, his eyes -darting about apprehensively. In a far corner another form stirred -uneasily and a loud, full-throated cough broke across the stillness like -a trumpet of doom. - -Several minutes elapsed before MacGregor had recovered sufficiently from -his fright to attempt another furtive movement forward. This time he -summoned to his aid the last remnant of a wilted spirit. His hands went -out toward Dewberry’s throat. These clammy physical members found the -cord, but his fingers refused to function in his efforts to untie the -knot. For a moment he hesitated, then with a low, almost inhuman growl, -he tore his hunting knife from its sheath and tried to cut the cord. In -his haste, inadvertently the sharp point of the knife pricked the -sleeping man’s chest and, to MacGregor’s great astonishment and horror, -Dewberry started visibly and opened his eyes. - - * * * * * * * * - -The aroma of freshly fried bacon filled the room. Standing among his -pots and pans, nursing a new-found despair, “Frenchie” Frischette, -road-house keeper and gentleman of parts, could hear the approaching -figure. The pupils of his eyes were like beads of glass as they -encountered the trim, athletic figure of Corporal Rand. - -“_Oui_,” he admitted slowly, “ze beeg prospector ees dead. You saw -heem?” - -Corporal Rand nodded. - -“How many men have already left?” he inquired. - -“Zay haf all left,” Frischette shrugged his shoulders regretfully. “Many -before dawn. Zay go in ever’ direction—both ze good men and ze bad. How -you find heem of ze beeg knife?” - -“The man who stabbed and robbed Dewberry will go south,” Corporal Rand -stated with conviction. “It is the law of the land. Men, who have money, -invariably go south—to spend it. Is there anything more simple than -that, Frischette? The rule seldom fails. Adventure goes north and money -goes south. I’m taking the trail south.” - -The road-house keeper moistened his dry lips. - -“I see heem four men go on the south trail ver’ early roun’ five -o’clock.” - -“Together?” - -“Zay went each by heemself.” - -“No doubt, one of those four men is the murderer.” - -“You t’ink so?” - -“Yes,” said the policeman stubbornly, “I’m quite sure the murderer would -travel south. At any rate, I’m going in that direction. So long, -Frischette.” - -Two days later, Corporal Rand was forced to admit that in this case, at -least, a precedent had been broken. None of the four men was the -murderer. Two were Indians from Lac la Biche; a third, Beckholt, a free -trader, a serene, gray-eyed veteran of the North, was above suspicion. -Father Marchand, who completed the quartette, could not for one moment -be included in any inventory of crime. - -Without even taking the time to question one of them, Rand swung about -and retraced his way to the scene of the recent murder. - -In the policeman’s absence, Frischette had made an important discovery. -Eagerly and somewhat excitedly, he told the story in a mixture of poor -English and bastard French. Fontaine, a half-breed boy in Frischette’s -service, had seen, on the evening preceding the robbery, a tall, -furtive-eyed man mix two drinks—one for himself and one for the -prospector. In the cup intended for Dewberry, the tall, furtive-eyed man -had poured something out of a small bottle. Shortly thereafter, the big -prospector had stumbled to his pile of blankets and had fallen asleep. - -In doubt, Rand questioned the boy closely. At first, he did not believe -Fontaine was telling the truth. Then it became apparent, following a -severe cross-examination, that Fontaine had really seen what he had -described—was wholly innocent of guile. The description of the -furtive-eyed man, his mannerisms, his clothing, the way he walked, had -quickly brought a picture to Rand’s mind. There was no possibility of -any mistake here. It was MacGregor, “Rat” MacGregor, of the Willow Lake -country. - -Soberly, the mounted policeman pondered his problem. If “Rat” MacGregor -was the murderer, as the cards seemed to indicate, why, with so much -money in his possession, had he set out on a trail which led farther -into the wilderness? By all the rules of common sense, a person of -MacGregor’s caliber would have lost no time in getting back to the gay -“outside.”[1] It was inevitable. The desire within him would have been -stronger than the will to resist. A powerful influence indeed, that -would pull a man north when wealth was burning his pockets. - -Ten days later, Rand found MacGregor in a small cabin below the Finley -River. First he had seen a man and woman together, then two scrambling -forms, a door closed hastily, and presently a gray puff of smoke from a -window near the front of the house. The bullet whistled over his head, -struck harmlessly in the brush behind him. A second cut into a drift to -his right. A third, lilting of death, grazed his shoulder, causing him -to sit down very suddenly. - -Thereafter, Rand moved slowly and painfully. This time he advanced -toward the cabin more cautiously. Fifty feet from his objective, he -threw himself down behind a snow-covered log, lit his pipe and dully -pondered what he ought to do next. For several hours MacGregor continued -to blaze away intermittently from the window. After that darkness came -and an interval of silence. The cold had grown more intense, more -bitter. By degrees, a peculiar numbness had settled over the policeman’s -shoulders and along his wounded side. - -A moment later, he struggled to his knees, then rose deliberately and -walked ahead in the direction of the cabin. In front of the door he -paused, every sense alert. No sound issued from within; nor could he see -even a faint glimmer of light. Somewhere inside, Rat MacGregor—true to -his name—skulked in the dark—and his wife with him. - -The faint outline of a block of wood, lying in the snow at his feet, -drew his attention. Acting upon a sudden angry impulse, he stooped -forward, picked it up, and raised it high above his head. It catapulted -from his powerful arms, striking the window with a resounding crash. A -woman screamed. Her terrified cry rang out through the deep hush that -ensued and, accompanying its last wailing note, MacGregor’s guns -spoke—two fiery flashes, not unlike the red tongue of a serpent—darting -out into the gloom. - -Shoulders hunched, Rand struck the door with a furious impact, and the -bolts gave way. As he fell forward into the room, one hand clutched his -gun. Again MacGregor fired; this time wildly, foolishly, for the flash -of his revolver indicated only too well his position, and Rand had him -almost before the sound of the other’s weapon had become smothered in -the deep stillness of the room. - - - - - CHAPTER II - THE PRICE OF FOLLY - - -MacGregor’s resistance had cost him his life. Ten minutes later, in the -flickering glow of a wax candle, the mounted policeman looked down at -the prone and lifeless form. - -“Well,” he said, turning suddenly upon the girl, a rather pretty French -half-breed, “where is the money?” - -The half-breed grunted and looked sarcastically, indignantly at Rand. - -“No have money. No take money. Why you keel my man?” she wailed -tearfully. “Mounted police! Bah!” - -“Easy,” cautioned Rand. “Where’s that money?” He drew up to his full -height. “Better answer me quickly now or I’ll take you along too.” - -“No money,” insisted the girl. “He no catch ’em money that time. Beeg -prospector wake up. No chance then. My man he come away.” - -“Rot!” declared the policeman. “Your man killed Dewberry. Robbed him. -Nobody else.” - -“Leesen!” MacGregor’s wife plucked at his sleeve. “You think wrong this -time. You make heem beeg mistake. My man no rob, no keel—nothing! I -prove you find no money here. My man heem try rob, but no get nothing. -Otherwise, we go south—Edmonton. No can go without money.” - -Although Rand was certain that the half-breed lied, a careful and -painstaking search of the premises failed to reveal the hiding place of -Dewberry’s gold. Baffled, he was forced on the day following to place -the girl under arrest and set out for detachment headquarters, two -hundred miles away. There he filled in his report, turned the prisoner -over to Inspector Cameron for further questioning. - -But to no avail. Invariably the same answer, repeated over and over -again: - -“My man heem no rob, no keel. No take beeg prospector’s money. Mounted -police! Bah!” - -From that point it became a baffling case indeed. Corporal Rand, to whom -it had been assigned, still believed, in the months that followed, that -MacGregor had committed the murder. But where was the money and the -poke? Did the girl really know where Dewberry’s gold was? If the theft -had actually been committed by MacGregor, why had he broken precedent -and remained in the North. - -At Frischette’s stopping-place, two miles east of the Big Smoky River, -Rand heard again Fontaine’s story of the drugged drink, together with -such other information as the two Frenchmen could supply. Both were of -the opinion that MacGregor, and no one else, had planned and executed -the crime. Frischette’s voice came droning in his ears: - -“Zat girl she know well enough where money ees. Not crazy zat girl; ver’ -clever, ver’ clever.” His low chuckling laugh gradually grew boisterous. -“What you think, Corporal, zat girl foolish enough to tell ze mounted -police ever’thing. Mebbe after while she go south too.” - -Preoccupied as he was, Rand caught the significance of that last -statement. - -“Are _you_ going south, Frischette?” - -The Frenchman nodded. - -“Yesterday I sell my beezness. I haf done ver’ well here, corporal.” -Then his voice sank to a confidential whisper. “In ze las’ two, tree, -four year I make much money—ver’ much money. Now you wish me ze good -luck, corporal.” - -“Good luck,” said Rand, his brow wrinkling. “Yes. By the way, whom did -you sell to?” - -Frischette hesitated, his little eyes gleaming queerly. - -“I no sell exactly. I haf too much already—too much money. Fontaine ees -a good boy, monsieur. You understand—a good boy. He learn queek. He -deserve much from me. For a few hundred I sell heem my beeg beezness.” - -Still thinking deeply, Corporal Rand walked outside and sat on a rough -bench in the warm spring sun. Why had MacGregor failed to go south if he -had really robbed Dewberry of his gold. Men with money travelled south -invariably. There was no other rule. It had seldom been broken. Why, -Frischette himself, who had made a lot of money during his stay in the -North, now contemplated going south to spend it. - -With a sudden exclamation, Rand jumped to his feet. No! The rule had -never been broken. MacGregor probably killed, but he never robbed -Dewberry. He wondered if the man who had robbed Dewberry was inside. - -“Frischette,” said the mounted policeman a moment later, “I wish to ask -a favor of you.” - -“Yes, monsieur.” - -“You are going south?” - -“Yes, monsieur.” - -“How soon?” - -“In ver’ few days, corporal. Why you ask.” - -“Because I may need your help. I am going to ask you to remain here for -a while. I shall ask you to stay here until I have recovered Dewberry’s -gold.” - -Rand watched the other closely. The eyes of the road-house keeper -narrowed slightly—but that was all. - -“Et ees as you say, monsieur.” - -Then Frischette turned and walked back into the kitchen. - - - - - CHAPTER III - THREE NEW RECRUITS - - -One bright spring morning Corporal Rand arrived at Fort Good Faith. It -was somewhat off his regular route, but he had a purpose in mind. There -were three young men there he very much wished to see. One of them was -Dick Kent, the second, Sandy MacClaren, a nephew of the factor, and the -third, a young Indian, named Toma. On many occasions previously the -three boys had given unsparingly of their services. The police needed -their help now. - -Working on the Dewberry case, Corporal Rand had suddenly remembered -about the boys and had decided to call upon them for assistance. They -could help him in clearing up the mystery. All three were unknown to -Frischette. They might be able to secure valuable information he -couldn’t obtain himself. So, immediately after his arrival, he summoned -the three boys and made known his plans. - -“I would suggest,” he concluded, “that the three of you, masquerading as -young prospectors, drop into Frischette’s place and remain there several -days on some pretext or other. You can say that you’re waiting for -supplies, coming in by pack-train from Fort Good Faith. Cultivate -Frischette’s acquaintance. Make friends with Fontaine, the half-breed -boy in his service. See how much information you can pick up about -Dewberry and ‘Rat’ MacGregor.” - -“But do you really believe,” Dick asked, “that Frischette knows any more -about the murder than he has already given out to you?” - -“I’m not sure.” Corporal Rand pursed his lips. “But one thing is slowly -dawning upon me.” - -“What?” asked Sandy breathlessly. - -“That MacGregor’s wife was right, that MacGregor didn’t take Dewberry’s -money, or the small poke he had around his neck.” - -“But if he didn’t take it, who did?” Dick inquired. - -“Frischette himself might have taken it.” - -“Surely MacGregor had something to do with it,” argued Sandy. - -Corporal Rand rose and walked slowly across the floor to a little table, -where he helped himself to a glass of water. He turned and regarded the -boys thoughtfully. - -“Here is a supposition that may throw a little light on what actually -occurred. ‘Rat’ MacGregor, as we have reason to believe, was the first -person to have designs upon Dewberry. He planned the robbery. He drugged -his victim. Evidently murder did not enter into his calculations. When -all was still in the room, MacGregor crept over to Dewberry’s bunk to -commit the robbery. - -“In some way his plans went wrong. Perhaps the drug had not proved -sufficiently potent. While taking the money and poke, let us say, -Dewberry woke up. Perhaps Dewberry made some slight exclamation or -sound, which terrified MacGregor and which also might have aroused some -other sleeper in that room. In desperation, we will assume, MacGregor -murdered Dewberry, but is surprised in the act by this other person who -had awakened. Just for the sake of my theory, we will say that that -person was Frischette, that in some way he got the ‘drop’ on MacGregor, -compelling him to hand over the money and poke and then forcing him to -leave the place immediately.” - -“Yes, that is plausible,” agreed Dick. “But why Frischette? There were -other persons in the room beside him. Why do you think that Frischette -may be the guilty one?” - -“Because Frischette is planning to leave the country. He claims that he -had made a lot of money up here, and is now giving his business to the -boy, Fontaine, for a small consideration. That in itself is suspicious. -Frischette’s determination to go ‘outside’ surprised me because I -remember that, less than a year ago, he confided to me his intention to -build three new road-houses here in the North.” - -“When is he planning to leave?” asked Sandy. - -Corporal Rand smiled reminiscently. - -“He expected to go this week, but he has changed his mind since my last -talk with him. As a personal favor to me, he has consented to postpone -his journey until this little mystery has been cleared up.” - -“But do you think that Frischette is aware that you suspect him of the -theft?” - -“No, I believe not. I merely told him that he would be of invaluable -assistance to me in solving this case, and that the mounted police would -be deeply indebted to him if he would consent to remain here for a few -weeks longer.” - -Dick and Sandy both laughed. - -“I’ll bet he’s worried stiff,” grinned the latter, “that is, if he’s -really the thief. By the way, corporal, how much money did this Dewberry -have in his possession at the time of the murder?” - -“There’s no way of determining the exact amount,” Rand answered. -“Probably several hundred dollars in cash.” - -“I wouldn’t think that that would be sufficient bait to tempt -MacGregor.” - -“There was the poke. Don’t forget that.” - -“But you said it was a small one. Perhaps there wasn’t more than a few -hundred dollars in nuggets and gold dust.” - -“I’m not sure that it was gold.” - -“What makes you say that?” - -“Well, it was a very small poke. That much I know. It was almost too -small for a prospector’s pouch. As you have suggested, if it contained -nuggets, there would scarcely be a fortune there—hardly enough to tempt -MacGregor. MacGregor would never have taken the chance he did for the -small amount involved. He was naturally a coward, a sneaking human rat, -and only a big stake could have induced him to gather sufficient courage -to make the effort. After reasoning it all out, I have come to the -conclusion that MacGregor must have known what that poke contained: -Something infinitely more valuable than gold.” - -“More valuable!” exclaimed Dick. - -“Yes. Why not? Precious stones—or a secret of some sort worth thousands -of dollars.” - -Sandy sat up, clutching the sides of his chair. - -“I’ll say this is getting interesting. You’re arousing my curiosity, -corporal. I love a mystery.” - -“Well, you have one here,” smiled Rand. “The morning after the murder I -came to the conclusion that it would not be a very difficult case. -However, it seems that I was wrong. Apparently, ‘Rat’ MacGregor is not -the only person involved. Before we sift this thing to the bottom, we -may discover that many persons are implicated. It is one of the most -mysterious, unusual cases with which I have ever had to deal.” - -“How do you purpose to work it all out?” - -“I’m almost wholly at a loss to know. I haven’t a great deal to go on. -It occurred to me that you boys might be able to pick up information -that I couldn’t get myself. You may be able to find a clew. In the -meantime, I’m going over to Crooked Stick River—the place where Dewberry -came from just before the murder—and question some of the people there. -Perhaps Dewberry had a friend or two in whom he confided. Certain it is -that the contents of that poke has been seen by someone. Otherwise, to -use a well known expression, MacGregor never would have been ‘tipped -off.’” - -“Don’t you suppose that Dewberry might have told MacGregor about his -secret?” asked Dick. - -“Scarcely likely. MacGregor was hardly the type of person in whom one -would confide. He was a notorious character here in the North. He had a -very unsavory reputation. At various times he had been implicated in -certain questionable undertakings, and once had served a term in jail.” - -“You think, then, that MacGregor had been following Dewberry?” - -“Yes, awaiting his opportunity. He’d learned of the secret. But I’m -positive that Dewberry gave him no information at all.” - -Thus far Toma, naturally reticent, had taken no part in the -conversation. He sat rigid in his chair, eyes wide with interest, -nothing escaping him. Suddenly he drawled forth: - -“When you want us go over this fellow Frischette’s place?” he asked. - -“Tomorrow, if you will,” answered the corporal. “Arrange to stay there -for three or four days. Then come back here to meet me.” - -“I know this young fellow, Fontaine, you talk about,” Toma informed -them. “One time we pretty good friends. We go to school one time at -Mission. If he know anything, me pretty sure him tell Toma.” - -“Good!” exclaimed Corporal Rand. “I’m glad to hear that, Toma. Your -friendship with Fontaine may be the means of solving this mystery. If -Frischette is implicated, Fontaine must be aware of it.” - -The policeman rose to his feet again. - -“Well, I guess you understand what’s to be done. If you’ll excuse me, -I’ll hurry away now. I want to see Inspector Cameron for a few minutes -before I go on to the Crooked Stick.” - -He turned and shook hands with each of the boys in turn. - -“Well, good luck to you. I hope you’ll like your new role of police -detectives. When you return, you’ll probably find me here awaiting you.” - -On the evening of the following day, the three boys, dressed for the -part, arrived at Frischette’s road-house. It had been a warm afternoon -and the boys were weary as they rode up to the well known stopping place -and slowly dismounted. Sandy paused to wipe the perspiration from his -face. - -“We’re here—” he announced, “mosquitos and all.” He looked curiously -about him. “So this is the famous stopping-place. I’ve often heard of -it. It’s one of the largest road-houses north of the Peace River. They -say that Frischette is an interesting character. He’s lived in the North -a good many years.” - -Sandy’s observations were cut short by the appearance of two young -half-breeds, who sauntered over in their direction. Toma gave vent to an -exclamation, dropped the reins over his pony’s head and advanced quickly -to meet them. - -“One of them must be Fontaine,” guessed Sandy. - -“But he knows them both,” observed Dick. - -Immediately Toma and his two friends approached and introductions took -place. - -“This him fellow,” Toma was explicit, “my friend, Pierre Fontaine. This -other fellow, also my friend, Martin Le Sueur. He come long way this -morning to be with Pierre. Mebbe after while they be partners an’ buy -Frischette’s business.” - -Both Le Sueur and Fontaine spoke very little English, so the -conversation that ensued, a lively one, was carried on in Cree. While it -was taking place, the boys put up their ponies and walked back in the -direction of the hostelry. No sooner had they entered, than Frischette, -with his usual hospitality, came forward to bid them welcome. As he did -so, Dick gave him the benefit of a close scrutiny. - -He was a little man, dark, vivacious—typically French. Yet his lively -features showed the unmistakable Indian strain of his mixed origin. He -conducted the boys to the dining room, talking as he went. - -“Very hungry you must be, monsieurs. Sit down for a moment. We have -plenty to eat here. I myself will serve you. Baked whitefish from ze -water only an hour. Brown bread which I bake with my own hands. Then -there ees coffee an’ a sweet pastry, monsieurs.” - -“I was hungry, but I’m famished now after hearing all that,” Sandy -declared. “You are very generous, Mr. Frischette.” - -“Et ees nothing.” The Frenchman waved his arms deprecatingly. “I like et -you come here once in a while during thees lonesome summer to make ze -company. I am glad to learn that you are friends of thees ver’ good boy, -Fontaine.” - -Their welcome had been so whole-hearted and spontaneous that Dick did -not, even for a moment, believe that Frischette’s manner was assumed. In -spite of himself, he was drawn toward the vivacious, hospitable -Frenchman. A capital host! It was difficult to see how Corporal Rand -could harbor suspicion against such a person. The genial road-house -keeper had none of the characteristics nor any of the appearances of a -criminal. - -That was Dick’s first impression of the man. Nor did he stand alone in -this respect. Sandy, too, had been impressed favorably. Just before -retiring for the night, the young Scotchman whispered in his chum’s ear: - -“Look here, Dick, if you want my honest opinion, I think we’ve come on a -wild goose chase. I believe Corporal Rand is wrong. After seeing and -talking with this man Frischette, I’m absolutely certain that he’s -innocent. Someone else is the guilty person.” - -“I can’t help thinking that too,” Dick replied. “If looks and actions -are not deceiving, Frischette is innocent. I doubt if he knows any more -about the case than he’s already told Rand. Just the same, we’ll remain -here and follow the corporal’s instructions.” - -“Just wasting time,” grumbled Sandy. - -Suddenly, they were aware of a presence near them. Both looked up -quickly and a little guiltily, expecting to see Frischette himself. -Instead it was Toma—Toma, a curious expression on his face, the light of -excitement in his eyes. - -“Sandy, Dick,” he announced breathlessly, “you come with me. I find out -something important to tell you!” - - - - - CHAPTER IV - FRISCHETTE’S MONEY BOX - - -Toma led Sandy and Dick to the seclusion of a poplar grove, a few rods -away from the house. His manner was mysterious. That he had come in -possession of information of extreme importance, neither of his two -friends could doubt. The young Indian’s eyes fairly snapped, as he -motioned Dick and Sandy to be seated, he himself taking a position near -them. Sprawling out on the soft turf, he began eagerly: - -“I think better we come to this place, where no one hear us. I just find -out something about Frischette. Fontaine tell me. Good news for the -mounted police.” - -“I hope you didn’t tell your friend what we were here for,” interrupted -Dick. “We mustn’t take anyone into our confidence.” - -“I no tell him that,” Toma assured him. “All I do is ask once in a while -few questions ’bout Frischette. Then my friend, Fontaine, him talk. Tell -’em me all ’bout murder. He think MacGregor get money all right, an’ -hide it away somewhere before police catch him. Never once it come in my -friend’s mind that mebbe Frischette take the money an’ the poke himself. -Frischette, he say, is good man, but very queer fellow. Once in a while -he do queer things—things Fontaine not understand. Every few days he get -out all his money, take it to room where he sleep, lock door, an’ begin -count many, many times. Over an’ over he count all his money ’til he get -tired, then he take an’ put it back in box an’ walk outside an’ find -another good place to hide it.” - -“A miser!” gasped Sandy. - -“I don’t know what you call him. But Frischette very queer that way. -Fontaine ’fraid to ask him any questions or make talk when Frischette -like that, because he act like crazy an’ swear an’ beat Fontaine with a -big stick if he say too much.” - -“The mere fact that Frischette is a miser, Toma,” Sandy pointed out, -“doesn’t necessarily imply that he’s also a thief. If he wants to hide -his money and gloat over it, that’s his own privilege.” - -Toma nodded. - -“Yes, I know that. But Fontaine tell me something that make me think -that mebbe Frischette steal money too.” - -“Is that so? What did he say?” - -“He say,” Toma hurried on, “that two times last winter a very queer -thing happen. First time he wake up at night an’ hear someone walking in -room, where all the men sleep. Next morning one man him say he lost all -his money. Frischette feel very bad an’ give man mebbe ten dollars an’ -say how sorry he is that once in a while thief comes like that in his -house.” - -“So next time,” continued the young Indian, “when Fontaine hear someone -walk again in middle of the night, he go quick as he can to Frischette’s -room, an’ he very much surprise when he see no one sleep in Frischette’s -bed. Quick he go back again to room, an’ all at once he meet Frischette -coming out.” - -“‘What you do here?’” Frischette say. - -“‘I hear noise,’ Fontaine tell him, ‘an’ I go to wake you up.’ - -“‘I hear noise too,’ Frischette say, ‘so I come in here to find out -mebbe another bad thief come,’ he say. - -“Next morning, sure enough, two men lose all their money, an’ Frischette -very sorry again an’ say bad things ’bout thief an’ give each man ten -dollars.” - -“It does look suspicious,” mused Dick. - -“Something of a coincidence,” agreed Sandy. - -They sat for a short time deep in thought. Sandy got out his knife and -began whittling a stick. Dick’s gaze wandered thoughtfully away to the -fringe of woodland opposite. - -“It might not be very difficult,” he broke forth suddenly, “to determine -beyond the shadow of a doubt whether or not Frischette is a thief. In -fact, I have a plan. We might try it.” - -“What is your plan?” asked Sandy. - -“We’ll lay a trap for him. Between us we can scrape up a little roll of -money, and we’ll use that as bait. I’ll pull it out of my pocket when -he’s looking, and pretend I’m counting it.” - -“Yes, yes! Go on.” - -“I’ll return the money to the inside pocket of my coat while he’s still -watching me. At night, when he comes into the room, I’ll throw my coat -carelessly over a chair.” - -“Look here,” objected Sandy, a wry smile on his face, “I don’t think we -have fifty dollars between us. Hardly an impressive roll, is it?” - -Dick grinned. “I can easily remedy that.” - -As he spoke, he pulled from his pocket a number of old envelopes, -containing letters, wadded them together and then began wrapping crisp -new bills around them. With the acquisition of the bank notes Toma and -Sandy gave him, the dummy had grown to noble proportions. The boys -laughed gleefully over the subterfuge. - -A short time later, returning to the house, Dick awaited his -opportunity. Frischette was nowhere to be seen, when first they entered, -but presently a noise at the back attracted their attention and -immediately afterward Frischette came through the door, leading into the -kitchen, carrying a box under his arm. - -Dick and Sandy exchanged significant glances. Both recalled what Toma -had told them regarding that box. Also they observed the inexplicable -change that had come over their host. His animation and vivacity were -gone. From under their shaggy brows his dark eyes darted glances from -right to left—the look of a maniac or insane person. Without even a nod, -he passed by the three boys and entered his own room. - -“Got ’em again,” whispered Sandy, much taken aback. “Not a very good -time for the working out of our plan, is it? He’s deeply engrossed in -that mysterious box by this time.” - -“We’d better try it out on him tomorrow,” decided Dick. “He’ll be in -there several hours, and it will probably take him another hour to find -a new hiding place for his precious treasure chest. It’s getting late -now. We ought to be in bed.” - -The boys went over and sat down on a long bench near the fireplace and -began idly to take mental inventory of the room. Bear skins hung from -the wall. In the center of the room stood a long rough board table, -covered with a somewhat frayed and tattered cloth. Above the mantel were -several firearms of various caliber and design. - -Suddenly, Sandy leaned forward and clapped Dick on the knee. - -“Dick, I have an idea. Just for the fun of it, let’s follow the old -rascal and find out where he hides that box.” - -Dick looked at the other dubiously. - -“Well,” he hesitated. “I don’t know. It seems like meddling to me—prying -into something that doesn’t concern us.” - -“Wait a moment, Dick. Is it really meddling? For the sake of argument, -suppose that box contained Dewberry’s poke and money. We already have a -suspicion that such may be the case. Why wouldn’t we be justified in -following him, when he leaves his room, and attempt to find where he -hides the box?” - -“But surely you wouldn’t open it?” - -“Why not? I don’t think I would have any scruples about that. Remember -you are dealing with a crook.” - -“Are we?” argued Dick. “What makes you so sure? We have proved nothing -against him. Neither has Corporal Rand. He may be entirely innocent.” - -Sandy lifted his shoulders in a gesture of impatience. - -“I’m afraid you’d make a poor detective. You’re too honest, too -cautious.” He paused, looked up and grinned. “Can you picture a -case-hardened police officer or the average sleuth passing up such an -opportunity? Candidly now?” - -Dick was forced to admit that his chum was right. “I’ll grant you,” he -smiled, “that no one, working on a case like this, ought to have trouble -with his conscience.” - -“No, he shouldn’t. As long as we are in the business, we might as well -conduct ourselves like real detectives.” - -“All right, you can have your way this time. We’ll follow Frischette. -We’ll even pry open the box if you say so.” - -A shadow flickered across Sandy’s forehead. - -“But supposing the box is locked. There’s a possibility that hadn’t -occurred to me. We’d be in a difficult position, wouldn’t we, if we -broke it open and found that there was nothing there to incriminate him? -Frischette would see that the box had been tampered with. He’d guess -that one of us, you, Toma or I, had opened it, or possibly he might -suspect Fontaine or Le Sueur.” - -“If the box is locked,” reasoned Dick, “there is a key to open it.” - -“Yes—and he probably carries it around his neck. Fine chance we’d have -getting it from him.” - -Their whispered conversation was interrupted at this juncture by the -creak of a door opening, and the sound of footsteps along the floor. -Startled, the boys looked up, just as Frischette came into the room -where they were, the box under his arm. He had come sooner than they had -expected. Again the boys noticed his strange behaviour. Some sudden -impulse induced Dick to accost him. - -“Mr. Frischette, may I trouble you for a moment.” He attempted to -control the quaver in his voice. “We—Sandy, Toma and I—have been -wondering about our bill. If you don’t mind, we’d like to pay you.” - -Frischette’s face recovered some of its former cheerfulness. - -“Ah, monsieurs, surely you are not to go so soon. Did you not tell me -zat you stay here for three, four day yet. I will be ver’ sorry ef you -go now.” - -“But we have no intention of going now,” Dick enlightened him. “We -merely wish to pay you in advance.” - -The Frenchman’s dark face brightened. He watched Dick reach in his -pocket and pull forth a huge roll of bills. At sight of it, his eyes -gleamed and sparkled with envy. - -“If you weesh, monsieur. But et ees not necessary. Ze amount ees twenty -dollars for ze three of you.” - -Dick fondled the heavy roll, slowly peeling off the required amount. He -was watching the roadhouse keeper and noticed with satisfaction the -effect the money had upon him. To his surprise, Frischette said: - -“Ees not monsieur leetle careless to carry roun’ so ver’ much money? Are -you not afraid zat thief will take et or else you lose et from your -pocket?” - -Dick pooh-poohed the idea, laughed, and with a sly look at Sandy, thrust -the roll carelessly in the inside pocket of his coat. Frischette -followed every move. His eyes seemed to burn into Dick’s pockets. A look -of greed so transformed his features that for a time Dick could scarcely -believe that this was the genial, obliging host of the previous -afternoon. - -When he had received the twenty dollars, Frischette had found it -necessary to put down the square box, containing his treasure. He had -placed it on the table at his elbow with his right arm flung out across -it. Not once did he move from this position. While Dick was carrying out -his part of the prearranged plan, Sandy also was busy. He moved to the -opposite side of the table, in order to get a better view of the box. -What he wanted to find out was whether or not it was locked. - -Not until Frischette was in the act of picking up the box, preparing to -go, was Sandy able to determine about the lock. A key would not be -necessary. The small but formidable-looking chest could easily be -opened. Sandy smiled to himself. - -All that remained to be done now, he reasoned, was to follow Frischette -and learn where he kept his treasure. Then, when the opportunity arose, -they would ransack the box. It would not take long to solve the mystery -surrounding Dewberry’s priceless poke. - - - - - CHAPTER V - A MIDNIGHT PROWLER - - -To follow a man through Arctic twilight, to slink from tree to tree and -cover to cover, to keep hid always and make very little sound—is not an -easy accomplishment. At least, the three boys found that it was not. -They stole stealthily along about fifty yards behind Frischette, -attempting to keep within that distance, neither advancing too quickly -nor too slowly. - -The wood they had entered was exceedingly dense, in places almost -impassable. Underbrush grew so thick that it choked out even the grass. -So thick indeed was the undergrowth, through which Frischette hurried, -that it was utterly impossible always to keep within sight of him. Now -and again they would see his hurrying form, only to lose it a moment -later. Sometimes the crackling of the underbrush would reveal his -whereabouts. At other times the boys would be in doubt as to where he -was, and would come to the conclusion that perhaps they had lost him. -Then they would hesitate about pressing on for fear that they might walk -boldly out in plain view of him. - -Yet always they contrived to pick up his trail, either by finding his -footprints or by hearing some slight sound ahead. As they continued -their pursuit, their astonishment grew. Why did the Frenchman seek out a -hiding place so far from the house? Had his greed completely unseated -his mind? Already, Dick estimated, they had come at least two miles, and -yet Frischette showed no sign of stopping. He was walking at a furious -pace now, his nimble legs darting along over the uncarpeted forest path. -He hugged his treasure-box to him and fairly plunged through thicket and -across the open spaces, occasionally muttering to himself. - -To the boys’ amazement, the chase ended abruptly. They had come out to a -small clearing in which stood a cabin. Frischette’s fingers stole to his -lips and a peculiarly soft, bird-like whistle sounded through the -forest. Then the Frenchman remained standing where he was until the door -opened and a slouching figure emerged. - -At sight of the occupant of the cabin, the boys gasped in wonder. Never -before had they seen so unusual a person. He was bent and old, and -hobbled as he walked, in one hand a cane to guide him. His head was -hatless, covered with a thick, straggling crop of hair, some of which -fluttered into his face and over his shoulders. His beard was long and -heavy—of a peculiar reddish tinge, streaked with gray. - -He approached Frischette, pausing a few feet from him, and looked up at -his visitor with eyes that peeped out from the shadowed depressions -between his beard and eyebrows like two black beads. The Frenchman was -the first to speak: - -“I bring back ze box again, M’sieur Creel. You will take et an’ watch -over et. You are a faithful guardian, my friend. I weesh to compliment -you. Ever’zing ees here: ze money, ze treasure—ever’zing.” - -The stranger spoke in a voice so low that, from their hiding place, the -boys could make out but a few words. Frischette spoke again: - -“Et ees tonight.” - -The old man shook his head vigorously, gesturing with his hands. The -Frenchman raised his voice: “Et ees tonight, I tell you. You will do as -I say.” - -This time they heard the protest: - -“No, no; I cannot come. Tonight I have other work. I cannot be there. I -refuse to do as you wish, Frischette, even for the sake of gain.” - -The Frenchman’s face grew suddenly crimson with fury. He stooped and -picked up a club, advancing threateningly. - -“I see ’bout that,” he fairly shouted. “I see ’bout that pretty queek. -You try fail me, m’sieur, I make you sorry.” - -The other did not blink. He faced his antagonist calmly, scornfully, -presently breaking into an amused chuckle. - -“You couldn’t hurt a fly. You are a coward, Frischette. I, an old man, -have far more courage than you.” - -The road-house keeper’s sudden flare of fury quickly burned out. He -dropped his club and stepped back several paces, hugging his treasure to -him. Before the unwavering gaze of the old man he was helpless, and -possibly a little afraid. He glanced about sullenly. - -“All right, et ees your own broth you brew, monsieur. I shall keep ze -box. Et ees all mine. Do you hear? Et ees mine.” - -“Faugh! A bluff! You wouldn’t dare. I ask you to try it.” - -The Frenchman clutched the box still more tightly. - -“Et ees mine,” he persisted stubbornly. - -“You try it,” warned the other. - -“No more will I come to you,” Frischette informed him. “We are through. -I shall keep ze box.” - -“Fool!” cried the other in vexation, beginning to relent “I suppose that -I must humor you always. Very well, it shall be as you say. I give you -my promise. But it will cost you a pretty penny this time.” - -Suddenly they began to barter. - -“Half,” said the Frenchman. - -“Two-thirds,” insisted the man with the beard. - -Frischette gave vent to a shriek of anguish. - -“Two-thirds,” he howled. “What? Are you crazy? I will not leesen to zat. -Et ees outrageous, m’sieur.” - -Sandy poked Dick cautiously in the ribs. - -“Both mad!” he announced. “Can you make anything out of that gibberish? -What are they talking about?” - -“I’ll confess,” Dick whispered, “that I’m at a loss to know.” - -In the end, the two conspirators came to an agreement - -“One-half it shall be,” they heard the old man mutter. - -Having won his point, Frischette beamed. He thrust the box into the -other’s hands. - -“Take et, m’sieur. I am sorry ef I speak cross. We must be friends. We -must understand each other. En a ver’ few weeks we go to Edmonton an’ we -shall be rich, m’sieur.” - -Creel grumbled something through his beard, seized the box with eager -hands and half-turned as if to depart. - -“Tonight then?” - -“Yes, tonight.” - -The boys scrambled back quickly, for Frischette was beginning his -journey homeward. A moment later, from the deep shadow of a heavy -thicket, they watched him pass. He was shaking his head and talking to -himself in a complaining undertone. Not long afterward he had -disappeared in the tangle of greenery, and over the woodland there -settled a deep and impressive silence. Dick looked at Sandy and Toma and -smiled. - -“The farther we go into this thing, the stranger and more perplexing it -becomes. I wonder who that man is? In what way is he associated with -Frischette? Why is he guarding the box? Now what do you suppose they -were arguing about?” - -“I can’t imagine,” answered Sandy. “What do you think, Toma?” - -The Indian youth rose and broke off a twig from a branch above his head. - -“I think him bad fellow just like Frischette.” - -“Yes,” agreed Sandy, “probably his accomplice.” - -“It doesn’t look as if we would open that box now,” grimaced Dick. - -“Not unless we overpower the old man.” - -Dick too arose, glancing back at the cabin. - -“I’d like to think it over before we attempt it. Possibly some plan may -occur to us tomorrow. At present we’d better go back to the road-house -before Frischette becomes suspicious. I wouldn’t be in the least -surprised if he attempts to relieve me of that roll tonight.” - -“I can agree with you there,” said Sandy. “Did you notice his eyes when -you pulled it from your pocket?” - -“Yes.” Dick smiled at the memory. - -They started back along the trail, for a time walking in silence. -Presently, however, Sandy turned toward Dick, his face thoughtful. - -“Supposing,” he inquired, “that Frischette really does attempt the -robbery tonight. What will we do? Let him have the money? Or do you want -to catch him in the act?” - -“We’ll let him have it.” - -“But there’s nearly sixty dollars of our money. I’m not so rich that—” - -“We’ll get it back somehow, Sandy,” Dick interrupted. “The police will -see to that. I’ve marked the bills so that we can identify them.” - -“Good!” - -“We’d better remain awake, all of us,” continued Dick. “I’ll take the -lower bunk in the corner near the door. You can sleep in the upper one. -Toma can occupy the lower bunk next to mine. Just before we retire, -while Frischette is still in the room, I’ll remove my coat and throw it -over the back of a chair.” - -“We’ll all keep perfectly still,” said Sandy, “when he enters the room. -Remember, Toma, that you are not to make any effort to stop him.” - -The young Indian nodded: - -“Yes, I understand. Me do nothing.” - -Later, when they had retired for the night, they were in an excited -frame of mind. Had they been ever so tired, it is doubtful whether they -would have been able to relax for sleep. Dick lay, facing the doorway, -so that he could command a view of the entire room. Frischette’s -sleeping apartment, almost directly opposite, opened on to the large -bunk-hall they occupied. If the Frenchman planned to take the roll, it -would be necessary for him to pass through the doorway, directly across -from Dick, and steal stealthily along the row of bunks to the chair, -over which Dick had carelessly flung his coat. - -The bunk-hall was shrouded in a partial darkness. Outside the night was -clear, and a half-moon rode through a sky sprinkled with stars. To the -ears of the boys, as they lay quietly awaiting the Frenchman’s coming, -there floated through the open windows the droning sounds of the forest. -An owl hooted from some leafy canopy. The weird, mournful cries of a -night-bird, skimming along the tree tops, could be heard distinctly. The -curtain, draping the window on the west side of the room, fluttered -softly as it caught the rippling, nocturnal breeze. - -As time passed, Dick became conscious of an increasing nervous tension -and restlessness. He found it difficult to lay still. He turned from -side to side. The strain upon his eyes from watching the door so -continuously had caused a blur to appear before them, and only with -difficulty could he make out the various objects in the room. Time and -time again, he imagined he could hear a slight sound coming from -Frischette’s apartment. Yet, as he lay there and the door did not open, -he realized that he must have been mistaken. - -At length he decided that the road-house keeper would make no effort to -come that night. Reasoning thus, he lay very still, his eyes closed, -drowsiness stealing over him. Through his mind there flashed confused -pictures of the day’s happenings. In imagination, he was threading a -woodland path, following the fleeing form of a man, who clutched to him -a mysterious wooden box. Again he saw the angry, distorted face of -Frischette, who was standing there, one arm raised threateningly above -the stooped form and uncovered head of Creel—the queer old recluse. - -Tossing restlessly, his eyes came back to the door, and suddenly his -nerves grew taut. The door, he perceived, was now slightly ajar. It was -opening slowly. A few inches at a time it swung back, and at length a -muffled form stood framed in the doorway, then moved noiselessly nearer. -Unerringly, it padded across the floor, straight towards Dick’s bunk. It -paused near the chair, scarcely four feet from where Dick lay. - -With difficulty, Dick suppressed a cry. The skulking, shadowy form was -not that of Frischette—but Creel! Creel, a horrible, repellent figure in -the half-darkness. Long, straggling locks of hair fell over his eyes, -while the heavy beard formed a mask for his repulsive face. Dick could -almost imagine that he could see Creel’s deep-set eyes shining from -their sockets. They were like those of a cat. - -Previously it had been agreed between the three boys that in the event -of Frischette entering the room and attempting to steal the money, no -effort would be made to prevent him. Now Creel, and not Frischette, was -about to commit the crime. For some unknown reason Dick felt that he -could not lay there inactive. Resentment and anger suddenly burned -within him. As Creel cautiously lifted up his coat, Dick found himself -sitting bolt upright, and, to his amazement, heard himself shout out: -“Drop that coat if you don’t wish to get in trouble. Drop it, I say!” - -Creel started so quickly, dropped the coat so suddenly, that the chair -overturned and crashed to the floor. There came the sound of moccasined -feet pattering away! Dick had sprung from his bunk, as had also Sandy -and Toma. For a time confusion and excitement reigned. Frischette -appeared in the doorway, and upon his heels came Fontaine and Le Sueur, -rubbing their eyes. - -“What ees ze matter?” Frischette inquired in a frightened voice. “What -has happen?” - -“Someone came in here a moment ago,” cried Dick angrily, “and tried to -steal my money. I tell you, Frischette, the thief is in this house!” - - - - - CHAPTER VI - NEW COMPLICATIONS - - -Not until the following morning did the boys have a chance to discuss -the happenings of the previous night. Over the breakfast table, Dick was -the cynosure of two hostile pair of eyes—those of Sandy and Toma. It was -quite evident that Dick’s chums were not satisfied with the outcome of -the night’s adventures. Sandy, in particular, could scarcely contain -himself. He kept glowering at his friend over his coffee and bacon, and -Dick could see that a lecture was forthcoming. However, Sandy did not -get his chance until nearly an hour later, when the three boys left the -dining room for a turn in the open air. Scarcely were they outside, when -Sandy broke forth petulantly: - -“Look here, Dick, I must say that you followed out our agreement to the -letter. What did you mean by crying out like that, after it had been -decided to let Frischette walk away with the money?” - -“But it wasn’t Frischette,” Dick defended himself. - -“Wasn’t Frischette. What do you mean? Of course, it was Frischette. I -saw him with my own eyes.” - -“It was Creel.” - -“Creel!” - -“Yes, that fellow who took the box from the Frenchman yesterday.” - -Sandy whistled softly. - -“So that’s their game. Creel is Frischette’s confederate. I can see it -all now.” - -“That’s the way I have it all figured out too. Frischette is the man who -plans all the robberies and Creel is the one who executes them.” - -Dick paused and leaned against the trunk of a huge jack-pine, -contemplatively regarding his two chums. - -“It means we have two persons instead of one to deal with. The -treasure-box they keep between them. Each probably has an equal interest -in it. I wish there was some way we could get hold of it.” - -“Mebbe that not be so very hard,” Toma suddenly interjected. “One night -we go over to Creel’s cabin an’ find it sure. I think I know how we get -it without much trouble.” - -“How?” demanded Sandy. - -“You remember yesterday when Frischette come close to Creel’s cabin he -stop in the brush an’ make ’em noise for him to come out. Well, one of -us do same like that while other two hide close to cabin. When Creel -come out, thinking it Frischette, good chance go get box. What you say?” - -“A good plan, certainly,” criticised Dick, “only how are we going to -imitate that peculiar, mysterious whistle. I’m sure I couldn’t.” - -“I couldn’t either,” declared Sandy. - -Toma put two fingers to his mouth and blew softly. It was an excellent -imitation of the sound the boys had heard on the previous day, and both -Dick and Sandy clapped their hands in delight. - -“You’re good!” Sandy exclaimed. “I’m proud of you. How can you manage to -do it, after hearing it only once?” - -“I hear it many times,” flushed the young Indian. “You see, there is -bird that hide deep in the woods that make ’em call like that. -Frischette, jus’ like me, try make sound like that bird.” - -“We’ll go tonight,” exulted Dick. - -The other two nodded in agreement. - -“Ten o’clock will be a good time,” Sandy suggested. “Dick and I will -enter the cabin, while you, Toma, practice your wiles upon the thieving -Mr. Creel. Lead him away from the cabin as far as you can, so that we’ll -have plenty of time to look around. We may have some trouble in finding -the place where he has hid the box.” - -The boys had worked themselves up to a high pitch of excitement long -before the time appointed for setting out on their night’s adventure. In -order not to arouse Frischette’s suspicions, should he discover their -absence, they had informed him that they were planning to go over to -Lake Grassy Point, a distance of about eight miles, and visit the Indian -encampment there. Fontaine and Le Sueur, they explained, would accompany -them too, and he, Frischette, must not worry if they were late in -getting back. - -To their surprise, the arrangement met with the Frenchman’s immediate -approval. - -“Et ees good you go,” he told them. “You young fellow get ver’ tired -stay one place all ze time.” Then he sighed regretfully. “Ver’ often I -weesh I might be young too. Always go, always have good time. Et ees ze -great fun, monsieurs.” - -Dick’s brow contracted thoughtfully. Did Frischette contemplate a visit -to Creel himself? Had the Frenchman a plan of his own? - -“Just our luck,” Dick told Sandy a few minutes later, “if the old rascal -decides to visit Creel tonight. We’ve gone to a lot of trouble already.” - -The young Scotchman slapped irritably at a mosquito that had lit upon -his arm. - -“Yes, it was necessary to take Fontaine and Le Sueur more or less into -our confidence. That’s one phase of the thing I don’t like. Those two -friends of Toma’s know we’re up to something. All I hope is, that -they’ll have sense enough to keep their mouths shut. If Frischette ever -gets an inkling that we’re watching him, the game’s up.” - -“But Fontaine and Le Sueur haven’t the least idea what we purpose to -do,” said Dick. “Neither one of them knows that we’re spying upon -Frischette.” - -“Yes, but they’ll think it’s queer that we’re deceiving him. They’ll -wonder why we have lied to him, want them to go to the encampment while -we remain behind.” - -“You don’t need to worry about that, Sandy. You may depend upon it that -Toma has made our proposed actions seem very plausible.” - -Sandy grinned. - -“Toma probably has told them a wonderful story. I’ll agree with you -there. He certainly possesses a keen imagination.” - -Dick consulted his watch. - -“It’s twenty minutes past nine now. I think, Sandy, we’d better go back -to the house and find Toma and the others. It’ll be time to start before -long.” - -They hurried along the path, and a few minutes later entered the house, -where they were joined by Toma and his two friends. Soon afterward, -Frischette strode into the room, carrying his coat and hat. - -“I go with you a leetle way,” he announced. “All day long I work in ze -kitchen, where et ees hot. I think ze night air mebbe make me feel -good.” - -Dick glanced sharply across at Sandy, keen disappointment depicted in -his gaze. The Frenchman’s announcement had taken him completely by -surprise. The situation was awkward. - -“Why not come all the way to the encampment with us,” invited Dick. -“We’ll be glad to have you.” - -Frischette threw up his hands in a gesture of dismay. - -“All zat way! Empossible! Et ees too far, monsieur. I am too tired. -Eight miles there an’ back an’ ze brush tangle in my poor tired legs. -No, I will go only a ver’ short way.” - -So Frischette, much to the boys’ disappointment, accompanied them. He -chatted as they walked, continually gesturing, often stopping abruptly -in his tracks to point out some inconsequential object. - -Never before had Dick been given so excellent an opportunity to study -the man. He was slightly amused at the Frenchman’s queer antics. He -would become intensely enthusiastic over the merest trifles—a bright -flower, a sparkling stone, a gnarled, misshapen tree. - -A person of moods and impulses, Dick decided, watching him. Sometimes he -wondered if Frischette were not assuming a certain behavior for their -special benefit. What was his real purpose in coming with them? -Certainly it was not because he really wanted the exercise and fresh -air. More likely, he intended to go over to visit Creel. - -Their course to Grassy Point Lake led them in the general direction of -Creel’s cabin. When the Frenchman bade them adieu and turned back, Dick -estimated that they had still about two miles farther to go before they -would be directly opposite the abiding place of the mysterious recluse. -Realizing this, his previous conviction that Frischette was really going -there became shaken. Perhaps, after all, the road-house keeper had told -the truth, was actually going back as he said. - -Even if the man planned to strike off obliquely through the woods to -Creel’s, hope of obtaining possession of the box was not altogether -lost. They might still turn the trick that same night, if only they -hurried. By running part of the way, they would arrive at the cabin -sufficiently in advance of Frischette to achieve their purpose. With -this thought in mind, Dick, after waving a friendly farewell to the -unsuspecting Frenchman, led the party forward quickly until a turn in -the trail obscured their movements. Then, breaking into a run, he darted -along the shadowy forest path, motioning the others to follow. - -Ten minutes later, the three boys drew away from Fontaine and Le Sueur, -striking off at right angle with the dim trail to Grassy Point Lake, and -continued their hurried course straight in the direction of the lonely -cabin. As they proceeded on their way, excitement, caused by the thought -of their coming adventure, grew upon them. They were shaky and nervous -when they finally drew up in front of a thick screen of underbrush, less -than sixty yards from the house. Dick motioned to Toma. - -“Hurry around toward the front of the cabin,” he whispered tersely, “and -give your bird-call.” - -“Sure you all ready?” inquired the young Indian. - -“Yes, all ready.” - -“I go then.” - -Without further word, Toma slunk forward, skirted the line of underbrush -and presently disappeared from view. - - - - - CHAPTER VII - THE MYSTERIOUS POKE - - -Dick and Sandy waited breathlessly. Thus far, no sound had come to them. -The forest was pervaded by a silence so deep and oppressive that the two -boys, waiting for Toma’s mysterious call, could hear the thumping of -their own hearts. They had crept forward through the dense thicket to a -point where, though still concealed themselves, they could see the cabin -plainly. In the sombre northern twilight its every detail stood clearly -revealed—the low, grass-grown sod roof, the tiny window and the crude, -rough door. - -The boys found it difficult to restrain their gathering impatience. What -was Toma doing? Chafing over the delay, they crouched low, their gaze -sweeping the tiny clearing ahead. On Dick’s forehead beads of -perspiration gathered slowly, while the palms of his hands were moist -and warm. - -“Can’t imagine what’s happened to him,” Sandy croaked in Dick’s ear. -“What’s he waiting for? What’s got into him, anyway? First thing we -know, Frischette’ll be here—and it’ll be too late.” - -Dick did not reply. Just then he thought he had heard a slight sound in -the brush, directly in front of the house. Excitedly, he reached forward -and seized Sandy’s right arm. - -“Ssh!” he whispered. “Keep still. Just look over there.” - -Following his friend’s instructions, Sandy looked and immediately his -mouth gaped open, and he emitted a startled gasp. - -Two men plunged out into the open—rough, desperate, evil-looking men, -who made their way stealthily forward. Each carried a knife and revolver -at his belt. One was tall and sinewy, the other short and thin. The tall -man proceeded ahead with long awkward strides, while the little man at -his side pranced along, like a small boy attempting to keep pace with -his elder. - -Of the two, the face of the smaller man was, if such a thing were -possible, more sinister, malevolent and wicked than that of the other. -His features were twisted in an expression that was both horrible and -repellent. It was as if he had been overcome by some violent emotion: -rage that hungered for revenge, or cruelty inflamed by avarice. In all -their experience, the boys had never encountered a more terrifying pair. -The very sight of them caused Dick and Sandy to shiver and draw back in -a sudden panic. - -“Ho-hope they don’t come this way,” shuddered Sandy. - -“Toma saw them before we did,” whispered Dick. “That’s why he didn’t -attempt that call. Who do you suppose they are?” - -In terror, Sandy shook his head. - -“Keep down,” he trembled, “or they may see us.” - -Dick grew suddenly tense. The two men had reached the door of the cabin, -and for a brief moment stood undecided. Then the tall man raised a -gnarled hand and struck the door so violently and unexpectedly that -Sandy and Dick both jumped back, as if they, instead of the rough pine -barrier, had received the full impact of that mighty blow. - -The echo had scarcely subsided, when the tall man struck again. - -“Open up! Open up!” he thundered. “Creel, open up this yere door.” - -The door swung back on its rusty hinges, and then the boys saw Creel -framed in the aperture. But it was a different Creel than the man they -had seen previously. He looked much older. The stoop to his shoulders -was more noticeable. A pathetic figure now, a terror-struck human -derelict. At the very best he could offer but feeble resistance to these -two terrible fellows, who had come storming and raging upon him. - -“Guess yuh know what we’ve come fer, Creel,” the little man snarled. -“Yuh can guess, can’t yuh? Quick now, an’ bring it out. We’re in a -hurry, I tell yuh. Quick!” - -Creel made the fatal mistake of pretending he did not know what the -other was talking about. He raised a trembling hand. - -“If you’ll explain a little more clearly, gentlemen, what you want -I’ll—” - -The sentence was not completed. The tall man reached out with one arm -and caught Creel about the neck. Scarcely seeming to exert himself, he -lifted him completely off his feet, holding him dangling—head pressed -back against the frame of the door. For a brief moment the body of the -recluse remained pinioned there, then was suddenly released and fell -with a muffled thud across the threshold. - -Dick and Sandy, who had been silent witnesses of the drama unrolling -before their eyes, caught their breath in anger. Much as they despised -and feared Creel, the unwarranted brutality of the tall man caused them -to experience a feeling of sympathy for the helpless old recluse. Dick’s -hand flashed to the revolver at his belt, and he had half-started to his -feet, when Sandy drew him back. - -“Don’t be foolish, Dick,” he trembled. “Keep out of this. We can -accomplish more by remaining right here where we are. Look!” - -Creel had stumbled dazedly to his feet, gripping the door for support. - -“Now,” declared the little man grimly, “I guess yuh understand. Bring it -out.” - -Creel staggered inside and appeared, a short time later, carrying the -box. Both men made a grab for it, but the smaller was the quicker of the -two. He flung open the lid of the small treasure-chest and both he and -his companion pawed through it excitedly, their faces distorted with -greed. - -Dick and Sandy, who were watching events with wide-open eyes, were -wholly unprepared for the next step in the little drama. In a sudden -fury of disappointment, the little man raised the box and sent it -crashing to the floor. His expression was awful to behold, his eyes like -two bright coals of fire. Nor did his companion contain himself much -better. With an oath, he spurned the box at his feet, sending it flying -within the room. His cheeks were livid. - -“It ain’t here, Emery!” he almost screamed. “It ain’t here! That squaw -lied to us. We’re done for. MacGregor got it after all!” - -But the other was not so easily discouraged. - -“It is here!” he fairly howled in his rage. - -With a lightning motion, he turned upon Creel, advancing with -outstretched hands—hands that looked like the talons of some huge bird; -hands that worked convulsively as they floated toward Creel’s throat. -Before the little man’s advance, the old recluse tottered back, throwing -up his arms in a defensive gesture. - -“I’ll give yuh jus’ two minutes tuh bring out that poke,” the words came -screaming at him. “Yuh got it. I know yuh got it. If yuh don’t want to -make food fer the crows, yuh better trot it out.” - -“Gentlemen—” began Creel, his voice deathly calm. - -The little man’s right hand flashed out and for the second time Creel -measured his length across the threshold. This time, however, he did not -rise. In falling, his head had struck the sharp edge of the doorway, -rendering him unconscious. Without even as much as a glance at him, the -two men stepped over his prostrate body and disappeared into the room. -For a space of nearly five minutes they remained inside, while Dick and -Sandy sat in a sort of stupor and blankly regarded each other. - -Then abruptly, Creel’s assailants re-appeared and from their expression -and behavior, the boys realized instantly that the search had been -successful. The big man guffawed loudly as he pushed Creel’s body to one -side with his foot and stepped out into the pale light of that Arctic -summer night. - -“We got it,” gloated the little man. “That was a stroke o’ luck, -pardner. The squaw was right. We got it!” - -As he spoke, he drew from his pocket a small object and fondled it in -his hands. Again the loud guffaw rang out, penetrating the silence. -Chattering and exulting, the pair made their way through the lush grass -that overran the clearing. Then, suddenly, they stopped. At the edge of -the clearing there had sprung up a frail but defiant figure. - -“Stop!” cried a voice. “Put ’em hands up or I shoot you quick.” - -Creel’s assailants, looking straight at the muzzle of Toma’s revolver, -had no other alternative. Their hands went high. Dick thought the pair -looked very foolish standing there. And he could hear very plainly their -astonished, burning oaths. He and Sandy leaped to their feet and hurried -to Toma’s assistance. They came up from behind and, with a nod to their -chum, quickly disarmed the murderous pair. But though they searched -everywhere, they could not find the poke. Dick paused in consternation. - -“Big fellow got it in his hand,” said Toma. - -“Give it to me,” Dick turned upon the outlaw. - -The big man’s eyes gleamed with hatred, but with Toma’s revolver -threatening him, he was forced to obey. - -“Take it,” he growled out an oath. “But I bet yuh don’t keep it long, -stranger. Yuh won’t never get away with it. Jus’ mark my words.” - -Dick stepped back, laughing. - -“That remains to be seen,” he answered the outlaw. “You fellows can go -now. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll leave this neighborhood as -quickly as you can. I have the description of both of you and will -notify the mounted police of this night’s affair.” - -The partners struck off through the underbrush, calling out their -taunts. It was not long before silence came again. The three boys stood -in a little circle, looking at each other. Now that the tension had -relaxed, they were all more or less bewildered. Dick still had the small -poke in his hand, and as yet had scarcely deigned to give it a second -glance. Suddenly, Sandy’s voice rang out: - -“Well, if you ask me, this is a peculiar night’s business. I’m almost -stunned. We’re indebted to Toma for the way everything has turned out. -Let’s see what’s in that poke, Dick. Why don’t you open it?” - -Dick looked down at the small object in his hand. He turned it over and -over thoughtfully. - -“No,” he said, “you can open it, Sandy. I’m too shaky.” - -With the poke held firmly between two fingers, he reached out to hand it -to his chum. But in that moment a strange thing happened. A crackling of -brush, a lightning leap forward, a snarl like that of a beast—and the -thing was whisked from his fingers as it dangled there in the air. Then -a figure darted past them and disappeared in the darkness of the forest -beyond. - -The three chums gaped at each other. - -“Who was that?” gasped Dick. - -Toma was the first to speak. - -“I see ’em,” he spoke dolefully. “It was Frischette.” - - - - - CHAPTER VIII - CORPORAL RAND TAKES CHARGE - - -Sandy rubbed his eyes. - -“I don’t know what to make of this. Frischette has the poke now. In a -way I’m glad that he has. It’s better for us, Dick. I’d hate to have -another encounter with those two prospectors. Wonder what Frischette -will say to us when we return to the road-house.” - -“Don’t worry,” said Dick, “we’ve seen the last of him. He won’t come -back.” - -“You mean he’ll leave everything?” - -“Yes, that’s my opinion. I don’t know what the poke contains but it must -be something of immense value. Just stop a moment to reason it all out, -Sandy. First of all, the poke belonged to Dewberry. MacGregor tried to -get it, but was thwarted in his purpose either by Frischette or Creel. -Creel had it in his possession until those two prospectors came along -and took it away from him. Now it’s in Frischette’s hands again. If he -returns to the road-house, he’ll be afraid that we’ll get it away from -him. After what happened tonight, he’ll take no chances. He’ll not even -consider his partner, Creel. He has a fortune in his hands and will -attempt to keep it.” - -“What’s to be done now?” asked Sandy. “Do you think we ought to set out -in pursuit of Frischette?” - -For a time Dick stood undecided. - -“No,” he answered, “we haven’t time. Tomorrow Corporal Rand will return -to Fort Good Faith. He has asked us to meet him there. We’ll have to -follow his instructions: Go back tonight.” - -“But what about Creel? We can’t leave him here.” - -“That’s right. Let me see,” Dick scratched his head in perplexity. - -“Tell you what we do,” Toma suddenly broke forth. “One of us stay here -look after Creel an’ other two go back to Fort Good Faith. If you like, -I stay here myself while you, Sandy, you, Dick, go on see Corporal Rand. -After while I get Fontaine an’ Le Sueur to help me. Soon they come back -from Grassy Point Lake.” - -“Your plan is a good one,” approved Dick. “It’s the best thing to do. If -Sandy and I start at once—go over to the road-house and get our -horses—we can reach Fort Good Faith shortly before the corporal arrives. -What do you think, Sandy?” - -“We ought to go, of course. The way things have turned out, we need -someone to take charge and straighten out this tangle. Corporal Rand -will know what to do. I expect his first move will be to set out in -pursuit of Frischette. The sooner we get Rand back here the sooner he’ll -be able to follow and overtake him. Yes, we’d better start at once.” - -“All right, we’ll walk over and get the horses.” - -Toma gave a little start of dismay. - -“I jus’ happen think, Dick— By Gar— Make me feel like silly fool. What -you think I do?” - -“What did you do?” Dick asked kindly. - -“Yesterday I turn ponies out to eat grass.” - -“Hang the luck!” exploded Sandy. “That means we’ll have to walk. We -might have to look around all night before we find ’em.” - -“I very sorry,” began Toma. “I—” - -Sandy cut him short. - -“Forget it! I don’t blame you, Toma. It’s just a bit of bad luck, that’s -all.” - -“An’ you don’t feel mad at Toma?” inquired that young man plaintively. - -“Certainly not,” Dick assured him. “Either Sandy or I might have made -the same mistake. It’s all right. We’ll walk.” - -Without even returning to the cabin to determine the extent of Creel’s -injuries, they shook hands with the young Indian and quickly departed. -Their hurried trek back to Fort Good Faith long remained in the boys’ -memory. Dick struck out with Sandy at his heels, and hour after hour -they pushed on without even a pause for rest. - -Both were swaying on their feet from weariness as they entered the broad -meadow, surrounding the fort, and came finally to the well known trading -post. - -Factor MacClaren looked up from his work as the two youths entered. - -“Why, hello,” he exclaimed in surprise. Then: “Whatever has happened to -you. You both look as if you’d been stuck in a swamp somewhere for the -last day or two. I wish you could see yourselves.” - -The boys looked down at their mud-spattered garments. Sandy’s eyes were -bloodshot and his shoulders drooped. Dick’s face was scratched with -brambles. He had lost his hat and his hair was rumpled and streaked with -dirt. Each flopped into a chair and breathed a sigh of relief. - -“We made record time from Frischette’s stopping-place,” Sandy announced -finally. - -Sandy’s uncle laughed. “I can well believe that from your appearance. -Have you been travelling all night?” - -“Yes,” answered Dick, “all night. By the way, is Corporal Rand here?” - -Factor MacClaren nodded. - -“Arrived last night. Got in sooner than he expected. He’s waiting for -you. Went out to the stables just a few minutes ago.” - -“Uncle Walter,” Sandy requested wearily, “I wonder if you’ll be kind -enough to notify him that we are here.” He sprawled lower in his chair. -“I’m so tired that I don’t think I could walk out there. Also, while -you’re at it, I wish you’d tell Naida, the cook, to prepare a good -breakfast for two hungry men.” - -“Men!” grinned the factor. - -“Yes, men. At least, we’re doing men’s work.” - -Chuckling to himself, Sandy’s uncle departed upon his errand. Not long -afterward Corporal Rand himself appeared in the doorway and came eagerly -toward them. - -“Well! Well!” he exclaimed. “So you’re back. What luck did you have?” - -“Great!” replied Dick, too weary to rise. “If you’ll sit down for a -moment, corporal, we’ll tell you everything.” - -When Dick and Sandy had completed their narrative, Corporal Rand sat for -a long time in thought. His fingers drummed on the table. - -“You’ve done much better than I expected,” he complimented them. “And to -be perfectly frank, I don’t know what to think of it all. Those two men -you spoke of, who attacked Creel and secured the poke, I can’t recall -that I’ve ever seen them. However, your description tallies with that of -two prospectors I met one time at Fort MacMurray. But that’s hundreds of -miles from here. It hardly seems likely that it would be the same pair. -But that is neither here nor there. You boys have practically -established Frischette’s guilt. If he didn’t actually take the poke from -Dewberry himself, he must have induced Creel to do it. Probably when I -have seen and talked with Creel I can force the truth from him.” - -“Will you place Creel under arrest?” asked Sandy. - -“Not unless I can get him to confess. As yet we can prove nothing -against him.” - -Naida appeared at this juncture to announce that breakfast was ready, -and Corporal Rand accompanied the two boys to the dining room. Dick and -Sandy applied themselves with such diligence to the feast before them, -that Rand refrained from asking any more questions just then. When the -boys had pushed back their chairs, sighing contentedly, Rand took up the -subject anew. - -“I’m glad you came when you did. I’m anxious to go out on the trail -after Frischette. Just now Frischette holds the key to the riddle. If we -can catch him, I think our troubles will be at an end.” - -Dick looked across at the policeman. - -“Your suggestion, then, is to return immediately to the road-house?” - -“If you boys are not too tired, I’d like to start at once.” - -“Now that we’ve had something to eat, I’m ready to go,” said Sandy. “I -feel a lot different than I did when we arrived here a short time ago.” - -With one accord the three rose to their feet, and not long afterward -secured their horses and departed. Following a hard but uneventful ride, -they reached the scene of the events of the night previous. They met -Toma just outside the door of the road-house. He greeted them with a -cheery smile, striding forward to shake hands with Corporal Rand. - -“Glad you come so soon, corporal. I get ’em Creel over here last night. -Him pretty near all right now.” - -“Did Frischette come back?” asked Sandy. - -The young Indian shook his head. - -“He no come. Creel no think he come either.” - -They found Creel a few moments later, sitting, with bandaged head, in a -chair near an open window. At sight of the mounted policeman his eyes -dilated perceptibly. Yet otherwise he showed little of the emotion and -fear the boys had expected. - -But if Rand had hoped to secure information of value from the old -recluse, he was disappointed. When questioned about the events of the -night before, his answers were evasive. He knew nothing about the poke. -He had seen no poke. The money-box, slightly battered, which Toma -brought forth as evidence, belonged to him, he admitted. Why the thieves -had not taken the box, Creel could not understand. It contained upward -of five thousand dollars in currency. - -“If this box and money belongs to you,” Rand demanded, “what was -Frischette doing with them? The boys say that Frischette had this box in -his possession here only two days ago. What was he doing with it?” - -Creel met the policeman’s eyes unflinchingly. - -“The boys must be mistaken,” he wagged his head. “The box is mine. Until -last night no one has seen it. People call me a miser. Those men, who -came last night, were disappointed because they expected to find more.” - -Rand scowled. He saw the uselessness of further questioning. Though -Creel might be aware of Frischette’s treachery, it was evident that he -had no intention of attempting to obtain revenge upon him. To -incriminate his confederate, would be to incriminate himself. Both would -go to jail. Creel was wise enough to see that. - -“Perhaps,” said Rand grimly, “you’ll have more to tell us when we bring -your friend, Frischette, back and obtain possession of that poke. You -could save yourself a lot of trouble by giving me a confession now.” - -“I have nothing to confess,” Creel declared obdurately. “I do not -understand Frischette’s disappearance. But even if you do find him and -bring him back, you’ll learn nothing of value. Frischette is my friend -and I know that he is not Dewberry’s murderer, that he is innocent of -all wrong.” - -The policeman rose to his feet, walked over and looked down at the old -recluse. - -“I didn’t say that Frischette murdered Dewberry. I’m convinced that -MacGregor did that, just as much as I’m convinced that either you or -Frischette secured the money and poke that belonged to the murdered -man.” - -Thus openly accused, Creel shrank back. His hands trembled. Yet, in a -moment, the weakness had passed. Again, unflinchingly, he met the gaze -of the man opposite. - -“You are mistaken,” he declared in a clear, steady voice. “You will find -that you are mistaken. Events will bear me out.” - -Rand suddenly drew back. Footsteps sounded outside. Voices, scarcely -distinguishable, floated to their ears. More scuffling of feet, and then -the door opened. Dick, Sandy and Toma darted to their feet, staring -wildly at the two newcomers: - -Creel’s assailants of the night before! - - - - - CHAPTER IX - UNEXPECTED NEWS - - -For a full minute no one spoke. - -It was a question who was the more astonished—the prospectors or the -three boys. Corporal Rand turned his head as the two men entered and -regarded them steadily. Creel had half-started from his chair, then -quickly sat down again, while a queer smile puckered the corners of his -mouth. If Dick had expected that Creel’s assailants of the previous -night would show fear at sight of the mounted policeman he was greatly -mistaken. To his surprise the big man nodded in a friendly way toward -the corporal, then advanced to confer with him. - -“This sure is a piece of luck,” he exclaimed, extending a grimed and -hairy hand, which Rand totally ignored. “I hadn’t expected to find yuh -here. Most allers when yuh want a policeman, there ain’t one within -fifty miles.” - -This statement, apparently, did not wholly please Rand, for he scowled -lightly, his sharp blue eyes full upon the other. - -“What business have you with the police?” he demanded. - -“It ain’t nothin’ that concerns us,” the little man cut in, in his -attempt to smile looking more repulsive and ferocious than ever. “It’s -like this, constable—” - -“I’m a corporal,” interrupted Rand severely. - -“A’ right, corporal. As I jes’ started out tuh say Burnnel an’ me—that’s -him there. He’s my pardner—is a hoofin’ it along on our way to Deer Lick -Springs, when sudden like, in a little clearin’ in the brush ’long side -the trail, we comes upon the body of a man.” - -The prospector paused, rubbing his chin with the sleeve of his coat. - -“He was dead, corporal,” he went on, “—dead as a dead crow he was, sir, -a lyin’ there all stiff an’ cold with a bullet through his head. - -“Fer more ’n a minute Burnnel an’ me we couldn’t speak, we was that -surprised, corporal.” - -“My pardner has told yuh right,” the big man hastened to confirm the -other’s story. “He’s back there now, jes’ like we found him.” - -During the short announcement by the two men, Rand’s expression had -grown severe, as was always the case when he was thinking deeply or when -he had suddenly been made aware of some new and unexpected happening. A -deep pucker showed between his eyes. He motioned the partners to be -seated, produced a notebook and fountain pen. - -“Now just a moment,” he began, glancing sharply across at the two tale -bearers. “Answer my questions as I put them to you. First of all, just -where did you find this body? How far from here?” - -Burnnel scratched his head. - -“Le’s see—I reckon, corporal, ’bout twenty miles from here, southeast on -the trail tuh Deer Lick Springs. It was on the right side o’ the trail, -wa’n’t it Emery?” - -“It was,” Emery corroborated the other. - -“On the right side o’ the trail,” continued Burnnel, “close to a willow -thicket.” - -“In what position was the body?” Rand next inquired. - -“The man was a lyin’ stretched out a little on his left side, one arm -throwed up like this:” The speaker imitated the position of the body by -putting his head forward on the table and extending his arm. “It was -like that, wa’n’t it, Emery?” - -Again he turned toward the little man. - -“It was,” came the ready rejoinder. - -“And you say there was the mark of a bullet on the man’s forehead?” - -“Yep,” Burnnel answered, “an’ a revolver in the hand what was -outstretched.” - -“In other words,” Rand’s tone was incisive, “it looked like suicide.” - -Both the men nodded emphatically. - -“Yeah, that’s what it was. Suicide. An’ it happened not very long afore -we had come. Yuh could see that.” - -The policeman tapped softly on the back of his hand with his fountain -pen. For several minutes he did not speak, then— - -“You say you didn’t disturb the body?” - -“No,” answered the little man, “we didn’t touch him.” - -“Did you, by any chance, examine the contents of his pockets?” - -The big man flushed under the direct scrutiny, while his partner, Emery, -suddenly became interested in the fringe of his mackinaw jacket. - -“Well, yes,” drawled the big man. “Yuh see,” he attempted to defend -their actions, “Emery an’ me thought that mebbe we could find a letter -or suthin’ in his pockets what would tell who the fellow was.” - -“Quite right,” approved Rand. “And what did you find?” - -“Nothin’,” stated Emery. - -“Nothin’,” echoed his partner. - -“Absolutely nothing?” Rand’s eyes seemed to bore into them. - -The partners exchanged furtive, doubtful glances. Then the face of Emery -darkened with a sudden resolve, and he thrust one hand in his pocket and -brought forth—to the boys’ unutterable amazement—a small moose-hide -pouch, scarcely more than two inches in width and three inches in -length—a small poke, identical to the one Dick had held in his own hands -less than twenty-four hours before. Seeing it, Dick had taken in his -breath sharply, while Sandy and Toma rose excitedly to their feet and -crowded forward. - -“You found that?” asked Rand, wholly unmoved. - -“Yes.” - -“Let’s see it.” - -Emery tossed it over and it fell in Rand’s lap. The corporal picked it -up and examined it closely. He untied the cord at the top and opened it. -He thrust two fingers inside. - -“Empty,” he said. - -“Yeah. Empty.” - -Both Burnnel and Emery wagged their heads. Corporal Rand favored them -with a keen, searching look. - -“You’re sure about that. You didn’t take out its contents?” - -The partners denied the implication stoutly. Their denials and -protestations were so emphatic, that neither Corporal Rand nor the boys -could believe that they spoke anything but the truth. - -“And this was all you found?” Rand continued his questioning. - -“Nothin’ else,” grunted the big man. “There wasn’t even a pocket knife -or a comb or a watch, or anything like that. His pockets was absolutely -empty.” - -The sight of the moose-hide pouch had produced a strange effect upon -Dick. His eyes kept returning again and again to the mysterious object -Rand still held carelessly in one hand. Improbable as it seemed, Dick -could not shake off the belief that the poke was the same one that had -been taken forcibly from Creel the night before. He wondered what the -old recluse thought about it all. Turning his head, he glanced sharply -in his direction. - -To his surprise, Creel sat unmoved, apparently uninterested. His round, -staring eyes, which somehow reminded one of those of a cat, were set in -a fixed stare. Occasionally, Creel’s long hand stole to his bandaged -head. It was evident that nothing was to be gained here. Then Dick -became conscious of a question that Rand had just asked the two men: - -“You found the body along the trail, twenty miles from here. Deer Lick -Springs is only ten miles farther on. What motive prompted you to return -here? Wouldn’t it have been much easier to go on to your destination?” - -“We thought about that,” the little man answered without a moment’s -hesitation. “Burnnel an’ me we talked that over when we was standin’ -lookin’ down at that man’s body. I was fer goin’ on tuh the Springs, but -Burnnel he says no. Wouldn’t hear to it. He insists on comin’ back all -this way tuh Frenchie’s stoppin’-place.” - -“Why?” asked the policeman, turning upon Burnnel. - -The big man drew a deep breath before he answered. - -“It’s like this, corporal,” he finally declared. “Yuh see I had a notion -that I had seen that man before. He looked like somebody I knowed what -lives over this way. I wa’n’t sure, o’ course, but I had a suspicion. It -sort o’ bothered me. I says to Emery: ‘We’ll go back an’ find out.’” - -The pucker came back between the corporal’s brooding eyes. He looked -upon Burnnel with suspicion. Dick wondered if Rand believed, as he was -somewhat inclined to believe himself, that the partners were the man’s -murderers. - -“What did you intend to do when you arrived here?” Rand asked. - -“We was plannin’ to send word tuh the police. We thought they ought tuh -be notified. But afore God, corporal, we didn’t have no idea that yuh -was here. Mighty lucky, I call it. Saved us a hull lot o’ time an’ -trouble.” - -“Yes, it was lucky,” the corporal averred grimly. “Rather fortunate for -me too. You may consider yourselves under arrest, at least until I have -investigated this case. You and your partner will lead me to the scene -of the tragedy.” - -“A’ right,” agreed Emery, his face more repellent than ever, “me an’ -Burnnel’ll go with yuh. It won’t take long. If we had some horses now—” - -“I’ll supply the horses,” Rand informed him. - -“That’s fine!” Emery’s smile expanded into a leer. “We can go an’ get -back afore night. Ain’t that right, Burnnel?” - -“Yeah,” agreed Burnnel, “an’ when do we start, corporal?” - -“Right away.” - -“That’s a’ right with us,” said the big man, “only—” - -“Yes,” insisted Rand, “Only—” - -“Yuh see, me an’ Emery ain’t had nothin’ tuh eat fer a long time. Soon -as we get suthin’—jes’ a bite, corporal—we’ll be ready tuh start. Ain’t -that fair enough?” - -Rand nodded. His brow had contracted slightly, deepening the pucker -between his eyes. - -“There’s one thing you’ve forgotten to tell me,” he informed them. -“Burnnel, you said a moment ago that the man out there reminded you of -someone. Who?” - -“Yes, yes,” said the big man eagerly, “I was a comin’ tuh that. It’ll -explain, corporal, why we drifts back this way ’stead o’ goin’ on to -Deer Lick Springs. Yuh see, the man out there looked,” he paused, -wetting his lips, “looked like this here fellow what runs this -stoppin’-place—this here Frenchie Frischette.” - -The three boys bounded from their seats. Corporal Rand himself started -visibly. With one exception every one in the room showed his -astonishment. That exception was Creel. The old recluse sat perfectly -unmoved, as though he had expected, had been prepared for the strange -denouement. - - - - - CHAPTER X - CONFLICTING THEORIES - - -Soon after the departure of Corporal Rand, Burnnel and Emery, the boys -sat in the big, cheerful room of Frischette’s road-house and discussed -the latest episode in the chain of mysterious events. - -“I never expected to encounter anything like this,” Sandy was saying. -“Honestly, Dick, it gives me the shivers just to think about it. If I -were called upon to express an opinion, I’d say that the farther we get -into this case, the more muddled and difficult everything appears to be. -For one thing, whoever would have guessed that this sudden tragedy would -have overtaken Frischette. What is the reason for it? Do you really -believe the story about the suicide?” - -“It sounds plausible, the way they tell it, but to be perfectly frank, I -think it’s a deliberate lie. Why should Frischette take his own life? It -would be rather difficult to supply a motive.” - -“That’s what I think. But if he didn’t take his life, how—I mean, what -happened?” - -“Simple enough. Burnnel and Emery met Frischette on the trail, -discovered that he had the poke and murdered him. Then, having committed -the crime, they became afraid. In order to save their own necks, they -devised a scheme so that it will appear that the Frenchman had taken his -own life. They probably arranged the body to bear out the story, placing -a revolver in Frischette’s hand. They emptied the poke, hid its -contents, and then came back here, intending, as they both openly -admitted, to get in touch with the police.” - -“Well, that is a lot more plausible than the suicide story. Do you think -that Corporal Rand was taken in by it?” - -“No; not in the least. They won’t be able to fool him for a minute. When -they return here tonight, I’ll be willing to wager every cent I have -that Burnnel and Emery are still under arrest.” - -“I won’t take your bet,” said Sandy. “That’s my belief too.” - -Imagine their surprise, therefore, less than four hours later, to -witness the return of Corporal Rand and to perceive that he was -unaccompanied. Burnnel and Emery were not with him. The horses which had -borne the two prospectors to the scene of the tragedy, trotted behind -the policeman’s horse at the end of a lead-rope, saddled but unmounted. - -It seemed incredible to the boys that Rand, usually so careful and -cautious in matters of this kind, should permit the two miscreants to -slip out of his hands. It was not like him. What could be the reason for -it? They could hardly wait for the policeman to dismount. - -“I found everything,” said Rand a few minutes later, “just as Burnnel -and Emery told us. It is unquestionably a case of suicide. Everything -pointed to it. The revolver gripped in Frischette’s hand, the position -of the body and the wound in his forehead. But what caused him to commit -such a rash act, is a problem which we may never solve.” - -While the corporal was speaking, Dick could scarcely contain himself. On -two or three different occasions he started to interrupt the policeman. -At the very first opportunity he broke forth: - -“Corporal Rand,” he began earnestly, “you have made your investigations -and, no doubt, are in a better position than we are to form an opinion. -But has it occurred to you that there is something unusually mysterious -about the whole affair. Sandy and I were talking it over just before you -came in. And no matter from what angle we look at it, we can draw but -one conclusion.” - -“And what is that?” Rand was smiling. - -“That Burnnel and Emery killed Frischette, afterward making it appear -that the road-house keeper took his own life.” - -Corporal Rand moved over to where Dick stood and patted that young man -on the back good-naturedly. - -“Splendid! You’ve both shown that you know how to use your heads. And -now, I’ll make an admission: That was exactly my own estimate of the -case up to a few hours ago. To use a well known expression, the thing -looked like a ‘frame-up,’ very carefully planned by Monsieurs Burnnel -and Emery. I could have sworn that they were guilty. I was absolutely -sure—as sure as I am that I’m standing here—that Frischette had not -committed suicide at all, but had been murdered. There was pretty strong -circumstantial evidence to bear out this belief. The two men had gone to -Creel to obtain the poke, and had secured it, only to lose it again -through your intervention.” - -The corporal paused, clearing his throat. - -“Then Frischette got it from you. Now, I ask you, what would be more -likely than that the two prospectors and Frischette should meet each -other, that Emery and Burnnel should learn that the Frenchman had come -into possession of the poke and eventually murder him in order to get -it. As I have said, that was the reasonable and logical deduction, and -you can imagine my astonishment to discover, almost beyond the shadow of -a doubt, that such a deduction was entirely wrong. Motive or no motive, -the Frenchman took his own life. I have proof of that.” - -“What is your proof?” asked Sandy. - -“Well, I made a search of the body and found something that both Burnnel -and Emery had overlooked, a note in the inner pocket of Frischette’s -coat. I know his handwriting and I am positive that the note is not a -forgery.” - -“What did it say?” Dick asked breathlessly. - -By way of answering, Corporal Rand produced a wallet and extracted from -it a small, soiled slip of paper, handing it over to the boys to read. -For a moment they found difficulty in deciphering the sprawling, almost -illegible script. But presently Dick read aloud: - - “To whom it may concern: - - “I, Louis Frischette, am about to kel myself because I am veery much - desappoint. I write thes so no other man be acuse an’ put in jail for - what I do. - Signed: - “Louis Frischette.” - -Dick’s hand shook as he handed the paper back to the policeman. - -“I’m not convinced yet,” he declared. - -“But here’s the evidence—the proof right here.” Rand patted the slip of -paper. - -“It might be explained,” Dick pointed out. - -“What!” The corporal looked startled. - -“How do you know that Emery and Burnnel did not force Frischette to -write that note before they murdered him?” - -Rand did a peculiar thing. He stared at Dick for a moment in absolute -silence, then turned without a word and walked back into the stable and -led out his horse. Not until he had sprung into the saddle did he trust -himself to speak. - -“I’m going back. I ought to be jerked back there by the nape of my neck. -What have I been dreaming of? Dick, I’ll take off my hat to you. It’s a -fortunate thing that one of us, at least, has not been wholly deprived -of the faculty of sober reasoning.” He smiled grimly. “If this ever got -to Cameron’s ears, I’d be fined six months’ pay.” - -“But I may be wrong,” Dick flushed at the other’s compliment. - -“Right or wrong, we can’t afford to take any chances. In any event, I’m -going back before Emery and Burnnel slip out of my hands.” - -And, in an incredibly short space of time, he was gone. A turn in the -woodland path shut him from view. But, even long after he had gone, Dick -and Sandy stood looking down the trail, across which laggard twilight -had flung its darkling banners. Sandy broke into an amused chuckle. - -“That’s one on the corporal. He won’t be in a very pleasant frame of -mind for the remainder of the evening, will he?” - -Dick scowled. - -“You must remember, Sandy, that we all make mistakes. Rand’s oversight -is excusable. He’s been working on this case day and night for the last -six months. He’s tired out, and sometimes so sleepy that he can hardly -stick in the saddle.” - -“Yes, that’s right.” The laugh died on the young Scotchman’s lips. “He’s -had a lot to contend with. And perhaps he hasn’t made a mistake after -all. Frischette may have committed suicide. The note might not have been -forced from him. Who can say?” - -“Yes,” said Dick, “who can say? Why don’t you put on your thinking cap, -Sandy, and find a motive for Frischette’s act?” - -“That’s a bargain. We’ll find the motive. We’ll go over the details -carefully in our minds and try to come to some conclusion.” - -Sandy grinned. “And tomorrow morning we’ll compare notes.” - -They were interrupted at this juncture by the appearance of Toma. They -could see at once, from that young man’s expression, that something -unusual had happened. His face, sober at all times, was unusually gray -and depressed. As he came forward quickly, he kept glancing from one to -the other interrogatively. - -“Have you seen ’em fellow Creel?” he asked anxiously. - -“Why, no, Toma,” Dick answered. “What makes you ask that?” - -“Little while ago,” the young Indian enlightened them, “I think mebbe I -change bandage on that fellow’s head. I look everywhere. I no find.” - -“Come to think about it,” Sandy made the assertion, “I haven’t seen him -myself since lunch.” - -Toma’s face darkened. - -“I ’fraid mebbe he run away.” - - - - - CHAPTER XI - FINDING A MOTIVE - - -The disappearance of Creel caused the boys a lot of worry. He had left -the road-house without a word to anyone and had slipped away without -being seen. It occurred to Dick to question Fontaine and Le Sueur, in -the hope that they might be able to throw some light on the matter. But -neither of the two young half-breeds could supply any information. - -“He must have gone back to his cabin,” guessed Sandy. “He’s a queer old -duffer in some ways, and probably prefers to be alone. No doubt, we’ll -find him there.” - -But such did not prove to be the case. Creel’s cabin was empty. When the -boys entered, the place was strangely silent and eerie. It was so dark -within, that at first they could see nothing. It was damp and musty, and -their footsteps echoed cheerlessly through the gloom. - -“Strike a match,” said Dick, “and we’ll see if you can find a candle. -Although he isn’t here, I’d like to look around a bit.” - -The boys fumbled in their pockets. No one had a match, apparently, but -finally Toma found a broken stub of one and a tiny glare flickered -through the room. In its light, Sandy discovered a short piece of candle -on a soap box near the fireplace and carried it triumphantly over to -Toma before the match sputtered out. - -It was well that the boys had decided to look around before pursuing -their investigations further. The room was in complete disorder. -Confusion was everywhere. Toma, who had been the last person to leave it -on the previous day, was astonished at the change which had been brought -about there. - -“What you think about that?” he exclaimed excitedly. “Yesterday, when I -leave this place, everything all right. Somebody him come an’ make -trouble here.” - -“Creel must have come back,” Sandy decided. “I wonder where he went to -from here?” - -“That seems hardly likely,” Dick spoke up. “Everything here belongs to -Creel and he wouldn’t be apt to throw things about like this. It isn’t -at all reasonable, Sandy. Even if he was planning to leave this place -for good, he wouldn’t do this thing, unless he had suddenly gone mad.” - -“Yes, that’s right. Just look at things! It’s more reasonable to think -that someone came here with a grudge against Creel and proceeded to do -as much damage as possible.” - -The boys spent a few more minutes in looking about. A tall cupboard, at -one end of the room, had been completely emptied. Its contents—parcels, -packages, cans of fruit and an occasional dish or granite plate—had been -swept to the floor. Chairs had been overturned. A small trap-door, -entering upon a tiny cellar below the rough, board floor, gaped open. -Looking at it, Dick came to a sudden conclusion. - -“Do you know what I think?” he began hurriedly. “This isn’t a case of -wanton revenge. There’s a reason behind it all. In Creel’s absence some -person has been ransacking this place in the hope of finding something -of value.” - -“You guess right that time,” Toma nodded. “That’s what it look like. -Somebody, not Creel, come here. Mebbe he look for box, where Creel keep -all his money.” - -Sandy turned upon the young Indian. - -“By the way, Toma, what became of that box, the night we left here and -you took Creel over to the road-house?” - -“He take box with him.” - -“Whoever came here,” reasoned Dick, “must have thought that Creel’s -treasure had been left behind.” - -Sandy scratched his head. - -“Look here, Dick, do you think it _was_ the box? Was it the money he -came after? Why not that mysterious poke?” - -Dick slapped his chum on the back. - -“You have it,” he exulted. “We’re getting closer now.” - -“And the plot thickens,” grinned Sandy. - -“A few more tangled threads,” Dick answered, smiling. “Perhaps we’d -better give up. This case is too deep and complicated for us. We haven’t -the ability to solve it.” - -“I quite agree with you. Not one of us is a Sherlock Holmes or an expert -from Scotland Yard. We’re out of our natural element.” - -“Just the same,” Dick’s enthusiasm was contagious, “we’ll have lots of -fun in trying to figure it all out.” - -“What we do about Creel?” Toma wanted to know. - -In their interest in the new development, Dick and Sandy had completely -forgotten about the old recluse until thus reminded. Where had he gone, -and what was his purpose in going? - -“No use in trying to do anything more about him tonight,” Dick came to -the obvious conclusion. “It would be foolish to start out now to look -for him. We don’t know which way he has gone.” - -“Perfectly true,” said Sandy. “He has given us the slip and, even in -broad daylight, we’ll probably have plenty of trouble in picking up his -trail. We’ve been careless. I dread to think of what Corporal Rand will -say, when he hears the news.” - -Dick righted an overturned bench and sat down upon it. - -“Let’s rest here for a moment and then go back to the road-house.” - -Toma, who had been carrying the candle about in his hand, moved forward -and placed it upon the table. Sandy drew up a chair. A short silence -ensued. Outside they could hear the plaintive whispering of the pines, -the rustling of leaves near the open window. - -Suddenly, Sandy sat up very straight on the bench, then leaned forward -eagerly, his merry blue eyes now serious. - -“I’ve just had a real inspiration,” he announced. “Incidentally, I’ve -fulfilled my part of our agreement. I’ve found the motive for -Frischette’s suicide.” - -“Tell us.” - -Dick’s face lit in a half-smile. At the moment he did not take Sandy -seriously. He doubted very much whether Sandy would be able to advance -anything of value concerning the Frenchman’s untimely end. Yet he was -mildly curious to learn what the other had to say. - -“What is your motive?” - -“Before I tell you,” Sandy’s eyes were sparkling now, “I want to ask you -a question. Please comb that old wool of yours and help me out as much -as you can.” - -“Fire away,” smiled Dick. - -“The other night when we took the poke away from Burnnel and Emery, can -you remember what it felt like?” - -Dick broke into a roar of laughter. - -“Felt like? What do you mean, Sandy?” - -“The poke, of course,” scowled the young Scotchman. “I’m perfectly -serious. It’s important. For nearly a minute you held that poke in your -hand. Didn’t you feel it? Didn’t you look at it? What were your -sensations?” - -“Why, why—I was too excited at the time. I had it in my hand, of course. -I remember it sort of fitted nicely in my hand—a little, flat poke, made -of soft leather, that was somehow pleasant to the touch.” - -In his excitement, Sandy rose to his feet. - -“There! That’s what I’ve been driving at. Didn’t it occur to you at the -time that the poke was curiously light?” - -“No, I can’t remember that it did. On the contrary. I have a sort of -hazy memory that, although the poke was somewhat flat, it did contain -something.” - -Sandy sighed. “Well, if that’s the case, I guess my theory is already -exploded.” - -“What were you trying to deduce?” - -“You can have it for what it’s worth. You will recall that after Burnnel -and Emery had spurned the money-box, and had knocked Creel flat across -the threshold, they went inside and found the poke—the thing they had -come after. They weren’t inside that room more than a few moments. I -don’t believe they opened the poke inside the room, and I know they -didn’t open it outside. They were probably satisfied that it contained -what they had reason to believe it contained—I mean, weren’t -suspicious.” - -“I don’t understand you.” - -“Well, it’s just a possibility, of course, yet it seems quite -reasonable. Anyway, for the sake of argument, we’ll say that Creel had -removed everything of value from the poke. Not suspecting this ruse, -Burnnel and Emery took the poke away with them. A few yards away from -the cabin they are confronted by Toma, and then we relieve them of that -mysterious poke. We have it in our possession only a short time. -Frischette snatches it away from you. Believing that he has a fortune in -his hands, he decides to make his escape, leaving Creel, his -confederate, in the lurch.” - -Sandy paused for breath, smiled soberly, then went on again: - -“Let us say that he puts the poke in his pocket and hurries along, -gloating over his good fortune. At first, he’s so busy endeavoring to -put distance between him and the rest of us, that he doesn’t find it -convenient to open the poke and examine its contents. - -“After a time, he slackens his pace. He pulls the poke from his pocket, -opens it, and, to his horror, discovers that it is empty. What is he -going to do? He dare not turn back. He has no money. You will remember -that Frischette was a person of sudden moods and emotions. He was -violent in everything—violently happy or utterly dejected. He feels that -there is nothing to do but to take his own life. A few hours later, -Burnnel and Emery came along and find his body and the empty poke. Now, -what do you think of that for a theory?” - -“Sandy,” said Dick, in tones of deep admiration, “you’ve done well. -Splendid! Very logical. I’ve almost begun to believe in your theory -myself.” - -“The trouble is,” sighed Sandy, “it has one very weak point.” - -“What is it?” questioned Dick. - -“You said just a moment ago that you were under the impression that, -when you had the poke in your hand, it contained something; wasn’t quite -empty.” - -“No,” remembered Dick, “it wasn’t.” - -“So all my clever reasoning has been in vain.” Sandy looked despondent. -“The circumstances do not fit my theory.” - -Another long silence. - -“Let’s not discard your theory altogether,” said Dick at length. -“Perhaps I can help you out a little. Two minds are better than one, you -know. Permit me to offer a suggestion. From what you have said, I gather -that your inference is that Creel removed the contents of the poke. -Well, perhaps he did.” - -“Yes, yes,” said Sandy. “Go on.” - -“And made a substitution. Put something of no value, whatsoever, in the -poke. That will bolster up your theory.” - -Sandy’s eyes gleamed. - -“You’re right. If we keep at it, Dick, we’ll soon be as proficient as -the great Sherlock Holmes himself.” - - - - - CHAPTER XII - “RAT” MACGREGOR’S WIFE - - -Before the lunch hour on the following day, Corporal Rand and his two -prisoners returned to Frischette’s road-house, only to discover that -Creel and the three boys were gone. However, Fontaine had a letter, -which he pressed into the policeman’s hands. It was from Dick, a short -note, scrawled hastily over the discolored surface of a torn piece of -wrapping paper: - - “Dear Corporal: - - “Creel disappeared yesterday and we have set out this morning in an - effort to find him. If our search is not successful, it is doubtful - whether we will return to the road-house before tonight—and it may - possibly be sometime tomorrow. Very sorry this had to happen. - “Sincerely, - “Dick.” - -Rand looked up, after perusing the short missive, and pursed his lips. -Then he made a swift calculation. If Dick and his two chums had -contrived to pick up Creel’s trail, and had travelled steadily in one -direction, they were not more than twenty or thirty miles away at that -precise moment. They were on foot, while he had the choice of three -tough, sturdy horses. It would be possible to overtake them and assist -in the search. He wondered if it would be advisable to leave Burnnel and -Emery locked up in a room at the road-house, awaiting his return. - -He thought the matter over carefully. He hated to risk the chance of -losing his prisoners, yet it was very important that Creel should not -escape. The recluse, as the boys had ascertained a few days before, had -been associated with Frischette in a number of robberies, including that -of Dewberry. - -Dewberry’s poke had been in the possession of Creel until the coming of -Burnnel and Emery. No doubt, Creel knew all about the murder as well. In -any case, he was too dangerous a character to be permitted to run at -large. The policeman roundly upbraided himself for his negligence in -failing to instruct the boys about keeping close watch over the man -during his own recent absence. - -After much thinking, pro and con, the corporal came to a decision. He -would go. Fontaine would watch over the prisoners. Just as soon as he, -Rand, could feed and water his horse and get something to eat himself, -he would immediately take the trail south—for that undoubtedly was the -direction in which the wily old recluse had gone. - -Having made his plans, the policeman proceeded to put them into -execution. He cared for his horse, had lunch, gave Fontaine final -instructions, and, just before starting out, locked Burnnel and Emery in -the room, which formerly had been the private chamber of the road-house -keeper himself. He led out his horse, saddled and bridled, and was in -the very act of mounting, when a sound came from the opposite side of -the road-house. It caused him to hesitate, one foot already in the -stirrup, then presently, with an exclamation of surprise, to withdraw -that foot and place it firmly on the ground again. - -A half-breed woman, quite young, sitting gracefully on a pinto pony, -guided by a rope bridle, came around the corner of the house and drew -up, less than twenty feet from the spot where the corporal stood. - -Seeing a woman there, was not what had interested Rand so much as the -fact that he had immediately recognized her. It was “Rat” MacGregor’s -wife! - -If he had suddenly been brought face to face with her like this at any -other place except here, at Frischette’s road-house, he would have -thought nothing of it, would have continued about his business, -untroubled by a single suspicion. - -But here it was different. What was the woman doing here? Surely it was -for no good purpose. Her coming had induced a perplexing train of -thought in the corporal’s mind, and had made necessary a complete -revision of his plans. - -Shaking his head, he led his horse back into the stable and advanced to -question the woman. Removing his hat, he bowed politely. - -“Madam is a long way from home,” he remarked. “May I ask which way you -are going?” - -“Rat” MacGregor’s wife threw back her head haughtily. - -“Police! Bah!” she sniffed. - -“You have been released on probation,” the policeman reminded her, not -unkindly. “Inspector Cameron has asked you to remain at home. What are -you doing here?” - -The woman sniffed again, but did not answer. She turned her back and -began fumbling with the cinches of the saddle. - -“You will return home at once,” Rand instructed her, endeavoring to keep -his temper. - -She turned her head and looked over her shoulder, her face set and -determined. - -“Why you say where I go?” she broke forth passionately. “What business -you have tell me go home? I go, I stay where I like. First, you keel my -man, then you put me in jail, then you say I no go where I wish. Police -pretty big fool, eh?” - -“Mrs. MacGregor,” declared the corporal patiently, “we have been more -than kind to you. We released you from jail and placed you on probation. -All that we have asked is that you remain at home and be good, attend to -your own affairs. If you will do that, we will not put you back in jail -again.” - -“Bah!” snorted MacGregor’s wife, sticking out her tongue and defying -him. - -“You must promise to go back,” said Rand. “You must be good. You must -not try to anger the police. If you will go back this afternoon, I will -not mention this matter to the inspector. He shall know nothing about it -and will not ask me to put you back in jail.” - -For a moment the policeman believed that he had won his point. Her -manner changed suddenly. - -“My horse he is very tired.” - -“I will take him in the stable for you and give him something to eat. He -can rest there for a few hours and then you can start back.” - -The corporal advanced, pushed her gently aside, loosened the cinches and -swung the saddle from the back of the pinto mare. As he did so, -MacGregor’s wife withdrew a few paces. The policeman had his back to -her, and, therefore, did not see the swift movement of her right hand -toward her blouse. But he did see, when next he chanced to turn his -head, the small revolver nestling in her hand—pointed straight at his -head. - -“I didn’t think you’d do a thing like that,” declared Rand, -reproachfully. “You’ll only get yourself in more trouble. Put it down.” - -“You keel my man,” the young barbarian declared spitefully. “Now I keel -you.” - -“That’s your privilege,” answered the policeman, quite unmoved. “But if -you do, you’ll hang for it. Be reasonable, and put down that gun.” - -“Rat” MacGregor’s wife possessed the black, beady eyes of a snake. They -were unrelenting, wicked, revengeful. Her staring gaze never left the -policeman’s face. Eight feet away—it would not be possible to leap -suddenly forward and disarm her. His best chance was to endeavor to get -his own gun. - -But how could he get his gun, when she was watching him like that? He -knew that if he moved his hand a single inch, her weapon would explode -in his face. Hers was no idle threat. She really intended to kill him! - -There was a chance, very remote, of course, that Fontaine or Le Sueur -might come to his assistance. Look out of the window. See him and the -woman there. - -“Look here,” said Rand, fighting for time, “I think you are making a -very serious mistake. You’ll have to answer for it in the end. Inspector -Cameron will be sure to get you. You can’t possibly escape. While there -is still time, you’d better put down that gun.” - -“If I do,” her eyes glinted, “will you promise not put me in jail?” - -The corporal did not hesitate. - -“A while ago I could have given you my promise. But not now. It is too -late, madam.” - -The policeman was afraid that he had sounded his own death-knell. Well, -he had told the truth, anyway. He had not lied to her. He had not -stained his honor or violated the code. He wondered why he could feel so -calm with those eyes blazing at him and the knowledge that he was about -to die. Calm!—when he could see that the index finger of her right hand -was beginning to press slowly but determinedly against the trigger. - -“Time’s up!” thought Corporal Rand. - -And then—like the sound that comes out of a dream—the opening of a door. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII - ON CREEL’S TRAIL - - -The search for Creel had taken the boys southward. They were not sure -that he had gone that way; it merely seemed the most likely direction. -He had taken the contents of his money-box and had decamped, leaving no -trail. Just before starting, they had found the empty chest in the room -which he had occupied. - -Being a fugitive from justice, and with a considerable amount of money -in his possession, the natural deduction was that he was making his way -out to Edmonton. His chance of escaping was good. He had at least six -hours’ start. He was not known to be a criminal. Almost anywhere he -would have passed unchallenged. As yet, the police had had no -opportunity to telegraph ahead in an effort to secure his apprehension. - -The boys had discussed his probable route, deciding that he would go by -way of Peace River Crossing. Boats of the Hudson’s Bay Company plied up -and down the river during the spring and summer months, and it was only -reasonable to suppose that he would secure passage on one of these, -ascend the river to Peace River Crossing, where he could purchase a -ticket to go by rail to Edmonton. - -All this, of course, was mere conjecture. They had no real assurance -that it was the route that the old recluse would take. For all they -knew, he might still be in hiding somewhere in the vicinity of the -road-house. The only way to determine whether or not he was on his way -south, was to set out along the trail, making inquiries wherever -possible. - -Dwellings were few and far between. Sixteen miles due south of -Frischette’s, they arrived at Meade’s Ferry, where there was a -road-house and small trading-post, conducted by Hampton Meade, a kindly -veteran of the North. Here Fortune befriended them. They learned that -their assumption had been correct. Creel had spent the night there. - -“And he left early this morning,” Meade’s son, a handsome young man of -about Dick’s own age, informed them. “Queer old beggar, isn’t he?” - -Dick nodded. - -“Did he leave here on foot?” - -“Yes.” - -Dick considered for a moment thoughtfully. - -“Would it be possible to obtain a horse or two? Are there any here? We -had our own ponies when we arrived at Frischette’s stopping-place. We -turned them out to graze and they have disappeared. If you have any, I -will pay you handsomely.” - -“There are two ponies,” answered the young man,“—one of them mine, the -other, father’s. You may have the use of them.” - -The boys were overjoyed at this unexpected stroke of luck. It would be -necessary, of course, for one of them to remain at Meade’s, while the -other two went on after Creel. They drew straws. It fell to Sandy’s lot -to wait at the road-house until his two chums returned. - -“I don’t expect we’ll be away very long,” declared Dick a short time -later, as he and Toma mounted the two borrowed steeds. “We ought to be -back before night.” - -Creel had a few hours start of them, but he was walking. With light -hearts, feeling confident of success, the boys cantered away. Soon the -miles wound away behind them. They pressed their ponies forward, urging -them to their greatest speed. Time passed quickly. They had now begun to -scan the trail ahead, in the expectation of seeing the queer, shambling -figure of the old recluse. They galloped past a party of Indians, then -two prospectors, trudging along, weighted down by heavy shoulder-packs, -and finally drew up at a wayside cabin, inhabited by a half-breed -trapper. Dick questioned him: - -“Did an old man stop here not so very long ago? Walked with a stoop, -face covered with a heavy beard, hair straggling in his eyes. Did you -see him?” - -“_Oui_, m’sieur. I see him two, three hour ago. Him ver’ fine fellow. -Plenty money. I have nice horse. He buy et.” - -Dick had not expected this. The news had come as a shock. He blinked. - -“Rotten luck!” he exclaimed irritably. - -“What you say, m’sieur?” - -Dick did not answer. He was making a rough calculation. They had already -come fifteen or sixteen miles at top speed. No longer were their ponies -fresh. Creel had the advantage. It would be absolutely impossible to -overtake him now. Apparently, Toma held the same opinion. - -“No use go on now,” he declared grimly. - -Dick turned to the half-breed. - -“You haven’t any more fresh horses?” - -The half-breed looked surprised. - -“Know where we can get any?” Dick persisted. - -“Not many ponies ’round here,” explained the trapper. “Why you no like -those pony there?” - -“Tired out,” answered Dick. “And we want to go fast.” - -He relaxed in the saddle, and just then an idea came to him. - -“How far is it from here to Fort Wonderly?” - -“’Bout twelve mile.” - -Dick thanked the half-breed, motioned to Toma, and they set off again. - -“Well,” announced Dick, “we’re going over to the fort.” - -“Why you go there?” Toma stared blankly. “Fort Wonderly off trail. Creel -him no go that way. I no understand why you do that.” - -“I’ll tell you, Toma,” Dick spoke despondently. “We haven’t a chance now -to overtake Creel. But at Fort Wonderly there’s a government telegraph -office, and I’ll give a message to the operator, warning everybody along -the route. There is another detachment of the mounted police at Peace -River Crossing, and they’ll send out a man to intercept him.” - -So it was late that night when Dick and Toma returned to Meade’s Ferry -and reported the outcome of their journey. - -“It’s too bad,” Sandy commented, “I was sure that when you got back -you’d have Creel with you. But you showed a lot of good sense when you -sent that message. If Creel manages to slip through the police lines -farther south, he’ll be a wizard.” - -“I’ve been thinking about Creel all day,” said Dick. “I’ve been blaming -myself continually for my negligence. We should never have permitted him -to escape. I’m positive now that your theory is correct, and that he’s -going south, not only with the money that was in that box, but the -contents of Dewberry’s poke as well. I really believe that if we had our -hands upon him now, and searched him, we’d find everything.” - -“No doubt, you’re right. Well, I suppose there’s only one thing to do -now: Return to Frischette’s road-house. Corporal Rand must be back by -now. He’ll know what to do next.” - -The two boys were joined later by Toma, Meade and his son. The -free-trader, a tall, imposing figure, complacently smoked a pipe and now -and again engaged the boys in conversation. - -“I understand that you’ve come from Fort Good Faith,” he said. - -“Well, not exactly,” Dick replied. “We live there. Factor MacClaren is -Sandy’s uncle; but for the last few days we’ve been stopping at -Frischette’s roadhouse.” - -Meade’s clear blue eyes shadowed. - -“Friend of his?” - -“Not exactly,” answered Dick evasively. - -“Queer character,” commented Meade. - -“He’s dead,” said Sandy. - -“Dead!” The free-trader straightened in his chair, removed the pipe from -his mouth and stared. “What happened to _him_?” - -“Took his own life.” - -Meade received this information with a slight raising of his eyebrows. - -“Queer! That road-house will soon have an evil name. First Dewberry and -now Frischette.” - -For a time conversation languished. Everyone seemed to be occupied with -his own thoughts. - -“I was interested in the Dewberry case,” Meade finally broke the -silence. “You see, I knew him; knew him better probably than most folks. -Sort of unusual fellow, Dewberry was. One of the quietest, queerest men -I have ever met.” - -Dick locked across at Meade sharply. - -“Not very many people really knew Dewberry,” he stated. - -“I knew him,” said Meade, “and I was sorry to hear of his death.” - -“Where do you suppose Dewberry was going?” Sandy spoke up. “I mean just -before the tragedy. No one seems to know.” - -Meade smiled. “There’s no secret there. Dewberry often passed along the -trail, and sometimes remained here for several days at a time. He was a -queer duffer. But once you got to know him, his eccentricities passed -unnoticed. Not many folks knew it, but Dewberry’s time was divided -between this country and Peace River Crossing. Usually, about six months -of the year, he lived at the Crossing. He owns property there. Has a -little house, overlooking the Hart River, and for weeks at a time he’d -shut himself up in it. A lot of folks couldn’t understand why he chose -to do that. Neither could I, until one time, when I happened to be in -Peace River Crossing, I met him on the street.” - -For a time Meade lapsed into silence, gazing reminiscently away in the -direction of the river. - -“He invited me up to the house,” he continued. “Tidy little place, I -found it. Nicely furnished. Piano, violin, books. Books!—there were rows -upon rows of books. Special bindings, shelf upon shelf, I tell you, and -strange old volumes, musty with age. He loved them. That’s where he -spent most of his time. Read from morning ’til night, and when he wasn’t -reading, he was fiddling away on the violin or thumping on that piano. I -stayed there two days, and I want to tell you that I’ve never enjoyed -anything more. His company. His talk about the books. The music he made -on that piano.” - -“Too bad he’s gone,” said Sandy. - -The free-trader nodded. - -“He was reputed to be very wealthy,” said Dick. - -“I guess that is true,” Meade answered thoughtfully. “You see, he was -one of the best prospectors that ever came into the North. There are -some folks who say that his luck was phenomenal. At any rate, he had no -occasion to worry. In recent years, it was more for the love and -excitement he got out of the game than the necessity of making more -money that induced him to take those long, lonely treks out there in the -foothills.” - -“After what you have told us about him,” puzzled Sandy, “there is one -thing rather difficult to understand. Why did a person of his -intelligence carry so much wealth about his person.” - -“I don’t think he did,” declared Meade. - -“If that is so,” persisted Sandy, “why did they follow him and plan the -robbery and murder at Frischette’s?” - -“Well, there is no doubt that he had a considerable amount of money and -gold with him, but no more, probably, than the average prospector. I am -positive that he didn’t carry his entire wealth with him. ‘Rat’ -MacGregor, or whoever it was that committed the robbery, merely -suspected that such was the case.” - -Sandy abandoned the issue. Yet neither he nor Dick was convinced. There -was that tell-tale poke. - -As they sat there, watching the shadows steal out from the darkening -woodland beyond, they were presently made aware of a newcomer. - -An Indian pony, a pinto mare, left the turn of the trail near the fringe -of trees, bordering the river, and came slowly forward. A woman sat -astride the pony—a young woman, unmistakably an Indian or half-breed. -Meade rose as she reined up in front of the cabin and slowly dismounted. -The boys were not particularly interested. They had never seen the woman -before. - -“Who is that?” Sandy inquired listlessly. - -Both boys started at the unexpected answer. - -“Heaven help me,” growled Meade, “if it isn’t ‘Rat’ MacGregor’s wife!” - - - - - CHAPTER XIV - A MEETING IN THE WOODS - - -Scarcely had the boys recovered from their astonishment, when they were -treated to a still greater and more breath-taking surprise. Meade’s son -was the first to draw their attention. In their interest in the -newcomer, they had entirely overlooked the approach of two others. - -These two were Burnnel and Emery. They rode up to the accompanying -thump, thump, thump of three wildly beating hearts. Astride two horses! -Stolen horses! In his agitation, Dick rose and gripped the back of his -chair. He recognized the wiry little ponies, and rubbed his eyes. Less -than twenty-four hours before he had ridden one of them himself. The -other belonged to Sandy. - -In truth, Dick had become so excited that for the next few moments he -was barely aware of what was taking place. He was confused and -befuddled. He saw Sandy and Toma shoot to their feet in sudden dismay -and shrink back toward the open doorway. Not knowing that anything was -wrong, Meade and his son had gone forward to bid the new arrivals a -hearty welcome. And it was probably well that they did, for it gave the -three boys time to slip within the log building, hurriedly cross the -room and pass out of the door at the opposite side. - -All three were trembling with excitement. Below his shock of bright -yellow hair, Sandy’s forehead was ashen. The boys hoped that they had -not been recognized. Undoubtedly, while making their approach, Burnnel -and Emery had seen them, but Dick recalled that in the position in which -they sat out there on the front porch, they had been hid somewhat by the -figures of Meade and his son. - -The coming of the two malevolent prospectors had placed them in a rather -awkward, if not dangerous position. It would be impossible for them to -remain at the road-house while the partners were there. Burnnel and -Emery had not forgotten the encounter of two days before in front of -Creel’s cabin. No doubt, they would take a great deal of pleasure in -evening the score. Both were remorseless, savage, vindictive. Neither -would hesitate for a moment to take any advantage offered, any -opportunity for reprisal. - -“No, it will never do for us to remain,” Sandy trembled. “You and Toma -can stay here if you like, Dick—not I. If we stay here, we’ll be -compelled to fight it out.” - -“I willing fight,” Toma announced darkly. - -“It wouldn’t be fair to Meade,” Dick objected. “There’s sure to be -trouble. Anyway, there’s nothing to be gained by remaining here.” - -“The thing to do,” said Sandy emphatically, “is to get out—go somewhere -and make camp for the night. Either that, or start back at once for -Frischette’s road-house, which we had planned to do tomorrow anyway. -I’ll repeat that I don’t care to show my face around here—at least, not -until Burnnel and Emery have gone.” - -They were standing just outside the door on the side of the cabin -opposite to the one, where they had previously been sitting talking to -the free-trader and his son. They were safe from detection here only for -a few moments. As soon as Burnnel and Emery and “Rat” MacGregor’s wife -put up their horses, they would enter the cabin. Then the boys would be -seen, for not only the door but one window overlooked the space there on -the west side of the house, where they were now standing. - -Toma pointed to a line of brush two or three hundred yards away, and -they proceeded hurriedly toward it. In leaving thus surreptitiously, -they had been forced to abandon part of their equipment—their rifles and -shoulder-packs, and a small roll of Hudson’s Bay blankets. - -“What will Meade think?” Dick inquired anxiously, as they plunged into -the dense thicket and commenced picking their way ahead. “He won’t -understand our sudden disappearance. I’m afraid he’ll be anxious about -us.” - -“Worse than that,” Sandy struck out at a branch directly in front of him -before taking his next step. “He’ll be sure to give us away. Emery and -Burnnel, if they don’t know it already, will learn from him that we were -at the road-house when they arrived.” - -“It can’t be helped. I don’t think they’ll follow us.” - -“What beats me,” Sandy stopped altogether and turned to face his two -companions soberly, “is how they managed to get away from Corporal Rand. -You don’t suppose he turned them loose again, do you?” - -“It seems hardly likely, yet—” Dick paused. - -“Yet they’re here,” the young Scotchman finished the sentence for him. -“Either they escaped, or he gave them their freedom. If he gave them -their freedom, Rand has proved to his own satisfaction that Frischette -really committed suicide. Then, of course, he wouldn’t have any reason -for detaining them any longer.” - -“Perfectly true. But that doesn’t explain about the ponies. Rand may be -kind-hearted and all that, yet he wouldn’t deliberately lend them the -ponies, would he? We need them ourselves.” - -“They might have stolen the ponies,” reasoned Sandy. - -“That seems more probable.” - -“Well, what we do now?” Toma had grown impatient. “I think it be foolish -to stay here in brush all night. Better we start right back an’ see if -we find ’em Corporal Rand.” - -“But suppose the corporal didn’t release Burnnel and Emery?” Dick asked -perplexed. “We’d be foolish to run away then. The least we could do, -would be to keep in sight of them. Remember, Creel has already escaped.” - -In exasperation, Sandy strode over to a fallen tree trunk and sat down, -moping his perspiring forehead with short, angry jabs, a scowl on his -face. - -“O pshaw! What’s the use? Everything’s turning out all wrong. We’re -getting deeper and deeper and deeper into trouble every minute. I’m -through! I’ll never become a policeman or a good detective—I know I -won’t. I’m growing tired of all this, Dick. It’s wearing on my nerves. -It is, I tell you.” - -Dick and Toma both laughed. - -“Nonsense, Sandy! This is a game of wits. I like it.” Dick made a -comical gesture with his hands. “All you have to do is to out-guess the -other fellow. We’ll win in the end. We’re bound to.” - -“Oh, is that so. A guessing contest!” The other’s tones were deeply -sarcastic. “Well, if that’s the case, we’re at the losing end right now. -How many of your guesses have been correct?” - -Boy-fashion, Dick strode over and placed a hand on his chum’s indignant -shoulder. - -“Forget it, Sandy. This isn’t a bit like you. Come on!” - -“Come on where?” - -Thus put to it, Dick found himself in somewhat of a predicament. The -question required an answer. - -“Why—why—well—” he began. “You see, Sandy—” - -“It’s a contest,” Sandy reminded him scornfully. “All you have to do is -to outwit the other fellow. You like it. Now tell me, please, what is -your guess?” - -Dick flushed, but contrived to keep his temper. - -“I haven’t quite decided yet. There are two courses open to us. We can -stay here and keep an eye on Burnnel and Emery, or go back to meet -Corporal Rand.” - -In such a mood, Sandy got a good deal of enjoyment in tantalizing his -friend. - -“All right. I’m waiting. Why don’t you guess?” - -Dick looked about him in desperation. Then gradually out of his -perplexity there sprang a solution to his difficulty. It came like the -sudden glimmer of inspiration. - -“We’ll have to do both,” he stated positively. - -“How?” - -“Separate.” - -“I don’t quite understand.” - -“One of us can go back to meet Corporal Rand, the other two remain here -to watch Burnnel and Emery.” - -Sandy rose from his place on the fallen tree, grinning a little -sheepishly. - -“Now you’re talking. Why didn’t you think of that before? Which one of -us will go to meet the corporal?” - -“You can go if you like, Sandy,” said Dick with great magnanimity. - -“No, no; I wasn’t thinking about that. You’d better go, Dick. You’re the -one that thought of it.” - -Dick shook his head. - -“I think I’d rather stay here, if you don’t mind.” - -“Just as you say.” - -Sandy was really pleased. - -“It’s a bargain, then, unless Toma—” - -“I like stay here, too,” declared Toma. - -The three boys were grouped together, facing each other. For the time -being, they were off guard. Not that they had felt at any time during -the past few moments that danger really threatened them. Although still -fairly close to Meade’s road-house, they weren’t troubled about Burnnel -and Emery just then. Even if the two prospectors had seen them when they -rode up, it was extremely unlikely that they would attempt anything -until they had fully rested. Immediate pursuit was a thing that had not -entered the boys’ calculations, and yet— - -Dick’s first intimation of an attack, or even of the presence of an -enemy, came when he beheld Toma—apparently for no reason at all—leap -straight back, like a deer surprised in its forest haunt, and plunge -headlong into a willow thicket. Sandy’s behavior was equally puzzling. -Sandy sat down. He sat down on the seat he had just vacated and stared -wildly past Dick, both eyes and mouth open wide. Whirling about, Dick -blinked and caught his breath. A familiar pair confronted him. - -“Don’t move,” said a heavy voice. “We got yuh!” - - - - - CHAPTER XV - A DESERTED ROAD-HOUSE - - -Frischette’s road-house was quiet. A casual passer-by, threading his way -along the shadowy forest trail, a trail arched by the branches of tall -poplar trees, might have thought that the place was deserted. There was -no sign of life anywhere, although a door and several windows stood -partially open. A young Indian, who approached the familiar landmark, -was struck by an overwhelming feeling of presentiment. - -The morning was well advanced and yet there was no evidence of life -here. No smoke issued from the tall mud-chimney, which rose like a bleak -sentinel at one side of the building. Sitting on the projecting end of -the center ridge-pole, a hawk basked in the sun. Intense quiet reigned, -a funereal silence, that was broken only by the faint rustling of the -leaves and the nervous stirring of the tall grass, which encroached up -to the door of the cabin itself. - -Toma rubbed one hand across his brow wearily. For four hours he had -walked steadily with this place as his objective, and in the hope of -finding his friend, the mounted police corporal. He knew that Rand ought -to be here. That had been their agreement, the understanding between the -policeman and the three boys. - -When he had approached to within thirty or forty yards of the house, -Toma’s spirits fell. He was sure now that the road-house was untenanted. -No occupied dwelling, he reasoned, could be wrapped so deeply in that -tragic, sombre silence. The door stood invitingly open, yet Toma knew -before entering that no person recently had left it thus. He paused on -the threshold, staring into the room. It seemed to mock him. Except for -the few bare furnishings, it was entirely empty. With a quaking heart -and a trembling step, he passed through the main front room to the -kitchen at the back. - -No one was about. In the kitchen there had been stacked up, on a long -work-table opposite the stove, a pile of dirty, unwashed dishes. He -glanced at them casually, then passed on out of the back door and made -his way over to the stable. Like the cabin, the stable was unoccupied. -Disconsolately, Toma walked over and, climbing up, sat down on the top -rail of the six-foot-high corral fence. - -He didn’t know what to make of it all. The absence of Corporal Rand -might, of course, be accounted for. But what about Fontaine and Le -Sueur, his two friends? Since the death of Frischette, these two last -named young men had taken over the management of the road-house. They -had entered upon their duties with a good deal of enthusiasm, and it -seemed unusual that they should both be away now, neglecting their -business. - -It was true, of course, that summer visitors were few. The bulk of -Frischette’s trade had come during the early fall and winter and just -before the spring break-up. However, even if there were no guests at the -road-house, there was always the chance that one might come—an -occasional straggler—and it was not reasonable to suppose that both -Fontaine and Le Sueur would leave the place for any length of time. - -Yet, that was exactly what they had done. They were neglecting their -business. Toma scowled at the ground, and one moccasined foot beat an -impatient tattoo along the surface of the rail beneath him. He decided -after a time that, low on supplies, they had gone over to Fort Good -Faith to replenish their larder. But the absence of Rand was not so -easily explained, unless he was out searching for Burnnel and Emery. - -Shaking his head, Toma hopped down off the corral fence and strode back -in the direction of the house. This time he had a purpose in mind. He -would enter the kitchen and prepare himself a belated breakfast. He had -not eaten since early the night before and was tremendously hungry. He -entered the kitchen, kindled a fire in the large iron cook stove and -methodically set about his task. - -In the middle of his preparations he paused, pricking up his ears. Had -he heard something—a slight scraping sound? He stood perfectly still, -listening patiently. Then, as the sound was not repeated, he decided -that he had been mistaken. He returned to his task, and in a short time -breakfast was ready. He set a place for himself on the table in the -adjoining room, and was returning to the kitchen for his rasher of bacon -and pot of coffee, when he heard the sound again. - -This time there was no doubt in his mind. He had heard aright. The sound -issued from the room which had formerly been used by Frischette for his -office and private sleeping apartment. It was the only room in the house -that he had not explored. He bounded quickly forward, seizing the knob -of the door. He bent his weight against it. - -He stood back, scratching his head in perplexity. It was locked. -Something or someone was inside there. He called out softly. But, -although he imagined he heard the faint, scraping sound again, no voice -answered him. - -Toma was not long in deciding upon his course of action. He hurried into -the kitchen, passed through the door at the back, picked up a small log, -about four feet in length and six inches in diameter and, returning with -it, he applied himself to the door. - -At the first blow from his heavy battering-ram, the lock gave way. A -splintering and cracking of wood, and the door swung back. Looking -inside, Toma dropped his battering-ram. - -Closest to the door, lay Rand, gagged, bound hand and foot. A few feet -farther on, sprawled the youthful figures of his two friends, Fontaine -and Le Sueur. - -Following a little gasp of amazement, Toma strode into the room. - - - - - CHAPTER XVI - TRAPPED! - - -Burnnel and Emery had appeared so unexpectedly before the boys, opposite -Meade’s road-house, that resistance was useless. Dick and Sandy had no -chance, whatever, to raise a hand in their defense. Of the three, Toma -had been the only one at all fortunate. His sudden leap backward into -the brush made possible his escape, but Dick and Sandy were powerless. -The young Scotchman, shrinking with terror, still sat on the fallen -tree, while Dick, no less overcome with fear, stood motionless, as the -two men drew closer, flourishing their guns. Emery’s face was malignant -but triumphant. - -“So you thought you’d bust into our little game, eh?” he snarled, as he -relieved Dick and Sandy of their revolvers. “Yuh thought yuh was pretty -smart back there at Creel’s a few days ago, didn’t yuh? Well, yuh can -pay fer that now. Time we get through with yuh, yuh won’t be so willin’ -to meddle in somebody else’s business.” - -Dick found his voice. - -“We didn’t harm you.” - -Emery’s scowl darkened. He was on the point of making some sarcastic -reply, but Burnnel cut in sharply: - -“Save your gab, both o’ yuh. Too bad that other feller got away.” - -Dick hoped that their captors would take them back to Meade’s -road-house. It would be the best thing for him and Sandy. Their chance -of getting away would be better. They would feel safer there. Meade, no -doubt, would interfere and gain their release. - -Sandy had sunk into deep and utter dejection. He recalled, with little -shivers of apprehension, the treatment which had been meted out to Creel -a few days before. He was not buoyed up by any false hopes. He could see -in Burnnel and Emery’s actions only an effort at reprisal—revenge for -their previous humiliation. Unlike Dick, he did not believe that they -would be taken back to Meade’s road-house. In fact, such a thought had -never entered his mind. The partners were too shrewd for that. No, he -and Dick would be mistreated and tortured merely to satisfy their -craving for revenge. Besides, it would not suit Burnnel and Emery’s -purpose to be encumbered with two prisoners. They had other business to -attend to. - -And, in a way, Sandy was right. Shortly after the boys had been relieved -of their guns, Burnnel straightened up, his mouth twisted in a venomous -leer. - -“Turn out your pockets,” he ordered. - -The boys obeyed hastily, their hands nervous and trembling. Emery stood -over them, watching like a hawk, seizing from one or the other the -miscellaneous assortment of things that were brought to light. Dick, who -had acted as treasurer for the three boys, was relieved of a roll of -bills and a handful of silver. Burnnel’s eyes lighted with satisfaction -at sight of the money, but his partner only grunted. Soon the boys had -completed their task. Their pockets had all been emptied. - -“Where’s the poke?” - -Dick stared incredulously. - -“Poke? Why—why—what do you mean?” - -“Don’t yuh try tuh look so blame’ innocent. Yuh got it, one o’ yuh.” - -“Look here,” said Dick hotly, “you know where that poke is—in Corporal -Rand’s possession. You had it yourself on two different occasions. Why -didn’t you keep it?” - -Burnnel advanced threateningly. - -“Enough o’ that! Yuh know what I mean, a’ right. We want what was in -that poke an’ we want it quick.” - -“But see here,” protested Dick, “we haven’t anything. I tell you, we -haven’t. We don’t even know what was in the poke in the first place.” - -Burnnel and Emery exchanged glances. Then, indignantly, the little man -addressed the other: - -“There, what’d I tell yuh. It’s plain they ain’t got it. I was right. -It’s Creel!” - -The huge bulk of Burnnel stood like a statue. Since questioning Dick, he -had not moved, except to turn his head in his partner’s direction. Now -his chin was bent forward, resting upon his expansive, barrel-like -chest. To all appearances, his partner’s assertion had given him food -for thought, required deliberate and careful consideration. In a moment -he raised his eyes again, glancing at Emery. With the fingers of one -hand he scratched the stubble on his pocked, scarred face. - -“How do yuh know that? You’re jus’ guessin’. I’d as soon think these -boys had it as Creel. Fact is, it’s a hull lot more likely. How do we -know that this here young tomcat didn’t empty the poke t’other night -right after we left an’ afore Frischette comes along an’ grabs it?” - -Emery darted a quick, insolent, sarcastic glance at his huge -confederate. - -“I don’t believe it. Creel’s the one what’s fooled us. Fooled us in the -first place there at his cabin. It’s all your fault, too. Yuh never -looked in that poke. An easy mark you are,” he declared scornfully, -“lettin’ him put it over yuh like that.” - -Burnnel snarled like a bear in a trap. Emery perceived that he had gone -too far. His next words were placating, almost a whine. - -“Now look o’ here, Bob, yuh don’t need to get huffy. I think you’re -wrong an’ I’m goin’ to stick to it. The only reason I said I’d come over -here tuh question these brats was all on your account. I wanted yuh to -be satisfied, tuh see fer yourself. We’re jus’ wastin’ time. The thing -tuh do is tuh go back, pick up that blame’ squaw an’ see if we can’t run -that worthless ol’ rat tuh earth.” - -Burnnel hated to admit that he was in the wrong, and in order to cover -his chagrin and disappointment, he flew into a violent rage and for a -period of nearly two minutes cursed wildly and furiously. As he did so, -he paced back and forth, huge fists clinched, swinging his arms -violently. With a final snarl, he cuffed Dick across the head, sending -the young man reeling back dizzily. His large moccasined foot, swinging -up, brushed Sandy’s thigh. Then he seized Emery by the shoulder. - -“Come on! Let’s get out o’ here!” - -The little man’s head jerked back with a snap. He, too, became furious. -They were still cursing and storming at each other as they disappeared -from view. - -The boys could scarcely believe their good fortune. They had not -expected to escape from the encounter with so little injury. They had -not even been taken prisoners. Their only loss had been that of their -money and their revolvers—a thing which troubled them little. Meade, -Dick was quite certain, would willingly help them out, as soon as they -explained their predicament. - -Of course, they couldn’t go back to the road-house until Burnnel, Emery -and the woman had taken their leave. Tonight they must remain in the -woods, sleeping out under the trees. Also they must find Toma. - -Through the blue, enveloping twilight, they wandered hither and thither, -calling out his name. For hours they searched in vain. In response to -their repeated halloos, no cheery answer came. The deep silence drew in -around them. - -“He’s gone for help,” Sandy decided, flinging himself down on a soft -carpet of moss and pine-needles, and looking up anxiously into Dick’s -face. - -His chum sighed wearily. - -“Yes, he must have gone back to Frischette’s in the hope of meeting -Rand. But you may depend upon it, he’ll give a good account of himself.” - -“Toma’s a trump,” said Sandy, closing his eyes and speaking drowsily. “I -couldn’t help but admire the way he leaped for that thicket at the first -sound from Burnnel and Emery. He’s quicker than we are. Pretty hard to -catch him off guard.” - -“And yet,” answered Dick, “I can’t understand why he didn’t linger in -the vicinity. That would have been more like him. Waiting and watching -for a chance to get the drop on them, and then rescuing us. Just -thrilling enough to suit him. Funny he didn’t do it.” - -Sandy sat up, smiling. - -“I think he left his gun behind—over there at Meade’s. I’ll bet he was -provoked. He must have decided that the best thing to do was to hurry -back to Frischette’s and rush Corporal Rand to our assistance.” - -Although the days were warm, the nights were invariably cool. It would -not be pleasant to sleep out without blankets. Nor was it possible to -start a fire. Every article they possessed, including a box of matches, -had been taken by the two outlaws. - -They slept but ill. Mosquitos buzzed about them in swarms. They kept up -an incessant fight with these vicious pests, shivering on their bed of -moss, waking every few minutes to wonder if morning would never come. - -Somewhere around three o’clock, they rose and made their way back in the -direction of the road-house. It was too early yet to think about -disturbing any of its occupants. Burnnel and Emery would still be there, -and they had no wish to meet them again. Hungry as they were, and -sleepy, they realized that it would not be advisable to approach the -cabin until after the outlaws had departed. - -“When we get something to eat, and borrow a rifle or two from Meade,” -said Dick, “I suppose we’ll have to trail on after them.” - -Sandy glanced at Dick sharply. - -“But don’t you think we ought to wait for Toma and Corporal Rand?” - -“If we do, we’ll be apt to lose trace of them, just as we lost trace of -Creel. You must remember that we’ll have to follow them on foot. They -have horses.” - -Sandy said no more, lapsing into a moody silence. The mosquitos -continued to buzz around their heads. But no longer was it cool. The -sun, an hour high, shed its warm rays to every part of the land. The -moisture, caused by the dew, was soon evaporated. Day had commenced. - -Yet they waited a long time before they were rewarded for their -patience. Smoke curled upward from the rough mud-chimney at the -road-house. Now and again, they could see someone walking about outside. -Another long wait, and they breathed a sigh of relief. Three mounted -ponies came out around one end of the cabin and headed down the trail. A -few minutes more, and they were out of sight. - -“Thank goodness!” Sandy breathed thankfully, parting the screen of brush -in front of him and stepping out into the open. “I thought they’d never -go. Come on, Dick—breakfast!” - -Dick hurried after Sandy, and it was not long before they pushed open -the door of the cabin and entered. Meade was there, and at sight of -them, sprang to his feet. He came forward quickly. - -“Where in the name of Old Harry have you boys been? We missed you last -night; looked everywhere. I wondered if you hadn’t gone suddenly crazy.” - -“We didn’t want to meet Burnnel and Emery,” explained Sandy. - -“You mean those two men, who stopped here last night?” - -“Yes.” - -Meade whistled. “Why not?” - -Stammering out something, Sandy looked at Dick. His chum returned the -gaze, then stared straight into the eyes of the pleasant-faced free -trader. - -“Well, I guess it won’t do any harm to tell you. Those two men, who -stopped here last night, are in some way implicated in the Dewberry -case. Corporal Rand went out with them yesterday to the place where -Frischette was found. They were under police surveillance. Apparently, -they have escaped. Those two ponies that they were riding belong to us. -We had met Burnnel and Emery before and thought there might be trouble -if they saw us. So we left.” - -“And it was a good thing we did,” Sandy cut in. “As it was, they -followed us, shortly after their arrival here, and came upon us -unexpectedly. They took our revolvers and all the money we had. Toma -escaped. Then they came back here.” - -“And you’ve been out there in the woods all night?” Meade inquired -softly. - -“Yes, we have, Mr. Meade,” replied Dick, “and we’re mighty tired and -hungry.” - - - - - CHAPTER XVII - A POLICEMAN’S HORSE - - -Toma had never seen Corporal Rand in a rage before. The corporal’s face -was flushed with anger and his expressive blue eyes snapped. As yet the -young Indian had received no explanation of how the policeman and his -two friends had been made prisoners. He had been too busy to question -them. Besides they had been in no condition to talk. The first -intelligible word from any of them had been: - -“Water!” - -None of the three could stand. Locked in that hot stifling room, their -suffering had been terrible. For more than an hour Toma had administered -to them, chafing their limbs, bringing them water, making them more -comfortable. After that, he had been compelled to hurry back to the -kitchen to prepare a meal for them. Cared for in this fashion, their -recovery had been rapid. Soon all, except Le Sueur, were able to stand -and to limp about the room. - -It was then that Toma noticed the policeman’s anger. His lips were -pressed together tightly, his hands were clinched. The nails of his -fingers dug into his palms. - -“How it happen you get tie up in that room?” Toma asked, his sober dark -eyes gravely regarding the policeman. - -“Burnnel and Emery.” The answer came short and terse, with no attempt at -elaboration. - -“How they do that?” - -“I had them locked up here,” Rand pointed to the room, “when that woman -came.” He paused, while a slow flush of shame mounted to his bronzed -forehead. “It was she, MacGregor’s wife, who did it, Toma. Came riding -into the corral, just as I was preparing to start. I led my horse back -into the stable and went over to question her. You see,” Rand explained, -“I knew her—‘Rat’ MacGregor’s wife. Wondered why she had come here, -Toma. Surmised, of course, that she was up to some mischief. But I was -wholly unprepared for her treachery.” - -The corporal paused again and the flush deepened. - -“What she do?” inquired Toma. - -The policeman’s mouth set in a straight hard line. - -“Pulled a gun on me without warning and without provocation. I didn’t -have a chance. I knew she’d use it. Fontaine and Le Sueur came out of -the house and she got the drop on them too. Marched us back to the -road-house and forced us to release Emery and Burnnel. - -“As soon as Emery and Burnnel were released, they took charge. We were -thrown into the room, bound, gagged, and the door was locked.” - -The corporal paused again, moistening his dry lips. - -“But that isn’t all, Toma. I have still to tell you about—about -Inverness. My horse! In my position, lying on the floor, I had a view -through the window, and those fiends,” Corporal Rand choked, “brought -Inverness around and shot him before my very eyes. After that I saw them -drag him away. They came back again and I caught a glimpse of them as -they rode off: Burnnel astride Sandy’s horse, and Emery riding Dick’s, -the woman bringing up the rear on her own pony.” - -Toma’s face had grown dark with suppressed emotion. - -“Bad thing they shoot your horse, corporal.” - -The deep lines about the policeman’s mouth tightened. The pupils of his -eyes were like two steel points, hard, glittering. It was not difficult -to see what most aroused his ire. Rand could accept, without -complaining, the indignities offered to his own person. Not so, -regarding his horse. He loved the animal. Through weary, lonesome days -on patrol, it had been his only friend and companion. A strange -attachment had grown up between them. Almost any time, Rand would gladly -have sacrificed his own life to save that of the fiery little steed. - -The wilful, deliberate shooting of this horse was the cause of the -corporal’s anger. In his heart, he had sworn revenge. - -“You see, Toma,” his voice was strangely calm, “he meant a lot to -me—Inverness. I—I hated to see him go. Poor old fellow! I could see his -pleading look, when they brought him over opposite the window, and he -looked in and saw me.” - -Unbidden, a tear came into the corporal’s steely eye and trickled down -his cheek. He rose from his chair and strode to the door. - -“Why they shoot your horse like that?” Toma wanted to know. - -“To insure their escape,” the policeman answered, not turning his head. -“If I were released, it would be necessary to follow on foot.” - -He turned quickly upon Toma. - -“How did it happen,” he asked, “that you came on alone? Where are Dick -and Sandy?” - -“Burnnel and Emery get them jus’ like they get you. Almost get me, too, -but I jump away from them. I come on here because I think mebbe you go -back an’ help.” - -“You did well, Toma. Where did this happen?” - -“Near the place where keep ’em house that free trader.” - -“Meade?” - -The Indian nodded. - -“That isn’t far from here,” said Rand. “We’ll start at once.” - -In admiration, Toma drew in his breath. Well he knew the agony the -policeman must endure from his limbs, still swollen, as the result of -that terrible ordeal. Notwithstanding this, he proposed to start out as -if nothing had happened. It was nearly twenty miles back along the trail -to Meade’s Ferry. Twenty miles with legs like that! Twenty miles through -the stifling heat of that summer’s day—and over a rough trail! - -“You think you do that?” he asked, his mouth agape. - -“I can do it,” declared Rand simply. - -And not long afterward they were on the trail, the policeman walking -with a pronounced limp, yet keeping abreast of his more agile companion. -Mosquitos drove around them in clouds. The hot breath of the sun-steeped -earth rose up about them. It was tedious work, a gruelling, unpleasant -experience. - -Yet the corporal did not complain. When he spoke at all, it was to joke -or jest, to comment lightly upon some phase of their journey. And with -each passing minute, his limp grew more pronounced. He was hobbling now -upon swollen, blistered feet. - -“We better stop rest,” Toma advised him. - -“No,” said Rand, clenching his teeth, “we’ll go on. It can’t be much -farther now. Just a few miles more.” - -So they went on again, a weary, perspiring pair. Though Toma suffered no -particular physical discomfort, he endured mental torture as he watched -the policeman keep pace with him. He could have cried out with -thankfulness, when at last, through an opening in the trees, he -discerned the low, rambling structure, which served the double purpose -of store and road-house. - -A short time later they entered the building itself and were greeted by -the kindly free trader. - -“Glad to see you, corporal. The boys were expecting you.” - -“Where are they now?” - -“They’ve gone on.” - -“And Burnnel and Emery?” - -“The boys are camping on their trail.” - -Corporal Rand looked very much surprised and turned upon Toma. - -“I thought you said that the boys had been taken prisoners?” - -“Yes,” nodded Toma. - -“Well, how can that be?” - -“I can explain it all,” Meade laughed. “Dick and Sandy were taken -prisoners, all right, but were released a few minutes later. They slept -out last night in the open, returning here shortly after the three set -out—Burnnel, Emery and the squaw.” - -“How did the boys travel?” Rand asked. - -“I lent them two ponies.” - -“Got any more?” - -“Not another one, corporal. I have only the two. One is mine and the -other belongs to my son, Frederick. But where is your own horse, -corporal?” - -Thus reminded of his loss, Rand’s face became grim again. - -“They shot it. Back at Frenchie’s road-house. That’s why I’ve come on -foot.” - -“And you’re almost crippled,” said Meade, who had observed the -policeman’s limp. - -“I can manage somehow.” - -“Not until you’ve doctored up those feet,” Meade declared kindly. - -Rand flung himself down in an easy chair, motioning to Toma also to be -seated. - -“You’d better rest while you can, Toma. We’ll go on again in a few -minutes.” - -Meade had grown thoughtful. - -“I’ve an idea,” he announced at length, “that I can get two horses for -you over at Bonner’s Lake from a half-breed there. This man has a herd -of ponies he keeps for Spring and Autumn freighting. They’re feeding on -the range now and I’m sure he’ll accommodate me.” - -Meade smiled, puffing stoutly on his pipe. - -“I’ll send my son, Frederick, over there,” he resumed. “In the meantime, -you can rest here. He won’t be long.” - -The kind offer was accepted. In truth, the corporal’s limbs were so -badly swollen from the effects of the thongs and the hard trek -immediately after being released by Toma, that he doubted very much -whether he could walk more than a few miles more, anyway. - -“I won’t forget your kindness,” the policeman thanked him. “It’s very -good of you.” - -“Not at all! Not at all!” Meade hastened to assure him. “I’d do that -much for the Royal Mounted any time. I’ve heard about the case you’re -working on, corporal, and I’m anxious to have you succeed. Dewberry was -a friend of mine.” - -Rand looked up quickly. - -“That’s interesting. So few men really knew Dewberry. Queer character, -from what I’ve heard.” - -“A splendid man,” Meade declared reverently. “A generous and fine man!” - -“While your son, Frederick, is away after the horses, I wonder if you’ll -tell me what you know of him. It has been very difficult to gather any -information concerning him. It might help a lot in this case if you’d -give me a clear insight into his character. There are a number of things -I can’t explain.” - -Frederick was called and sent after the ponies. Then Meade sat down and -began telling about his friend, the mysterious Dewberry. It was a story -very similar to the one he had told Dick and Sandy. Rand listened -without once interrupting, and Toma also paid close attention until, -growing drowsy, he fell asleep in his chair. When he awoke again, Meade -was still talking, but now occasionally the policeman plied him with a -question. - -Toma yawned, rose to his feet and stalked over to a window. Looking out, -he was surprised to see the free trader’s son already returning with the -horses. - -“They come,” announced Toma. “The ponies are here.” - -Corporal Rand smiled and nodded at Toma, but—a thing the young Indian -could not understand—seemed more interested in the conversation than in -the arrival of the ponies. Nevertheless, a moment later Rand rose and -hobbled to the door. Meade followed him. They went out ahead of Toma, -and, as they did so, the policeman remarked: - -“Your talk has been a revelation. I’m beginning to see a little light.” - -Long afterward, when he and the corporal were out on the trail, Toma -studied over that statement. What did Rand mean by that? Hadn’t he -always seen the light? - -Then he shook his head and gave up in despair. For Corporal Rand, as -Toma was well aware, had never had trouble with his vision. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII - A RED BLOB - - -Burnnel, Emery and Rat MacGregor’s wife set a hard pace. They led Dick -and Sandy far afield and it was seldom that the boys ever came in sight -of them. It was plain that the prospectors intended to force their -horses to the limit in an attempt to overtake the fleeing recluse. - -The trail led south. It was a well known trail, much travelled, -especially in the Spring and Fall of the year. Then, to the boys’ -amazement, the outlaws suddenly left it, striking off southeastward -through a country infrequently visited. For a long time Dick and Sandy -could find no reasonable explanation for this, but, finally, the younger -of the two boys, brooding over the strange conduct of the outlaws, -offered an opinion. - -They were crossing a broad meadow at the time, exerting their ponies to -renewed effort. Through the thick, waving grass ahead, almost waist -high, was the faint track made by Burnnel’s party. - -“I know now,” Sandy’s voice was excited. “I’ve solved the mystery.” - -“What mystery?” - -“The reason why they went this way. It’s a shortcut, Dick. The main -trail, if you happen to remember, turns straight east about fifty miles -south of here. Burnnel and Emery figure that they can head Creel off by -coming this way.” - -“You must be right, Sandy. But I wonder if they’ve stopped to consider -that they have a river to cross. It’s a wide one, too, nearly a quarter -of a mile, I should say. Do you suppose they can swim the horses?” - -“Dangerous, but they must intend to try it. It will be interesting to -watch them. If they can make it, so can we.” - -“We ought to arrive at the river some time this afternoon. Hope they -don’t see us coming. We must be fairly close to them right now.” - -Crossing the meadow, they entered a grove of poplar, through which they -made their way more slowly, emerging, at length, to another meadow, -somewhat smaller than the one they had previously crossed. Here they -paused. On the far side, several miles away, they saw three tiny specks, -which they knew was Burnnel’s party. Not wishing to approach any closer, -they rode back to the poplars again, dismounted, staked out their horses -and prepared their midday meal. At the end of an hour, when they resumed -their journey, they knew there would be little danger of drawing within -sight of the outlaws. - -So they pushed on steadily. They left the meadow behind and entered a -woodland, which grew thicker as they advanced. The dim trail ahead -became more difficult to follow. Finally, they lost it altogether, but a -few hours later the trees thinned out and straight ahead of them, a -shining, glistening ribbon in the sun, they saw the broad expanse of the -Hay River. - -They staked out their ponies, and set out on foot to reconnoitre. For -several hundred yards they followed the course of the valley, but could -find no trace of the outlaws. However, continuing eastward, they were -rewarded by the sight of a thin column of smoke, drifting lazily up -through the trees. The outlaws had made camp a few hundred yards below -on the bank of the river. Just now they were engaged, so the boys -surmised, in the preparation of a meal. - -Dick and Sandy crept closer. Nerves taut, they wormed their way ahead. -Then Dick touched Sandy’s arm. - -“Look!” he whispered. - -Burnnel and Emery were squatting in front of the fire, indolently -smoking their pipes, while MacGregor’s wife busied herself in gathering -wood, laying out the camp utensils and in other ways making herself -generally useful. - -“Lazy brutes!” sneered Sandy. “They don’t seem to be in much of a hurry. -Do you suppose they’ll attempt to ford the river this afternoon?” - -“Yes, I think so. In spite of their indolence now, they’re anxious to -get on.” - -“No use staying here,” Sandy spoke again. “We’d better get back to our -ponies. We’ll bring them over to the top of the ridge, where I think -they’ll be safe enough. There’s little danger that those lazy beggars -will climb the slope again.” - -In returning to their horses, they chose to circle around the outlaws’ -camp, went down to the bank of the river and moved slowly along, -conscious of a cool breeze and the close proximity of the water. They -were hot and tired and the water looked inviting. Close to the bank it -was clear as liquid glass. Here and there were the shadows of whitefish -and Northern trout. At the bottom of the river was white sand. Every few -yards or so, projecting up through this white sand, were smooth, -brownish-colored rocks that were surrounded by innumerable tiny eddies. - -In the interest of the moment, the boys almost forgot the grim business -in which they were engaged. Both had an overwhelming desire to linger -here. It was a peaceful, quiet spot. Sandy turned and smiled upon his -chum. - -“That water,” he remarked, “looks cool.” - -He wiped his perspiring brow. - -“I know what you’re thinking,” laughed Dick. “You’d like to strip and -plunge in, wouldn’t you? I wish we could.” - -Sandy stopped and commenced fanning himself with his hat. - -“Why not? It will do us both good. We’d be safe enough, I’m sure. They -can’t possibly see us from here.” - -Dick was tempted. He looked down at the water. A trout flashed up from -the cold, clear stream. Only for a moment did he hesitate. - -“All right. Come on.” - -They threw off their clothes, racing with each other to see who would be -the first to dive in. Sandy won. Both boys commenced swimming about, -diving, floating, frolicking in the water to their hearts’ content. So -absorbed were they in the refreshing sport, that they became oblivious -of the passing of time. Had not Sandy chanced to glance across the -river, it is probable that they might have forgotten about their -responsibilities for at least another hour or two. - -But in that glance, the young Scotchman had seen something that quickly -brought him back to the world of realities. He sprang ashore, calling to -Dick excitedly. - -“Look, Dick! What do you make of that?” One glistening wet arm was flung -out in front of him. - -On the opposite side, a few rods up from the water, Dick saw a blob of -red—something that looked very much like a large strip of flannel, -caught against the darker background of green. - -“A red cloth,” answered Dick, only slightly interested. “Wonder who left -it there?” - -“It moves! It moves!” - -In spite of the nearness of Burnnel’s party, Sandy almost shouted out -the words. - -Both boys stared, as if under some queer mesmeric spell. They watched -the red blob move along the line of brush and disappear with magic -abruptness. It came back again, however, in a very few minutes—only in a -different place. Again it remained perfectly stationary, then fluttered -behind a rock. In its second re-appearance, it moved toward the brink of -the river and, suddenly, instead of being merely a red blob, -mysteriously it formed itself into the unmistakable outline of a human -figure. - -“Some one in a red mackinaw,” declared Sandy, laughing. - -“In a police tunic, you mean,” Dick corrected him, commencing to hurry -into his clothes. - -“What! A mounted policeman?” - -“Exactly that. Why, you can see his broad-rimmed hat and heavy -top-boots.” - - - - - CHAPTER XIX - ACROSS HAY RIVER - - -“I’d like to go over there,” said Dick, “but if we do, Burnnel and Emery -will be sure to see us. We don’t want that to happen. Our best plan is -to wait until after we ford the river. Then, if he hasn’t already left -the vicinity, we’ll find out who he is.” - -“I know one thing,” Sandy declared confidently, “and that is he’s not -from the Mackenzie River detachment.” - -“I’m not so sure. It may be our old friend, Sergeant Richardson.” - -“But that territory, over there across the Hay, is patrolled by men from -the Peace River Detachment,” Sandy objected. - -Dick rose quickly to his feet, hugging himself in sheer ecstasy. - -“I have it! I have it!” he cried. “You’re right! He’s from the Peace -River Detachment. They received my wire. I’m willing to bet on it. It’s -someone after Creel.” - -For a time Sandy caught the infection of the other’s enthusiasm but, -after mature deliberation, he became more serious again. - -“No; you’re wrong. The police haven’t had time to come up from Peace -River Crossing since you wired them.” - -“This man might have been on patrol somewhere between here and the -Crossing. They probably got in touch with him; wired back, I mean. Sent -him out on Creel’s trail.” - -“A possibility, of course. I wonder if we couldn’t signal to him?” - -The suggestion interested Dick for a time. Then caution warned him that -it was not a very good plan after all. It might lead to complications. - -“No, we’d better let things remain as they are. Whatever we do, we -mustn’t let Emery and Burnnel know that we are here.” - -“Very well, then,” Sandy agreed, “we’ll go back to our ponies. It -shouldn’t be long now before the outlaws commence to ford the river.” - -Cheered and invigorated, they made their way up the slope, and not long -afterward came to the place where they had picketed the ponies. Saddling -and bridling their rugged little mounts, they rode slowly along the -ridge to a point above the outlaws’ camp. Again they tethered out their -horses and sat down to wait. It was more than an hour later before the -outlaws attempted to cross. The sound of splashing came up from below, -punctuated now and again by sharp voices of the two men. - -The boys bounded to their feet and scrambled down the steep embankment. -Arriving at the abandoned camp, they observed that Burnnel’s party were -already more than a quarter of the distance across the stream. The -ponies were swimming bravely, while the two prospectors and “Rat” -MacGregor’s wife could be seen in the water beside them, clinging to the -pommels of the saddles. It was an exciting ordeal and the boys watched -the progress of the party breathlessly. Soon they had reached the center -of the river, fighting valiantly. Now they were being carried along by -the swift central current. Gradually, however, they neared the opposite -shore. They made their landing safely, a few minutes later, nearly a -mile downstream. They clambered up the slippery bank, shook then like -rats, and soon afterward disappeared from view. - -The boys waited for nearly an hour, before they made any effort to -follow. Then, leading their horses down, they, too, plunged into the icy -stream. Exultant and happy, ten minutes later they waded ashore and -paused to dry their dripping garments in the hot sun, near the edge of -the river. - -“Now,” grinned Dick, “we’ll look for that policeman.” - -They mounted their horses and proceeded on their way. But, although they -kept the river within view, they could find no trace of the red-coated -figure they had seen only two hours before. He had vanished -mysteriously. Fearing that they had proceeded too far down along the -course of the stream, they turned back, mounting the slope. Twilight had -fallen. The boys were baffled and discouraged. When they made camp for -the night, neither had much to say. After supper they sat gloomily, -looking out across the valley. - -“I’m afraid we’ve lost out all around,” complained Dick. “We may have -some difficulty in finding Burnnel’s party now. I wish we had left the -policeman to his own devices and had gone on after them.” - -Sandy struck irritably at the mosquitos swarming about him. - -“Think I’ll start a smudge,” he growled. - -Dick rose to his feet. - -“While you kindle the fire, I’ll go along the slope and get an arm-load -of moss.” - -Suiting the action to the word, he started away, walking leisurely. He -had gone less than fifty yards, when he drew back, startled. Unless his -eyes had deceived him, he had seen something—a movement in the brush. -Trembling, he took up a position in the deep shadows, close to a willow -copse, straining his eyes through the obscurity. - -“Might be a deer,” he thought. - -He had really not expected to see a man. Yet a man it was. Creel! Dick -blinked. The old recluse stood limned in the darkening twilight, -scarcely twenty feet away. His attitude was that of a hunted beast. His -long hair fell over his eyes in straggly disorder, giving him the -appearance of a madman. His long beard fluttered lightly in the breeze. - -Dick’s heart leaped. Creel was coming straight toward him. Cold sweat -beaded Dick’s brow. He was shaking as if from the ague. Nearer and -nearer came Creel. Only a few feet away now—almost upon him! - -Then, suddenly, for no apparent reason, the recluse paused. Dick could -hear his labored breathing. Some intuitive sense had warned the man of -impending danger. For a full minute he remained perfectly still, his -gaze darting from right to left. He took one step forward cautiously. A -second step. Again he paused. He was so close now, that Dick could -almost reach out his hand and touch him. The young man’s mind was -awhirl, dizzy with conflicting impulses. His quarry within his grasp, -and yet he hesitated. Why, he did not know. - -The recluse took one more step and in that instant caught sight of the -crouching form. He attempted to turn, one hand struggling at his belt. -Dick lunged forward, catching Creel around the knees, bearing him down. -The struggle was short but spirited. - -“No use,” panted Dick, “I’ve got you!” - -Creel’s struggles subsided. - -“What do you want with me?” choked the captive, as Dick pinioned his -arms. - -“The police are looking for you, Creel,” the other breathed in his ear. -“The game’s up. You’ll have to come along with me.” - -Securing the other’s revolver, Dick rose to his feet. - -“Come on now,” he ordered, “Get up!” - -He drove Creel ahead of him to the place where he and Sandy had made -camp. In the dim light, Sandy saw the approaching shadows, but as yet -was unaware of the presence of a third person. - -“Did you bring the moss?” he inquired petulantly. “What kept you so -long?” - -“Sandy,” Dick’s voice quavered, “come here!” The young Scotchman put -down the branch, which he had been breaking into short lengths, and -strode forward. His astonishment was unbounded. - -“Creel!” he exclaimed. “Where did you find him, Dick?” - -“Out there,” Dick pointed. Then, turning upon the old recluse: “Hand -over the contents of that poke,” he ordered, pressing his revolver close -to the man’s chest. - -Creel backed away. - -“I haven’t it,” he whined. “It’s gone—gone! Release me, I tell you. I -haven’t it.” - -“You had it,” said Dick. “What did you do with it?” - -“They took it,” answered Creel, his voice rising almost to a scream. - -“Who?” - -“Burnnel and Emery. That woman.” - -“Where did you meet them?” - -“Back there,” the recluse waved one arm. “I came on them unexpectedly.” -He shook in his agitation. “Wasn’t even thinking about them. I—I— The -policeman— He was following me. Ever since last night.” - -The story seemed plausible, yet in order to make sure that their captive -spoke the truth, they searched his pockets, which proved to be almost as -bare as their own. - -“Did they take your money too?” Dick demanded. - -“Yes.” - -“Where are they camped now?” - -“About a mile from here. They turned me loose less than an hour ago.” - -“Creel,” said Sandy, “there’s one thing I wish you’d explain. What are -you doing here so far from the trail?” - -“Trying to get away from that policeman,” came the answer. “I was on my -way south to Peace River Crossing, when I met him on the trail. He had -me cornered. He was sitting there on his horse, waiting for me. I could -see that. But I gave him the slip. I dropped off my horse and ducked -into the thick timber on the left side of the trail. I ran. I was sure -that I could get away from him. I knew that no horse could follow me -there. But he kept on my trail, and several times that night and today, -I caught sight of him following me.” - -Sandy’s voice broke the next interval of silence. “What’s to be done -now?” - -“I’m going over to the outlaws’ camp,” declared Dick with grim decision. - -“But what will we do with Creel?” - -“You can stay here and watch him.” - -Sandy caught his breath. - -“Do you mean to say you’d tackle ’em all alone, Dick? A terrible risk! -They’d be sure to get you.” - -“No, they’ll be too surprised to do anything. They won’t expect me.” - -Sandy put one trembling hand to his face. - -“I—I hate to think of it. You’d be all right if only Toma were with you. -But alone—” - -He paused, choking. - -“I’ll set out right away,” said Dick, “and you needn’t worry, Sandy. -I’ll promise to be careful. I won’t take any more chances than -necessary. Perhaps I’ll find them asleep.” - -He turned to go. Sandy sprang after him, seizing his arm. - -“If anything happens to you, Dick, I’ll—I’ll feel that it’s all my -fault. But don’t forget that I’m with you. If—if they should happen to -take you prisoner, I’ll manage your release somehow.” - -“I know you will, Sandy,”—in a smothered voice. - -“Good-bye, Dick.” - -“Good-bye.” - -Dick stumbled forward through the shadows, his heart beating wildly. A -mile to Burnnel’s camp. Not far! He’d move cautiously. He mustn’t fail -now. Victory was in their hands. - -The shadows were very dark along the ridge, and far below came the -murmur of the river. From its darkened perch, an owl hooted dismally. - - - - - CHAPTER XX - A THRILLING EXPERIENCE - - -Though only a short distance away, Burnnel’s camp proved to be hard to -find. It was darker than usual that night, owing to the fact that the -sky was overcast. It is doubtful if Dick would have discovered the camp -at all, had he not, after nearly an hour of beating futilely about in -the underbrush, been attracted by the dull red glow of a dying campfire. - -Stealing upon his enemies with a quaking heart, he had soon advanced -within the circle of light made by the glowing red embers. Near the fire -were stretched the forms of the two prospectors, while thirty or forty -feet away lay the woman. - -The camp slumbered. Conditions could not have been more favorable for -Dick’s project. It would be easy to walk over, gun in hand, and awaken -the sleepers. Neither of them would have the least opportunity to offer -resistance. - -“It’s dead easy,” Dick argued with himself. “I can’t fail. It’s all as -easy as A, B, C.” - -Yet he hesitated. He had planned his approach and knew exactly what he -was going to do and say. But, somehow, it was easier to think about it -than to act. Once or twice he started determinedly forward, but as -quickly checked himself. - -“I don’t know what’s the matter with me,” he breathed. “Any minute they -may awake, and yet I’m standing here.” - -He was nervous and shaky; his cheeks and hands were deathly cold. His -right hand gripped his revolver so tightly that the bones in his fingers -ached. A stricture in his throat made breathing difficult. For the -second time, he took a step forward. The fire was slowly dying out. Its -subdued glow was less bright than when he had arrived. If he didn’t act -promptly he’d be forced to accomplish his purpose in the darkness and -run the risk of failure. - -He was less than twenty paces from the sleeping forms. Moving very -slowly, it would take less than two minutes to reach the sleeping men. -He realized that to hurry over might be fatal to his plans. The faintest -sound might betray him. He mustn’t snap a single dry twig or brush too -hurriedly through the tall grass. He couldn’t afford to fail now. - -He negotiated the distance without mishap. Heart in his throat, he stood -with his back toward the fire. Immediately in front of him lay the two -unsuspecting outlaws. Burnnel snored peacefully, while Emery, lying on -his right side, one arm flung out, might have been dead, for all the -sound he made resting quietly there. - -Dick, preparing to shout out to awaken them, checked himself in time. A -cold sweat broke out upon his body. An obstacle had presented itself. -When he aroused Burnnel and Emery, he would awaken the woman too, and he -was too far away from MacGregor’s wife to prevent her escape. Or, what -would be more disconcerting or fatal still, she might suddenly determine -to come to the outlaws’ rescue. No doubt she was armed. Dick’s heart -beat wildly against his ribs and a lump rose in his throat, choking him. -What was he going to do? - -He considered waking the woman first, being as quiet as possible, then -coming back for the two prospectors. But he dismissed this idea almost -as quickly as it had come. Better, far better to start with the outlaws. -He dismissed his original plan of shouting out. That would never do. No; -he would prod them quietly with his foot until they woke up. - -A distance of several feet separated the two sleepers. He stepped -between them. Burnnel lay flat on his back. Dick stooped over and jerked -the big prospector’s gun from its holster, expecting of course, that the -man would awake. To his surprise Burnnel slept on. So he turned his -attention to Emery. - -Dick now had a gun in either hand. It gave him more confidence. Emery -stirred, as he prodded him with his foot. He continued until the wiry -little man sat up, rubbing his eyes. - -“A word out of you,” said Dick softly, “and I’ll blow your brains out. -Hand over your gun, butt forward.” - -Emery obeyed. Dick thrust the revolver in his own holster, an awkward -proceeding because he was compelled to keep his opponent covered. - -“Now,” said Dick, “wake up Burnnel and do it quietly. Get busy!” - -Emery, who evidently was thoroughly frightened, rolled over and shook -his partner. The big fellow half-awoke, perceived who was shaking him, -thrust out one huge arm petulantly and pushed the little man back with -considerable violence. - -“Shoot me or not,” snarled Emery, “yuh kin wake him yourself.” - -“Wake him up!” Dick’s voice carried a menace. - -This time Emery succeeded. But the big man was noisy and profane, even -after his sleep-stained eyes had caught the glint of Dick’s weapon. - -“Keep quiet!” ordered Dick, almost beside himself with fear. “Keep -quiet! If you don’t I’ll drill you through and through. Give me the -contents of that poke!” - -The campfire glowed an angry red. In its ghostly light the two -prospectors turned out their pockets, defiantly. Dick recovered his own -money, watch and the huge roll of bills, belonging to Creel, Toma’s -jack-knife, Sandy’s pocket-compass, and two keys on a ring. The articles -were so many and varied that he soon perceived that he would not have -room for them about his person. So he compelled Emery to tie them up in -a bundle, flung over his own coat for the purpose. But where was the -treasure? Nonplussed, Dick stared from one to the other. - -“Where’s the contents of Dewberry’s poke?” Emery gave Dick a look of -unutterable surprise—and almost choked. Burnnel laughed scornfully. - -“We ain’t got it.” - -“What have you done with it?” - -“Ain’t never had it,” said Emery, choking with laughter. - -“You lie!” exclaimed Dick hotly. “Creel told me that you took it away -from him.” - -“No, you’re wrong, pardner. If Creel told yuh that, he was spoofin’ yuh. -We ain’t never even seen him.” - -“If that’s true,” said Dick, white to the lips, “how did you manage to -get Creel’s roll?” - -Neither of the outlaws attempted to reply. Emery hung his head guiltily. -Burnnel’s face was averted. Further questioning proved futile. Both men -persisted that they had taken nothing from Creel except his money. -Angrily, Dick drove them ahead of him to where the woman lay, still -sleeping, and aroused her. Then, forcing the three to saddle and lead -their ponies, they made their way back to Dick and Sandy’s camp. - -On his way back, Dick felt that he had been robbed of a complete -victory. His achievement in capturing the outlaws single-handed was -darkened by the knowledge that in some unaccountable way Burnnel and -Emery had contrived to hide Dewberry’s much-sought treasure. He decided -that when morning came he would make a more careful search. It was -possible that he had overlooked its hiding place. It occurred to him -that it might be in one of the saddle-packs, or sewed up in the outlaws’ -garments. At any rate, he would leave no stone unturned until he had -fully satisfied himself that Creel had lied to him. - -Sandy’s joy and astonishment over the safe and successful return of his -chum were unbounded. He clapped Dick on the back, shouting out his -approval. - -“If we’re only careful now,” he cried, “we’ll soon reach the end of our -adventures. We’ve won. Won’t Corporal Rand and Toma be pleased when we -return with all these prisoners.” - -For the remainder of that night neither of the two boys slept. They took -turn in replenishing the fire and guarding the prisoners. Dick had -become more cheerful and was confident that when morning came they would -find the mysterious treasure, which had been responsible for so much -trouble and tragedy and waste of human life. - -Yet, when morning came, they were destined to be disappointed again. -They found nothing. Burnnel and Emery watching them, sneered openly. -Creel seemed perplexed. Noticing his expression, Sandy questioned him. - -“Why did you lie to us about the contents of that poke?” - -“I didn’t lie to you,” Creel retorted. “They’ve done something with it, -you may depend upon that.” - -“Don’t bother, Sandy,” Dick exclaimed in exasperation, “you’re just -wasting time. We might as well start back. Corporal Rand will know what -to do.” - -So, a few minutes later, they set out on their return journey. They were -forced to travel more slowly than they had come, owing to the fact that, -on the previous day, while attempting to evade the police, Creel had -abandoned his horse. The boys forced the outlaws to take turn and turn -about walking. - -On the evening of the first day they were treated to a pleasant -surprise. Sitting around the campfire, enjoying their evening meal, the -party was suddenly made aware of the presence of a stranger. He had come -up silently and unnoticed. Presently he stood before them, a trim, natty -figure, the bright crimson of his police tunic contrasting sharply with -the deep green around him. The policeman smiled at their quick start. - -“I’m Constable Wyatt, of the Peace River Detachment,” he announced. - -The boys sprang to their feet and hurried forward to greet the -constable. - -“I’m Dick Kent and this is Sandy MacClaren,” Dick explained to him. “We -have been helping Corporal Rand, who has been working on the Dewberry -case.” - -The policeman smiled. - -“Well, you’ve been more lucky or clever than I have. From all -appearances, you’ve made a coup. I see you have Creel, the man they -wired about.” - -“I sent the telegram for Corporal Rand,” said Dick a trifle proudly. - -“I almost had my hands on him on several different occasions. Perhaps I -would have taken him eventually if you hadn’t. Who are these others?” - -“Burnnel and Emery, two prospectors, and she,” Dick pointed, “is ‘Rat’ -MacGregor’s wife. All of them are mixed up in the case, constable. We -had reason to believe that Creel had Dewberry’s treasure. Creel claims -that Burnnel and Emery took it away from him. Whether or not this is -true, we have been unable to determine. We can’t find it.” - -And in a few words Dick related their experience of the previous night. - -“You say you’ve made a very careful search?” asked Wyatt. - -“Yes.” - -“The only thing that I can think of,” hazarded the police constable, “is -that Burnnel and Emery hid the treasure somewhere near their camp before -they retired for the night.” - -“That’s possible,” said Dick. “It didn’t occur to me. Of course, they -wouldn’t tell us if they had.” - -“Naturally not,” Wyatt smiled grimly. - -On the following morning they reached the trail and the first habitation -they had seen for many, many miles. Here they were able to procure -another horse, and thereafter they moved forward more quickly. The next -day, threading their way along through the cool forest spaces, a turn in -the trail revealed two approaching horsemen. Dick and Sandy rose in -their stirrups and waved their hats wildly. - -The two horsemen were Corporal Rand and Toma. - - - - - CHAPTER XXI - THE KEY TO THE MYSTERY - - -Two days later, on its way north to the Mackenzie River barracks, the -party stopped for the night at Meade’s Ferry. After supper Toma, Sandy -and Frederick Meade went over to the river for an evening’s fishing. The -two policemen and Dick remained behind. Sitting in the large -trading-room, they conversed quietly. - -“There’s only one thing that I regret,” said Corporal Rand, “and that is -that we have been unable to recover Dewberry’s treasure.” - -“What is this treasure?” Wyatt asked, then turned his head as someone -came to the doorway. “You—Mr. Meade. Step right in. You don’t need to -hesitate. This isn’t a private conference.” As soon as the free-trader -had taken a seat beside him, Wyatt repeated his question: - -“What is this treasure?” - -“We don’t know,” replied Rand. “However, it is an established fact that -on the night he was murdered Dewberry had a roll of bills in his pocket -and a small poke, suspended from a cord tied around his neck.” - -Rand paused, reached in his pocket and brought to light a diminutive -moosehide pouch or leather sack, which he passed over to his fellow -policeman. - -“There it is. That’s the poke. You see how small it is. Nevertheless, at -one time it contained something of great value. MacGregor risked his -life to get it. Frischette or Creel—as I now have reason to -believe—surprised MacGregor in the very act of committing his crime, and -took it forcibly from him. Since that night the poke has had an -interesting history. Creel kept it in his cabin, but one night he was -visited by Emery and Burnnel, who secured possession of it. A few -minutes later Dick, Toma and Sandy took it away from them. But in the -end Frischette got it and escaped. The next day his body was found by -Burnnel and Emery, who reported the news to me.” - -“They murdered him.” - -“No, it was suicide. I’m almost sure of that. You see, I found a note in -the inner pocket of Frischette’s coat. This note was in Frischette’s -hand-writing and mentions that he is about to take his own life.” - -“Burnnel and Emery might have forced him to write that note. It might be -a case of murder after all.” - -“I’ve considered that too, Wyatt, but—well, to be frank, I have a -theory. My theory is that although this is the poke originally carried -by Dewberry, its contents were tampered with and a substitution made by -Creel at his cabin before Burnnel and Emery came. To make my theory more -clear to you, I’d like to say that I believe that this poke had been -filled with something of no value whatsoever. A clever deception on -Creel’s part. Not only did it fool Emery and Burnnel, but it fooled -Frischette himself. When Frischette opened the poke, you can imagine his -rage and disappointment. The treasure was not there. He was a coward at -heart and dared not return. Hopeless and despondent, he shot himself.” - -Corporal Rand paused to light his pipe. - -“My theory is strengthened by Creel’s subsequent actions,” the corporal -continued. “While I was out on the trail investigating the cause of -Frischette’s death, he took the opportunity to slip away unnoticed. The -assumption was that he had started out for Edmonton, or some other -point, with Dewberry’s treasure. Burnnel, Emery and ‘Rat’ MacGregor’s -wife evidently came to the same conclusion for, after locking me up at -Frischette’s road-house,” the corporal flushed at the memory, “they set -out to follow Creel. If they didn’t suspect him of having the treasure, -why did they follow him? How are you going to answer that question?” - -“Your theory must be correct,” said Wyatt. - -“It must be,” Meade agreed. - -“It isn’t my theory particularly. Young Sandy MacClaren came to the same -conclusion. You have the facts. I needn’t go further into detail. You -know what happened over there by the river.” - -“They cached the treasure somewhere,” declared Wyatt. - -Corporal Rand nodded. - -“It seems to be the only solution.” - -Conversation wandered to other things, and Dick soon lost interest. He -yawned, rose from his chair and went outside. It was a lovely evening, -cool and exhilarating. There came to his ears the drowsy sound of the -forest. Birds peeped, preparing to nestle down for the night. The pine -trees droned their incessant chant. Here and there, rabbits scampered -into the open, their curious little muzzles twitching inquisitively. - -Dick yawned again and stretched his arms above his head. It was about -time the boys were coming back. He wondered if their fishing expedition -had been successful. Bored with the inactivity, he decided to stroll -down toward the river to meet them. - -He was twenty yards from the cabin when a voice called him back—the -voice of Corporal Rand. Quickly he retraced his steps. - -“Sorry to trouble you, Dick,” Corporal Rand met him at the door, “but -Wyatt and I would like to see that bundle of stuff you secured that -night from Burnnel and Emery. Where is it?” - -“In my bunk,” Dick answered, “rolled up in my coat. I’ll get it for -you.” - -A moment later he secured the bundle, carried it to the table and opened -it. Wyatt, Rand and Meade gathered in a little circle around him. He -took up the objects, one by one, very much after the manner of a person -taking inventory. - -“This is Creel’s roll of money. This is mine. These bills and coins -belong to the outlaws. This is my jack-knife and here is Sandy’s -compass. This is my watch and this is Emery’s revolver.” - -There remained a pocket-comb and mirror, a pipe—its bowl somewhat -battered—two hunting knives and the ring with the two keys. As Dick -picked up the last named object, Meade gave vent to a startled cry and -jumped forward. - -“Let’s see it! Let’s see it! Give it to me!” - -Dick handed it over. - -“Keys,” said Rand. “Who owns them?” - -“I think they belong to one of the outlaws,” answered Dick. - -“Outlaws!” shrieked Meade, his face distorted. “I should say not! -They’re Dewberry’s keys. I’d know them anywhere.” - -A hush came over the room. An old-fashioned clock ticked loudly. -Presently Meade’s feet shuffled away from the table and he went over and -sat down. His head dropped in his hands. For several minutes he sat -there in deep abstraction. He was thinking deeply. Then, with unexpected -suddenness, he bounded to his feet. - -“I’ve solved your mystery!” he shouted. - -The three other occupants of the room surrounded him in a body. - -“Tell us,” cried Rand. - -The free-trader waved them to their chairs. - -“Sit down,” he commanded, “and I’ll tell you all about it. But I must -begin at the beginning, so that it will all be clear to you.” - -“Yes, yes,” breathed Rand. - -“Dewberry was my friend. I was his guest one time at Peace River -Crossing. You know where his place is?” He turned to Wyatt. - -“A little cottage on a hill. Overlooks the Hart River,” answered the -policeman. - -“Have you ever been inside of it?” - -“No.” - -“Were you acquainted with Dewberry?” - -“I knew him slightly,” said Wyatt. “But I’ve seen him often enough. An -unusual character.” - -“Exactly. He _was_ queer—queer in many ways. He loved books—scores of -them in his book-cases. A violinist and pianist too! But the most -peculiar thing of all about him was his aversion to human companionship. -He had no real friends. He was shy and reserved. Kept to himself. For -months at a time, he would be away somewhere in the foothills -prospecting. Then he’d return again to Peace River Crossing and become -absorbed in his books; or else he’d go out to Edmonton.” - -Meade paused to light his pipe. He puffed reflectively. It was several -moments before he resumed: - -“The minute I laid my eyes on that key-ring with its two keys, I knew -it. I’d seen it many times before.” - -As he spoke, Meade exhibited the ring and selected the larger of the two -keys. - -“This,” he informed them, “is the key to the front door of Dewberry’s -cottage.” - -“And the second?” Rand interrupted, unable to check his curiosity. - -“This key, gentlemen,” Meade held it up and announced dramatically, “is, -I think, the key to your mystery, the cause of all your trouble. It was -the thing that MacGregor wanted when he murdered its owner, that -Frischette died for, that Creel, Emery, Burnnel and the squaw fought -over. In other words, unless I am very badly mistaken—and I don’t think -I am—this key unlocks a large iron chest that stands in the front room -of Dewberry’s cottage.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXII - DEWBERRY’S TREASURE - - -Peace River Crossing is a growing, bustling town that nestles in the -broad, deep valley of one of the North Country’s largest rivers. Until a -few years ago, it was a trading post merely, the stamping ground and -meeting place of trappers, prospectors and adventurers, who, from -various points along the river, and from the wilderness to the east and -west, came here to transact their business or find companionship and -entertainment. - -At the time of this story, the Edmonton, Dunvegan & British Columbia -Railway only recently had been built. Just a few months before his -death, Dewberry had seen the miracle of two lines of steel, supported by -a marvelous system of trestlework, creep slowly into the village. - -Soon after that Dewberry decided that he would go north. Turning his -back upon his cherished books, he went out, locking the door after him -for the last time. The cabin looked very lonely in his absence. Perched -on a hill, overlooking the Hart River, it stood day after day, a sort of -bleak landmark among the other houses in the village. When the sun was -bright, and happened to be shining from the right direction, the two -front windows blinked and glistened like two large human eyes. Indian -and half-breed children, playing in the level fields below, would look -up at them in fear. They were afraid of the house. They were afraid of -the man who lived there. Nothing whatsoever could have induced them to -climb the rocky path and enter the yard, which just now was overgrown -with tall weeds and grass. - -This fear on the children’s part was shared to some extent by their -parents. They shunned the cabin. In all the time Dewberry was away on -this last trip, probably not more than three persons passed by the -house, and then only because it was necessary to do so. Not until late -in midsummer, did anyone actually cross the yard and deliberately walk -up to the door with the intention of entering. - -That person was Constable Wyatt, of the Peace River Detachment of the -Royal North West Mounted Police. He was not alone. Another policeman and -three boys accompanied him. The constable strode forward, erect and -graceful, jingling a keyring. He selected one key and fitted it into the -lock. Then he turned, before proceeding further, and smiled at his -companions. - -“The right one. It will work, I think.” - -“Open the door,” instructed the other policeman, who stood close behind -him, and appeared to be either eager or impatient. - -The key grated in the lock and the door creaked, as Wyatt turned the -knob and pressed his weight against it. Five pairs of eyes stared into -the room. One of the boys—the youngest of the three—drew in his breath -sharply. - -“Great Scott! Books! Look at ’em—just look at ’em, Dick! A thousand or -more!” - -“A piano too,” said Dick. “But where’s the chest?” - -The small party crowded into the room. A heavy odor assailed their -nostrils. The place was stuffy and close. The blinds, which hung over -the closed windows, shut out most of the light. Not until these blinds -were raised and a window or two flung up, did any of the party do more -than to give the room a curious inspection. - -“According to Meade,” Rand spoke calmly, “the chest ought to be -somewhere in this room.” - -No chest was visible. Eyes darted here and there, questioningly. Wyatt, -Sandy and Dick hurried into the adjoining room to continue the search -there. Corporal Rand sat down, while Toma still remained in almost the -identical position he had taken up when he had first entered the house. - -At one side of the room a heavy fur overcoat lay in a wrinkled heap upon -the floor. Four feet above it, a long wooden peg projected from the -scored surface of a log. The inference was that the coat had slipped off -the peg at some time or other and that Dewberry, either through -oversight or neglect, had failed to hang it back in its accustomed -place. - -For a short space the young Indian gazed at the garment and then at the -peg. His eyes lit perceptibly. Something told him that the overcoat had -not fallen to the floor from that sturdy peg, and, besides, there was a -suspicious bulge—something underneath. With an amused chuckle, he darted -forward and lifted up the coat. The chuckle died in his throat. He -stepped back. - -The chest was there! - -Corporal Rand’s sharp exclamation drew the others quickly. They were -crowded around him and Toma, looking down with bated breath at an iron -box, covered with fantastic scrolls and figures, embellished and -ornamented with metal rosettes and a fret-work of bronze. Neither Dick -nor Sandy had ever seen anything quite like it. It was not an ordinary -chest. It looked old—hundreds of years old—yet it was neither battered -nor broken, nor in any way scarred or defaced. Beautiful though it was, -its beauty produced a strange effect upon them. A malevolent influence -seemed to emanate there. - -Two feet high, three feet in length, approximately twenty in breadth—the -iron box stood there and seemed to defy them. Its workmanship was -superb. Dick guessed that it was of foreign origin, probably Oriental. -He shivered a little as Wyatt gave the key-ring to Corporal Rand and -motioned to him to stoop down and open the chest. - -Rand’s fingers fumbled with the ring. A hollow scraping sound followed -the insertion of the key, and, having turned it, the cover—fitted with a -hidden, powerful spring—sprang open so quickly that its outer edge -caught the policeman on the point of the chin and threw him back amongst -his astonished companions. - -Dazed, the corporal scrambled back to a position on his knees and stared -in bewilderment at the chest. There was not a great deal to see. Within, -the chest was fitted with a thin metal lid, which completely hid -everything below. On the inside of the cover, however, was pasted a -heavy label, upon which was the following writing: - -“TREASURE CHEST.—Exhumed in September 1843 from the ruins of an ancient -temple discovered by Sir George Pettibone, English explorer, near -Kaifeng, in the province of Honan, China. Believed to date back to the -Mongol or Ming Dynasty, (A. D. 1260-1368), (A. D. 1368-1644).” - -“Wonderful!” exclaimed Dick, when Corporal Rand had finished reading. - -“It is wonderful,” breathed Wyatt. “It would be interesting to know how -it came into Dewberry’s possession.” - -Sandy was impatient. He had pushed closer to Corporal Rand and was -looking down at the chest over the policeman’s shoulder. - -“I can hardly wait until you remove that lid,” he broke forth. “Why -don’t you lift it up, corporal?” - -Gingerly, Rand placed a thumb and finger in two round holes in the lid -and tugged gently. Slowly, an inch or two at a time, it came up, -revealing an interior space taken up by six square trays of -sandalwood—any one of which contained a fortune. - -Gold! Treasure! The boys caught their breath. There came a concerted -rush around the box. Exclamations of amazement. Not only gold here—but -precious stones. Diamonds! Sapphires! Blood-red rubies! Platinum in -rings and bars. Gold dust! Curios! Priceless antiques! Nuggets! - -Sandy and Dick were shouting and exclaiming like maniacs. Wyatt and -Corporal Rand were talking in excited tones. Toma, less interested than -any of them, after a curious, puzzled glance into the interior of the -chest, backed away, grunting out something under his breath. - -It was Sandy, who presently discovered that the trays were removable, -that underneath them was a shallow compartment, three or four inches in -depth, completely filled with letters and papers and documents of -various kinds. - -“Here!” he shouted, holding it up. “A book! Must be very valuable or -Dewberry wouldn’t keep it in here.” - -He passed it on to Corporal Rand, then turned again and, with Dick’s -assistance, began replacing the trays. The contents of these were, to -the boys, of far more importance and interest than anything else -confined within that ancient, mysterious receptacle. Again they fell to -examining the treasure. - -They were so absorbed in this delightful pastime, that they were wholly -unaware of what was taking place in the room behind them. The two -policemen had drawn up chairs and were sitting opposite each other, -their faces alight. Wyatt, who leaned forward eagerly, was listening to -Rand. Rand flipped the pages and read out of the book: - -“November 20, 1908.—This is my second trip out to Edmonton this year. -Today I met Professor B—, of the University of Alberta, who promised to -secure for me a first edition of Thackeray’s _Vanity Fair_. Will send to -Vincent’s at Montreal. Ought to have it here next time I come down. -Professor B— is generous and kindly. Knowing of my interest in antiques, -he sent me, with a letter of introduction to a Mr. Lipton, a private -collector, who occupies a suite of rooms at the King Edward. I enjoyed -this visit and induced Mr. Lipton to part with a very valuable cameo.” - -“Interesting,” remarked Wyatt. “Go on!” - -Corporal Rand flipped several pages and resumed: - -“May 6, 1909.—Spent the better part of this week around the head-waters -of the Finley. Gruelling work, but I love it. The mosquitos are savage, -persistent little brutes, and only the fine mesh of my new net, with the -addition of a pair of gloves, saves me from being sucked dry. I’ll need -what blood and energy I have to complete my work here. Have been looking -for the famous Crystal Lode, which old Dave Crystal found somewhere near -here in 1890 and subsequently sold, ‘unsight, unseen,’ to Ben and Gordan -Wilson, who have never been heard from since.” - -A slight pause while Rand cleared his throat and turned more of the -pages. - -“December 2, 1911.—I’m happy tonight. This afternoon Lipton agreed to -sell me that wonderful Chinese chest. I paid him two thousand dollars -for it without once blinking an eye. At that, I’m lucky to get it. -Lipton wouldn’t have parted with it for twice that sum eight months ago. -I’m afraid he’s been buying so much real estate that he’s short of cash. -Whatever his motive, I’m exceedingly grateful to him.” - -Wyatt slid forward in his chair. - -“Yes! Yes!” he exclaimed excitedly. “Read on.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII - LEAVES FROM AN OLD DIARY - - -Dick and Sandy turned from their inspection of the treasure. - -“What’s that you’ve been reading?” Sandy demanded. - -“Dewberry’s diary.” - -“Is that the book I handed you a few moments ago?” - -“Yes,” the answer came from Corporal Rand. “I believe it will prove of -invaluable assistance to us in this case.” - -The corporal still held the book in his lap, and seemed loath to -discontinue its perusal. The excerpts he had read aloud to Wyatt had -still further excited his curiosity, a curiosity which was shared by the -other policeman. The man from the Peace River Detachment consulted his -watch. - -“It’s only three o’clock, Rand,” he pointed out. “We still have plenty -of time at our disposal. I’d enjoy hearing more from that book. Why not -continue, corporal?” - -Rand turned the pages at random, his keen blue eyes glancing over the -contents. In a clear, musical voice he continued: - -“November 12, 1912.—Why is it that my chest from Honan continues to -fascinate me? Sitting here at home this evening, my thoughts dwelt upon -it. Twice I opened it and removed the trays, one by one, with the rapt -interest of a child; removed them and placed them on the floor beside -me. How indescribably bare it looks. I’m sure it wasn’t like that during -the Ming dynasty. - -“November 17, 1912.—Today I finished reading Marco Polo’s wonderful -narrative. Very naturally, it turned my thoughts to the chest. I’m -obsessed with a whimsical fancy. My chest, I am quite sure, was at one -time the depository for the jewels and wealth of the great Ming himself. -I visualize all those mysterious compartments overflowing with the -treasure from seven seas. This one contained diamonds; this one rubies; -this one sapphires and emeralds. In the remaining trays there are -quantities of silver and gold. Just to heighten the illusion, I have -placed the contents of three pokes in one of the trays. Then I locked it -up. I, too, shall have my treasure.” - -Corporal Rand ceased reading. Dick and Sandy laughed. - -“Queer old duck, wasn’t he?” Dick commented. “Well, I don’t know as I -blame him any. It is mysterious.” - -Corporal Rand did not reply. He turned a few pages idly, then read -again: - -“June 2, 1913.—I have found the Crystal Lode. Could scarcely believe my -good fortune. Came upon it more by accident than design. Tremendously -rich. Here and there, I found evidences of the workings of old Dave -Crystal. Will be compelled to keep this a secret. Took out over a -thousand dollars yesterday.” - -“Whew!” gasped Sandy. - -Rand was excited too. He turned the pages more quickly. - -“October 1, 1914.—I’m back at the Crossing earlier than usual this year. -Brought a good deal of gold with me. Raced it in the chest. It will soon -be filled to overflowing. The depository of the great Ming has come into -its own. - -“November 10, 1914.—Lipton would smile if he knew what I was up to. -Today—the third since my arrival in Edmonton—I converted nearly eight -thousand dollars worth of gold from the Crystal Lode into precious -stones. The jewelers here must think I am mad. Almost overnight, I have -changed my vocation. In place of being a collector of rare old books and -antiques, I have become a connoisseur of gems. - -“November 12, 1914.—Professor B— of the University of Alberta, had lunch -with me at the Cecil Hotel. Our talk was on various subjects but finally -I led him, rather adroitly, I think, to a topic which, at present, is my -all-absorbing passion. Did Professor B— know anything about jewelry, -precious stones? He did. I have yet to touch upon a subject he is not -interested in. During our conversation, he happened to mention casually -that the Dalton’s, who are very wealthy people here, possess what is -undoubtedly the most valuable sapphire in this country. I think I must -have pricked up my ears at this information. During the rest of the day, -I could think of nothing else. Perhaps tomorrow I shall pluck up enough -courage to go and see Dalton. - -“November 13, 1914.—The Dalton sapphire is mine. Paid forty thousand for -it. Dalton is not an agreeable person to deal with. I almost came away -without it. Was forced to draw on my account at the Bank of Montreal. -Dalton demanded a certified check and made a number of pertinent -inquiries over the telephone. In spite of his haughty manner, he must -need the money. Didn’t even offer to shake hands with me at parting.” - -Rand closed the book, pointing at the chest. - -“It’s easy to see now where he got those things. For years he’s been -converting the gold from the Crystal Lode into precious stones.” - -“Merely to satisfy a whim,” smiled Wyatt. - -A moment later Rand resumed reading: - -“August 8, 1915.—What an inconceivable ass I am. Yesterday in some -unaccountable manner, I lost my note-book. I have been in the habit, -while away on these prospecting trips, of writing each day’s events in a -note-book, and later copying them in my diary at home. Hope no one ever -finds it. ‘My thoughts are precious things’ and I wouldn’t care to have -some fool laughing over them. Also, I fear that in the book I made -mention of the chest. Worse luck!” - -A sudden silence followed the reading of this last excerpt. Then Wyatt -rose to his feet and began pacing up and down the floor. - -“That has a direct bearing on this case,” he announced suddenly. -“MacGregor must have found that note-book—or Creel or Frischette.... Any -of those scoundrels. It’s the only possible way they could have learned -of the existence of this chest and the two keys Dewberry carried with -him. I am as sure of that as I am that I am standing here.” - -“Extremely likely,” admitted Rand. - -“Of course. And if we can determine which one of those men found the -note-book, we’ll have some valuable evidence.” - -“It may force a confession from them,” said Rand. “Just before we came -down here, as you remember, Inspector Cameron endeavored to -cross-examine them. It was useless. Well, I haven’t lost hope that we -may succeed next time. I’ll take this diary with me.” - -“May I look at it?” requested Sandy, holding out his hands. - -“What about the treasure?” asked Dick. “What will we do with the chest?” - -“Our inspector will attend to that,” answered Wyatt. “Probably will be -removed to the new Bank of Commerce, just recently established here.” - -“There are two likely places, where one might find that note-book,” -mused Rand, “—at Creel’s and Frischette’s.” - -“We can stop at both places on our way back,” suggested Dick. - -“A good idea. Then there’s MacGregor’s shack too, I—” - -“Listen to this,” interrupted Sandy, waving one arm about excitedly. - -In his haste to open it, the diary slipped from his trembling fingers -and fell to the floor. Picking it up, he experienced some difficulty in -finding the right page again. The others waited impatiently. Finally, -Sandy read: - -“September 28, 1915.—The first heavy snow of the season has come early -this year. Imagine my surprise this morning to wake in a blinding snow -storm. It is driving me away from the Crystal Lode. After breakfast, I -made haste to set out with my two pack-ponies, and arrived at Carson’s -cabin shortly after two. I have always made it a point to stop at -Carson’s whenever possible. They are friendly people. Mrs. Carson is an -Indian, but exceedingly pleasant and well educated. A cook too! I can’t -understand why a couple like that should be afflicted with such hopeless -offspring. Their daughter, about fifteen, is vicious, while their son, -Reynold, two years older, is a young cutthroat, if ever there was one. -This afternoon I found him in my room, quite brazenly going through my -things. It caused me to wonder if, after all, Reynold doesn’t know -something about that lost note-book. I recall that I stopped here just -the day before I discovered it was gone. - -“September 29, 1915.—I am almost sure that Reynold has it. Today he was -copying something out of a book—a black leather note-book—that looked -suspiciously like mine. He rose when he saw me and beat a hasty retreat. -I can’t accuse him openly just yet, but when I come back this way in the -spring, I intend to lay a trap for him. That young scoundrel really -ought to be put in jail, although I am afraid I never would have the -courage to do it myself. It would break both Mr. and Mrs. Carson’s -hearts.” - -Sandy paused. - -“Have you finished? Is that all?” - -In his eagerness, Corporal Rand stepped over behind the young Scotchman -and looked down at the open book. - -“No,” answered Sandy, “it is not all. Here is another paragraph, dated -September 30—just a day later.” - -“I purposely remained at Carson’s one more day. Thought I might be able -to keep an eye on Reynold, catch him again with the book and this time -positively identify it. Unfortunately for me, nothing happened. Carson -sent his son out with an armload of traps in the forenoon, and after -lunch, two prospectors, Emery and MacGregor, stopped for an hour or two -on their way east to Fort Good Faith. Carson introduced both men and we -conversed for a few minutes. Can’t say I liked either one. If I were -forced to choose a person to hang me, I think I’d name MacGregor. -Emery’s face is too vile—even for a hangman’s.” - -“Ugh!” Dick’s voice trembled. “If only he had known!” - -“October 1, 1915,” Sandy read on. “I can scarcely believe it yet. -Perhaps there is a redeeming trait in the boy after all. At any rate, -Reynold came to me this morning, as I was preparing to leave, and gave -me my book. I was so astounded that I simply stood staring at him. -According to his story—which, of course, I accepted, although I knew it -was a lie, ‘trembling unto heaven’—he had found the book after my last -visit here. He found it in my room, he explained, ‘just where I had -dropped it.’ I breathed a sigh of relief that was almost a gasp, thrust -the accursed thing hastily into my pocket and departed thence—_sans_ two -nuggets (worth about twenty dollars) which I had given him as a reward -for his honesty.” - -“The brat!” choked Wyatt. - -“Yes,” stormed Rand, “that young scoundrel concocted a devil’s mess -indeed. He’s the one that ought to be hanged for Dewberry’s murder.” - -“But why?” Dick asked innocently. - -“Why? Can’t you see. It’s as plain as the nose on your face. He copied -the contents of the note-book and gave it to Emery and MacGregor.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV - CARSON’S SON - - -Several weeks had passed. They were back in the North Country again—all -except Wyatt. Outside the door of the trading room at Fort Good Faith, -Sandy and Toma were bidding Corporal Rand and Dick good-bye, and wishing -devoutly that they too might have been permitted to accompany the -policeman on this—the last stage of a memorable journey. - -Dick had been more than fortunate, they considered, in receiving -official sanction to be in at the finish. He had earned this privilege, -to be sure, but for that matter, hadn’t they? For weeks now they had -been pursuing what had at first appeared to be a phantom. The phantom -had taken form. The mystery had been uncovered. Step by step, day by -day, slowly and inexorably events had moved to an ultimate end. The -guilty were about to be punished. A few more things to do, then— - -“Hang it all,” thought Sandy, “the real work is over anyway. I’ve done -my part. They can’t say I haven’t. This case is run to earth. What -little excitement remains, Dick is welcome to. Toma and I both need a -rest.” - -Thus philosophically dismissing the matter, he and Toma went fishing; -and Corporal Rand and Dick made their way on horseback to the foothills, -arriving at the Carson cabin one evening before dusk. - -Mrs. Carson met them at the door. She smiled her greeting and led the -way into the house. A sort of motherly person, Dick thought. - -“I hadn’t expected anyone at this time of the year,” she told them -laughing, at the same time brushing back a dark wisp of hair that had -fallen over her kindly forehead. “I’m afraid you’ll find everything in -disorder. We’ve been drying saskatoons for the winter. Mr. Carson is in -the kitchen helping now. He’ll come right in.” - -True to his wife’s prediction, Mr. Carson came right in and, looking at -him, Dick became heartily sick of the whole business. Carson was the -sort of man one couldn’t help but like instantly. A much older man than -Dick had expected, yet agile enough in spite of the white crown of hair, -and handsome in a dignified way. He shook hands and took a seat -opposite. - -“Everyone is welcome here. You’re tired, I expect.” - -“And hungry,” Corporal Rand amended. - -“Mrs. Carson will soon attend to that,” her husband smiled. “She’ll have -something ready in a few minutes. Have you come far?” - -“From Fort Good Faith.” - -A girl appeared in the open doorway, having come noiselessly, and stood, -staring at them. The young lady mentioned in Dewberry’s diary, Dick -surmised. She continued to stare as the now somewhat bashful young man -stole a glance in her direction, then quickly dropped his gaze. - -“Gertrude,” expostulated her father, “that isn’t nice. Either come -forward and be introduced or return to the kitchen. My daughter,” he -explained, turning his head and speaking to Rand. Gertrude made a wry -face, shrugged her pretty shoulders and returned to the room, where her -mother was preparing the evening meal. Her place was immediately usurped -by a tall youth, older than Dick, who took up the business of staring -with considerably more energy and effect, adding a dark scowl or two for -good measure. As this was the young man he and Corporal Rand had come -all that way to interview, Dick lost no time in giving him a careful -appraisal. - -Reynold Carson’s appearance was not prepossessing. He resembled neither -of his parents. Unlike his sister, he was not good-looking. His mouth -turned down at the corners. An unpleasant habit of scowling had etched -two deep lines across his narrow forehead. - -“A young cutthroat and no mistake,” mused Dick, remembering Dewberry’s -verbal picture of him. - -It was not until after supper that Rand stated his errand. All except -Mrs. Carson were in the room. The boy and girl sat in one corner and -conversed in low tones. Rand and Carson had pushed back their chairs -from the supper table and had lit their pipes. - -“Came over from Fort Good Faith,” said Rand, endeavoring to keep his -voice steady, “to see your son. There’s a certain matter Mr. Carson, -that I’d like to discuss with him. It’s important.” - -“Yes, yes—” Carson removed his pipe and seemed to exhale the words with -the smoke. “Reynold—” he trembled. “What—what has he done?” - -The policeman placed one hand on the old man’s shoulder. - -“I—I hate to do this. I wish it wasn’t necessary to tell you. You—you -understand my position. It’s hard for me—hard for all of us.” - -Dick choked and turned away his head. His heart had gone out to this -poor old man, and he just _couldn’t_ look at him now. And then, too, -there was the boy’s mother. Thinking about her— It was terrible! She -mustn’t come into the room. She mustn’t hear what Rand was saying. - -“It’s in connection with Dewberry’s murder. Indirectly your son is -implicated. I—I—” - -Carson shrank back in his chair, threw up his hands in front of his face -and moaned in misery—in terror. Reynold, who had heard his name -mentioned, and perceived his father thus afflicted, got unsteadily to -his feet and came stumbling across the floor, glaring at Rand. - -“What you doing to dad?” he demanded. - -Carson sat up, endeavoring to get a better grip of himself. Almost -fiercely he turned upon his son. - -“Reynold, you’re in trouble. The police have come for you. What have you -done? Speak up, boy; speak up! My God!—this will kill your mother.” - -“He lies! He lies!” stormed the boy. “I’ve done nothing. He lies!” - -The corporal held up his hand, commanding silence. - -“Sit down, Reynold—and keep quiet. You probably don’t know what it’s all -about—yet. Listen to me. Answer my questions. No! Don’t try that,” he -warned, as Carson’s son reached for his knife. “Sit down!” - -“You’re lying,” whimpered the boy, taking a chair next to his father. - -“Reynold, I wish you wouldn’t say that,” pleaded the old man. “He may be -mistaken, but—but he isn’t lying.” - -“I haven’t done a thing,” protested the boy. - -“Perhaps you’ve almost forgotten the incident,” Rand cleared his throat, -“but there was a note-book. You found a note-book belonging to Dewberry. -Isn’t that right?” - -“Yes,” Reynold acknowledged. “I did.” - -“I remember that too,” said Carson brightening a little. “Reynold said -he found it in Mr. Dewberry’s room. The prospector had—had mislaid it, I -believe.” - -“I gave it back to Dewberry,” stated the young man defiantly. “You don’t -think I stole it, do you? I gave it back to him.” - -“Quite right,” said Rand. “But is that all?” - -“All! O’ course, it is. What you tryin’ to insinuate?” - -“I’m trying to insinuate,” the policeman was very deliberate in his -choice of words now, “that you read the book, copied something out of it -and afterward sold that copy to two men—Emery and MacGregor. You did -that, didn’t you?” - -Reynold seemed to sink into his chair. His lips were white. Either he -could not or would not answer. Feeling faint, Dick looked out of a -window. Shadows were falling everywhere outside. The trees were black -silhouettes. Night was shaking out its mantle from a metal-colored sky. -There was no brightness or radiance anywhere except a single orange -streak in the west, a sinister orange streak that marked the place where -the sun had gone down. - -“If he doesn’t confess,” thought Dick, “and have this over with, I’ll go -crazy.” - -A voice, trembling but defiant, broke across the silence. - -“Yes, I did do that. What was wrong about it? Tell me—what was wrong -about it? I didn’t commit no crime— It wasn’t a very bad thing to do—you -can’t make me believe that. Just sold a copy of something that was -written in that old book.” - -“Reynold!” cried the old man. “Reynold!” - -“Listen, dad, it wasn’t so terrible wrong. I didn’t touch anybody an’ I -didn’t steal nothing. All I did was to sell what was in that book to a -few men for just a few dollars.” - -“To a few men!” gasped the corporal. “Who—beside Emery and MacGregor?” - -“I sold one copy one day when Dewberry was here—before I gave him back -the book. I made a second copy, but I didn’t sell it for months -afterwards. Dad and I had a quarrel and I ran away. I played cards and I -lost money—all I had. I tried to sell the copy. I showed it to a few -men, but they laughed at me. Then one night, when I was at a road-house -a queer looking chap, named Crane, gave me ten dollars for it.” - -“Are you sure his name wasn’t Creel? Stop and think a moment.” - -“Creel! Creel! That’s it.” Reynold looked at the policeman in surprise. -“How did you know?” - -“I found out,” answered Rand. - -“So you see, dad, it wasn’t anything so very terrible,” Reynold ran on. -“I—” - -“Can you repeat what you copied from the book?” Rand interrupted. - -“No, not word for word. It was something about an old chest that -Dewberry had at his home at Peace River Crossing—full of money; about a -key that he carried around his neck.” - -“Would you remember if I read it to you?” - -“Yes, I would,” answered the boy. - -Corporal Rand crossed the room, knelt down, and opened his saddle-pack. -A moment later he returned, carrying Dewberry’s diary, resumed his seat, -and began thumbing the pages. It was several minutes before he found the -right place. Then he read: - -“May 13th, 1915. That chest is an obsession. Even out here in the -wilderness away from it, it seems to haunt me night and day. Sometimes I -call myself a doddering old fool. To buy it was a waste of money, an act -of folly. That were bad enough, but this thing I have been doing lately -is madness itself. In a thousand years, if God gave me that long to -live, I could never restore that chest to its original glory and -splendor. I’m sure that I haven’t put into it one infinitesimal part of -the wealth and treasure that he did. If he were living now, Ming would -laugh my diamonds and rubies and emeralds to scorn. I’m afraid he’d -spurn my gold too. Cheap stuff! Trash! Where I have thousands he had -millions. Folly to pit the Crystal Lode against the resources of an -empire. Yet here I am, walking about with the key around my neck, trying -to emulate an emperor.” - -Corporal Rand closed the book. - -“Is that what you copied?” he asked. - -“Yes, that’s it,” answered Reynold. - -“I wonder if you realize what you’ve done,” Rand spoke softly. “When you -sold those copies you signed Dewberry’s death warrant. You must have -known that one of those men, to whom you sold that information, would -try to obtain Dewberry’s treasure.” - -“I didn’t think much about it,” the boy declared doggedly. - -“Dewberry is dead. MacGregor murdered him. It’s your fault. MacGregor -never would have murdered him, if—if it hadn’t been for you. I want that -fact to sink in. You know now why I’ve come to get you.” - -“I’ll be hanged,” blubbered the boy. - -Rand walked over and put his hand on the young man’s shoulder. - -“No—not that. We’ll do what we can for you. You have a wonderful father -and mother. For their sake—and for your own—we’ll be as lenient as -possible.” - -The young man’s body shook with sobs. - -“Hush! Hush!” whispered Carson, wiping away his own tears. “I think I -hear your mother coming.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXV - PIECING THE THREADS - - -Creel was the first to confess. Sitting in the office of the commandant, -in the presence of Inspector Cameron, Corporal Rand, Reynold Carson and -Dick, he poured out his story. Confronted by Carson, who identified him -as being one of the men to whom he had sold Dewberry’s secret, Creel saw -that only the truth could help him. His deep-set eyes glowed dully. He -moistened his lips. - -“It’s true,” he began. “Frischette and me robbed Dewberry. Took his -money and his poke. For months, we’d been waiting our chance. Dewberry -stopped at the road-house several times, but nearly always it was during -the middle of the day. Usually he’d hit our place about noon and stay -not more than an hour. He preferred to go on and spend the night with -Meade, who was his friend.” - -The sun, shining in through the window, bothered the old recluse and he -hitched back his chair. Not until he became comfortable again did he -resume: - -“Our chance come finally. Dewberry, delayed in a storm, drifted in one -afternoon late—about four o’clock. He hadn’t time to make Meade’s that -night. It was a cold day and miserable. A blizzard out. You could -scarcely see ahead o’ you. I was surprised when Frischette come over and -notified me that Dewberry was there. I hadn’t expected to stir out of my -cabin. I didn’t want to walk back through the storm with him, but -Frischette said it was the best time for our plan, that we’d have to -strike that night if we ever intended to. After while I agreed and we -walked over and I hid in Frischette’s room. - -“Neither one of us had any idea that that man MacGregor was playing the -same sort o’ game as us. He was stopping at Frenchie’s that night, along -with a lot of others, and, of course, we thought nothing of it. You see, -we was sure that we was the only ones ‘in’ on the secret. We had got the -dope from the kid and had made our plans.” - -“Was a part of your plan to kill Dewberry?” Inspector Cameron -interrupted. - -Creel nodded. - -“Wasn’t any other way our plan would work out. We simply had to do it. -We was compelled to put Dewberry out of the way, else he’d sound the -alarm and prevent us from getting into his cabin at Peace River -Crossing. - -“About nine o’clock Frischette come into the room where I was, bringing -my supper. Then the two of us sat there talking. We had decided that it -wasn’t much use to try to do anything until along about midnight. So we -waited there in the dark. When the bunk-hall began to get a little quiet -we stopped talking ourselves for fear we might keep someone awake. It -was exactly twelve by my watch, when we stole out of that room.” - -Creel paused reflectively, his eyes half closed. He remained motionless -and silent so long that Dick began to wonder if the man had lost his -power of speech. Suddenly he sat up straight in his chair and continued: - -“We was both in our stocking-feet and we moved as quiet as ghosts -between the rows of sleepers. Nobody could have heard us. Men was -snoring all around us. It was dark in the room, almost black, but we -knew exactly where to go. All the details had been planned out in -advance. Yet, as I said before, we hadn’t figured on MacGregor, and on -that account we nearly got tripped up. We didn’t know nothing about him -until we was directly over him.” - -Again Cameron interrupted: “Directly over him? What do you mean? Had you -made a mistake and gone to MacGregor’s bunk instead?” - -“No! No!” the old recluse spoke impatiently. “He was on his knees, -stooping over Dewberry, with the poke and money in his hands. Dewberry -was dead! - -“MacGregor hadn’t even heard us come up. I was carrying a knife in my -right hand and I pushed it against his throat. I whispered that if he -made a sound I’d kill him. In fact, I thought I would anyway. I was so -frightened I could hardly stand on my feet. But if I was frightened, -MacGregor was worse than that. He was frozen like a block of ice. I -don’t think he had more than strength enough to hand over the poke and -the roll of bills. After that we took him back into the kitchen and told -him we would give him his life if he’d promise to leave the place at -once and make no effort to get back the poke.” - -“He was glad of the chance, I guess,” a smile twisted Creel’s lips. “We -were pretty sure that we’d never see him again. We weren’t afraid that -he’d squeal, because he was the one that had committed the murder. Our -hands was clean. Things had worked out better than we could have planned -ourselves.” - -“You didn’t worry?” asked Cameron. - -“Yes, we did worry—some. We knew that MacGregor wouldn’t say a word -about us unless he was placed under arrest for the murder. We didn’t -think you was going to get him, and you wouldn’t either if it hadn’t -been for Fontaine. We had no idea that Fontaine knew anything about -MacGregor until he blabbed out that he had seen MacGregor dope a drink -he was mixing for the prospector. We could have killed the kid for that, -but if we had, you’d have known right away that we was the ones that had -done it and was implicated in some way in the other murder. There wasn’t -a thing for us to do but just sit and wait. - -“We didn’t have to wait very long either. MacGregor gets himself killed -in a scrap with the police. And lo and behold!—the ‘Rat’s’ wife won’t -talk. She wouldn’t tell you a thing and she knew _everything_. You can -bet MacGregor told his wife all about us. But why didn’t she squeal? She -could have got revenge on us good and proper. She had us right where she -wanted us. When she wouldn’t give evidence, we knew what was in that -lady’s mind then and there: _She was planning to get back that poke!_” - -“Have you any more to say for yourself?” asked the inspector, following -a long interval of silence. - -“No, sir, not a thing.” - -“If you don’t mind,” said Rand, addressing his superior, “I’d like to -ask him a question.” - -“Very well, corporal.” - -“What was in the poke the evening Emery and Burnnel came to your cabin?” - -Creel’s laugh sounded like the cackle of a madman. - -“A rusty nail and a piece of broken string, taken from an old alarm -clock. That’s what I call a clever piece of work. It was my idea. -Frischette didn’t know a thing about it. It fooled everybody. I buried -Dewberry’s keys in a hole I dug in the cellar. When I got the chance, I -came back and dug them up. It was the same day that you went over to -investigate about Frischette. You thought he had committed suicide.” - -“Well, wasn’t I right?” - -“No.” - -“If he didn’t commit suicide, what happened to him?” - -“The squaw shot him—MacGregor’s wife.” - -One might have thought that Rand had been shot himself. He jumped. It -was several moments before he fully recovered from his surprise. - -“How do you know that MacGregor’s wife shot him?” - -“She told me so herself.” - -“When?” - -“The night her and Emery and Burnnel took the keys away from me, that -night across the Hay River. Flew into a rage and spilled everything. I -guess she’d have shot me too, but Burnnel wouldn’t let her.” - -“If what you say is true, how can you account for the note I found in -Frischette’s pocket?” - -“She made Frischette write it before she shot him. Then she came back to -my cabin and searched everywhere for the keys. They were there, but she -couldn’t find them. My place looked like a wreck. After that she met -Burnnel and Emery who had come back to try to get the poke again. The -next morning she stayed out there in the woods while them two -prospectors went over to see you.” - -“And did she stay in the woods until the afternoon of the next day?” - -“That’s exactly what she did.” - -Corporal Rand turned to Inspector Cameron. - -“I guess that’s all, sir. I’d suggest that you verify the prisoner’s -last few statements by questioning Mrs. MacGregor herself and Burnnel -and Emery. However, I believe that they are true. Shall I take Carson -and Creel to their cells, sir?” - -The commandant nodded absent-mindedly, waved one arm in a gesture of -dismissal. Dick started to file out with the others, when he heard -Cameron calling his name. Turning sharply upon his heel, he strode back -to the inspector’s desk and saluted. - -“Dick, you young rascal,” began the mounted police official, “I’ve been -wanting to have a talk with you for a long time. You see, I have -received a letter concerning you and Toma. It came from the Commissioner -of the Canadian Royal North West Mounted at Ottawa.” - -“I received a letter from him, too,” said Dick, “about a year ago. In -this letter he said that he had considered favorably my application to -join the mounted police, and that I should hold myself in readiness to -report at the barracks at Regina.” - -“And you’ve heard nothing from him since?” - -“Not a word, sir.” - -“Didn’t you ever think that this was a little strange?” - -“Well—er—” Dick flushed. “As a matter of fact, inspector, I’ve been so -busy—we’ve all been so busy—that I haven’t had much time to bother my -head about it.” - -Inspector Cameron laughed and nudged Dick slyly. - -“Would you care to hear a paragraph or two from the letter that _I_ -received?” - -“Yes, sir. That is, if you’d care to read it, sir.” - -“I do wish to read it. Here it is.” Cameron picked up a typewritten -sheet on the desk in front of him. “Now prepare yourself for a shock.” - -“Regarding your request,” read the commandant, “that Recruits Kent and -Toma should be retained at your detachment for special police service, I -wish to say that although such an arrangement is not usual and often not -advisable, we have decided to make a concession to you in this -particular case.” - -“Great Scott!” exclaimed Dick. - -“So you see it was my fault that you didn’t go to Regina. You boys are -too valuable to lose.” - -Dick’s face beamed like the sun. He felt that some great force -underneath him had lifted him up and that now he was being whirled -around and around the room in a rose-tinted cloud. He couldn’t speak -because he was so happy. - -“Don’t stand there looking like a ninny. Compose yourself, my boy. -Here’s your first month’s salary check. Here’s another one for Toma. -Came direct from the paymaster at Ottawa. I haven’t one for Sandy -because he didn’t put in his application. You tell him he’d better—if he -wants to work for me. And while you’re telling him that, you might slip -this bit of paper into his pocket with my compliments. Drawn from my own -personal account.” - -Dick recalled afterward that he had thanked the inspector, but he never -could quite remember how he had gotten out of the room. He often -wondered if he hadn’t floated out in triumph and in regal state on that -rose-tinted cloud. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI - DICK REJOINS HIS COMRADES - - -Three boys sat on the edge of a huge raft that drifted lazily over the -clear, cool surface of Whitefish Lake, near Fort Good Faith. It was a -hot day in late summer. Heat waves danced across the water. There wasn’t -a speck of a cloud anywhere in sight. Neither was there another craft on -the lake. With the exception of the three young sportsmen, no person -might have been found within a radius of ten miles, which was fortunate, -else it might have been discovered that not one of the trio wore any -clothes. Naked as on the day they were born, they sat and dangled their -feet in the water. “Mr. MacClaren told me that you were here,” Dick was -saying. “I stopped just long enough to have something to eat, then I -came right over. I was so anxious to tell you how everything came out.” - -“How long did you remain at detachment headquarters?” asked Sandy. - -“Four days,” replied Dick. “It was longer than I should have stayed, but -I was anxious to learn what they were intending to do with young Carson. -Inspector Cameron gave his case a special hearing the day before I left. -You can imagine how pleased I was at the outcome.” - -“What was the outcome? Let him off with a light sentence, I suppose.” - -“You couldn’t guess. He’s out on probation. Inspector Cameron would have -sent him to Edmonton for trial, along with the rest of them, if it -hadn’t been for Corporal Rand. During the hearing Rand proved to -everybody’s satisfaction that Reynold hasn’t full control of his mental -powers—in a way almost an idiot. He doesn’t fully realize yet what he’s -done.” - -“So they sent him home,” said Sandy. - -“I took him home.” - -“Great Scott! How did that happen?” - -“Inspector Cameron asked me to,” answered Dick. “I couldn’t very well -refuse, could I? I didn’t really want to go—but I’m glad now. Sandy—if -you could have seen Mr. and Mrs. Carson’s faces when we walked through -the door, you’d have felt repaid a million times.” - -“I can believe that. What did they say?” - -“I can’t remember all they said. At a time like that, things people say -don’t count. It’s what they do and how they feel that really matters. I -can’t explain exactly what I mean. But if you’d been there, you’d -understand.” - -“I think I understand now, Dick,” said Sandy softly. - -“That experience will make a man of him. He’s changed already. And the -girl, too. It was a lesson for both of them.” - -Toma dropped off the raft a moment later, during a lull in the -conversation, and swam in widening circles around them. For a short time -the two boys watched him, then suddenly, with a little start, Dick -seized his trousers and plunged one hand in a pocket. - -“There! I’d almost forgotten. Here’s a check for both of you from -Inspector Cameron. Toma,” he called, “come back!” - -Toma swam back to the raft, and then Dick told them of his interview -with the commandant, not forgetting to mention the letter that had been -read to him. - -“Wish I’d put in my application too,” sighed Sandy. - -“It isn’t too late yet. Inspector Cameron told me to tell you.” - -“I’ll write one out this very day,” decided Sandy. - -Toma regarded his check thoughtfully. - -“How I spend all this money?” he wanted to know. - -“A new saddle,” suggested Dick. - -“Got ’em good one now.” - -“A rifle then.” - -“Plenty rifle.” - -“Tell you what,” impishly advised Sandy, “tell you what, Toma, you can -save your money and later on purchase a Chinese chest.” - -“One that dates back to the Ming dynasty,” Dick elaborated. - -“Ugh!” said the young Indian. - - - THE END - - - - - Footnotes - - -[1]Author’s Note: An expression frequently heard in the North. It means - here “beyond the borders of the wilderness.” - - - - - Saalfield Books - - - BOYS FICTION - - SUBMARINE BOYS SERIES - _The Submarine Boys on Duty_ - _The Submarine Boys’ Trial Trip_ - _The Submarine Boys and the Middies_ - - NORTHLAND SERIES - _Dick Kent, Fur Trader_ - _Dick Kent with the Malemute Mail_ - _Dick Kent on Special Duty_ - - BLACK RIDER SERIES - _In the Camp of the Black Rider_ - _The Mystery at Lake Retreat_ - _Tom Blake’s Mysterious Adventure_ - - - GIRLS FICTION - - MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS SERIES - _The Meadow-Brook Girls Across Country_ - _The Meadow-Brook Girls Afloat_ - _The Meadow-Brook Girls in the Hills_ - - LINDA CARLTON SERIES - _Linda Carlton, Air Pilot_ - _Linda Carlton’s Ocean Flight_ - _Linda Carlton’s Island Adventure_ - - ADVENTURE GIRLS SERIES - _The Adventure Girls at K-Bar-O_ - _The Adventure Girls in the Air_ - - - - - Transcriber’s Notes - - ---Copyright notice provided as in the original—this e-text is public - domain in the country of publication. - ---Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and - dialect unchanged. - ---Added a Table of Contents based on chapter headings. - ---In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the - HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.) - - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Dick Kent on Special Duty, by Milton Richards - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK KENT ON SPECIAL DUTY *** - -***** This file should be named 50275-0.txt or 50275-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/2/7/50275/ - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Rod Crawford, Rick Morris -and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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margin-left:auto; } - p.bkpr {font-size:90%; } - p.bkrv { } - dl.blist dt { margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; } - dl.blist, dl.biblio { margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; max-width:25em; } - - dl.int { margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; max-width:25em; } - dl.int dt {margin-left:0em; } - dl.int dd {margin-left:2em; } -</style> -</head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Dick Kent on Special Duty, by Milton Richards - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Dick Kent on Special Duty - -Author: Milton Richards - -Release Date: October 22, 2015 [EBook #50275] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK KENT ON SPECIAL DUTY *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Rod Crawford, Rick Morris -and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - -<div class="img"> -<img id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Dick Kent on Special Duty" width="500" height="767" /> -</div> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/icover.jpg" alt="Dick Kent on Special Duty" width="500" height="762" /> -</div> -<div class="img"> -<img width="500" height="785" src="images/p1.jpg" alt="“Don’t move,” said a heavy voice. “We got yuh!” -(Page 128)" /> -<p class="caption">“Don’t move,” said a heavy voice. “We got yuh!” -(Page 128)</p> -</div> -<div class="box"> -<h1>DICK KENT -<br />ON SPECIAL DUTY</h1> -<p class="tbcenter">By MILTON RICHARDS</p> -<p class="tbcenter"><span class="small"><span class="sc">Author of</span> -<br />“Dick Kent with the Mounted Police,” “Dick Kent in the Far North,” “Dick Kent with the Eskimos,” “Dick Kent, Fur Trader,” “Dick Kent with the Malemute Mail.”</span></p> -<div class="img" id="p2"> -<img src="images/p2.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="217" /> -</div> -<p class="tbcenter">THE SAALFIELD PUBLISHING COMPANY -<br />Akron, Ohio <span class="hst">New York</span></p> -</div> -<p class="csmaller">Copyright MCMXXVIII -<br />THE SAALFIELD PUBLISHING COMPANY -<br /><i>Made in the United States of America</i></p> -<h2>Contents</h2> -<dl class="toc"> -<dt class="jr"><span class="jl"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span></span> <span class="small">PAGE</span></dt> -<dt><span class="cn">I </span><a href="#c1">Rand Tackles a Difficult Case</a> 3</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">II </span><a href="#c2">The Price of Folly</a> 12</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">III </span><a href="#c3">Three New Recruits</a> 17</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">IV </span><a href="#c4">Frischette’s Money Box</a> 28</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">V </span><a href="#c5">A Midnight Prowler</a> 38</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">VI </span><a href="#c6">New Complications</a> 49</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">VII </span><a href="#c7">The Mysterious Poke</a> 57</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">VIII </span><a href="#c8">Corporal Rand Takes Charge</a> 66</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">IX </span><a href="#c9">Unexpected News</a> 76</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">X </span><a href="#c10">Conflicting Theories</a> 85</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XI </span><a href="#c11">Finding a Motive</a> 93</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XII </span><a href="#c12">“Rat” MacGregor’s Wife</a> 103</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XIII </span><a href="#c13">On Creel’s Trail</a> 111</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XIV </span><a href="#c14">A Meeting in the Woods</a> 121</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XV </span><a href="#c15">A Deserted Road-House</a> 129</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XVI </span><a href="#c16">Trapped!</a> 134</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XVII </span><a href="#c17">A Policeman’s Horse</a> 144</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XVIII </span><a href="#c18">A Red Blob</a> 154</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XIX </span><a href="#c19">Across Hay River</a> 161</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XX </span><a href="#c20">A Thrilling Experience</a> 170</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XXI </span><a href="#c21">The Key to the Mystery</a> 180</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XXII </span><a href="#c22">Dewberry’s Treasure</a> 188</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XXIII </span><a href="#c23">Leaves From an Old Diary</a> 197</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XXIV </span><a href="#c24">Carson’s Son</a> 206</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XXV </span><a href="#c25">Piecing the Threads</a> 216</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XXVI </span><a href="#c26">Dick Rejoins His Comrades</a> 225</dt> -</dl> -<div class="pb" id="Page_3">3</div> -<h1 title="">DICK KENT ON SPECIAL DUTY</h1> -<h2 id="c1">CHAPTER I -<br /><span class="small">RAND TACKLES A DIFFICULT CASE</span></h2> -<p>“Rat” MacGregor dropped to the floor and -crawled on hands and knees to the bunk wherein -Dewberry, weary after hours of heavy mushing -over an almost unbroken trail, now slept the sleep -of the just. Dewberry’s raucous snores could be -heard plainly. He lay face up, mouth partly open, -while one large, hairy arm hung limply over the side -of his bed.</p> -<p>MacGregor knew that Dewberry was really asleep. -Not only did he know this, but he was cognizant -of another fact, of which he alone was the sole -possessor. He knew that the big Englishman could -not easily be awakened. He was aware that something -else besides weariness and exhaustion compelled -Dewberry to slumber thus. And he grinned -over the thought of it.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_4">4</div> -<p>Before retiring for the night, the prospector had, -following the usual custom, removed none of his -clothes. Neither had he troubled to unstrap the -money-belt that he wore, and place it in safe-keeping. -The money-belt was full, almost bursting with yellowbacks -and greenbacks of various denominations. -But the thing which interested MacGregor even -more, was the small poke, suspended from a moosehide -cord, and tied securely about the sleeping man’s -neck.</p> -<p>In his present predicament, the prospector would -have been easy prey for the figure who crept towards -him, had circumstances been a little different. The -difference was this: In the room, the large airy room -of one “Frenchie” Frischette, keeper of road-houses, -were a number of other persons besides MacGregor -and the drugged Dewberry.</p> -<p>These persons reclined in various attitudes and -conditions of sleep. Not a few of them, including -Corporal Rand, of the Royal North West Mounted -police, possessed—even in slumber—a sense of hearing -exceedingly acute. The creak of a board, a sudden -rustling movement—almost any noise at all—would -have aroused them at once. No one realized -this any better than MacGregor. His job had been -only half accomplished a few hours before when, -with very little difficulty, he had drugged the man -from Crooked Stick River.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_5">5</div> -<p>The thief rose slowly to a position on his knees. -He was so close to his victim that the man’s feverish -breath fanned his cheek. He could hear plainly his -own heart and the heart of the sleeper, beating in a -sort of wild harmony together. His right hand was -within eight inches of the rugged prospector, yet -he seemed unable, powerless to extend it one infinitesimal -part of the distance which separated it -from the actual point of contact.</p> -<p>In the dull, red glow of the fireplace he could -see the tell-tale bulge on Dewberry’s barrel-like chest. -It filled him with a sort of agony to realize that at -the crucial moment he lacked the courage and the -strength to accomplish his task. Never before had -he been so overcome with weakness. A few quick -movements only were required to bring wealth into -his grasp; yet here he knelt, with a cold dampness -suffusing his face and a tingling paralysis of all his -muscles.</p> -<p>The prospector groaned and moved slightly, then -raised one knee in a convulsive movement of pain. -MacGregor shrank back trembling, his eyes darting -about apprehensively. In a far corner another form -stirred uneasily and a loud, full-throated cough -broke across the stillness like a trumpet of doom.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_6">6</div> -<p>Several minutes elapsed before MacGregor had -recovered sufficiently from his fright to attempt -another furtive movement forward. This time he -summoned to his aid the last remnant of a wilted -spirit. His hands went out toward Dewberry’s -throat. These clammy physical members found the -cord, but his fingers refused to function in his efforts -to untie the knot. For a moment he hesitated, -then with a low, almost inhuman growl, he tore -his hunting knife from its sheath and tried to cut -the cord. In his haste, inadvertently the sharp point -of the knife pricked the sleeping man’s chest and, -to MacGregor’s great astonishment and horror, -Dewberry started visibly and opened his eyes.</p> -<p class="center"><span class="gs">* * * * * * * *</span></p><p>The aroma of freshly fried bacon filled the room. -Standing among his pots and pans, nursing a new-found -despair, “Frenchie” Frischette, road-house -keeper and gentleman of parts, could hear the approaching -figure. The pupils of his eyes were like -beads of glass as they encountered the trim, athletic -figure of Corporal Rand.</p> -<p>“<i>Oui</i>,” he admitted slowly, “ze beeg prospector -ees dead. You saw heem?”</p> -<p>Corporal Rand nodded.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_7">7</div> -<p>“How many men have already left?” he inquired.</p> -<p>“Zay haf all left,” Frischette shrugged his shoulders -regretfully. “Many before dawn. Zay go in -ever’ direction—both ze good men and ze bad. How -you find heem of ze beeg knife?”</p> -<p>“The man who stabbed and robbed Dewberry will -go south,” Corporal Rand stated with conviction. -“It is the law of the land. Men, who have money, -invariably go south—to spend it. Is there anything -more simple than that, Frischette? The rule seldom -fails. Adventure goes north and money goes south. -I’m taking the trail south.”</p> -<p>The road-house keeper moistened his dry lips.</p> -<p>“I see heem four men go on the south trail ver’ -early roun’ five o’clock.”</p> -<p>“Together?”</p> -<p>“Zay went each by heemself.”</p> -<p>“No doubt, one of those four men is the murderer.”</p> -<p>“You t’ink so?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” said the policeman stubbornly, “I’m quite -sure the murderer would travel south. At any rate, -I’m going in that direction. So long, Frischette.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_8">8</div> -<p>Two days later, Corporal Rand was forced to admit -that in this case, at least, a precedent had been -broken. None of the four men was the murderer. -Two were Indians from Lac la Biche; a third, Beckholt, -a free trader, a serene, gray-eyed veteran of -the North, was above suspicion. Father Marchand, -who completed the quartette, could not for one moment -be included in any inventory of crime.</p> -<p>Without even taking the time to question one of -them, Rand swung about and retraced his way to -the scene of the recent murder.</p> -<p>In the policeman’s absence, Frischette had made -an important discovery. Eagerly and somewhat excitedly, -he told the story in a mixture of poor English -and bastard French. Fontaine, a half-breed -boy in Frischette’s service, had seen, on the evening -preceding the robbery, a tall, furtive-eyed man mix -two drinks—one for himself and one for the prospector. -In the cup intended for Dewberry, the tall, -furtive-eyed man had poured something out of a -small bottle. Shortly thereafter, the big prospector -had stumbled to his pile of blankets and had fallen -asleep.</p> -<p>In doubt, Rand questioned the boy closely. At -first, he did not believe Fontaine was telling the -truth. Then it became apparent, following a severe -cross-examination, that Fontaine had really seen -what he had described—was wholly innocent of -guile. The description of the furtive-eyed man, his -mannerisms, his clothing, the way he walked, had -quickly brought a picture to Rand’s mind. There -was no possibility of any mistake here. It was -MacGregor, “Rat” MacGregor, of the Willow Lake -country.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_9">9</div> -<p>Soberly, the mounted policeman pondered his -problem. If “Rat” MacGregor was the murderer, -as the cards seemed to indicate, why, with so much -money in his possession, had he set out on a trail -which led farther into the wilderness? By all the -rules of common sense, a person of MacGregor’s -caliber would have lost no time in getting back to -the gay “outside.”<a class="fn" id="fr_1" href="#fn_1">[1]</a> -It was inevitable. The desire -within him would have been stronger than the will -to resist. A powerful influence indeed, that would -pull a man north when wealth was burning his -pockets.</p> -<p>Ten days later, Rand found MacGregor in a small -cabin below the Finley River. First he had seen -a man and woman together, then two scrambling -forms, a door closed hastily, and presently a gray -puff of smoke from a window near the front of -the house. The bullet whistled over his head, struck -harmlessly in the brush behind him. A second cut -into a drift to his right. A third, lilting of death, -grazed his shoulder, causing him to sit down very -suddenly.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_10">10</div> -<p>Thereafter, Rand moved slowly and painfully. -This time he advanced toward the cabin more cautiously. -Fifty feet from his objective, he threw -himself down behind a snow-covered log, lit his -pipe and dully pondered what he ought to do next. -For several hours MacGregor continued to blaze -away intermittently from the window. After that -darkness came and an interval of silence. The cold -had grown more intense, more bitter. By degrees, -a peculiar numbness had settled over the policeman’s -shoulders and along his wounded side.</p> -<p>A moment later, he struggled to his knees, then -rose deliberately and walked ahead in the direction -of the cabin. In front of the door he paused, every -sense alert. No sound issued from within; nor -could he see even a faint glimmer of light. Somewhere -inside, Rat MacGregor—true to his name—skulked -in the dark—and his wife with him.</p> -<p>The faint outline of a block of wood, lying in the -snow at his feet, drew his attention. Acting upon -a sudden angry impulse, he stooped forward, picked -it up, and raised it high above his head. It catapulted -from his powerful arms, striking the window -with a resounding crash. A woman screamed. Her -terrified cry rang out through the deep hush that -ensued and, accompanying its last wailing note, MacGregor’s -guns spoke—two fiery flashes, not unlike -the red tongue of a serpent—darting out into the -gloom.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_11">11</div> -<p>Shoulders hunched, Rand struck the door with -a furious impact, and the bolts gave way. As he -fell forward into the room, one hand clutched his -gun. Again MacGregor fired; this time wildly, -foolishly, for the flash of his revolver indicated only -too well his position, and Rand had him almost before -the sound of the other’s weapon had become -smothered in the deep stillness of the room.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_12">12</div> -<h2 id="c2">CHAPTER II -<br /><span class="small">THE PRICE OF FOLLY</span></h2> -<p>MacGregor’s resistance had cost him his life. -Ten minutes later, in the flickering glow of a wax -candle, the mounted policeman looked down at the -prone and lifeless form.</p> -<p>“Well,” he said, turning suddenly upon the girl, -a rather pretty French half-breed, “where is the -money?”</p> -<p>The half-breed grunted and looked sarcastically, -indignantly at Rand.</p> -<p>“No have money. No take money. Why you -keel my man?” she wailed tearfully. “Mounted -police! Bah!”</p> -<p>“Easy,” cautioned Rand. “Where’s that money?” -He drew up to his full height. “Better answer me -quickly now or I’ll take you along too.”</p> -<p>“No money,” insisted the girl. “He no catch ’em -money that time. Beeg prospector wake up. No -chance then. My man he come away.”</p> -<p>“Rot!” declared the policeman. “Your man killed -Dewberry. Robbed him. Nobody else.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_13">13</div> -<p>“Leesen!” MacGregor’s wife plucked at his sleeve. -“You think wrong this time. You make heem beeg -mistake. My man no rob, no keel—nothing! I -prove you find no money here. My man heem try -rob, but no get nothing. Otherwise, we go south—Edmonton. -No can go without money.”</p> -<p>Although Rand was certain that the half-breed -lied, a careful and painstaking search of the premises -failed to reveal the hiding place of Dewberry’s gold. -Baffled, he was forced on the day following to -place the girl under arrest and set out for detachment -headquarters, two hundred miles away. There -he filled in his report, turned the prisoner over to -Inspector Cameron for further questioning.</p> -<p>But to no avail. Invariably the same answer, repeated -over and over again:</p> -<p>“My man heem no rob, no keel. No take beeg -prospector’s money. Mounted police! Bah!”</p> -<p>From that point it became a baffling case indeed. -Corporal Rand, to whom it had been assigned, still -believed, in the months that followed, that MacGregor -had committed the murder. But where was -the money and the poke? Did the girl really know -where Dewberry’s gold was? If the theft had actually -been committed by MacGregor, why had he -broken precedent and remained in the North.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_14">14</div> -<p>At Frischette’s stopping-place, two miles east of -the Big Smoky River, Rand heard again Fontaine’s -story of the drugged drink, together with such other -information as the two Frenchmen could supply. -Both were of the opinion that MacGregor, and no -one else, had planned and executed the crime. -Frischette’s voice came droning in his ears:</p> -<p>“Zat girl she know well enough where money ees. -Not crazy zat girl; ver’ clever, ver’ clever.” His -low chuckling laugh gradually grew boisterous. -“What you think, Corporal, zat girl foolish enough -to tell ze mounted police ever’thing. Mebbe after -while she go south too.”</p> -<p>Preoccupied as he was, Rand caught the significance -of that last statement.</p> -<p>“Are <i>you</i> going south, Frischette?”</p> -<p>The Frenchman nodded.</p> -<p>“Yesterday I sell my beezness. I haf done ver’ -well here, corporal.” Then his voice sank to a confidential -whisper. “In ze las’ two, tree, four year -I make much money—ver’ much money. Now you -wish me ze good luck, corporal.”</p> -<p>“Good luck,” said Rand, his brow wrinkling. -“Yes. By the way, whom did you sell to?”</p> -<p>Frischette hesitated, his little eyes gleaming -queerly.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_15">15</div> -<p>“I no sell exactly. I haf too much already—too -much money. Fontaine ees a good boy, monsieur. -You understand—a good boy. He learn queek. He -deserve much from me. For a few hundred I sell -heem my beeg beezness.”</p> -<p>Still thinking deeply, Corporal Rand walked outside -and sat on a rough bench in the warm spring -sun. Why had MacGregor failed to go south if he -had really robbed Dewberry of his gold. Men with -money travelled south invariably. There was no -other rule. It had seldom been broken. Why, -Frischette himself, who had made a lot of money -during his stay in the North, now contemplated -going south to spend it.</p> -<p>With a sudden exclamation, Rand jumped to his -feet. No! The rule had never been broken. MacGregor -probably killed, but he never robbed Dewberry. -He wondered if the man who had robbed -Dewberry was inside.</p> -<p>“Frischette,” said the mounted policeman a moment -later, “I wish to ask a favor of you.”</p> -<p>“Yes, monsieur.”</p> -<p>“You are going south?”</p> -<p>“Yes, monsieur.”</p> -<p>“How soon?”</p> -<p>“In ver’ few days, corporal. Why you ask.”</p> -<p>“Because I may need your help. I am going to -ask you to remain here for a while. I shall ask you -to stay here until I have recovered Dewberry’s gold.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_16">16</div> -<p>Rand watched the other closely. The eyes of the -road-house keeper narrowed slightly—but that was -all.</p> -<p>“Et ees as you say, monsieur.”</p> -<p>Then Frischette turned and walked back into the -kitchen.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_17">17</div> -<h2 id="c3">CHAPTER III -<br /><span class="small">THREE NEW RECRUITS</span></h2> -<p>One bright spring morning Corporal Rand arrived -at Fort Good Faith. It was somewhat off his -regular route, but he had a purpose in mind. There -were three young men there he very much wished -to see. One of them was Dick Kent, the second, -Sandy MacClaren, a nephew of the factor, and the -third, a young Indian, named Toma. On many occasions -previously the three boys had given unsparingly -of their services. The police needed their help -now.</p> -<p>Working on the Dewberry case, Corporal Rand -had suddenly remembered about the boys and had -decided to call upon them for assistance. They -could help him in clearing up the mystery. All three -were unknown to Frischette. They might be able -to secure valuable information he couldn’t obtain -himself. So, immediately after his arrival, he summoned -the three boys and made known his plans.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_18">18</div> -<p>“I would suggest,” he concluded, “that the three -of you, masquerading as young prospectors, drop -into Frischette’s place and remain there several days -on some pretext or other. You can say that you’re -waiting for supplies, coming in by pack-train from -Fort Good Faith. Cultivate Frischette’s acquaintance. -Make friends with Fontaine, the half-breed -boy in his service. See how much information you -can pick up about Dewberry and ‘Rat’ MacGregor.”</p> -<p>“But do you really believe,” Dick asked, “that -Frischette knows any more about the murder than -he has already given out to you?”</p> -<p>“I’m not sure.” Corporal Rand pursed his lips. -“But one thing is slowly dawning upon me.”</p> -<p>“What?” asked Sandy breathlessly.</p> -<p>“That MacGregor’s wife was right, that MacGregor -didn’t take Dewberry’s money, or the small -poke he had around his neck.”</p> -<p>“But if he didn’t take it, who did?” Dick inquired.</p> -<p>“Frischette himself might have taken it.”</p> -<p>“Surely MacGregor had something to do with -it,” argued Sandy.</p> -<p>Corporal Rand rose and walked slowly across the -floor to a little table, where he helped himself to a -glass of water. He turned and regarded the boys -thoughtfully.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_19">19</div> -<p>“Here is a supposition that may throw a little -light on what actually occurred. ‘Rat’ MacGregor, -as we have reason to believe, was the first person -to have designs upon Dewberry. He planned the -robbery. He drugged his victim. Evidently murder -did not enter into his calculations. When all -was still in the room, MacGregor crept over to Dewberry’s -bunk to commit the robbery.</p> -<p>“In some way his plans went wrong. Perhaps -the drug had not proved sufficiently potent. While -taking the money and poke, let us say, Dewberry -woke up. Perhaps Dewberry made some slight exclamation -or sound, which terrified MacGregor and -which also might have aroused some other sleeper -in that room. In desperation, we will assume, MacGregor -murdered Dewberry, but is surprised in the -act by this other person who had awakened. Just -for the sake of my theory, we will say that that -person was Frischette, that in some way he got the -‘drop’ on MacGregor, compelling him to hand over -the money and poke and then forcing him to leave -the place immediately.”</p> -<p>“Yes, that is plausible,” agreed Dick. “But why -Frischette? There were other persons in the room -beside him. Why do you think that Frischette may -be the guilty one?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_20">20</div> -<p>“Because Frischette is planning to leave the country. -He claims that he had made a lot of money -up here, and is now giving his business to the boy, -Fontaine, for a small consideration. That in itself -is suspicious. Frischette’s determination to go ‘outside’ -surprised me because I remember that, less than -a year ago, he confided to me his intention to build -three new road-houses here in the North.”</p> -<p>“When is he planning to leave?” asked Sandy.</p> -<p>Corporal Rand smiled reminiscently.</p> -<p>“He expected to go this week, but he has changed -his mind since my last talk with him. As a personal -favor to me, he has consented to postpone his journey -until this little mystery has been cleared up.”</p> -<p>“But do you think that Frischette is aware that -you suspect him of the theft?”</p> -<p>“No, I believe not. I merely told him that he -would be of invaluable assistance to me in solving -this case, and that the mounted police would be -deeply indebted to him if he would consent to remain -here for a few weeks longer.”</p> -<p>Dick and Sandy both laughed.</p> -<p>“I’ll bet he’s worried stiff,” grinned the latter, -“that is, if he’s really the thief. By the way, corporal, -how much money did this Dewberry have in -his possession at the time of the murder?”</p> -<p>“There’s no way of determining the exact -amount,” Rand answered. “Probably several hundred -dollars in cash.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_21">21</div> -<p>“I wouldn’t think that that would be sufficient bait -to tempt MacGregor.”</p> -<p>“There was the poke. Don’t forget that.”</p> -<p>“But you said it was a small one. Perhaps there -wasn’t more than a few hundred dollars in nuggets -and gold dust.”</p> -<p>“I’m not sure that it was gold.”</p> -<p>“What makes you say that?”</p> -<p>“Well, it was a very small poke. That much I -know. It was almost too small for a prospector’s -pouch. As you have suggested, if it contained nuggets, -there would scarcely be a fortune there—hardly -enough to tempt MacGregor. MacGregor would -never have taken the chance he did for the small -amount involved. He was naturally a coward, a -sneaking human rat, and only a big stake could have -induced him to gather sufficient courage to make -the effort. After reasoning it all out, I have come -to the conclusion that MacGregor must have known -what that poke contained: Something infinitely -more valuable than gold.”</p> -<p>“More valuable!” exclaimed Dick.</p> -<p>“Yes. Why not? Precious stones—or a secret -of some sort worth thousands of dollars.”</p> -<p>Sandy sat up, clutching the sides of his chair.</p> -<p>“I’ll say this is getting interesting. You’re arousing -my curiosity, corporal. I love a mystery.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_22">22</div> -<p>“Well, you have one here,” smiled Rand. “The -morning after the murder I came to the conclusion -that it would not be a very difficult case. However, -it seems that I was wrong. Apparently, ‘Rat’ MacGregor -is not the only person involved. Before -we sift this thing to the bottom, we may discover -that many persons are implicated. It is one of the -most mysterious, unusual cases with which I have -ever had to deal.”</p> -<p>“How do you purpose to work it all out?”</p> -<p>“I’m almost wholly at a loss to know. I haven’t -a great deal to go on. It occurred to me that you -boys might be able to pick up information that I -couldn’t get myself. You may be able to find a -clew. In the meantime, I’m going over to Crooked -Stick River—the place where Dewberry came from -just before the murder—and question some of the -people there. Perhaps Dewberry had a friend or -two in whom he confided. Certain it is that the -contents of that poke has been seen by someone. -Otherwise, to use a well known expression, MacGregor -never would have been ‘tipped off.’”</p> -<p>“Don’t you suppose that Dewberry might have -told MacGregor about his secret?” asked Dick.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_23">23</div> -<p>“Scarcely likely. MacGregor was hardly the type -of person in whom one would confide. He was a -notorious character here in the North. He had a -very unsavory reputation. At various times he had -been implicated in certain questionable undertakings, -and once had served a term in jail.”</p> -<p>“You think, then, that MacGregor had been following -Dewberry?”</p> -<p>“Yes, awaiting his opportunity. He’d learned -of the secret. But I’m positive that Dewberry gave -him no information at all.”</p> -<p>Thus far Toma, naturally reticent, had taken no -part in the conversation. He sat rigid in his chair, -eyes wide with interest, nothing escaping him. Suddenly -he drawled forth:</p> -<p>“When you want us go over this fellow Frischette’s -place?” he asked.</p> -<p>“Tomorrow, if you will,” answered the corporal. -“Arrange to stay there for three or four days. Then -come back here to meet me.”</p> -<p>“I know this young fellow, Fontaine, you talk -about,” Toma informed them. “One time we pretty -good friends. We go to school one time at Mission. -If he know anything, me pretty sure him -tell Toma.”</p> -<p>“Good!” exclaimed Corporal Rand. “I’m glad -to hear that, Toma. Your friendship with Fontaine -may be the means of solving this mystery. If -Frischette is implicated, Fontaine must be aware of -it.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_24">24</div> -<p>The policeman rose to his feet again.</p> -<p>“Well, I guess you understand what’s to be done. -If you’ll excuse me, I’ll hurry away now. I want -to see Inspector Cameron for a few minutes before -I go on to the Crooked Stick.”</p> -<p>He turned and shook hands with each of the boys -in turn.</p> -<p>“Well, good luck to you. I hope you’ll like your -new role of police detectives. When you return, -you’ll probably find me here awaiting you.”</p> -<p>On the evening of the following day, the three -boys, dressed for the part, arrived at Frischette’s -road-house. It had been a warm afternoon and -the boys were weary as they rode up to the well -known stopping place and slowly dismounted. Sandy -paused to wipe the perspiration from his face.</p> -<p>“We’re here—” he announced, “mosquitos and -all.” He looked curiously about him. “So this is -the famous stopping-place. I’ve often heard of it. -It’s one of the largest road-houses north of the Peace -River. They say that Frischette is an interesting -character. He’s lived in the North a good many -years.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_25">25</div> -<p>Sandy’s observations were cut short by the appearance -of two young half-breeds, who sauntered -over in their direction. Toma gave vent to an exclamation, -dropped the reins over his pony’s head -and advanced quickly to meet them.</p> -<p>“One of them must be Fontaine,” guessed Sandy.</p> -<p>“But he knows them both,” observed Dick.</p> -<p>Immediately Toma and his two friends approached -and introductions took place.</p> -<p>“This him fellow,” Toma was explicit, “my -friend, Pierre Fontaine. This other fellow, also my -friend, Martin Le Sueur. He come long way this -morning to be with Pierre. Mebbe after while they -be partners an’ buy Frischette’s business.”</p> -<p>Both Le Sueur and Fontaine spoke very little -English, so the conversation that ensued, a lively -one, was carried on in Cree. While it was taking -place, the boys put up their ponies and walked back -in the direction of the hostelry. No sooner had -they entered, than Frischette, with his usual hospitality, -came forward to bid them welcome. As -he did so, Dick gave him the benefit of a close -scrutiny.</p> -<p>He was a little man, dark, vivacious—typically -French. Yet his lively features showed the unmistakable -Indian strain of his mixed origin. He -conducted the boys to the dining room, talking as -he went.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_26">26</div> -<p>“Very hungry you must be, monsieurs. Sit down -for a moment. We have plenty to eat here. I -myself will serve you. Baked whitefish from ze -water only an hour. Brown bread which I bake -with my own hands. Then there ees coffee an’ a -sweet pastry, monsieurs.”</p> -<p>“I was hungry, but I’m famished now after hearing -all that,” Sandy declared. “You are very generous, -Mr. Frischette.”</p> -<p>“Et ees nothing.” The Frenchman waved his -arms deprecatingly. “I like et you come here once -in a while during thees lonesome summer to make -ze company. I am glad to learn that you are friends -of thees ver’ good boy, Fontaine.”</p> -<p>Their welcome had been so whole-hearted and -spontaneous that Dick did not, even for a moment, -believe that Frischette’s manner was assumed. In -spite of himself, he was drawn toward the vivacious, -hospitable Frenchman. A capital host! It was difficult -to see how Corporal Rand could harbor suspicion -against such a person. The genial road-house -keeper had none of the characteristics nor any of -the appearances of a criminal.</p> -<p>That was Dick’s first impression of the man. -Nor did he stand alone in this respect. Sandy, -too, had been impressed favorably. Just before retiring -for the night, the young Scotchman whispered -in his chum’s ear:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_27">27</div> -<p>“Look here, Dick, if you want my honest opinion, -I think we’ve come on a wild goose chase. I believe -Corporal Rand is wrong. After seeing and -talking with this man Frischette, I’m absolutely certain -that he’s innocent. Someone else is the guilty -person.”</p> -<p>“I can’t help thinking that too,” Dick replied. “If -looks and actions are not deceiving, Frischette is -innocent. I doubt if he knows any more about the -case than he’s already told Rand. Just the same, -we’ll remain here and follow the corporal’s instructions.”</p> -<p>“Just wasting time,” grumbled Sandy.</p> -<p>Suddenly, they were aware of a presence near -them. Both looked up quickly and a little guiltily, -expecting to see Frischette himself. Instead it was -Toma—Toma, a curious expression on his face, the -light of excitement in his eyes.</p> -<p>“Sandy, Dick,” he announced breathlessly, “you -come with me. I find out something important to -tell you!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_28">28</div> -<h2 id="c4">CHAPTER IV -<br /><span class="small">FRISCHETTE’S MONEY BOX</span></h2> -<p>Toma led Sandy and Dick to the seclusion of a -poplar grove, a few rods away from the house. His -manner was mysterious. That he had come in -possession of information of extreme importance, -neither of his two friends could doubt. The young -Indian’s eyes fairly snapped, as he motioned Dick -and Sandy to be seated, he himself taking a position -near them. Sprawling out on the soft turf, he began -eagerly:</p> -<p>“I think better we come to this place, where no -one hear us. I just find out something about Frischette. -Fontaine tell me. Good news for the mounted -police.”</p> -<p>“I hope you didn’t tell your friend what we -were here for,” interrupted Dick. “We mustn’t -take anyone into our confidence.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_29">29</div> -<p>“I no tell him that,” Toma assured him. “All -I do is ask once in a while few questions ’bout -Frischette. Then my friend, Fontaine, him talk. -Tell ’em me all ’bout murder. He think MacGregor -get money all right, an’ hide it away somewhere -before police catch him. Never once it come in my -friend’s mind that mebbe Frischette take the money -an’ the poke himself. Frischette, he say, is good -man, but very queer fellow. Once in a while he -do queer things—things Fontaine not understand. -Every few days he get out all his money, take it to -room where he sleep, lock door, an’ begin count -many, many times. Over an’ over he count all his -money ’til he get tired, then he take an’ put it back -in box an’ walk outside an’ find another good place -to hide it.”</p> -<p>“A miser!” gasped Sandy.</p> -<p>“I don’t know what you call him. But Frischette -very queer that way. Fontaine ’fraid to ask him -any questions or make talk when Frischette like -that, because he act like crazy an’ swear an’ beat -Fontaine with a big stick if he say too much.”</p> -<p>“The mere fact that Frischette is a miser, Toma,” -Sandy pointed out, “doesn’t necessarily imply that -he’s also a thief. If he wants to hide his money -and gloat over it, that’s his own privilege.”</p> -<p>Toma nodded.</p> -<p>“Yes, I know that. But Fontaine tell me something -that make me think that mebbe Frischette steal -money too.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_30">30</div> -<p>“Is that so? What did he say?”</p> -<p>“He say,” Toma hurried on, “that two times last -winter a very queer thing happen. First time he -wake up at night an’ hear someone walking in room, -where all the men sleep. Next morning one man -him say he lost all his money. Frischette feel very -bad an’ give man mebbe ten dollars an’ say how -sorry he is that once in a while thief comes like -that in his house.”</p> -<p>“So next time,” continued the young Indian, -“when Fontaine hear someone walk again in middle -of the night, he go quick as he can to Frischette’s -room, an’ he very much surprise when he see no -one sleep in Frischette’s bed. Quick he go back -again to room, an’ all at once he meet Frischette -coming out.”</p> -<p>“‘What you do here?’” Frischette say.</p> -<p>“‘I hear noise,’ Fontaine tell him, ‘an’ I go to -wake you up.’</p> -<p>“‘I hear noise too,’ Frischette say, ‘so I come in -here to find out mebbe another bad thief come,’ he -say.</p> -<p>“Next morning, sure enough, two men lose all -their money, an’ Frischette very sorry again an’ say -bad things ’bout thief an’ give each man ten dollars.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_31">31</div> -<p>“It does look suspicious,” mused Dick.</p> -<p>“Something of a coincidence,” agreed Sandy.</p> -<p>They sat for a short time deep in thought. Sandy -got out his knife and began whittling a stick. Dick’s -gaze wandered thoughtfully away to the fringe of -woodland opposite.</p> -<p>“It might not be very difficult,” he broke forth -suddenly, “to determine beyond the shadow of a -doubt whether or not Frischette is a thief. In fact, -I have a plan. We might try it.”</p> -<p>“What is your plan?” asked Sandy.</p> -<p>“We’ll lay a trap for him. Between us we can -scrape up a little roll of money, and we’ll use that -as bait. I’ll pull it out of my pocket when he’s -looking, and pretend I’m counting it.”</p> -<p>“Yes, yes! Go on.”</p> -<p>“I’ll return the money to the inside pocket of my -coat while he’s still watching me. At night, when -he comes into the room, I’ll throw my coat carelessly -over a chair.”</p> -<p>“Look here,” objected Sandy, a wry smile on his -face, “I don’t think we have fifty dollars between -us. Hardly an impressive roll, is it?”</p> -<p>Dick grinned. “I can easily remedy that.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_32">32</div> -<p>As he spoke, he pulled from his pocket a number -of old envelopes, containing letters, wadded them -together and then began wrapping crisp new bills -around them. With the acquisition of the bank -notes Toma and Sandy gave him, the dummy had -grown to noble proportions. The boys laughed gleefully -over the subterfuge.</p> -<p>A short time later, returning to the house, Dick -awaited his opportunity. Frischette was nowhere -to be seen, when first they entered, but presently -a noise at the back attracted their attention and immediately -afterward Frischette came through the -door, leading into the kitchen, carrying a box under -his arm.</p> -<p>Dick and Sandy exchanged significant glances. -Both recalled what Toma had told them regarding -that box. Also they observed the inexplicable change -that had come over their host. His animation and -vivacity were gone. From under their shaggy brows -his dark eyes darted glances from right to left—the -look of a maniac or insane person. Without even -a nod, he passed by the three boys and entered his -own room.</p> -<p>“Got ’em again,” whispered Sandy, much taken -aback. “Not a very good time for the working out -of our plan, is it? He’s deeply engrossed in that -mysterious box by this time.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_33">33</div> -<p>“We’d better try it out on him tomorrow,” decided -Dick. “He’ll be in there several hours, and -it will probably take him another hour to find a -new hiding place for his precious treasure chest. It’s -getting late now. We ought to be in bed.”</p> -<p>The boys went over and sat down on a long bench -near the fireplace and began idly to take mental -inventory of the room. Bear skins hung from the -wall. In the center of the room stood a long rough -board table, covered with a somewhat frayed and -tattered cloth. Above the mantel were several firearms -of various caliber and design.</p> -<p>Suddenly, Sandy leaned forward and clapped Dick -on the knee.</p> -<p>“Dick, I have an idea. Just for the fun of it, -let’s follow the old rascal and find out where he -hides that box.”</p> -<p>Dick looked at the other dubiously.</p> -<p>“Well,” he hesitated. “I don’t know. It seems -like meddling to me—prying into something that -doesn’t concern us.”</p> -<p>“Wait a moment, Dick. Is it really meddling? -For the sake of argument, suppose that box contained -Dewberry’s poke and money. We already -have a suspicion that such may be the case. Why -wouldn’t we be justified in following him, when he -leaves his room, and attempt to find where he hides -the box?”</p> -<p>“But surely you wouldn’t open it?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_34">34</div> -<p>“Why not? I don’t think I would have any -scruples about that. Remember you are dealing with -a crook.”</p> -<p>“Are we?” argued Dick. “What makes you so -sure? We have proved nothing against him. Neither -has Corporal Rand. He may be entirely innocent.”</p> -<p>Sandy lifted his shoulders in a gesture of impatience.</p> -<p>“I’m afraid you’d make a poor detective. You’re -too honest, too cautious.” He paused, looked up -and grinned. “Can you picture a case-hardened -police officer or the average sleuth passing up such -an opportunity? Candidly now?”</p> -<p>Dick was forced to admit that his chum was right. -“I’ll grant you,” he smiled, “that no one, working -on a case like this, ought to have trouble with his -conscience.”</p> -<p>“No, he shouldn’t. As long as we are in the business, -we might as well conduct ourselves like real -detectives.”</p> -<p>“All right, you can have your way this time. -We’ll follow Frischette. We’ll even pry open the -box if you say so.”</p> -<p>A shadow flickered across Sandy’s forehead.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_35">35</div> -<p>“But supposing the box is locked. There’s a possibility -that hadn’t occurred to me. We’d be in a -difficult position, wouldn’t we, if we broke it open -and found that there was nothing there to incriminate -him? Frischette would see that the box had been -tampered with. He’d guess that one of us, you, -Toma or I, had opened it, or possibly he might -suspect Fontaine or Le Sueur.”</p> -<p>“If the box is locked,” reasoned Dick, “there is a -key to open it.”</p> -<p>“Yes—and he probably carries it around his neck. -Fine chance we’d have getting it from him.”</p> -<p>Their whispered conversation was interrupted at -this juncture by the creak of a door opening, and -the sound of footsteps along the floor. Startled, -the boys looked up, just as Frischette came into the -room where they were, the box under his arm. He -had come sooner than they had expected. Again -the boys noticed his strange behaviour. Some sudden -impulse induced Dick to accost him.</p> -<p>“Mr. Frischette, may I trouble you for a moment.” -He attempted to control the quaver in his -voice. “We—Sandy, Toma and I—have been wondering -about our bill. If you don’t mind, we’d like -to pay you.”</p> -<p>Frischette’s face recovered some of its former -cheerfulness.</p> -<p>“Ah, monsieurs, surely you are not to go so soon. -Did you not tell me zat you stay here for three, -four day yet. I will be ver’ sorry ef you go now.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_36">36</div> -<p>“But we have no intention of going now,” Dick -enlightened him. “We merely wish to pay you in -advance.”</p> -<p>The Frenchman’s dark face brightened. He -watched Dick reach in his pocket and pull forth a -huge roll of bills. At sight of it, his eyes gleamed -and sparkled with envy.</p> -<p>“If you weesh, monsieur. But et ees not necessary. -Ze amount ees twenty dollars for ze three of -you.”</p> -<p>Dick fondled the heavy roll, slowly peeling off -the required amount. He was watching the roadhouse -keeper and noticed with satisfaction the effect -the money had upon him. To his surprise, Frischette -said:</p> -<p>“Ees not monsieur leetle careless to carry roun’ -so ver’ much money? Are you not afraid zat thief -will take et or else you lose et from your pocket?”</p> -<p>Dick pooh-poohed the idea, laughed, and with a -sly look at Sandy, thrust the roll carelessly in the -inside pocket of his coat. Frischette followed every -move. His eyes seemed to burn into Dick’s pockets. -A look of greed so transformed his features that -for a time Dick could scarcely believe that this was -the genial, obliging host of the previous afternoon.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_37">37</div> -<p>When he had received the twenty dollars, Frischette -had found it necessary to put down the square -box, containing his treasure. He had placed it on -the table at his elbow with his right arm flung out -across it. Not once did he move from this position. -While Dick was carrying out his part of the prearranged -plan, Sandy also was busy. He moved to -the opposite side of the table, in order to get a better -view of the box. What he wanted to find out was -whether or not it was locked.</p> -<p>Not until Frischette was in the act of picking up -the box, preparing to go, was Sandy able to determine -about the lock. A key would not be necessary. -The small but formidable-looking chest could easily -be opened. Sandy smiled to himself.</p> -<p>All that remained to be done now, he reasoned, -was to follow Frischette and learn where he kept -his treasure. Then, when the opportunity arose, -they would ransack the box. It would not take long -to solve the mystery surrounding Dewberry’s priceless -poke.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_38">38</div> -<h2 id="c5">CHAPTER V -<br /><span class="small">A MIDNIGHT PROWLER</span></h2> -<p>To follow a man through Arctic twilight, to slink -from tree to tree and cover to cover, to keep hid -always and make very little sound—is not an easy -accomplishment. At least, the three boys found that -it was not. They stole stealthily along about fifty -yards behind Frischette, attempting to keep within -that distance, neither advancing too quickly nor too -slowly.</p> -<p>The wood they had entered was exceedingly dense, -in places almost impassable. Underbrush grew so -thick that it choked out even the grass. So thick -indeed was the undergrowth, through which Frischette -hurried, that it was utterly impossible always -to keep within sight of him. Now and again they -would see his hurrying form, only to lose it a moment -later. Sometimes the crackling of the underbrush -would reveal his whereabouts. At other -times the boys would be in doubt as to where he -was, and would come to the conclusion that perhaps -they had lost him. Then they would hesitate about -pressing on for fear that they might walk boldly -out in plain view of him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_39">39</div> -<p>Yet always they contrived to pick up his trail, -either by finding his footprints or by hearing some -slight sound ahead. As they continued their pursuit, -their astonishment grew. Why did the Frenchman -seek out a hiding place so far from the house? Had -his greed completely unseated his mind? Already, -Dick estimated, they had come at least two miles, -and yet Frischette showed no sign of stopping. He -was walking at a furious pace now, his nimble legs -darting along over the uncarpeted forest path. He -hugged his treasure-box to him and fairly plunged -through thicket and across the open spaces, occasionally -muttering to himself.</p> -<p>To the boys’ amazement, the chase ended abruptly. -They had come out to a small clearing in which -stood a cabin. Frischette’s fingers stole to his lips -and a peculiarly soft, bird-like whistle sounded -through the forest. Then the Frenchman remained -standing where he was until the door opened and -a slouching figure emerged.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_40">40</div> -<p>At sight of the occupant of the cabin, the boys -gasped in wonder. Never before had they seen so -unusual a person. He was bent and old, and hobbled -as he walked, in one hand a cane to guide him. His -head was hatless, covered with a thick, straggling -crop of hair, some of which fluttered into his face -and over his shoulders. His beard was long and -heavy—of a peculiar reddish tinge, streaked with -gray.</p> -<p>He approached Frischette, pausing a few feet -from him, and looked up at his visitor with eyes that -peeped out from the shadowed depressions between -his beard and eyebrows like two black beads. The -Frenchman was the first to speak:</p> -<p>“I bring back ze box again, M’sieur Creel. You -will take et an’ watch over et. You are a faithful -guardian, my friend. I weesh to compliment you. -Ever’zing ees here: ze money, ze treasure—ever’zing.”</p> -<p>The stranger spoke in a voice so low that, from -their hiding place, the boys could make out but a -few words. Frischette spoke again:</p> -<p>“Et ees tonight.”</p> -<p>The old man shook his head vigorously, gesturing -with his hands. The Frenchman raised his voice: -“Et ees tonight, I tell you. You will do as I -say.”</p> -<p>This time they heard the protest:</p> -<p>“No, no; I cannot come. Tonight I have other -work. I cannot be there. I refuse to do as you -wish, Frischette, even for the sake of gain.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_41">41</div> -<p>The Frenchman’s face grew suddenly crimson -with fury. He stooped and picked up a club, advancing -threateningly.</p> -<p>“I see ’bout that,” he fairly shouted. “I see ’bout -that pretty queek. You try fail me, m’sieur, I make -you sorry.”</p> -<p>The other did not blink. He faced his antagonist -calmly, scornfully, presently breaking into an amused -chuckle.</p> -<p>“You couldn’t hurt a fly. You are a coward, -Frischette. I, an old man, have far more courage -than you.”</p> -<p>The road-house keeper’s sudden flare of fury -quickly burned out. He dropped his club and -stepped back several paces, hugging his treasure to -him. Before the unwavering gaze of the old man -he was helpless, and possibly a little afraid. He -glanced about sullenly.</p> -<p>“All right, et ees your own broth you brew, -monsieur. I shall keep ze box. Et ees all mine. -Do you hear? Et ees mine.”</p> -<p>“Faugh! A bluff! You wouldn’t dare. I ask -you to try it.”</p> -<p>The Frenchman clutched the box still more tightly.</p> -<p>“Et ees mine,” he persisted stubbornly.</p> -<p>“You try it,” warned the other.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_42">42</div> -<p>“No more will I come to you,” Frischette informed -him. “We are through. I shall keep ze -box.”</p> -<p>“Fool!” cried the other in vexation, beginning -to relent “I suppose that I must humor you always. -Very well, it shall be as you say. I give you my -promise. But it will cost you a pretty penny this -time.”</p> -<p>Suddenly they began to barter.</p> -<p>“Half,” said the Frenchman.</p> -<p>“Two-thirds,” insisted the man with the beard.</p> -<p>Frischette gave vent to a shriek of anguish.</p> -<p>“Two-thirds,” he howled. “What? Are you -crazy? I will not leesen to zat. Et ees outrageous, -m’sieur.”</p> -<p>Sandy poked Dick cautiously in the ribs.</p> -<p>“Both mad!” he announced. “Can you make anything -out of that gibberish? What are they talking -about?”</p> -<p>“I’ll confess,” Dick whispered, “that I’m at a -loss to know.”</p> -<p>In the end, the two conspirators came to an -agreement</p> -<p>“One-half it shall be,” they heard the old man -mutter.</p> -<p>Having won his point, Frischette beamed. He -thrust the box into the other’s hands.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_43">43</div> -<p>“Take et, m’sieur. I am sorry ef I speak cross. -We must be friends. We must understand each -other. En a ver’ few weeks we go to Edmonton an’ -we shall be rich, m’sieur.”</p> -<p>Creel grumbled something through his beard, -seized the box with eager hands and half-turned as -if to depart.</p> -<p>“Tonight then?”</p> -<p>“Yes, tonight.”</p> -<p>The boys scrambled back quickly, for Frischette -was beginning his journey homeward. A moment -later, from the deep shadow of a heavy thicket, -they watched him pass. He was shaking his head -and talking to himself in a complaining undertone. -Not long afterward he had disappeared in the tangle -of greenery, and over the woodland there settled -a deep and impressive silence. Dick looked at Sandy -and Toma and smiled.</p> -<p>“The farther we go into this thing, the stranger -and more perplexing it becomes. I wonder who -that man is? In what way is he associated with -Frischette? Why is he guarding the box? Now -what do you suppose they were arguing about?”</p> -<p>“I can’t imagine,” answered Sandy. “What do -you think, Toma?”</p> -<p>The Indian youth rose and broke off a twig from -a branch above his head.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_44">44</div> -<p>“I think him bad fellow just like Frischette.”</p> -<p>“Yes,” agreed Sandy, “probably his accomplice.”</p> -<p>“It doesn’t look as if we would open that box -now,” grimaced Dick.</p> -<p>“Not unless we overpower the old man.”</p> -<p>Dick too arose, glancing back at the cabin.</p> -<p>“I’d like to think it over before we attempt it. -Possibly some plan may occur to us tomorrow. At -present we’d better go back to the road-house before -Frischette becomes suspicious. I wouldn’t be in -the least surprised if he attempts to relieve me of -that roll tonight.”</p> -<p>“I can agree with you there,” said Sandy. “Did -you notice his eyes when you pulled it from your -pocket?”</p> -<p>“Yes.” Dick smiled at the memory.</p> -<p>They started back along the trail, for a time -walking in silence. Presently, however, Sandy -turned toward Dick, his face thoughtful.</p> -<p>“Supposing,” he inquired, “that Frischette really -does attempt the robbery tonight. What will we do? -Let him have the money? Or do you want to catch -him in the act?”</p> -<p>“We’ll let him have it.”</p> -<p>“But there’s nearly sixty dollars of our money. -I’m not so rich that—”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_45">45</div> -<p>“We’ll get it back somehow, Sandy,” Dick interrupted. -“The police will see to that. I’ve marked -the bills so that we can identify them.”</p> -<p>“Good!”</p> -<p>“We’d better remain awake, all of us,” continued -Dick. “I’ll take the lower bunk in the corner -near the door. You can sleep in the upper one. -Toma can occupy the lower bunk next to mine. Just -before we retire, while Frischette is still in the -room, I’ll remove my coat and throw it over the -back of a chair.”</p> -<p>“We’ll all keep perfectly still,” said Sandy, “when -he enters the room. Remember, Toma, that you are -not to make any effort to stop him.”</p> -<p>The young Indian nodded:</p> -<p>“Yes, I understand. Me do nothing.”</p> -<p>Later, when they had retired for the night, they -were in an excited frame of mind. Had they been -ever so tired, it is doubtful whether they would -have been able to relax for sleep. Dick lay, facing -the doorway, so that he could command a view of -the entire room. Frischette’s sleeping apartment, -almost directly opposite, opened on to the large -bunk-hall they occupied. If the Frenchman planned -to take the roll, it would be necessary for him to -pass through the doorway, directly across from -Dick, and steal stealthily along the row of bunks to -the chair, over which Dick had carelessly flung his -coat.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_46">46</div> -<p>The bunk-hall was shrouded in a partial darkness. -Outside the night was clear, and a half-moon rode -through a sky sprinkled with stars. To the ears of -the boys, as they lay quietly awaiting the Frenchman’s -coming, there floated through the open windows -the droning sounds of the forest. An owl -hooted from some leafy canopy. The weird, mournful -cries of a night-bird, skimming along the tree -tops, could be heard distinctly. The curtain, draping -the window on the west side of the room, fluttered -softly as it caught the rippling, nocturnal -breeze.</p> -<p>As time passed, Dick became conscious of an -increasing nervous tension and restlessness. He -found it difficult to lay still. He turned from side -to side. The strain upon his eyes from watching -the door so continuously had caused a blur to appear -before them, and only with difficulty could he make -out the various objects in the room. Time and -time again, he imagined he could hear a slight sound -coming from Frischette’s apartment. Yet, as he lay -there and the door did not open, he realized that he -must have been mistaken.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_47">47</div> -<p>At length he decided that the road-house keeper -would make no effort to come that night. Reasoning -thus, he lay very still, his eyes closed, drowsiness -stealing over him. Through his mind there flashed -confused pictures of the day’s happenings. In imagination, -he was threading a woodland path, following -the fleeing form of a man, who clutched to him -a mysterious wooden box. Again he saw the angry, -distorted face of Frischette, who was standing there, -one arm raised threateningly above the stooped form -and uncovered head of Creel—the queer old recluse.</p> -<p>Tossing restlessly, his eyes came back to the door, -and suddenly his nerves grew taut. The door, he -perceived, was now slightly ajar. It was opening -slowly. A few inches at a time it swung back, and -at length a muffled form stood framed in the doorway, -then moved noiselessly nearer. Unerringly, it -padded across the floor, straight towards Dick’s -bunk. It paused near the chair, scarcely four feet -from where Dick lay.</p> -<p>With difficulty, Dick suppressed a cry. The -skulking, shadowy form was not that of Frischette—but -Creel! Creel, a horrible, repellent figure in the -half-darkness. Long, straggling locks of hair fell -over his eyes, while the heavy beard formed a mask -for his repulsive face. Dick could almost imagine -that he could see Creel’s deep-set eyes shining from -their sockets. They were like those of a cat.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_48">48</div> -<p>Previously it had been agreed between the three -boys that in the event of Frischette entering the -room and attempting to steal the money, no effort -would be made to prevent him. Now Creel, and not -Frischette, was about to commit the crime. For -some unknown reason Dick felt that he could not -lay there inactive. Resentment and anger suddenly -burned within him. As Creel cautiously lifted up -his coat, Dick found himself sitting bolt upright, -and, to his amazement, heard himself shout out: -“Drop that coat if you don’t wish to get in -trouble. Drop it, I say!”</p> -<p>Creel started so quickly, dropped the coat so suddenly, -that the chair overturned and crashed to the -floor. There came the sound of moccasined feet -pattering away! Dick had sprung from his bunk, -as had also Sandy and Toma. For a time confusion -and excitement reigned. Frischette appeared -in the doorway, and upon his heels came Fontaine -and Le Sueur, rubbing their eyes.</p> -<p>“What ees ze matter?” Frischette inquired in a -frightened voice. “What has happen?”</p> -<p>“Someone came in here a moment ago,” cried Dick -angrily, “and tried to steal my money. I tell you, -Frischette, the thief is in this house!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_49">49</div> -<h2 id="c6">CHAPTER VI -<br /><span class="small">NEW COMPLICATIONS</span></h2> -<p>Not until the following morning did the boys -have a chance to discuss the happenings of the previous -night. Over the breakfast table, Dick was -the cynosure of two hostile pair of eyes—those of -Sandy and Toma. It was quite evident that Dick’s -chums were not satisfied with the outcome of the -night’s adventures. Sandy, in particular, could -scarcely contain himself. He kept glowering at his -friend over his coffee and bacon, and Dick could -see that a lecture was forthcoming. However, Sandy -did not get his chance until nearly an hour later, -when the three boys left the dining room for a turn -in the open air. Scarcely were they outside, when -Sandy broke forth petulantly:</p> -<p>“Look here, Dick, I must say that you followed -out our agreement to the letter. What did you mean -by crying out like that, after it had been decided to -let Frischette walk away with the money?”</p> -<p>“But it wasn’t Frischette,” Dick defended himself.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_50">50</div> -<p>“Wasn’t Frischette. What do you mean? Of -course, it was Frischette. I saw him with my own -eyes.”</p> -<p>“It was Creel.”</p> -<p>“Creel!”</p> -<p>“Yes, that fellow who took the box from the -Frenchman yesterday.”</p> -<p>Sandy whistled softly.</p> -<p>“So that’s their game. Creel is Frischette’s confederate. -I can see it all now.”</p> -<p>“That’s the way I have it all figured out too. -Frischette is the man who plans all the robberies -and Creel is the one who executes them.”</p> -<p>Dick paused and leaned against the trunk of a -huge jack-pine, contemplatively regarding his two -chums.</p> -<p>“It means we have two persons instead of one -to deal with. The treasure-box they keep between -them. Each probably has an equal interest in it. -I wish there was some way we could get hold of -it.”</p> -<p>“Mebbe that not be so very hard,” Toma suddenly -interjected. “One night we go over to Creel’s -cabin an’ find it sure. I think I know how we get -it without much trouble.”</p> -<p>“How?” demanded Sandy.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_51">51</div> -<p>“You remember yesterday when Frischette come -close to Creel’s cabin he stop in the brush an’ make -’em noise for him to come out. Well, one of us do -same like that while other two hide close to cabin. -When Creel come out, thinking it Frischette, good -chance go get box. What you say?”</p> -<p>“A good plan, certainly,” criticised Dick, “only -how are we going to imitate that peculiar, mysterious -whistle. I’m sure I couldn’t.”</p> -<p>“I couldn’t either,” declared Sandy.</p> -<p>Toma put two fingers to his mouth and blew -softly. It was an excellent imitation of the sound -the boys had heard on the previous day, and both -Dick and Sandy clapped their hands in delight.</p> -<p>“You’re good!” Sandy exclaimed. “I’m proud of -you. How can you manage to do it, after hearing -it only once?”</p> -<p>“I hear it many times,” flushed the young Indian. -“You see, there is bird that hide deep in the woods -that make ’em call like that. Frischette, jus’ like -me, try make sound like that bird.”</p> -<p>“We’ll go tonight,” exulted Dick.</p> -<p>The other two nodded in agreement.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_52">52</div> -<p>“Ten o’clock will be a good time,” Sandy suggested. -“Dick and I will enter the cabin, while you, -Toma, practice your wiles upon the thieving Mr. -Creel. Lead him away from the cabin as far as -you can, so that we’ll have plenty of time to look -around. We may have some trouble in finding the -place where he has hid the box.”</p> -<p>The boys had worked themselves up to a high -pitch of excitement long before the time appointed -for setting out on their night’s adventure. In order -not to arouse Frischette’s suspicions, should he discover -their absence, they had informed him that -they were planning to go over to Lake Grassy Point, -a distance of about eight miles, and visit the Indian -encampment there. Fontaine and Le Sueur, they -explained, would accompany them too, and he, -Frischette, must not worry if they were late in getting -back.</p> -<p>To their surprise, the arrangement met with the -Frenchman’s immediate approval.</p> -<p>“Et ees good you go,” he told them. “You young -fellow get ver’ tired stay one place all ze time.” -Then he sighed regretfully. “Ver’ often I weesh -I might be young too. Always go, always have -good time. Et ees ze great fun, monsieurs.”</p> -<p>Dick’s brow contracted thoughtfully. Did Frischette -contemplate a visit to Creel himself? Had -the Frenchman a plan of his own?</p> -<p>“Just our luck,” Dick told Sandy a few minutes -later, “if the old rascal decides to visit Creel tonight. -We’ve gone to a lot of trouble already.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_53">53</div> -<p>The young Scotchman slapped irritably at a -mosquito that had lit upon his arm.</p> -<p>“Yes, it was necessary to take Fontaine and Le -Sueur more or less into our confidence. That’s one -phase of the thing I don’t like. Those two friends -of Toma’s know we’re up to something. All I hope -is, that they’ll have sense enough to keep their -mouths shut. If Frischette ever gets an inkling that -we’re watching him, the game’s up.”</p> -<p>“But Fontaine and Le Sueur haven’t the least -idea what we purpose to do,” said Dick. “Neither -one of them knows that we’re spying upon Frischette.”</p> -<p>“Yes, but they’ll think it’s queer that we’re deceiving -him. They’ll wonder why we have lied to -him, want them to go to the encampment while we -remain behind.”</p> -<p>“You don’t need to worry about that, Sandy. -You may depend upon it that Toma has made our -proposed actions seem very plausible.”</p> -<p>Sandy grinned.</p> -<p>“Toma probably has told them a wonderful story. -I’ll agree with you there. He certainly possesses -a keen imagination.”</p> -<p>Dick consulted his watch.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_54">54</div> -<p>“It’s twenty minutes past nine now. I think, -Sandy, we’d better go back to the house and find -Toma and the others. It’ll be time to start before -long.”</p> -<p>They hurried along the path, and a few minutes -later entered the house, where they were joined by -Toma and his two friends. Soon afterward, Frischette -strode into the room, carrying his coat and -hat.</p> -<p>“I go with you a leetle way,” he announced. “All -day long I work in ze kitchen, where et ees hot. I -think ze night air mebbe make me feel good.”</p> -<p>Dick glanced sharply across at Sandy, keen disappointment -depicted in his gaze. The Frenchman’s -announcement had taken him completely by surprise. -The situation was awkward.</p> -<p>“Why not come all the way to the encampment -with us,” invited Dick. “We’ll be glad to have you.”</p> -<p>Frischette threw up his hands in a gesture of dismay.</p> -<p>“All zat way! Empossible! Et ees too far, monsieur. -I am too tired. Eight miles there an’ back -an’ ze brush tangle in my poor tired legs. No, I -will go only a ver’ short way.”</p> -<p>So Frischette, much to the boys’ disappointment, -accompanied them. He chatted as they walked, continually -gesturing, often stopping abruptly in his -tracks to point out some inconsequential object.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_55">55</div> -<p>Never before had Dick been given so excellent an -opportunity to study the man. He was slightly -amused at the Frenchman’s queer antics. He would -become intensely enthusiastic over the merest trifles—a -bright flower, a sparkling stone, a gnarled, misshapen -tree.</p> -<p>A person of moods and impulses, Dick decided, -watching him. Sometimes he wondered if Frischette -were not assuming a certain behavior for their -special benefit. What was his real purpose in coming -with them? Certainly it was not because he really -wanted the exercise and fresh air. More likely, he -intended to go over to visit Creel.</p> -<p>Their course to Grassy Point Lake led them in -the general direction of Creel’s cabin. When the -Frenchman bade them adieu and turned back, Dick -estimated that they had still about two miles farther -to go before they would be directly opposite the -abiding place of the mysterious recluse. Realizing -this, his previous conviction that Frischette was -really going there became shaken. Perhaps, after -all, the road-house keeper had told the truth, was -actually going back as he said.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_56">56</div> -<p>Even if the man planned to strike off obliquely -through the woods to Creel’s, hope of obtaining possession -of the box was not altogether lost. They -might still turn the trick that same night, if only -they hurried. By running part of the way, they -would arrive at the cabin sufficiently in advance of -Frischette to achieve their purpose. With this -thought in mind, Dick, after waving a friendly farewell -to the unsuspecting Frenchman, led the party -forward quickly until a turn in the trail obscured -their movements. Then, breaking into a run, he -darted along the shadowy forest path, motioning the -others to follow.</p> -<p>Ten minutes later, the three boys drew away from -Fontaine and Le Sueur, striking off at right angle -with the dim trail to Grassy Point Lake, and continued -their hurried course straight in the direction -of the lonely cabin. As they proceeded on their -way, excitement, caused by the thought of their -coming adventure, grew upon them. They were -shaky and nervous when they finally drew up in -front of a thick screen of underbrush, less than -sixty yards from the house. Dick motioned to Toma.</p> -<p>“Hurry around toward the front of the cabin,” -he whispered tersely, “and give your bird-call.”</p> -<p>“Sure you all ready?” inquired the young Indian.</p> -<p>“Yes, all ready.”</p> -<p>“I go then.”</p> -<p>Without further word, Toma slunk forward, -skirted the line of underbrush and presently disappeared -from view.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_57">57</div> -<h2 id="c7">CHAPTER VII -<br /><span class="small">THE MYSTERIOUS POKE</span></h2> -<p>Dick and Sandy waited breathlessly. Thus far, -no sound had come to them. The forest was pervaded -by a silence so deep and oppressive that the -two boys, waiting for Toma’s mysterious call, could -hear the thumping of their own hearts. They had -crept forward through the dense thicket to a point -where, though still concealed themselves, they could -see the cabin plainly. In the sombre northern twilight -its every detail stood clearly revealed—the low, -grass-grown sod roof, the tiny window and the -crude, rough door.</p> -<p>The boys found it difficult to restrain their gathering -impatience. What was Toma doing? Chafing -over the delay, they crouched low, their gaze sweeping -the tiny clearing ahead. On Dick’s forehead -beads of perspiration gathered slowly, while the -palms of his hands were moist and warm.</p> -<p>“Can’t imagine what’s happened to him,” Sandy -croaked in Dick’s ear. “What’s he waiting for? -What’s got into him, anyway? First thing we -know, Frischette’ll be here—and it’ll be too late.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_58">58</div> -<p>Dick did not reply. Just then he thought he had -heard a slight sound in the brush, directly in front -of the house. Excitedly, he reached forward and -seized Sandy’s right arm.</p> -<p>“Ssh!” he whispered. “Keep still. Just look -over there.”</p> -<p>Following his friend’s instructions, Sandy looked -and immediately his mouth gaped open, and he -emitted a startled gasp.</p> -<p>Two men plunged out into the open—rough, desperate, -evil-looking men, who made their way -stealthily forward. Each carried a knife and revolver -at his belt. One was tall and sinewy, the -other short and thin. The tall man proceeded ahead -with long awkward strides, while the little man at -his side pranced along, like a small boy attempting -to keep pace with his elder.</p> -<p>Of the two, the face of the smaller man was, if -such a thing were possible, more sinister, malevolent -and wicked than that of the other. His features -were twisted in an expression that was both horrible -and repellent. It was as if he had been overcome -by some violent emotion: rage that hungered -for revenge, or cruelty inflamed by avarice. In all -their experience, the boys had never encountered -a more terrifying pair. The very sight of them -caused Dick and Sandy to shiver and draw back in -a sudden panic.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_59">59</div> -<p>“Ho-hope they don’t come this way,” shuddered -Sandy.</p> -<p>“Toma saw them before we did,” whispered Dick. -“That’s why he didn’t attempt that call. Who do -you suppose they are?”</p> -<p>In terror, Sandy shook his head.</p> -<p>“Keep down,” he trembled, “or they may see us.”</p> -<p>Dick grew suddenly tense. The two men had -reached the door of the cabin, and for a brief moment -stood undecided. Then the tall man raised -a gnarled hand and struck the door so violently and -unexpectedly that Sandy and Dick both jumped -back, as if they, instead of the rough pine barrier, -had received the full impact of that mighty blow.</p> -<p>The echo had scarcely subsided, when the tall man -struck again.</p> -<p>“Open up! Open up!” he thundered. “Creel, -open up this yere door.”</p> -<p>The door swung back on its rusty hinges, and then -the boys saw Creel framed in the aperture. But -it was a different Creel than the man they had seen -previously. He looked much older. The stoop to -his shoulders was more noticeable. A pathetic figure -now, a terror-struck human derelict. At the very -best he could offer but feeble resistance to these -two terrible fellows, who had come storming and -raging upon him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_60">60</div> -<p>“Guess yuh know what we’ve come fer, Creel,” -the little man snarled. “Yuh can guess, can’t yuh? -Quick now, an’ bring it out. We’re in a hurry, I -tell yuh. Quick!”</p> -<p>Creel made the fatal mistake of pretending he did -not know what the other was talking about. He -raised a trembling hand.</p> -<p>“If you’ll explain a little more clearly, gentlemen, -what you want I’ll—”</p> -<p>The sentence was not completed. The tall man -reached out with one arm and caught Creel about -the neck. Scarcely seeming to exert himself, he -lifted him completely off his feet, holding him dangling—head -pressed back against the frame of the -door. For a brief moment the body of the recluse -remained pinioned there, then was suddenly released -and fell with a muffled thud across the threshold.</p> -<p>Dick and Sandy, who had been silent witnesses -of the drama unrolling before their eyes, caught -their breath in anger. Much as they despised and -feared Creel, the unwarranted brutality of the tall -man caused them to experience a feeling of sympathy -for the helpless old recluse. Dick’s hand -flashed to the revolver at his belt, and he had half-started -to his feet, when Sandy drew him back.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_61">61</div> -<p>“Don’t be foolish, Dick,” he trembled. “Keep -out of this. We can accomplish more by remaining -right here where we are. Look!”</p> -<p>Creel had stumbled dazedly to his feet, gripping -the door for support.</p> -<p>“Now,” declared the little man grimly, “I guess -yuh understand. Bring it out.”</p> -<p>Creel staggered inside and appeared, a short time -later, carrying the box. Both men made a grab for -it, but the smaller was the quicker of the two. He -flung open the lid of the small treasure-chest and -both he and his companion pawed through it excitedly, -their faces distorted with greed.</p> -<p>Dick and Sandy, who were watching events with -wide-open eyes, were wholly unprepared for the -next step in the little drama. In a sudden fury of -disappointment, the little man raised the box and -sent it crashing to the floor. His expression was -awful to behold, his eyes like two bright coals of -fire. Nor did his companion contain himself much -better. With an oath, he spurned the box at his -feet, sending it flying within the room. His cheeks -were livid.</p> -<p>“It ain’t here, Emery!” he almost screamed. “It -ain’t here! That squaw lied to us. We’re done for. -MacGregor got it after all!”</p> -<p>But the other was not so easily discouraged.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_62">62</div> -<p>“It is here!” he fairly howled in his rage.</p> -<p>With a lightning motion, he turned upon Creel, -advancing with outstretched hands—hands that -looked like the talons of some huge bird; hands that -worked convulsively as they floated toward Creel’s -throat. Before the little man’s advance, the old recluse -tottered back, throwing up his arms in a defensive -gesture.</p> -<p>“I’ll give yuh jus’ two minutes tuh bring out that -poke,” the words came screaming at him. “Yuh -got it. I know yuh got it. If yuh don’t want to -make food fer the crows, yuh better trot it out.”</p> -<p>“Gentlemen—” began Creel, his voice deathly -calm.</p> -<p>The little man’s right hand flashed out and for -the second time Creel measured his length across -the threshold. This time, however, he did not rise. -In falling, his head had struck the sharp edge of -the doorway, rendering him unconscious. Without -even as much as a glance at him, the two men stepped -over his prostrate body and disappeared into the -room. For a space of nearly five minutes they remained -inside, while Dick and Sandy sat in a sort -of stupor and blankly regarded each other.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_63">63</div> -<p>Then abruptly, Creel’s assailants re-appeared and -from their expression and behavior, the boys realized -instantly that the search had been successful. The -big man guffawed loudly as he pushed Creel’s body -to one side with his foot and stepped out into the -pale light of that Arctic summer night.</p> -<p>“We got it,” gloated the little man. “That was -a stroke o’ luck, pardner. The squaw was right. -We got it!”</p> -<p>As he spoke, he drew from his pocket a small -object and fondled it in his hands. Again the loud -guffaw rang out, penetrating the silence. Chattering -and exulting, the pair made their way through -the lush grass that overran the clearing. Then, -suddenly, they stopped. At the edge of the clearing -there had sprung up a frail but defiant figure.</p> -<p>“Stop!” cried a voice. “Put ’em hands up or I -shoot you quick.”</p> -<p>Creel’s assailants, looking straight at the muzzle -of Toma’s revolver, had no other alternative. Their -hands went high. Dick thought the pair looked very -foolish standing there. And he could hear very -plainly their astonished, burning oaths. He and -Sandy leaped to their feet and hurried to Toma’s -assistance. They came up from behind and, with -a nod to their chum, quickly disarmed the murderous -pair. But though they searched everywhere, they -could not find the poke. Dick paused in consternation.</p> -<p>“Big fellow got it in his hand,” said Toma.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_64">64</div> -<p>“Give it to me,” Dick turned upon the outlaw.</p> -<p>The big man’s eyes gleamed with hatred, but with -Toma’s revolver threatening him, he was forced to -obey.</p> -<p>“Take it,” he growled out an oath. “But I bet -yuh don’t keep it long, stranger. Yuh won’t never -get away with it. Jus’ mark my words.”</p> -<p>Dick stepped back, laughing.</p> -<p>“That remains to be seen,” he answered the outlaw. -“You fellows can go now. If you know -what’s good for you, you’ll leave this neighborhood -as quickly as you can. I have the description of -both of you and will notify the mounted police of -this night’s affair.”</p> -<p>The partners struck off through the underbrush, -calling out their taunts. It was not long before -silence came again. The three boys stood in a little -circle, looking at each other. Now that the tension -had relaxed, they were all more or less bewildered. -Dick still had the small poke in his hand, and as -yet had scarcely deigned to give it a second glance. -Suddenly, Sandy’s voice rang out:</p> -<p>“Well, if you ask me, this is a peculiar night’s -business. I’m almost stunned. We’re indebted to -Toma for the way everything has turned out. Let’s -see what’s in that poke, Dick. Why don’t you open it?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_65">65</div> -<p>Dick looked down at the small object in his hand. -He turned it over and over thoughtfully.</p> -<p>“No,” he said, “you can open it, Sandy. I’m too -shaky.”</p> -<p>With the poke held firmly between two fingers, -he reached out to hand it to his chum. But in that -moment a strange thing happened. A crackling of -brush, a lightning leap forward, a snarl like that of -a beast—and the thing was whisked from his fingers -as it dangled there in the air. Then a figure darted -past them and disappeared in the darkness of the -forest beyond.</p> -<p>The three chums gaped at each other.</p> -<p>“Who was that?” gasped Dick.</p> -<p>Toma was the first to speak.</p> -<p>“I see ’em,” he spoke dolefully. “It was Frischette.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_66">66</div> -<h2 id="c8">CHAPTER VIII -<br /><span class="small">CORPORAL RAND TAKES CHARGE</span></h2> -<p>Sandy rubbed his eyes.</p> -<p>“I don’t know what to make of this. Frischette -has the poke now. In a way I’m glad that he has. -It’s better for us, Dick. I’d hate to have another -encounter with those two prospectors. Wonder -what Frischette will say to us when we return to -the road-house.”</p> -<p>“Don’t worry,” said Dick, “we’ve seen the last -of him. He won’t come back.”</p> -<p>“You mean he’ll leave everything?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_67">67</div> -<p>“Yes, that’s my opinion. I don’t know what the -poke contains but it must be something of immense -value. Just stop a moment to reason it all out, -Sandy. First of all, the poke belonged to Dewberry. -MacGregor tried to get it, but was thwarted in his -purpose either by Frischette or Creel. Creel had -it in his possession until those two prospectors came -along and took it away from him. Now it’s in -Frischette’s hands again. If he returns to the road-house, -he’ll be afraid that we’ll get it away from -him. After what happened tonight, he’ll take no -chances. He’ll not even consider his partner, Creel. -He has a fortune in his hands and will attempt to -keep it.”</p> -<p>“What’s to be done now?” asked Sandy. “Do -you think we ought to set out in pursuit of Frischette?”</p> -<p>For a time Dick stood undecided.</p> -<p>“No,” he answered, “we haven’t time. Tomorrow -Corporal Rand will return to Fort Good Faith. He -has asked us to meet him there. We’ll have to follow -his instructions: Go back tonight.”</p> -<p>“But what about Creel? We can’t leave him -here.”</p> -<p>“That’s right. Let me see,” Dick scratched his -head in perplexity.</p> -<p>“Tell you what we do,” Toma suddenly broke -forth. “One of us stay here look after Creel an’ -other two go back to Fort Good Faith. If you -like, I stay here myself while you, Sandy, you, -Dick, go on see Corporal Rand. After while I get -Fontaine an’ Le Sueur to help me. Soon they come -back from Grassy Point Lake.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_68">68</div> -<p>“Your plan is a good one,” approved Dick. “It’s -the best thing to do. If Sandy and I start at once—go -over to the road-house and get our horses—we -can reach Fort Good Faith shortly before the corporal -arrives. What do you think, Sandy?”</p> -<p>“We ought to go, of course. The way things -have turned out, we need someone to take charge -and straighten out this tangle. Corporal Rand will -know what to do. I expect his first move will be -to set out in pursuit of Frischette. The sooner we -get Rand back here the sooner he’ll be able to follow -and overtake him. Yes, we’d better start at -once.”</p> -<p>“All right, we’ll walk over and get the horses.”</p> -<p>Toma gave a little start of dismay.</p> -<p>“I jus’ happen think, Dick— By Gar— Make -me feel like silly fool. What you think I do?”</p> -<p>“What did you do?” Dick asked kindly.</p> -<p>“Yesterday I turn ponies out to eat grass.”</p> -<p>“Hang the luck!” exploded Sandy. “That means -we’ll have to walk. We might have to look around -all night before we find ’em.”</p> -<p>“I very sorry,” began Toma. “I—”</p> -<p>Sandy cut him short.</p> -<p>“Forget it! I don’t blame you, Toma. It’s just -a bit of bad luck, that’s all.”</p> -<p>“An’ you don’t feel mad at Toma?” inquired -that young man plaintively.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_69">69</div> -<p>“Certainly not,” Dick assured him. “Either -Sandy or I might have made the same mistake. It’s -all right. We’ll walk.”</p> -<p>Without even returning to the cabin to determine -the extent of Creel’s injuries, they shook hands -with the young Indian and quickly departed. Their -hurried trek back to Fort Good Faith long remained -in the boys’ memory. Dick struck out with Sandy -at his heels, and hour after hour they pushed on -without even a pause for rest.</p> -<p>Both were swaying on their feet from weariness -as they entered the broad meadow, surrounding the -fort, and came finally to the well known trading -post.</p> -<p>Factor MacClaren looked up from his work as -the two youths entered.</p> -<p>“Why, hello,” he exclaimed in surprise. Then: -“Whatever has happened to you. You both look -as if you’d been stuck in a swamp somewhere for -the last day or two. I wish you could see yourselves.”</p> -<p>The boys looked down at their mud-spattered -garments. Sandy’s eyes were bloodshot and his -shoulders drooped. Dick’s face was scratched with -brambles. He had lost his hat and his hair was -rumpled and streaked with dirt. Each flopped into -a chair and breathed a sigh of relief.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_70">70</div> -<p>“We made record time from Frischette’s stopping-place,” -Sandy announced finally.</p> -<p>Sandy’s uncle laughed. “I can well believe that -from your appearance. Have you been travelling -all night?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” answered Dick, “all night. By the way, -is Corporal Rand here?”</p> -<p>Factor MacClaren nodded.</p> -<p>“Arrived last night. Got in sooner than he expected. -He’s waiting for you. Went out to the -stables just a few minutes ago.”</p> -<p>“Uncle Walter,” Sandy requested wearily, “I -wonder if you’ll be kind enough to notify him that -we are here.” He sprawled lower in his chair. “I’m -so tired that I don’t think I could walk out there. -Also, while you’re at it, I wish you’d tell Naida, the -cook, to prepare a good breakfast for two hungry -men.”</p> -<p>“Men!” grinned the factor.</p> -<p>“Yes, men. At least, we’re doing men’s work.”</p> -<p>Chuckling to himself, Sandy’s uncle departed upon -his errand. Not long afterward Corporal Rand -himself appeared in the doorway and came eagerly -toward them.</p> -<p>“Well! Well!” he exclaimed. “So you’re back. -What luck did you have?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_71">71</div> -<p>“Great!” replied Dick, too weary to rise. “If -you’ll sit down for a moment, corporal, we’ll tell -you everything.”</p> -<p>When Dick and Sandy had completed their narrative, -Corporal Rand sat for a long time in thought. -His fingers drummed on the table.</p> -<p>“You’ve done much better than I expected,” he -complimented them. “And to be perfectly frank, -I don’t know what to think of it all. Those two -men you spoke of, who attacked Creel and secured -the poke, I can’t recall that I’ve ever seen them. -However, your description tallies with that of two -prospectors I met one time at Fort MacMurray. -But that’s hundreds of miles from here. It hardly -seems likely that it would be the same pair. But -that is neither here nor there. You boys have practically -established Frischette’s guilt. If he didn’t -actually take the poke from Dewberry himself, he -must have induced Creel to do it. Probably when -I have seen and talked with Creel I can force the -truth from him.”</p> -<p>“Will you place Creel under arrest?” asked Sandy.</p> -<p>“Not unless I can get him to confess. As yet we -can prove nothing against him.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_72">72</div> -<p>Naida appeared at this juncture to announce that -breakfast was ready, and Corporal Rand accompanied -the two boys to the dining room. Dick and -Sandy applied themselves with such diligence to the -feast before them, that Rand refrained from asking -any more questions just then. When the boys -had pushed back their chairs, sighing contentedly, -Rand took up the subject anew.</p> -<p>“I’m glad you came when you did. I’m anxious -to go out on the trail after Frischette. Just now -Frischette holds the key to the riddle. If we can -catch him, I think our troubles will be at an end.”</p> -<p>Dick looked across at the policeman.</p> -<p>“Your suggestion, then, is to return immediately -to the road-house?”</p> -<p>“If you boys are not too tired, I’d like to start -at once.”</p> -<p>“Now that we’ve had something to eat, I’m ready -to go,” said Sandy. “I feel a lot different than I -did when we arrived here a short time ago.”</p> -<p>With one accord the three rose to their feet, and -not long afterward secured their horses and departed. -Following a hard but uneventful ride, they reached -the scene of the events of the night previous. They -met Toma just outside the door of the road-house. -He greeted them with a cheery smile, striding forward -to shake hands with Corporal Rand.</p> -<p>“Glad you come so soon, corporal. I get ’em -Creel over here last night. Him pretty near all -right now.”</p> -<p>“Did Frischette come back?” asked Sandy.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_73">73</div> -<p>The young Indian shook his head.</p> -<p>“He no come. Creel no think he come either.”</p> -<p>They found Creel a few moments later, sitting, -with bandaged head, in a chair near an open window. -At sight of the mounted policeman his -eyes dilated perceptibly. Yet otherwise he showed -little of the emotion and fear the boys had -expected.</p> -<p>But if Rand had hoped to secure information of -value from the old recluse, he was disappointed. -When questioned about the events of the night before, -his answers were evasive. He knew nothing -about the poke. He had seen no poke. The money-box, -slightly battered, which Toma brought forth -as evidence, belonged to him, he admitted. Why the -thieves had not taken the box, Creel could not understand. -It contained upward of five thousand dollars -in currency.</p> -<p>“If this box and money belongs to you,” Rand -demanded, “what was Frischette doing with them? -The boys say that Frischette had this box in his possession -here only two days ago. What was he doing -with it?”</p> -<p>Creel met the policeman’s eyes unflinchingly.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_74">74</div> -<p>“The boys must be mistaken,” he wagged his head. -“The box is mine. Until last night no one has seen -it. People call me a miser. Those men, who came -last night, were disappointed because they expected -to find more.”</p> -<p>Rand scowled. He saw the uselessness of further -questioning. Though Creel might be aware of -Frischette’s treachery, it was evident that he had -no intention of attempting to obtain revenge upon -him. To incriminate his confederate, would be to -incriminate himself. Both would go to jail. Creel -was wise enough to see that.</p> -<p>“Perhaps,” said Rand grimly, “you’ll have more -to tell us when we bring your friend, Frischette, -back and obtain possession of that poke. You could -save yourself a lot of trouble by giving me a confession -now.”</p> -<p>“I have nothing to confess,” Creel declared obdurately. -“I do not understand Frischette’s disappearance. -But even if you do find him and bring -him back, you’ll learn nothing of value. Frischette -is my friend and I know that he is not Dewberry’s -murderer, that he is innocent of all wrong.”</p> -<p>The policeman rose to his feet, walked over and -looked down at the old recluse.</p> -<p>“I didn’t say that Frischette murdered Dewberry. -I’m convinced that MacGregor did that, just as much -as I’m convinced that either you or Frischette secured -the money and poke that belonged to the murdered -man.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_75">75</div> -<p>Thus openly accused, Creel shrank back. His -hands trembled. Yet, in a moment, the weakness -had passed. Again, unflinchingly, he met the gaze -of the man opposite.</p> -<p>“You are mistaken,” he declared in a clear, steady -voice. “You will find that you are mistaken. Events -will bear me out.”</p> -<p>Rand suddenly drew back. Footsteps sounded -outside. Voices, scarcely distinguishable, floated to -their ears. More scuffling of feet, and then the door -opened. Dick, Sandy and Toma darted to their -feet, staring wildly at the two newcomers:</p> -<p>Creel’s assailants of the night before!</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_76">76</div> -<h2 id="c9">CHAPTER IX -<br /><span class="small">UNEXPECTED NEWS</span></h2> -<p>For a full minute no one spoke.</p> -<p>It was a question who was the more astonished—the -prospectors or the three boys. Corporal Rand -turned his head as the two men entered and regarded -them steadily. Creel had half-started from his chair, -then quickly sat down again, while a queer smile -puckered the corners of his mouth. If Dick had -expected that Creel’s assailants of the previous night -would show fear at sight of the mounted policeman -he was greatly mistaken. To his surprise the big -man nodded in a friendly way toward the corporal, -then advanced to confer with him.</p> -<p>“This sure is a piece of luck,” he exclaimed, extending -a grimed and hairy hand, which Rand totally -ignored. “I hadn’t expected to find yuh here. -Most allers when yuh want a policeman, there ain’t -one within fifty miles.”</p> -<p>This statement, apparently, did not wholly please -Rand, for he scowled lightly, his sharp blue eyes full -upon the other.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_77">77</div> -<p>“What business have you with the police?” he -demanded.</p> -<p>“It ain’t nothin’ that concerns us,” the little man -cut in, in his attempt to smile looking more repulsive -and ferocious than ever. “It’s like this, constable—”</p> -<p>“I’m a corporal,” interrupted Rand severely.</p> -<p>“A’ right, corporal. As I jes’ started out tuh -say Burnnel an’ me—that’s him there. He’s my -pardner—is a hoofin’ it along on our way to Deer -Lick Springs, when sudden like, in a little clearin’ -in the brush ’long side the trail, we comes upon the -body of a man.”</p> -<p>The prospector paused, rubbing his chin with the -sleeve of his coat.</p> -<p>“He was dead, corporal,” he went on, “—dead -as a dead crow he was, sir, a lyin’ there all stiff -an’ cold with a bullet through his head.</p> -<p>“Fer more ’n a minute Burnnel an’ me we couldn’t -speak, we was that surprised, corporal.”</p> -<p>“My pardner has told yuh right,” the big man -hastened to confirm the other’s story. “He’s back -there now, jes’ like we found him.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_78">78</div> -<p>During the short announcement by the two men, -Rand’s expression had grown severe, as was always -the case when he was thinking deeply or when he -had suddenly been made aware of some new and -unexpected happening. A deep pucker showed between -his eyes. He motioned the partners to be -seated, produced a notebook and fountain pen.</p> -<p>“Now just a moment,” he began, glancing sharply -across at the two tale bearers. “Answer my questions -as I put them to you. First of all, just where -did you find this body? How far from here?”</p> -<p>Burnnel scratched his head.</p> -<p>“Le’s see—I reckon, corporal, ’bout twenty miles -from here, southeast on the trail tuh Deer Lick -Springs. It was on the right side o’ the trail, -wa’n’t it Emery?”</p> -<p>“It was,” Emery corroborated the other.</p> -<p>“On the right side o’ the trail,” continued Burnnel, -“close to a willow thicket.”</p> -<p>“In what position was the body?” Rand next inquired.</p> -<p>“The man was a lyin’ stretched out a little on his -left side, one arm throwed up like this:” The speaker -imitated the position of the body by putting his head -forward on the table and extending his arm. “It -was like that, wa’n’t it, Emery?”</p> -<p>Again he turned toward the little man.</p> -<p>“It was,” came the ready rejoinder.</p> -<p>“And you say there was the mark of a bullet on -the man’s forehead?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_79">79</div> -<p>“Yep,” Burnnel answered, “an’ a revolver in the -hand what was outstretched.”</p> -<p>“In other words,” Rand’s tone was incisive, “it -looked like suicide.”</p> -<p>Both the men nodded emphatically.</p> -<p>“Yeah, that’s what it was. Suicide. An’ it happened -not very long afore we had come. Yuh could -see that.”</p> -<p>The policeman tapped softly on the back of his -hand with his fountain pen. For several minutes -he did not speak, then—</p> -<p>“You say you didn’t disturb the body?”</p> -<p>“No,” answered the little man, “we didn’t touch -him.”</p> -<p>“Did you, by any chance, examine the contents of -his pockets?”</p> -<p>The big man flushed under the direct scrutiny, -while his partner, Emery, suddenly became interested -in the fringe of his mackinaw jacket.</p> -<p>“Well, yes,” drawled the big man. “Yuh see,” -he attempted to defend their actions, “Emery an’ -me thought that mebbe we could find a letter or -suthin’ in his pockets what would tell who the fellow -was.”</p> -<p>“Quite right,” approved Rand. “And what did -you find?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_80">80</div> -<p>“Nothin’,” stated Emery.</p> -<p>“Nothin’,” echoed his partner.</p> -<p>“Absolutely nothing?” Rand’s eyes seemed to -bore into them.</p> -<p>The partners exchanged furtive, doubtful glances. -Then the face of Emery darkened with a sudden -resolve, and he thrust one hand in his pocket and -brought forth—to the boys’ unutterable amazement—a -small moose-hide pouch, scarcely more than two -inches in width and three inches in length—a small -poke, identical to the one Dick had held in his own -hands less than twenty-four hours before. Seeing -it, Dick had taken in his breath sharply, while Sandy -and Toma rose excitedly to their feet and crowded -forward.</p> -<p>“You found that?” asked Rand, wholly unmoved.</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>“Let’s see it.”</p> -<p>Emery tossed it over and it fell in Rand’s lap. -The corporal picked it up and examined it closely. -He untied the cord at the top and opened it. He -thrust two fingers inside.</p> -<p>“Empty,” he said.</p> -<p>“Yeah. Empty.”</p> -<p>Both Burnnel and Emery wagged their heads. -Corporal Rand favored them with a keen, searching -look.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_81">81</div> -<p>“You’re sure about that. You didn’t take out -its contents?”</p> -<p>The partners denied the implication stoutly. Their -denials and protestations were so emphatic, that -neither Corporal Rand nor the boys could believe -that they spoke anything but the truth.</p> -<p>“And this was all you found?” Rand continued -his questioning.</p> -<p>“Nothin’ else,” grunted the big man. “There -wasn’t even a pocket knife or a comb or a watch, -or anything like that. His pockets was absolutely -empty.”</p> -<p>The sight of the moose-hide pouch had produced -a strange effect upon Dick. His eyes kept returning -again and again to the mysterious object Rand still -held carelessly in one hand. Improbable as it seemed, -Dick could not shake off the belief that the poke -was the same one that had been taken forcibly from -Creel the night before. He wondered what the old -recluse thought about it all. Turning his head, he -glanced sharply in his direction.</p> -<p>To his surprise, Creel sat unmoved, apparently -uninterested. His round, staring eyes, which somehow -reminded one of those of a cat, were set in a -fixed stare. Occasionally, Creel’s long hand stole -to his bandaged head. It was evident that nothing -was to be gained here. Then Dick became conscious -of a question that Rand had just asked the two men:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_82">82</div> -<p>“You found the body along the trail, twenty miles -from here. Deer Lick Springs is only ten miles -farther on. What motive prompted you to return -here? Wouldn’t it have been much easier to go on -to your destination?”</p> -<p>“We thought about that,” the little man answered -without a moment’s hesitation. “Burnnel an’ me -we talked that over when we was standin’ lookin’ -down at that man’s body. I was fer goin’ on tuh -the Springs, but Burnnel he says no. Wouldn’t -hear to it. He insists on comin’ back all this way -tuh Frenchie’s stoppin’-place.”</p> -<p>“Why?” asked the policeman, turning upon -Burnnel.</p> -<p>The big man drew a deep breath before he answered.</p> -<p>“It’s like this, corporal,” he finally declared. “Yuh -see I had a notion that I had seen that man before. -He looked like somebody I knowed what lives over -this way. I wa’n’t sure, o’ course, but I had a suspicion. -It sort o’ bothered me. I says to Emery: -‘We’ll go back an’ find out.’”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_83">83</div> -<p>The pucker came back between the corporal’s -brooding eyes. He looked upon Burnnel with suspicion. -Dick wondered if Rand believed, as he was -somewhat inclined to believe himself, that the partners -were the man’s murderers.</p> -<p>“What did you intend to do when you arrived -here?” Rand asked.</p> -<p>“We was plannin’ to send word tuh the police. -We thought they ought tuh be notified. But afore -God, corporal, we didn’t have no idea that yuh was -here. Mighty lucky, I call it. Saved us a hull lot -o’ time an’ trouble.”</p> -<p>“Yes, it was lucky,” the corporal averred grimly. -“Rather fortunate for me too. You may consider -yourselves under arrest, at least until I have investigated -this case. You and your partner will lead me -to the scene of the tragedy.”</p> -<p>“A’ right,” agreed Emery, his face more repellent -than ever, “me an’ Burnnel’ll go with yuh. It won’t -take long. If we had some horses now—”</p> -<p>“I’ll supply the horses,” Rand informed him.</p> -<p>“That’s fine!” Emery’s smile expanded into a leer. -“We can go an’ get back afore night. Ain’t that -right, Burnnel?”</p> -<p>“Yeah,” agreed Burnnel, “an’ when do we start, -corporal?”</p> -<p>“Right away.”</p> -<p>“That’s a’ right with us,” said the big man, -“only—”</p> -<p>“Yes,” insisted Rand, “Only—”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_84">84</div> -<p>“Yuh see, me an’ Emery ain’t had nothin’ tuh eat -fer a long time. Soon as we get suthin’—jes’ a bite, -corporal—we’ll be ready tuh start. Ain’t that fair -enough?”</p> -<p>Rand nodded. His brow had contracted slightly, -deepening the pucker between his eyes.</p> -<p>“There’s one thing you’ve forgotten to tell me,” -he informed them. “Burnnel, you said a moment -ago that the man out there reminded you of someone. -Who?”</p> -<p>“Yes, yes,” said the big man eagerly, “I was -a comin’ tuh that. It’ll explain, corporal, why we -drifts back this way ’stead o’ goin’ on to Deer Lick -Springs. Yuh see, the man out there looked,” he -paused, wetting his lips, “looked like this here fellow -what runs this stoppin’-place—this here Frenchie -Frischette.”</p> -<p>The three boys bounded from their seats. Corporal -Rand himself started visibly. With one exception -every one in the room showed his astonishment. That -exception was Creel. The old recluse sat perfectly -unmoved, as though he had expected, had been prepared -for the strange denouement.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_85">85</div> -<h2 id="c10">CHAPTER X -<br /><span class="small">CONFLICTING THEORIES</span></h2> -<p>Soon after the departure of Corporal Rand, -Burnnel and Emery, the boys sat in the big, cheerful -room of Frischette’s road-house and discussed the -latest episode in the chain of mysterious events.</p> -<p>“I never expected to encounter anything like this,” -Sandy was saying. “Honestly, Dick, it gives me the -shivers just to think about it. If I were called upon -to express an opinion, I’d say that the farther we -get into this case, the more muddled and difficult -everything appears to be. For one thing, whoever -would have guessed that this sudden tragedy would -have overtaken Frischette. What is the reason for -it? Do you really believe the story about the -suicide?”</p> -<p>“It sounds plausible, the way they tell it, but to -be perfectly frank, I think it’s a deliberate lie. Why -should Frischette take his own life? It would be -rather difficult to supply a motive.”</p> -<p>“That’s what I think. But if he didn’t take his -life, how—I mean, what happened?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_86">86</div> -<p>“Simple enough. Burnnel and Emery met Frischette -on the trail, discovered that he had the poke -and murdered him. Then, having committed the -crime, they became afraid. In order to save their -own necks, they devised a scheme so that it will appear -that the Frenchman had taken his own life. -They probably arranged the body to bear out the -story, placing a revolver in Frischette’s hand. They -emptied the poke, hid its contents, and then came -back here, intending, as they both openly admitted, -to get in touch with the police.”</p> -<p>“Well, that is a lot more plausible than the suicide -story. Do you think that Corporal Rand was taken -in by it?”</p> -<p>“No; not in the least. They won’t be able to fool -him for a minute. When they return here tonight, -I’ll be willing to wager every cent I have that Burnnel -and Emery are still under arrest.”</p> -<p>“I won’t take your bet,” said Sandy. “That’s my -belief too.”</p> -<p>Imagine their surprise, therefore, less than four -hours later, to witness the return of Corporal Rand -and to perceive that he was unaccompanied. Burnnel -and Emery were not with him. The horses which -had borne the two prospectors to the scene of the -tragedy, trotted behind the policeman’s horse at the -end of a lead-rope, saddled but unmounted.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_87">87</div> -<p>It seemed incredible to the boys that Rand, usually -so careful and cautious in matters of this kind, -should permit the two miscreants to slip out of his -hands. It was not like him. What could be the -reason for it? They could hardly wait for the policeman -to dismount.</p> -<p>“I found everything,” said Rand a few minutes -later, “just as Burnnel and Emery told us. It is -unquestionably a case of suicide. Everything pointed -to it. The revolver gripped in Frischette’s hand, the -position of the body and the wound in his forehead. -But what caused him to commit such a rash act, is -a problem which we may never solve.”</p> -<p>While the corporal was speaking, Dick could -scarcely contain himself. On two or three different -occasions he started to interrupt the policeman. At -the very first opportunity he broke forth:</p> -<p>“Corporal Rand,” he began earnestly, “you have -made your investigations and, no doubt, are in a -better position than we are to form an opinion. But -has it occurred to you that there is something unusually -mysterious about the whole affair. Sandy -and I were talking it over just before you came in. -And no matter from what angle we look at it, we -can draw but one conclusion.”</p> -<p>“And what is that?” Rand was smiling.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_88">88</div> -<p>“That Burnnel and Emery killed Frischette, afterward -making it appear that the road-house keeper -took his own life.”</p> -<p>Corporal Rand moved over to where Dick stood -and patted that young man on the back good-naturedly.</p> -<p>“Splendid! You’ve both shown that you know -how to use your heads. And now, I’ll make an -admission: That was exactly my own estimate of -the case up to a few hours ago. To use a well -known expression, the thing looked like a ‘frame-up,’ -very carefully planned by Monsieurs Burnnel -and Emery. I could have sworn that they were -guilty. I was absolutely sure—as sure as I am -that I’m standing here—that Frischette had not committed -suicide at all, but had been murdered. There -was pretty strong circumstantial evidence to bear -out this belief. The two men had gone to Creel -to obtain the poke, and had secured it, only to lose -it again through your intervention.”</p> -<p>The corporal paused, clearing his throat.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_89">89</div> -<p>“Then Frischette got it from you. Now, I ask -you, what would be more likely than that the two -prospectors and Frischette should meet each other, -that Emery and Burnnel should learn that the -Frenchman had come into possession of the poke -and eventually murder him in order to get it. As -I have said, that was the reasonable and logical -deduction, and you can imagine my astonishment to -discover, almost beyond the shadow of a doubt, that -such a deduction was entirely wrong. Motive or no -motive, the Frenchman took his own life. I have -proof of that.”</p> -<p>“What is your proof?” asked Sandy.</p> -<p>“Well, I made a search of the body and found -something that both Burnnel and Emery had overlooked, -a note in the inner pocket of Frischette’s -coat. I know his handwriting and I am positive that -the note is not a forgery.”</p> -<p>“What did it say?” Dick asked breathlessly.</p> -<p>By way of answering, Corporal Rand produced -a wallet and extracted from it a small, soiled slip of -paper, handing it over to the boys to read. For a -moment they found difficulty in deciphering the -sprawling, almost illegible script. But presently -Dick read aloud:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>“To whom it may concern:</p> -<p>“I, Louis Frischette, am about to kel myself -because I am veery much desappoint. I write -thes so no other man be acuse an’ put in jail for -what I do. -<span class="center">Signed:</span> -<span class="jr">“<span class="sc">Louis Frischette</span>.”</span></p> -</blockquote> -<div class="pb" id="Page_90">90</div> -<p>Dick’s hand shook as he handed the paper back -to the policeman.</p> -<p>“I’m not convinced yet,” he declared.</p> -<p>“But here’s the evidence—the proof right here.” -Rand patted the slip of paper.</p> -<p>“It might be explained,” Dick pointed out.</p> -<p>“What!” The corporal looked startled.</p> -<p>“How do you know that Emery and Burnnel did -not force Frischette to write that note before they -murdered him?”</p> -<p>Rand did a peculiar thing. He stared at Dick -for a moment in absolute silence, then turned without -a word and walked back into the stable and led -out his horse. Not until he had sprung into the -saddle did he trust himself to speak.</p> -<p>“I’m going back. I ought to be jerked back there -by the nape of my neck. What have I been dreaming -of? Dick, I’ll take off my hat to you. It’s a -fortunate thing that one of us, at least, has not been -wholly deprived of the faculty of sober reasoning.” -He smiled grimly. “If this ever got to Cameron’s -ears, I’d be fined six months’ pay.”</p> -<p>“But I may be wrong,” Dick flushed at the other’s -compliment.</p> -<p>“Right or wrong, we can’t afford to take any -chances. In any event, I’m going back before Emery -and Burnnel slip out of my hands.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_91">91</div> -<p>And, in an incredibly short space of time, he was -gone. A turn in the woodland path shut him from -view. But, even long after he had gone, Dick and -Sandy stood looking down the trail, across which -laggard twilight had flung its darkling banners. -Sandy broke into an amused chuckle.</p> -<p>“That’s one on the corporal. He won’t be in a -very pleasant frame of mind for the remainder of -the evening, will he?”</p> -<p>Dick scowled.</p> -<p>“You must remember, Sandy, that we all make -mistakes. Rand’s oversight is excusable. He’s been -working on this case day and night for the last six -months. He’s tired out, and sometimes so sleepy -that he can hardly stick in the saddle.”</p> -<p>“Yes, that’s right.” The laugh died on the young -Scotchman’s lips. “He’s had a lot to contend with. -And perhaps he hasn’t made a mistake after all. -Frischette may have committed suicide. The note -might not have been forced from him. Who can -say?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” said Dick, “who can say? Why don’t you -put on your thinking cap, Sandy, and find a motive -for Frischette’s act?”</p> -<p>“That’s a bargain. We’ll find the motive. We’ll -go over the details carefully in our minds and try -to come to some conclusion.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_92">92</div> -<p>Sandy grinned. “And tomorrow morning we’ll -compare notes.”</p> -<p>They were interrupted at this juncture by the appearance -of Toma. They could see at once, from -that young man’s expression, that something unusual -had happened. His face, sober at all times, was -unusually gray and depressed. As he came forward -quickly, he kept glancing from one to the other -interrogatively.</p> -<p>“Have you seen ’em fellow Creel?” he asked -anxiously.</p> -<p>“Why, no, Toma,” Dick answered. “What makes -you ask that?”</p> -<p>“Little while ago,” the young Indian enlightened -them, “I think mebbe I change bandage on that fellow’s -head. I look everywhere. I no find.”</p> -<p>“Come to think about it,” Sandy made the assertion, -“I haven’t seen him myself since lunch.”</p> -<p>Toma’s face darkened.</p> -<p>“I ’fraid mebbe he run away.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_93">93</div> -<h2 id="c11">CHAPTER XI -<br /><span class="small">FINDING A MOTIVE</span></h2> -<p>The disappearance of Creel caused the boys a lot -of worry. He had left the road-house without a -word to anyone and had slipped away without being -seen. It occurred to Dick to question Fontaine and -Le Sueur, in the hope that they might be able to -throw some light on the matter. But neither of -the two young half-breeds could supply any information.</p> -<p>“He must have gone back to his cabin,” guessed -Sandy. “He’s a queer old duffer in some ways, -and probably prefers to be alone. No doubt, we’ll -find him there.”</p> -<p>But such did not prove to be the case. Creel’s -cabin was empty. When the boys entered, the place -was strangely silent and eerie. It was so dark within, -that at first they could see nothing. It was -damp and musty, and their footsteps echoed cheerlessly -through the gloom.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_94">94</div> -<p>“Strike a match,” said Dick, “and we’ll see if -you can find a candle. Although he isn’t here, I’d -like to look around a bit.”</p> -<p>The boys fumbled in their pockets. No one had a -match, apparently, but finally Toma found a broken -stub of one and a tiny glare flickered through the -room. In its light, Sandy discovered a short piece -of candle on a soap box near the fireplace and carried -it triumphantly over to Toma before the match -sputtered out.</p> -<p>It was well that the boys had decided to look -around before pursuing their investigations further. -The room was in complete disorder. Confusion was -everywhere. Toma, who had been the last person -to leave it on the previous day, was astonished at -the change which had been brought about there.</p> -<p>“What you think about that?” he exclaimed excitedly. -“Yesterday, when I leave this place, everything -all right. Somebody him come an’ make -trouble here.”</p> -<p>“Creel must have come back,” Sandy decided. “I -wonder where he went to from here?”</p> -<p>“That seems hardly likely,” Dick spoke up. -“Everything here belongs to Creel and he wouldn’t -be apt to throw things about like this. It isn’t at -all reasonable, Sandy. Even if he was planning -to leave this place for good, he wouldn’t do this -thing, unless he had suddenly gone mad.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_95">95</div> -<p>“Yes, that’s right. Just look at things! It’s more -reasonable to think that someone came here with a -grudge against Creel and proceeded to do as much -damage as possible.”</p> -<p>The boys spent a few more minutes in looking -about. A tall cupboard, at one end of the room, -had been completely emptied. Its contents—parcels, -packages, cans of fruit and an occasional dish or -granite plate—had been swept to the floor. Chairs -had been overturned. A small trap-door, entering -upon a tiny cellar below the rough, board floor, -gaped open. Looking at it, Dick came to a sudden -conclusion.</p> -<p>“Do you know what I think?” he began hurriedly. -“This isn’t a case of wanton revenge. There’s a -reason behind it all. In Creel’s absence some person -has been ransacking this place in the hope of -finding something of value.”</p> -<p>“You guess right that time,” Toma nodded. -“That’s what it look like. Somebody, not Creel, -come here. Mebbe he look for box, where Creel -keep all his money.”</p> -<p>Sandy turned upon the young Indian.</p> -<p>“By the way, Toma, what became of that box, -the night we left here and you took Creel over to -the road-house?”</p> -<p>“He take box with him.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_96">96</div> -<p>“Whoever came here,” reasoned Dick, “must have -thought that Creel’s treasure had been left behind.”</p> -<p>Sandy scratched his head.</p> -<p>“Look here, Dick, do you think it <i>was</i> the box? -Was it the money he came after? Why not that -mysterious poke?”</p> -<p>Dick slapped his chum on the back.</p> -<p>“You have it,” he exulted. “We’re getting closer -now.”</p> -<p>“And the plot thickens,” grinned Sandy.</p> -<p>“A few more tangled threads,” Dick answered, -smiling. “Perhaps we’d better give up. This case -is too deep and complicated for us. We haven’t -the ability to solve it.”</p> -<p>“I quite agree with you. Not one of us is a -Sherlock Holmes or an expert from Scotland Yard. -We’re out of our natural element.”</p> -<p>“Just the same,” Dick’s enthusiasm was contagious, -“we’ll have lots of fun in trying to figure -it all out.”</p> -<p>“What we do about Creel?” Toma wanted to -know.</p> -<p>In their interest in the new development, Dick -and Sandy had completely forgotten about the old -recluse until thus reminded. Where had he gone, -and what was his purpose in going?</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_97">97</div> -<p>“No use in trying to do anything more about him -tonight,” Dick came to the obvious conclusion. “It -would be foolish to start out now to look for him. -We don’t know which way he has gone.”</p> -<p>“Perfectly true,” said Sandy. “He has given us -the slip and, even in broad daylight, we’ll probably -have plenty of trouble in picking up his trail. We’ve -been careless. I dread to think of what Corporal -Rand will say, when he hears the news.”</p> -<p>Dick righted an overturned bench and sat down -upon it.</p> -<p>“Let’s rest here for a moment and then go back -to the road-house.”</p> -<p>Toma, who had been carrying the candle about -in his hand, moved forward and placed it upon the -table. Sandy drew up a chair. A short silence -ensued. Outside they could hear the plaintive whispering -of the pines, the rustling of leaves near the -open window.</p> -<p>Suddenly, Sandy sat up very straight on the -bench, then leaned forward eagerly, his merry blue -eyes now serious.</p> -<p>“I’ve just had a real inspiration,” he announced. -“Incidentally, I’ve fulfilled my part of our agreement. -I’ve found the motive for Frischette’s suicide.”</p> -<p>“Tell us.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_98">98</div> -<p>Dick’s face lit in a half-smile. At the moment -he did not take Sandy seriously. He doubted very -much whether Sandy would be able to advance anything -of value concerning the Frenchman’s untimely -end. Yet he was mildly curious to learn what the -other had to say.</p> -<p>“What is your motive?”</p> -<p>“Before I tell you,” Sandy’s eyes were sparkling -now, “I want to ask you a question. Please comb -that old wool of yours and help me out as much -as you can.”</p> -<p>“Fire away,” smiled Dick.</p> -<p>“The other night when we took the poke away -from Burnnel and Emery, can you remember what -it felt like?”</p> -<p>Dick broke into a roar of laughter.</p> -<p>“Felt like? What do you mean, Sandy?”</p> -<p>“The poke, of course,” scowled the young Scotchman. -“I’m perfectly serious. It’s important. For -nearly a minute you held that poke in your hand. -Didn’t you feel it? Didn’t you look at it? What -were your sensations?”</p> -<p>“Why, why—I was too excited at the time. I -had it in my hand, of course. I remember it sort -of fitted nicely in my hand—a little, flat poke, made -of soft leather, that was somehow pleasant to the -touch.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_99">99</div> -<p>In his excitement, Sandy rose to his feet.</p> -<p>“There! That’s what I’ve been driving at. Didn’t -it occur to you at the time that the poke was curiously -light?”</p> -<p>“No, I can’t remember that it did. On the contrary. -I have a sort of hazy memory that, although -the poke was somewhat flat, it did contain something.”</p> -<p>Sandy sighed. “Well, if that’s the case, I guess -my theory is already exploded.”</p> -<p>“What were you trying to deduce?”</p> -<p>“You can have it for what it’s worth. You will -recall that after Burnnel and Emery had spurned -the money-box, and had knocked Creel flat across -the threshold, they went inside and found the poke—the -thing they had come after. They weren’t inside -that room more than a few moments. I don’t -believe they opened the poke inside the room, and -I know they didn’t open it outside. They were -probably satisfied that it contained what they had -reason to believe it contained—I mean, weren’t suspicious.”</p> -<p>“I don’t understand you.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_100">100</div> -<p>“Well, it’s just a possibility, of course, yet it -seems quite reasonable. Anyway, for the sake of -argument, we’ll say that Creel had removed everything -of value from the poke. Not suspecting this -ruse, Burnnel and Emery took the poke away with -them. A few yards away from the cabin they are -confronted by Toma, and then we relieve them of -that mysterious poke. We have it in our possession -only a short time. Frischette snatches it away from -you. Believing that he has a fortune in his hands, -he decides to make his escape, leaving Creel, his -confederate, in the lurch.”</p> -<p>Sandy paused for breath, smiled soberly, then -went on again:</p> -<p>“Let us say that he puts the poke in his pocket -and hurries along, gloating over his good fortune. -At first, he’s so busy endeavoring to put distance -between him and the rest of us, that he doesn’t find -it convenient to open the poke and examine its contents.</p> -<p>“After a time, he slackens his pace. He pulls the -poke from his pocket, opens it, and, to his horror, -discovers that it is empty. What is he going to do? -He dare not turn back. He has no money. You -will remember that Frischette was a person of sudden -moods and emotions. He was violent in everything—violently -happy or utterly dejected. He feels -that there is nothing to do but to take his own life. -A few hours later, Burnnel and Emery came along -and find his body and the empty poke. Now, what -do you think of that for a theory?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_101">101</div> -<p>“Sandy,” said Dick, in tones of deep admiration, -“you’ve done well. Splendid! Very logical. I’ve -almost begun to believe in your theory myself.”</p> -<p>“The trouble is,” sighed Sandy, “it has one very -weak point.”</p> -<p>“What is it?” questioned Dick.</p> -<p>“You said just a moment ago that you were under -the impression that, when you had the poke in -your hand, it contained something; wasn’t quite -empty.”</p> -<p>“No,” remembered Dick, “it wasn’t.”</p> -<p>“So all my clever reasoning has been in vain.” -Sandy looked despondent. “The circumstances do -not fit my theory.”</p> -<p>Another long silence.</p> -<p>“Let’s not discard your theory altogether,” said -Dick at length. “Perhaps I can help you out a -little. Two minds are better than one, you know. -Permit me to offer a suggestion. From what you -have said, I gather that your inference is that Creel -removed the contents of the poke. Well, perhaps -he did.”</p> -<p>“Yes, yes,” said Sandy. “Go on.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_102">102</div> -<p>“And made a substitution. Put something of no -value, whatsoever, in the poke. That will bolster -up your theory.”</p> -<p>Sandy’s eyes gleamed.</p> -<p>“You’re right. If we keep at it, Dick, we’ll soon -be as proficient as the great Sherlock Holmes himself.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_103">103</div> -<h2 id="c12">CHAPTER XII -<br /><span class="small">“RAT” MACGREGOR’S WIFE</span></h2> -<p>Before the lunch hour on the following day, -Corporal Rand and his two prisoners returned to -Frischette’s road-house, only to discover that Creel -and the three boys were gone. However, Fontaine -had a letter, which he pressed into the policeman’s -hands. It was from Dick, a short note, scrawled -hastily over the discolored surface of a torn piece -of wrapping paper:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>“Dear Corporal:</p> -<p>“Creel disappeared yesterday and we have set -out this morning in an effort to find him. If our -search is not successful, it is doubtful whether we -will return to the road-house before tonight—and -it may possibly be sometime tomorrow. Very -sorry this had to happen. -<span class="center">“Sincerely,</span> -<span class="jr">“<span class="sc">Dick</span>.”</span></p> -</blockquote> -<div class="pb" id="Page_104">104</div> -<p>Rand looked up, after perusing the short missive, -and pursed his lips. Then he made a swift calculation. -If Dick and his two chums had contrived -to pick up Creel’s trail, and had travelled steadily -in one direction, they were not more than twenty -or thirty miles away at that precise moment. They -were on foot, while he had the choice of three tough, -sturdy horses. It would be possible to overtake -them and assist in the search. He wondered if it -would be advisable to leave Burnnel and Emery -locked up in a room at the road-house, awaiting his -return.</p> -<p>He thought the matter over carefully. He hated -to risk the chance of losing his prisoners, yet it was -very important that Creel should not escape. The -recluse, as the boys had ascertained a few days before, -had been associated with Frischette in a number -of robberies, including that of Dewberry.</p> -<p>Dewberry’s poke had been in the possession of -Creel until the coming of Burnnel and Emery. No -doubt, Creel knew all about the murder as well. In -any case, he was too dangerous a character to be -permitted to run at large. The policeman roundly -upbraided himself for his negligence in failing to -instruct the boys about keeping close watch over the -man during his own recent absence.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_105">105</div> -<p>After much thinking, pro and con, the corporal -came to a decision. He would go. Fontaine would -watch over the prisoners. Just as soon as he, Rand, -could feed and water his horse and get something -to eat himself, he would immediately take the trail -south—for that undoubtedly was the direction in -which the wily old recluse had gone.</p> -<p>Having made his plans, the policeman proceeded -to put them into execution. He cared for his horse, -had lunch, gave Fontaine final instructions, and, just -before starting out, locked Burnnel and Emery in -the room, which formerly had been the private chamber -of the road-house keeper himself. He led out -his horse, saddled and bridled, and was in the very -act of mounting, when a sound came from the opposite -side of the road-house. It caused him to -hesitate, one foot already in the stirrup, then presently, -with an exclamation of surprise, to withdraw -that foot and place it firmly on the ground again.</p> -<p>A half-breed woman, quite young, sitting gracefully -on a pinto pony, guided by a rope bridle, came -around the corner of the house and drew up, less -than twenty feet from the spot where the corporal -stood.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_106">106</div> -<p>Seeing a woman there, was not what had interested -Rand so much as the fact that he had immediately -recognized her. It was “Rat” MacGregor’s -wife!</p> -<p>If he had suddenly been brought face to face -with her like this at any other place except here, -at Frischette’s road-house, he would have thought -nothing of it, would have continued about his business, -untroubled by a single suspicion.</p> -<p>But here it was different. What was the woman -doing here? Surely it was for no good purpose. -Her coming had induced a perplexing train of -thought in the corporal’s mind, and had made necessary -a complete revision of his plans.</p> -<p>Shaking his head, he led his horse back into the -stable and advanced to question the woman. Removing -his hat, he bowed politely.</p> -<p>“Madam is a long way from home,” he remarked. -“May I ask which way you are going?”</p> -<p>“Rat” MacGregor’s wife threw back her head -haughtily.</p> -<p>“Police! Bah!” she sniffed.</p> -<p>“You have been released on probation,” the policeman -reminded her, not unkindly. “Inspector -Cameron has asked you to remain at home. What -are you doing here?”</p> -<p>The woman sniffed again, but did not answer. -She turned her back and began fumbling with the -cinches of the saddle.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_107">107</div> -<p>“You will return home at once,” Rand instructed -her, endeavoring to keep his temper.</p> -<p>She turned her head and looked over her shoulder, -her face set and determined.</p> -<p>“Why you say where I go?” she broke forth passionately. -“What business you have tell me go -home? I go, I stay where I like. First, you keel -my man, then you put me in jail, then you say I no -go where I wish. Police pretty big fool, eh?”</p> -<p>“Mrs. MacGregor,” declared the corporal patiently, -“we have been more than kind to you. We -released you from jail and placed you on probation. -All that we have asked is that you remain at home -and be good, attend to your own affairs. If you -will do that, we will not put you back in jail -again.”</p> -<p>“Bah!” snorted MacGregor’s wife, sticking out -her tongue and defying him.</p> -<p>“You must promise to go back,” said Rand. “You -must be good. You must not try to anger the police. -If you will go back this afternoon, I will not mention -this matter to the inspector. He shall know -nothing about it and will not ask me to put you -back in jail.”</p> -<p>For a moment the policeman believed that he had -won his point. Her manner changed suddenly.</p> -<p>“My horse he is very tired.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_108">108</div> -<p>“I will take him in the stable for you and give -him something to eat. He can rest there for a few -hours and then you can start back.”</p> -<p>The corporal advanced, pushed her gently aside, -loosened the cinches and swung the saddle from the -back of the pinto mare. As he did so, MacGregor’s -wife withdrew a few paces. The policeman had his -back to her, and, therefore, did not see the swift -movement of her right hand toward her blouse. But -he did see, when next he chanced to turn his head, -the small revolver nestling in her hand—pointed -straight at his head.</p> -<p>“I didn’t think you’d do a thing like that,” declared -Rand, reproachfully. “You’ll only get yourself -in more trouble. Put it down.”</p> -<p>“You keel my man,” the young barbarian declared -spitefully. “Now I keel you.”</p> -<p>“That’s your privilege,” answered the policeman, -quite unmoved. “But if you do, you’ll hang for it. -Be reasonable, and put down that gun.”</p> -<p>“Rat” MacGregor’s wife possessed the black, beady -eyes of a snake. They were unrelenting, wicked, -revengeful. Her staring gaze never left the policeman’s -face. Eight feet away—it would not be -possible to leap suddenly forward and disarm her. -His best chance was to endeavor to get his own -gun.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_109">109</div> -<p>But how could he get his gun, when she was -watching him like that? He knew that if he moved -his hand a single inch, her weapon would explode -in his face. Hers was no idle threat. She really -intended to kill him!</p> -<p>There was a chance, very remote, of course, that -Fontaine or Le Sueur might come to his assistance. -Look out of the window. See him and the woman -there.</p> -<p>“Look here,” said Rand, fighting for time, “I -think you are making a very serious mistake. You’ll -have to answer for it in the end. Inspector Cameron -will be sure to get you. You can’t possibly escape. -While there is still time, you’d better put down that -gun.”</p> -<p>“If I do,” her eyes glinted, “will you promise not -put me in jail?”</p> -<p>The corporal did not hesitate.</p> -<p>“A while ago I could have given you my promise. -But not now. It is too late, madam.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_110">110</div> -<p>The policeman was afraid that he had sounded his -own death-knell. Well, he had told the truth, anyway. -He had not lied to her. He had not stained -his honor or violated the code. He wondered why -he could feel so calm with those eyes blazing at him -and the knowledge that he was about to die. Calm!—when -he could see that the index finger of her -right hand was beginning to press slowly but determinedly -against the trigger.</p> -<p>“Time’s up!” thought Corporal Rand.</p> -<p>And then—like the sound that comes out of a -dream—the opening of a door.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_111">111</div> -<h2 id="c13">CHAPTER XIII -<br /><span class="small">ON CREEL’S TRAIL</span></h2> -<p>The search for Creel had taken the boys southward. -They were not sure that he had gone that -way; it merely seemed the most likely direction. He -had taken the contents of his money-box and had -decamped, leaving no trail. Just before starting, -they had found the empty chest in the room which -he had occupied.</p> -<p>Being a fugitive from justice, and with a considerable -amount of money in his possession, the natural -deduction was that he was making his way -out to Edmonton. His chance of escaping was good. -He had at least six hours’ start. He was not known -to be a criminal. Almost anywhere he would have -passed unchallenged. As yet, the police had had no -opportunity to telegraph ahead in an effort to secure -his apprehension.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_112">112</div> -<p>The boys had discussed his probable route, deciding -that he would go by way of Peace River Crossing. -Boats of the Hudson’s Bay Company plied -up and down the river during the spring and summer -months, and it was only reasonable to suppose -that he would secure passage on one of these, ascend -the river to Peace River Crossing, where he could -purchase a ticket to go by rail to Edmonton.</p> -<p>All this, of course, was mere conjecture. They -had no real assurance that it was the route that the -old recluse would take. For all they knew, he might -still be in hiding somewhere in the vicinity of the -road-house. The only way to determine whether -or not he was on his way south, was to set out -along the trail, making inquiries wherever possible.</p> -<p>Dwellings were few and far between. Sixteen -miles due south of Frischette’s, they arrived at -Meade’s Ferry, where there was a road-house and -small trading-post, conducted by Hampton Meade, a -kindly veteran of the North. Here Fortune befriended -them. They learned that their assumption -had been correct. Creel had spent the night there.</p> -<p>“And he left early this morning,” Meade’s son, a -handsome young man of about Dick’s own age, informed -them. “Queer old beggar, isn’t he?”</p> -<p>Dick nodded.</p> -<p>“Did he leave here on foot?”</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>Dick considered for a moment thoughtfully.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_113">113</div> -<p>“Would it be possible to obtain a horse or two? -Are there any here? We had our own ponies when -we arrived at Frischette’s stopping-place. We turned -them out to graze and they have disappeared. If -you have any, I will pay you handsomely.”</p> -<p>“There are two ponies,” answered the young man,“—one -of them mine, the other, father’s. You -may have the use of them.”</p> -<p>The boys were overjoyed at this unexpected stroke -of luck. It would be necessary, of course, for one -of them to remain at Meade’s, while the other two -went on after Creel. They drew straws. It fell -to Sandy’s lot to wait at the road-house until his -two chums returned.</p> -<p>“I don’t expect we’ll be away very long,” declared -Dick a short time later, as he and Toma mounted -the two borrowed steeds. “We ought to be back -before night.”</p> -<p>Creel had a few hours start of them, but he was -walking. With light hearts, feeling confident of -success, the boys cantered away. Soon the miles -wound away behind them. They pressed their ponies -forward, urging them to their greatest speed. Time -passed quickly. They had now begun to scan the -trail ahead, in the expectation of seeing the queer, -shambling figure of the old recluse. They galloped -past a party of Indians, then two prospectors, trudging -along, weighted down by heavy shoulder-packs, -and finally drew up at a wayside cabin, inhabited by -a half-breed trapper. Dick questioned him:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_114">114</div> -<p>“Did an old man stop here not so very long ago? -Walked with a stoop, face covered with a heavy -beard, hair straggling in his eyes. Did you see him?”</p> -<p>“<i>Oui</i>, m’sieur. I see him two, three hour ago. -Him ver’ fine fellow. Plenty money. I have nice -horse. He buy et.”</p> -<p>Dick had not expected this. The news had come -as a shock. He blinked.</p> -<p>“Rotten luck!” he exclaimed irritably.</p> -<p>“What you say, m’sieur?”</p> -<p>Dick did not answer. He was making a rough -calculation. They had already come fifteen or sixteen -miles at top speed. No longer were their ponies -fresh. Creel had the advantage. It would be absolutely -impossible to overtake him now. Apparently, -Toma held the same opinion.</p> -<p>“No use go on now,” he declared grimly.</p> -<p>Dick turned to the half-breed.</p> -<p>“You haven’t any more fresh horses?”</p> -<p>The half-breed looked surprised.</p> -<p>“Know where we can get any?” Dick persisted.</p> -<p>“Not many ponies ’round here,” explained the -trapper. “Why you no like those pony there?”</p> -<p>“Tired out,” answered Dick. “And we want to -go fast.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_115">115</div> -<p>He relaxed in the saddle, and just then an idea -came to him.</p> -<p>“How far is it from here to Fort Wonderly?”</p> -<p>“’Bout twelve mile.”</p> -<p>Dick thanked the half-breed, motioned to Toma, -and they set off again.</p> -<p>“Well,” announced Dick, “we’re going over to the -fort.”</p> -<p>“Why you go there?” Toma stared blankly. “Fort -Wonderly off trail. Creel him no go that way. I -no understand why you do that.”</p> -<p>“I’ll tell you, Toma,” Dick spoke despondently. -“We haven’t a chance now to overtake Creel. But -at Fort Wonderly there’s a government telegraph -office, and I’ll give a message to the operator, warning -everybody along the route. There is another -detachment of the mounted police at Peace River -Crossing, and they’ll send out a man to intercept -him.”</p> -<p>So it was late that night when Dick and Toma -returned to Meade’s Ferry and reported the outcome -of their journey.</p> -<p>“It’s too bad,” Sandy commented, “I was sure -that when you got back you’d have Creel with you. -But you showed a lot of good sense when you sent -that message. If Creel manages to slip through -the police lines farther south, he’ll be a wizard.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_116">116</div> -<p>“I’ve been thinking about Creel all day,” said -Dick. “I’ve been blaming myself continually for -my negligence. We should never have permitted him -to escape. I’m positive now that your theory is correct, -and that he’s going south, not only with the -money that was in that box, but the contents of -Dewberry’s poke as well. I really believe that if -we had our hands upon him now, and searched him, -we’d find everything.”</p> -<p>“No doubt, you’re right. Well, I suppose there’s -only one thing to do now: Return to Frischette’s -road-house. Corporal Rand must be back by now. -He’ll know what to do next.”</p> -<p>The two boys were joined later by Toma, Meade -and his son. The free-trader, a tall, imposing -figure, complacently smoked a pipe and now and -again engaged the boys in conversation.</p> -<p>“I understand that you’ve come from Fort Good -Faith,” he said.</p> -<p>“Well, not exactly,” Dick replied. “We live there. -Factor MacClaren is Sandy’s uncle; but for the last -few days we’ve been stopping at Frischette’s roadhouse.”</p> -<p>Meade’s clear blue eyes shadowed.</p> -<p>“Friend of his?”</p> -<p>“Not exactly,” answered Dick evasively.</p> -<p>“Queer character,” commented Meade.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_117">117</div> -<p>“He’s dead,” said Sandy.</p> -<p>“Dead!” The free-trader straightened in his chair, -removed the pipe from his mouth and stared. “What -happened to <i>him</i>?”</p> -<p>“Took his own life.”</p> -<p>Meade received this information with a slight -raising of his eyebrows.</p> -<p>“Queer! That road-house will soon have an evil -name. First Dewberry and now Frischette.”</p> -<p>For a time conversation languished. Everyone -seemed to be occupied with his own thoughts.</p> -<p>“I was interested in the Dewberry case,” Meade -finally broke the silence. “You see, I knew him; -knew him better probably than most folks. Sort -of unusual fellow, Dewberry was. One of the quietest, -queerest men I have ever met.”</p> -<p>Dick locked across at Meade sharply.</p> -<p>“Not very many people really knew Dewberry,” -he stated.</p> -<p>“I knew him,” said Meade, “and I was sorry to -hear of his death.”</p> -<p>“Where do you suppose Dewberry was going?” -Sandy spoke up. “I mean just before the tragedy. -No one seems to know.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_118">118</div> -<p>Meade smiled. “There’s no secret there. Dewberry -often passed along the trail, and sometimes -remained here for several days at a time. He was -a queer duffer. But once you got to know him, his -eccentricities passed unnoticed. Not many folks -knew it, but Dewberry’s time was divided between -this country and Peace River Crossing. Usually, -about six months of the year, he lived at the Crossing. -He owns property there. Has a little house, -overlooking the Hart River, and for weeks at a -time he’d shut himself up in it. A lot of folks -couldn’t understand why he chose to do that. Neither -could I, until one time, when I happened to be in -Peace River Crossing, I met him on the street.”</p> -<p>For a time Meade lapsed into silence, gazing reminiscently -away in the direction of the river.</p> -<p>“He invited me up to the house,” he continued. -“Tidy little place, I found it. Nicely furnished. -Piano, violin, books. Books!—there were rows -upon rows of books. Special bindings, shelf upon -shelf, I tell you, and strange old volumes, musty -with age. He loved them. That’s where he spent -most of his time. Read from morning ’til night, -and when he wasn’t reading, he was fiddling away -on the violin or thumping on that piano. I stayed -there two days, and I want to tell you that I’ve never -enjoyed anything more. His company. His talk -about the books. The music he made on that piano.”</p> -<p>“Too bad he’s gone,” said Sandy.</p> -<p>The free-trader nodded.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_119">119</div> -<p>“He was reputed to be very wealthy,” said Dick.</p> -<p>“I guess that is true,” Meade answered thoughtfully. -“You see, he was one of the best prospectors -that ever came into the North. There are some -folks who say that his luck was phenomenal. At any -rate, he had no occasion to worry. In recent years, -it was more for the love and excitement he got out -of the game than the necessity of making more -money that induced him to take those long, lonely -treks out there in the foothills.”</p> -<p>“After what you have told us about him,” puzzled -Sandy, “there is one thing rather difficult to understand. -Why did a person of his intelligence carry -so much wealth about his person.”</p> -<p>“I don’t think he did,” declared Meade.</p> -<p>“If that is so,” persisted Sandy, “why did they -follow him and plan the robbery and murder at -Frischette’s?”</p> -<p>“Well, there is no doubt that he had a considerable -amount of money and gold with him, but no -more, probably, than the average prospector. I am -positive that he didn’t carry his entire wealth with -him. ‘Rat’ MacGregor, or whoever it was that -committed the robbery, merely suspected that such -was the case.”</p> -<p>Sandy abandoned the issue. Yet neither he nor -Dick was convinced. There was that tell-tale poke.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_120">120</div> -<p>As they sat there, watching the shadows steal out -from the darkening woodland beyond, they were -presently made aware of a newcomer.</p> -<p>An Indian pony, a pinto mare, left the turn of -the trail near the fringe of trees, bordering the -river, and came slowly forward. A woman sat -astride the pony—a young woman, unmistakably an -Indian or half-breed. Meade rose as she reined up -in front of the cabin and slowly dismounted. The -boys were not particularly interested. They had -never seen the woman before.</p> -<p>“Who is that?” Sandy inquired listlessly.</p> -<p>Both boys started at the unexpected answer.</p> -<p>“Heaven help me,” growled Meade, “if it isn’t -‘Rat’ MacGregor’s wife!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_121">121</div> -<h2 id="c14">CHAPTER XIV -<br /><span class="small">A MEETING IN THE WOODS</span></h2> -<p>Scarcely had the boys recovered from their astonishment, -when they were treated to a still greater -and more breath-taking surprise. Meade’s son was -the first to draw their attention. In their interest -in the newcomer, they had entirely overlooked the -approach of two others.</p> -<p>These two were Burnnel and Emery. They rode -up to the accompanying thump, thump, thump of -three wildly beating hearts. Astride two horses! -Stolen horses! In his agitation, Dick rose and -gripped the back of his chair. He recognized the -wiry little ponies, and rubbed his eyes. Less than -twenty-four hours before he had ridden one of them -himself. The other belonged to Sandy.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_122">122</div> -<p>In truth, Dick had become so excited that for -the next few moments he was barely aware of what -was taking place. He was confused and befuddled. -He saw Sandy and Toma shoot to their feet in sudden -dismay and shrink back toward the open doorway. -Not knowing that anything was wrong, Meade -and his son had gone forward to bid the new arrivals -a hearty welcome. And it was probably well -that they did, for it gave the three boys time to -slip within the log building, hurriedly cross the room -and pass out of the door at the opposite side.</p> -<p>All three were trembling with excitement. Below -his shock of bright yellow hair, Sandy’s forehead -was ashen. The boys hoped that they had not been -recognized. Undoubtedly, while making their approach, -Burnnel and Emery had seen them, but Dick -recalled that in the position in which they sat out -there on the front porch, they had been hid somewhat -by the figures of Meade and his son.</p> -<p>The coming of the two malevolent prospectors -had placed them in a rather awkward, if not dangerous -position. It would be impossible for them to -remain at the road-house while the partners were -there. Burnnel and Emery had not forgotten the -encounter of two days before in front of Creel’s -cabin. No doubt, they would take a great deal of -pleasure in evening the score. Both were remorseless, -savage, vindictive. Neither would hesitate for -a moment to take any advantage offered, any opportunity -for reprisal.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_123">123</div> -<p>“No, it will never do for us to remain,” Sandy -trembled. “You and Toma can stay here if you -like, Dick—not I. If we stay here, we’ll be compelled -to fight it out.”</p> -<p>“I willing fight,” Toma announced darkly.</p> -<p>“It wouldn’t be fair to Meade,” Dick objected. -“There’s sure to be trouble. Anyway, there’s nothing -to be gained by remaining here.”</p> -<p>“The thing to do,” said Sandy emphatically, “is -to get out—go somewhere and make camp for the -night. Either that, or start back at once for Frischette’s -road-house, which we had planned to do tomorrow -anyway. I’ll repeat that I don’t care to -show my face around here—at least, not until Burnnel -and Emery have gone.”</p> -<p>They were standing just outside the door on the -side of the cabin opposite to the one, where they -had previously been sitting talking to the free-trader -and his son. They were safe from detection -here only for a few moments. As soon as Burnnel -and Emery and “Rat” MacGregor’s wife put up -their horses, they would enter the cabin. Then -the boys would be seen, for not only the door -but one window overlooked the space there on the -west side of the house, where they were now -standing.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_124">124</div> -<p>Toma pointed to a line of brush two or three -hundred yards away, and they proceeded hurriedly -toward it. In leaving thus surreptitiously, they had -been forced to abandon part of their equipment—their -rifles and shoulder-packs, and a small roll of -Hudson’s Bay blankets.</p> -<p>“What will Meade think?” Dick inquired anxiously, -as they plunged into the dense thicket and -commenced picking their way ahead. “He won’t -understand our sudden disappearance. I’m afraid -he’ll be anxious about us.”</p> -<p>“Worse than that,” Sandy struck out at a branch -directly in front of him before taking his next -step. “He’ll be sure to give us away. Emery and -Burnnel, if they don’t know it already, will learn -from him that we were at the road-house when they -arrived.”</p> -<p>“It can’t be helped. I don’t think they’ll follow -us.”</p> -<p>“What beats me,” Sandy stopped altogether and -turned to face his two companions soberly, “is how -they managed to get away from Corporal Rand. You -don’t suppose he turned them loose again, do -you?”</p> -<p>“It seems hardly likely, yet—” Dick paused.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_125">125</div> -<p>“Yet they’re here,” the young Scotchman finished -the sentence for him. “Either they escaped, or he -gave them their freedom. If he gave them their -freedom, Rand has proved to his own satisfaction -that Frischette really committed suicide. Then, of -course, he wouldn’t have any reason for detaining -them any longer.”</p> -<p>“Perfectly true. But that doesn’t explain about -the ponies. Rand may be kind-hearted and all that, -yet he wouldn’t deliberately lend them the ponies, -would he? We need them ourselves.”</p> -<p>“They might have stolen the ponies,” reasoned -Sandy.</p> -<p>“That seems more probable.”</p> -<p>“Well, what we do now?” Toma had grown impatient. -“I think it be foolish to stay here in brush -all night. Better we start right back an’ see if we -find ’em Corporal Rand.”</p> -<p>“But suppose the corporal didn’t release Burnnel -and Emery?” Dick asked perplexed. “We’d be -foolish to run away then. The least we could do, -would be to keep in sight of them. Remember, -Creel has already escaped.”</p> -<p>In exasperation, Sandy strode over to a fallen -tree trunk and sat down, moping his perspiring forehead -with short, angry jabs, a scowl on his face.</p> -<p>“O pshaw! What’s the use? Everything’s turning -out all wrong. We’re getting deeper and deeper -and deeper into trouble every minute. I’m through! -I’ll never become a policeman or a good detective—I -know I won’t. I’m growing tired of all this, Dick. -It’s wearing on my nerves. It is, I tell you.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_126">126</div> -<p>Dick and Toma both laughed.</p> -<p>“Nonsense, Sandy! This is a game of wits. I -like it.” Dick made a comical gesture with his -hands. “All you have to do is to out-guess the other -fellow. We’ll win in the end. We’re bound to.”</p> -<p>“Oh, is that so. A guessing contest!” The other’s -tones were deeply sarcastic. “Well, if that’s the -case, we’re at the losing end right now. How many -of your guesses have been correct?”</p> -<p>Boy-fashion, Dick strode over and placed a hand -on his chum’s indignant shoulder.</p> -<p>“Forget it, Sandy. This isn’t a bit like you. -Come on!”</p> -<p>“Come on where?”</p> -<p>Thus put to it, Dick found himself in somewhat -of a predicament. The question required an answer.</p> -<p>“Why—why—well—” he began. “You see, -Sandy—”</p> -<p>“It’s a contest,” Sandy reminded him scornfully. -“All you have to do is to outwit the other fellow. -You like it. Now tell me, please, what is your -guess?”</p> -<p>Dick flushed, but contrived to keep his temper.</p> -<p>“I haven’t quite decided yet. There are two -courses open to us. We can stay here and keep an -eye on Burnnel and Emery, or go back to meet -Corporal Rand.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_127">127</div> -<p>In such a mood, Sandy got a good deal of enjoyment -in tantalizing his friend.</p> -<p>“All right. I’m waiting. Why don’t you guess?”</p> -<p>Dick looked about him in desperation. Then -gradually out of his perplexity there sprang a solution -to his difficulty. It came like the sudden glimmer -of inspiration.</p> -<p>“We’ll have to do both,” he stated positively.</p> -<p>“How?”</p> -<p>“Separate.”</p> -<p>“I don’t quite understand.”</p> -<p>“One of us can go back to meet Corporal Rand, -the other two remain here to watch Burnnel and -Emery.”</p> -<p>Sandy rose from his place on the fallen tree, -grinning a little sheepishly.</p> -<p>“Now you’re talking. Why didn’t you think of -that before? Which one of us will go to meet the -corporal?”</p> -<p>“You can go if you like, Sandy,” said Dick with -great magnanimity.</p> -<p>“No, no; I wasn’t thinking about that. You’d -better go, Dick. You’re the one that thought of it.”</p> -<p>Dick shook his head.</p> -<p>“I think I’d rather stay here, if you don’t mind.”</p> -<p>“Just as you say.”</p> -<p>Sandy was really pleased.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_128">128</div> -<p>“It’s a bargain, then, unless Toma—”</p> -<p>“I like stay here, too,” declared Toma.</p> -<p>The three boys were grouped together, facing -each other. For the time being, they were off guard. -Not that they had felt at any time during the past -few moments that danger really threatened them. -Although still fairly close to Meade’s road-house, -they weren’t troubled about Burnnel and Emery just -then. Even if the two prospectors had seen them -when they rode up, it was extremely unlikely that -they would attempt anything until they had fully -rested. Immediate pursuit was a thing that had not -entered the boys’ calculations, and yet—</p> -<p>Dick’s first intimation of an attack, or even of -the presence of an enemy, came when he beheld -Toma—apparently for no reason at all—leap -straight back, like a deer surprised in its forest -haunt, and plunge headlong into a willow thicket. -Sandy’s behavior was equally puzzling. Sandy sat -down. He sat down on the seat he had just vacated -and stared wildly past Dick, both eyes and mouth -open wide. Whirling about, Dick blinked and -caught his breath. A familiar pair confronted him.</p> -<p>“Don’t move,” said a heavy voice. “We got -yuh!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_129">129</div> -<h2 id="c15">CHAPTER XV -<br /><span class="small">A DESERTED ROAD-HOUSE</span></h2> -<p>Frischette’s road-house was quiet. A casual -passer-by, threading his way along the shadowy -forest trail, a trail arched by the branches of tall -poplar trees, might have thought that the place was -deserted. There was no sign of life anywhere, -although a door and several windows stood partially -open. A young Indian, who approached the -familiar landmark, was struck by an overwhelming -feeling of presentiment.</p> -<p>The morning was well advanced and yet there -was no evidence of life here. No smoke issued from -the tall mud-chimney, which rose like a bleak sentinel -at one side of the building. Sitting on the -projecting end of the center ridge-pole, a hawk -basked in the sun. Intense quiet reigned, a funereal -silence, that was broken only by the faint rustling -of the leaves and the nervous stirring of the tall -grass, which encroached up to the door of the cabin -itself.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_130">130</div> -<p>Toma rubbed one hand across his brow wearily. -For four hours he had walked steadily with this -place as his objective, and in the hope of finding his -friend, the mounted police corporal. He knew that -Rand ought to be here. That had been their agreement, -the understanding between the policeman and -the three boys.</p> -<p>When he had approached to within thirty or forty -yards of the house, Toma’s spirits fell. He was -sure now that the road-house was untenanted. No -occupied dwelling, he reasoned, could be wrapped -so deeply in that tragic, sombre silence. The door -stood invitingly open, yet Toma knew before entering -that no person recently had left it thus. He -paused on the threshold, staring into the room. It -seemed to mock him. Except for the few bare -furnishings, it was entirely empty. With a quaking -heart and a trembling step, he passed through the -main front room to the kitchen at the back.</p> -<p>No one was about. In the kitchen there had been -stacked up, on a long work-table opposite the stove, -a pile of dirty, unwashed dishes. He glanced at -them casually, then passed on out of the back door -and made his way over to the stable. Like the -cabin, the stable was unoccupied. Disconsolately, -Toma walked over and, climbing up, sat down on -the top rail of the six-foot-high corral fence.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_131">131</div> -<p>He didn’t know what to make of it all. The absence -of Corporal Rand might, of course, be accounted -for. But what about Fontaine and Le -Sueur, his two friends? Since the death of Frischette, -these two last named young men had taken -over the management of the road-house. They had -entered upon their duties with a good deal of enthusiasm, -and it seemed unusual that they should -both be away now, neglecting their business.</p> -<p>It was true, of course, that summer visitors were -few. The bulk of Frischette’s trade had come during -the early fall and winter and just before the -spring break-up. However, even if there were no -guests at the road-house, there was always the chance -that one might come—an occasional straggler—and -it was not reasonable to suppose that both Fontaine -and Le Sueur would leave the place for any length -of time.</p> -<p>Yet, that was exactly what they had done. They -were neglecting their business. Toma scowled at -the ground, and one moccasined foot beat an impatient -tattoo along the surface of the rail beneath -him. He decided after a time that, low on supplies, -they had gone over to Fort Good Faith to replenish -their larder. But the absence of Rand was not so -easily explained, unless he was out searching for -Burnnel and Emery.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_132">132</div> -<p>Shaking his head, Toma hopped down off the -corral fence and strode back in the direction of the -house. This time he had a purpose in mind. He -would enter the kitchen and prepare himself a belated -breakfast. He had not eaten since early the -night before and was tremendously hungry. He -entered the kitchen, kindled a fire in the large iron -cook stove and methodically set about his task.</p> -<p>In the middle of his preparations he paused, pricking -up his ears. Had he heard something—a slight -scraping sound? He stood perfectly still, listening -patiently. Then, as the sound was not repeated, he -decided that he had been mistaken. He returned to -his task, and in a short time breakfast was ready. -He set a place for himself on the table in the adjoining -room, and was returning to the kitchen for -his rasher of bacon and pot of coffee, when he heard -the sound again.</p> -<p>This time there was no doubt in his mind. He -had heard aright. The sound issued from the room -which had formerly been used by Frischette for his -office and private sleeping apartment. It was the -only room in the house that he had not explored. -He bounded quickly forward, seizing the knob of -the door. He bent his weight against it.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_133">133</div> -<p>He stood back, scratching his head in perplexity. -It was locked. Something or someone was inside -there. He called out softly. But, although he -imagined he heard the faint, scraping sound again, -no voice answered him.</p> -<p>Toma was not long in deciding upon his course of -action. He hurried into the kitchen, passed through -the door at the back, picked up a small log, about -four feet in length and six inches in diameter and, -returning with it, he applied himself to the door.</p> -<p>At the first blow from his heavy battering-ram, -the lock gave way. A splintering and cracking of -wood, and the door swung back. Looking inside, -Toma dropped his battering-ram.</p> -<p>Closest to the door, lay Rand, gagged, bound hand -and foot. A few feet farther on, sprawled the -youthful figures of his two friends, Fontaine and -Le Sueur.</p> -<p>Following a little gasp of amazement, Toma -strode into the room.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_134">134</div> -<h2 id="c16">CHAPTER XVI -<br /><span class="small">TRAPPED!</span></h2> -<p>Burnnel and Emery had appeared so unexpectedly -before the boys, opposite Meade’s road-house, -that resistance was useless. Dick and Sandy had no -chance, whatever, to raise a hand in their defense. -Of the three, Toma had been the only one at all -fortunate. His sudden leap backward into the -brush made possible his escape, but Dick and Sandy -were powerless. The young Scotchman, shrinking -with terror, still sat on the fallen tree, while Dick, -no less overcome with fear, stood motionless, as -the two men drew closer, flourishing their guns. -Emery’s face was malignant but triumphant.</p> -<p>“So you thought you’d bust into our little game, -eh?” he snarled, as he relieved Dick and Sandy of -their revolvers. “Yuh thought yuh was pretty -smart back there at Creel’s a few days ago, didn’t -yuh? Well, yuh can pay fer that now. Time we -get through with yuh, yuh won’t be so willin’ to -meddle in somebody else’s business.”</p> -<p>Dick found his voice.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_135">135</div> -<p>“We didn’t harm you.”</p> -<p>Emery’s scowl darkened. He was on the point -of making some sarcastic reply, but Burnnel cut in -sharply:</p> -<p>“Save your gab, both o’ yuh. Too bad that other -feller got away.”</p> -<p>Dick hoped that their captors would take them -back to Meade’s road-house. It would be the best -thing for him and Sandy. Their chance of getting -away would be better. They would feel safer there. -Meade, no doubt, would interfere and gain their -release.</p> -<p>Sandy had sunk into deep and utter dejection. -He recalled, with little shivers of apprehension, the -treatment which had been meted out to Creel a few -days before. He was not buoyed up by any false -hopes. He could see in Burnnel and Emery’s actions -only an effort at reprisal—revenge for their previous -humiliation. Unlike Dick, he did not believe that -they would be taken back to Meade’s road-house. -In fact, such a thought had never entered his mind. -The partners were too shrewd for that. No, he -and Dick would be mistreated and tortured merely -to satisfy their craving for revenge. Besides, it -would not suit Burnnel and Emery’s purpose to be -encumbered with two prisoners. They had other -business to attend to.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_136">136</div> -<p>And, in a way, Sandy was right. Shortly after -the boys had been relieved of their guns, Burnnel -straightened up, his mouth twisted in a venomous -leer.</p> -<p>“Turn out your pockets,” he ordered.</p> -<p>The boys obeyed hastily, their hands nervous and -trembling. Emery stood over them, watching like -a hawk, seizing from one or the other the miscellaneous -assortment of things that were brought to -light. Dick, who had acted as treasurer for the -three boys, was relieved of a roll of bills and a handful -of silver. Burnnel’s eyes lighted with satisfaction -at sight of the money, but his partner only -grunted. Soon the boys had completed their task. -Their pockets had all been emptied.</p> -<p>“Where’s the poke?”</p> -<p>Dick stared incredulously.</p> -<p>“Poke? Why—why—what do you mean?”</p> -<p>“Don’t yuh try tuh look so blame’ innocent. Yuh -got it, one o’ yuh.”</p> -<p>“Look here,” said Dick hotly, “you know where -that poke is—in Corporal Rand’s possession. You -had it yourself on two different occasions. Why -didn’t you keep it?”</p> -<p>Burnnel advanced threateningly.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_137">137</div> -<p>“Enough o’ that! Yuh know what I mean, a’ -right. We want what was in that poke an’ we want -it quick.”</p> -<p>“But see here,” protested Dick, “we haven’t anything. -I tell you, we haven’t. We don’t even know -what was in the poke in the first place.”</p> -<p>Burnnel and Emery exchanged glances. Then, -indignantly, the little man addressed the other:</p> -<p>“There, what’d I tell yuh. It’s plain they ain’t -got it. I was right. It’s Creel!”</p> -<p>The huge bulk of Burnnel stood like a statue. -Since questioning Dick, he had not moved, except -to turn his head in his partner’s direction. Now -his chin was bent forward, resting upon his expansive, -barrel-like chest. To all appearances, his partner’s -assertion had given him food for thought, required -deliberate and careful consideration. In a -moment he raised his eyes again, glancing at Emery. -With the fingers of one hand he scratched the -stubble on his pocked, scarred face.</p> -<p>“How do yuh know that? You’re jus’ guessin’. -I’d as soon think these boys had it as Creel. Fact -is, it’s a hull lot more likely. How do we know -that this here young tomcat didn’t empty the poke -t’other night right after we left an’ afore Frischette -comes along an’ grabs it?”</p> -<p>Emery darted a quick, insolent, sarcastic glance -at his huge confederate.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_138">138</div> -<p>“I don’t believe it. Creel’s the one what’s fooled -us. Fooled us in the first place there at his cabin. -It’s all your fault, too. Yuh never looked in that -poke. An easy mark you are,” he declared scornfully, -“lettin’ him put it over yuh like that.”</p> -<p>Burnnel snarled like a bear in a trap. Emery -perceived that he had gone too far. His next words -were placating, almost a whine.</p> -<p>“Now look o’ here, Bob, yuh don’t need to get -huffy. I think you’re wrong an’ I’m goin’ to stick -to it. The only reason I said I’d come over here -tuh question these brats was all on your account. -I wanted yuh to be satisfied, tuh see fer yourself. -We’re jus’ wastin’ time. The thing tuh do is tuh -go back, pick up that blame’ squaw an’ see if we -can’t run that worthless ol’ rat tuh earth.”</p> -<p>Burnnel hated to admit that he was in the wrong, -and in order to cover his chagrin and disappointment, -he flew into a violent rage and for a period -of nearly two minutes cursed wildly and furiously. -As he did so, he paced back and forth, huge fists -clinched, swinging his arms violently. With a final -snarl, he cuffed Dick across the head, sending the -young man reeling back dizzily. His large moccasined -foot, swinging up, brushed Sandy’s thigh. -Then he seized Emery by the shoulder.</p> -<p>“Come on! Let’s get out o’ here!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_139">139</div> -<p>The little man’s head jerked back with a snap. -He, too, became furious. They were still cursing -and storming at each other as they disappeared from -view.</p> -<p>The boys could scarcely believe their good fortune. -They had not expected to escape from the -encounter with so little injury. They had not even -been taken prisoners. Their only loss had been -that of their money and their revolvers—a thing -which troubled them little. Meade, Dick was quite -certain, would willingly help them out, as soon as -they explained their predicament.</p> -<p>Of course, they couldn’t go back to the road-house -until Burnnel, Emery and the woman had -taken their leave. Tonight they must remain in the -woods, sleeping out under the trees. Also they must -find Toma.</p> -<p>Through the blue, enveloping twilight, they wandered -hither and thither, calling out his name. For -hours they searched in vain. In response to their -repeated halloos, no cheery answer came. The deep -silence drew in around them.</p> -<p>“He’s gone for help,” Sandy decided, flinging -himself down on a soft carpet of moss and pine-needles, -and looking up anxiously into Dick’s face.</p> -<p>His chum sighed wearily.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_140">140</div> -<p>“Yes, he must have gone back to Frischette’s in -the hope of meeting Rand. But you may depend -upon it, he’ll give a good account of himself.”</p> -<p>“Toma’s a trump,” said Sandy, closing his eyes -and speaking drowsily. “I couldn’t help but admire -the way he leaped for that thicket at the first sound -from Burnnel and Emery. He’s quicker than we -are. Pretty hard to catch him off guard.”</p> -<p>“And yet,” answered Dick, “I can’t understand -why he didn’t linger in the vicinity. That would -have been more like him. Waiting and watching -for a chance to get the drop on them, and then rescuing -us. Just thrilling enough to suit him. Funny he -didn’t do it.”</p> -<p>Sandy sat up, smiling.</p> -<p>“I think he left his gun behind—over there at -Meade’s. I’ll bet he was provoked. He must have -decided that the best thing to do was to hurry back -to Frischette’s and rush Corporal Rand to our assistance.”</p> -<p>Although the days were warm, the nights were invariably -cool. It would not be pleasant to sleep out -without blankets. Nor was it possible to start a -fire. Every article they possessed, including a box of -matches, had been taken by the two outlaws.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_141">141</div> -<p>They slept but ill. Mosquitos buzzed about them -in swarms. They kept up an incessant fight with -these vicious pests, shivering on their bed of moss, -waking every few minutes to wonder if morning -would never come.</p> -<p>Somewhere around three o’clock, they rose and -made their way back in the direction of the road-house. -It was too early yet to think about disturbing -any of its occupants. Burnnel and Emery would -still be there, and they had no wish to meet them -again. Hungry as they were, and sleepy, they realized -that it would not be advisable to approach the -cabin until after the outlaws had departed.</p> -<p>“When we get something to eat, and borrow a -rifle or two from Meade,” said Dick, “I suppose -we’ll have to trail on after them.”</p> -<p>Sandy glanced at Dick sharply.</p> -<p>“But don’t you think we ought to wait for Toma -and Corporal Rand?”</p> -<p>“If we do, we’ll be apt to lose trace of them, just -as we lost trace of Creel. You must remember that -we’ll have to follow them on foot. They have -horses.”</p> -<p>Sandy said no more, lapsing into a moody silence. -The mosquitos continued to buzz around their heads. -But no longer was it cool. The sun, an hour high, -shed its warm rays to every part of the land. The -moisture, caused by the dew, was soon evaporated. -Day had commenced.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_142">142</div> -<p>Yet they waited a long time before they were rewarded -for their patience. Smoke curled upward -from the rough mud-chimney at the road-house. -Now and again, they could see someone walking -about outside. Another long wait, and they breathed -a sigh of relief. Three mounted ponies came out -around one end of the cabin and headed down the -trail. A few minutes more, and they were out of -sight.</p> -<p>“Thank goodness!” Sandy breathed thankfully, -parting the screen of brush in front of him and -stepping out into the open. “I thought they’d never -go. Come on, Dick—breakfast!”</p> -<p>Dick hurried after Sandy, and it was not long before -they pushed open the door of the cabin and -entered. Meade was there, and at sight of them, -sprang to his feet. He came forward quickly.</p> -<p>“Where in the name of Old Harry have you boys -been? We missed you last night; looked everywhere. -I wondered if you hadn’t gone suddenly crazy.”</p> -<p>“We didn’t want to meet Burnnel and Emery,” -explained Sandy.</p> -<p>“You mean those two men, who stopped here -last night?”</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>Meade whistled. “Why not?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_143">143</div> -<p>Stammering out something, Sandy looked at Dick. -His chum returned the gaze, then stared straight into -the eyes of the pleasant-faced free trader.</p> -<p>“Well, I guess it won’t do any harm to tell you. -Those two men, who stopped here last night, are -in some way implicated in the Dewberry case. Corporal -Rand went out with them yesterday to the place -where Frischette was found. They were under police -surveillance. Apparently, they have escaped. Those -two ponies that they were riding belong to us. We -had met Burnnel and Emery before and thought -there might be trouble if they saw us. So we left.”</p> -<p>“And it was a good thing we did,” Sandy cut in. -“As it was, they followed us, shortly after their arrival -here, and came upon us unexpectedly. They -took our revolvers and all the money we had. Toma -escaped. Then they came back here.”</p> -<p>“And you’ve been out there in the woods all -night?” Meade inquired softly.</p> -<p>“Yes, we have, Mr. Meade,” replied Dick, “and -we’re mighty tired and hungry.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_144">144</div> -<h2 id="c17">CHAPTER XVII -<br /><span class="small">A POLICEMAN’S HORSE</span></h2> -<p>Toma had never seen Corporal Rand in a rage -before. The corporal’s face was flushed with anger -and his expressive blue eyes snapped. As yet the -young Indian had received no explanation of how -the policeman and his two friends had been made -prisoners. He had been too busy to question them. -Besides they had been in no condition to talk. The -first intelligible word from any of them had been:</p> -<p>“Water!”</p> -<p>None of the three could stand. Locked in that -hot stifling room, their suffering had been terrible. -For more than an hour Toma had administered to -them, chafing their limbs, bringing them water, making -them more comfortable. After that, he had been -compelled to hurry back to the kitchen to prepare -a meal for them. Cared for in this fashion, their -recovery had been rapid. Soon all, except Le -Sueur, were able to stand and to limp about the -room.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_145">145</div> -<p>It was then that Toma noticed the policeman’s -anger. His lips were pressed together tightly, his -hands were clinched. The nails of his fingers dug -into his palms.</p> -<p>“How it happen you get tie up in that room?” -Toma asked, his sober dark eyes gravely regarding -the policeman.</p> -<p>“Burnnel and Emery.” The answer came short -and terse, with no attempt at elaboration.</p> -<p>“How they do that?”</p> -<p>“I had them locked up here,” Rand pointed to the -room, “when that woman came.” He paused, while -a slow flush of shame mounted to his bronzed forehead. -“It was she, MacGregor’s wife, who did it, -Toma. Came riding into the corral, just as I was -preparing to start. I led my horse back into the -stable and went over to question her. You see,” -Rand explained, “I knew her—‘Rat’ MacGregor’s -wife. Wondered why she had come here, Toma. -Surmised, of course, that she was up to some mischief. -But I was wholly unprepared for her treachery.”</p> -<p>The corporal paused again and the flush deepened.</p> -<p>“What she do?” inquired Toma.</p> -<p>The policeman’s mouth set in a straight hard line.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_146">146</div> -<p>“Pulled a gun on me without warning and without -provocation. I didn’t have a chance. I knew -she’d use it. Fontaine and Le Sueur came out of -the house and she got the drop on them too. Marched -us back to the road-house and forced us to release -Emery and Burnnel.</p> -<p>“As soon as Emery and Burnnel were released, -they took charge. We were thrown into the room, -bound, gagged, and the door was locked.”</p> -<p>The corporal paused again, moistening his dry -lips.</p> -<p>“But that isn’t all, Toma. I have still to tell you -about—about Inverness. My horse! In my position, -lying on the floor, I had a view through the -window, and those fiends,” Corporal Rand choked, -“brought Inverness around and shot him before my -very eyes. After that I saw them drag him away. -They came back again and I caught a glimpse of -them as they rode off: Burnnel astride Sandy’s -horse, and Emery riding Dick’s, the woman bringing -up the rear on her own pony.”</p> -<p>Toma’s face had grown dark with suppressed -emotion.</p> -<p>“Bad thing they shoot your horse, corporal.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_147">147</div> -<p>The deep lines about the policeman’s mouth tightened. -The pupils of his eyes were like two steel -points, hard, glittering. It was not difficult to see -what most aroused his ire. Rand could accept, without -complaining, the indignities offered to his own -person. Not so, regarding his horse. He loved the -animal. Through weary, lonesome days on patrol, it -had been his only friend and companion. A strange -attachment had grown up between them. Almost any -time, Rand would gladly have sacrificed his own life -to save that of the fiery little steed.</p> -<p>The wilful, deliberate shooting of this horse was -the cause of the corporal’s anger. In his heart, he -had sworn revenge.</p> -<p>“You see, Toma,” his voice was strangely calm, -“he meant a lot to me—Inverness. I—I hated to -see him go. Poor old fellow! I could see his pleading -look, when they brought him over opposite the -window, and he looked in and saw me.”</p> -<p>Unbidden, a tear came into the corporal’s steely -eye and trickled down his cheek. He rose from his -chair and strode to the door.</p> -<p>“Why they shoot your horse like that?” Toma -wanted to know.</p> -<p>“To insure their escape,” the policeman answered, -not turning his head. “If I were released, it would -be necessary to follow on foot.”</p> -<p>He turned quickly upon Toma.</p> -<p>“How did it happen,” he asked, “that you came -on alone? Where are Dick and Sandy?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_148">148</div> -<p>“Burnnel and Emery get them jus’ like they get -you. Almost get me, too, but I jump away from -them. I come on here because I think mebbe you go -back an’ help.”</p> -<p>“You did well, Toma. Where did this happen?”</p> -<p>“Near the place where keep ’em house that free -trader.”</p> -<p>“Meade?”</p> -<p>The Indian nodded.</p> -<p>“That isn’t far from here,” said Rand. “We’ll -start at once.”</p> -<p>In admiration, Toma drew in his breath. Well -he knew the agony the policeman must endure from -his limbs, still swollen, as the result of that terrible -ordeal. Notwithstanding this, he proposed to start -out as if nothing had happened. It was nearly twenty -miles back along the trail to Meade’s Ferry. Twenty -miles with legs like that! Twenty miles through the -stifling heat of that summer’s day—and over a rough -trail!</p> -<p>“You think you do that?” he asked, his mouth -agape.</p> -<p>“I can do it,” declared Rand simply.</p> -<p>And not long afterward they were on the trail, -the policeman walking with a pronounced limp, yet -keeping abreast of his more agile companion. Mosquitos -drove around them in clouds. The hot breath -of the sun-steeped earth rose up about them. It was -tedious work, a gruelling, unpleasant experience.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_149">149</div> -<p>Yet the corporal did not complain. When he spoke -at all, it was to joke or jest, to comment lightly upon -some phase of their journey. And with each passing -minute, his limp grew more pronounced. He -was hobbling now upon swollen, blistered feet.</p> -<p>“We better stop rest,” Toma advised him.</p> -<p>“No,” said Rand, clenching his teeth, “we’ll go -on. It can’t be much farther now. Just a few miles -more.”</p> -<p>So they went on again, a weary, perspiring pair. -Though Toma suffered no particular physical discomfort, -he endured mental torture as he watched -the policeman keep pace with him. He could have -cried out with thankfulness, when at last, through an -opening in the trees, he discerned the low, rambling -structure, which served the double purpose of store -and road-house.</p> -<p>A short time later they entered the building itself -and were greeted by the kindly free trader.</p> -<p>“Glad to see you, corporal. The boys were expecting -you.”</p> -<p>“Where are they now?”</p> -<p>“They’ve gone on.”</p> -<p>“And Burnnel and Emery?”</p> -<p>“The boys are camping on their trail.”</p> -<p>Corporal Rand looked very much surprised and -turned upon Toma.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_150">150</div> -<p>“I thought you said that the boys had been taken -prisoners?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” nodded Toma.</p> -<p>“Well, how can that be?”</p> -<p>“I can explain it all,” Meade laughed. “Dick and -Sandy were taken prisoners, all right, but were released -a few minutes later. They slept out last night -in the open, returning here shortly after the three -set out—Burnnel, Emery and the squaw.”</p> -<p>“How did the boys travel?” Rand asked.</p> -<p>“I lent them two ponies.”</p> -<p>“Got any more?”</p> -<p>“Not another one, corporal. I have only the -two. One is mine and the other belongs to my son, -Frederick. But where is your own horse, corporal?”</p> -<p>Thus reminded of his loss, Rand’s face became -grim again.</p> -<p>“They shot it. Back at Frenchie’s road-house. -That’s why I’ve come on foot.”</p> -<p>“And you’re almost crippled,” said Meade, who -had observed the policeman’s limp.</p> -<p>“I can manage somehow.”</p> -<p>“Not until you’ve doctored up those feet,” Meade -declared kindly.</p> -<p>Rand flung himself down in an easy chair, motioning -to Toma also to be seated.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_151">151</div> -<p>“You’d better rest while you can, Toma. We’ll -go on again in a few minutes.”</p> -<p>Meade had grown thoughtful.</p> -<p>“I’ve an idea,” he announced at length, “that I -can get two horses for you over at Bonner’s Lake -from a half-breed there. This man has a herd of -ponies he keeps for Spring and Autumn freighting. -They’re feeding on the range now and I’m sure he’ll -accommodate me.”</p> -<p>Meade smiled, puffing stoutly on his pipe.</p> -<p>“I’ll send my son, Frederick, over there,” he resumed. -“In the meantime, you can rest here. He -won’t be long.”</p> -<p>The kind offer was accepted. In truth, the corporal’s -limbs were so badly swollen from the effects -of the thongs and the hard trek immediately after -being released by Toma, that he doubted very much -whether he could walk more than a few miles more, -anyway.</p> -<p>“I won’t forget your kindness,” the policeman -thanked him. “It’s very good of you.”</p> -<p>“Not at all! Not at all!” Meade hastened to assure -him. “I’d do that much for the Royal Mounted -any time. I’ve heard about the case you’re working -on, corporal, and I’m anxious to have you succeed. -Dewberry was a friend of mine.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_152">152</div> -<p>Rand looked up quickly.</p> -<p>“That’s interesting. So few men really knew -Dewberry. Queer character, from what I’ve heard.”</p> -<p>“A splendid man,” Meade declared reverently. “A -generous and fine man!”</p> -<p>“While your son, Frederick, is away after the -horses, I wonder if you’ll tell me what you know of -him. It has been very difficult to gather any information -concerning him. It might help a lot in -this case if you’d give me a clear insight into his -character. There are a number of things I can’t explain.”</p> -<p>Frederick was called and sent after the ponies. -Then Meade sat down and began telling about his -friend, the mysterious Dewberry. It was a story -very similar to the one he had told Dick and Sandy. -Rand listened without once interrupting, and Toma -also paid close attention until, growing drowsy, he -fell asleep in his chair. When he awoke again, Meade -was still talking, but now occasionally the policeman -plied him with a question.</p> -<p>Toma yawned, rose to his feet and stalked over -to a window. Looking out, he was surprised to see -the free trader’s son already returning with the -horses.</p> -<p>“They come,” announced Toma. “The ponies -are here.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_153">153</div> -<p>Corporal Rand smiled and nodded at Toma, but—a -thing the young Indian could not understand—seemed -more interested in the conversation than in -the arrival of the ponies. Nevertheless, a moment -later Rand rose and hobbled to the door. Meade -followed him. They went out ahead of Toma, and, -as they did so, the policeman remarked:</p> -<p>“Your talk has been a revelation. I’m beginning -to see a little light.”</p> -<p>Long afterward, when he and the corporal were -out on the trail, Toma studied over that statement. -What did Rand mean by that? Hadn’t he always -seen the light?</p> -<p>Then he shook his head and gave up in despair. -For Corporal Rand, as Toma was well aware, had -never had trouble with his vision.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_154">154</div> -<h2 id="c18">CHAPTER XVIII -<br /><span class="small">A RED BLOB</span></h2> -<p>Burnnel, Emery and Rat MacGregor’s wife set -a hard pace. They led Dick and Sandy far afield -and it was seldom that the boys ever came in sight of -them. It was plain that the prospectors intended to -force their horses to the limit in an attempt to overtake -the fleeing recluse.</p> -<p>The trail led south. It was a well known trail, -much travelled, especially in the Spring and Fall of -the year. Then, to the boys’ amazement, the outlaws -suddenly left it, striking off southeastward -through a country infrequently visited. For a long -time Dick and Sandy could find no reasonable explanation -for this, but, finally, the younger of the -two boys, brooding over the strange conduct of the -outlaws, offered an opinion.</p> -<p>They were crossing a broad meadow at the time, -exerting their ponies to renewed effort. Through -the thick, waving grass ahead, almost waist high, -was the faint track made by Burnnel’s party.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_155">155</div> -<p>“I know now,” Sandy’s voice was excited. “I’ve -solved the mystery.”</p> -<p>“What mystery?”</p> -<p>“The reason why they went this way. It’s a shortcut, -Dick. The main trail, if you happen to remember, -turns straight east about fifty miles south of -here. Burnnel and Emery figure that they can head -Creel off by coming this way.”</p> -<p>“You must be right, Sandy. But I wonder if -they’ve stopped to consider that they have a river to -cross. It’s a wide one, too, nearly a quarter of a -mile, I should say. Do you suppose they can swim -the horses?”</p> -<p>“Dangerous, but they must intend to try it. It will -be interesting to watch them. If they can make it, -so can we.”</p> -<p>“We ought to arrive at the river some time this -afternoon. Hope they don’t see us coming. We -must be fairly close to them right now.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_156">156</div> -<p>Crossing the meadow, they entered a grove of -poplar, through which they made their way more -slowly, emerging, at length, to another meadow, -somewhat smaller than the one they had previously -crossed. Here they paused. On the far side, several -miles away, they saw three tiny specks, which -they knew was Burnnel’s party. Not wishing to approach -any closer, they rode back to the poplars -again, dismounted, staked out their horses and prepared -their midday meal. At the end of an hour, -when they resumed their journey, they knew there -would be little danger of drawing within sight of the -outlaws.</p> -<p>So they pushed on steadily. They left the meadow -behind and entered a woodland, which grew thicker -as they advanced. The dim trail ahead became more -difficult to follow. Finally, they lost it altogether, -but a few hours later the trees thinned out and -straight ahead of them, a shining, glistening ribbon -in the sun, they saw the broad expanse of the Hay -River.</p> -<p>They staked out their ponies, and set out on foot -to reconnoitre. For several hundred yards they followed -the course of the valley, but could find no trace -of the outlaws. However, continuing eastward, they -were rewarded by the sight of a thin column of -smoke, drifting lazily up through the trees. The -outlaws had made camp a few hundred yards below -on the bank of the river. Just now they were engaged, -so the boys surmised, in the preparation of a -meal.</p> -<p>Dick and Sandy crept closer. Nerves taut, they -wormed their way ahead. Then Dick touched -Sandy’s arm.</p> -<p>“Look!” he whispered.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_157">157</div> -<p>Burnnel and Emery were squatting in front of the -fire, indolently smoking their pipes, while MacGregor’s -wife busied herself in gathering wood, laying -out the camp utensils and in other ways making -herself generally useful.</p> -<p>“Lazy brutes!” sneered Sandy. “They don’t seem -to be in much of a hurry. Do you suppose they’ll attempt -to ford the river this afternoon?”</p> -<p>“Yes, I think so. In spite of their indolence now, -they’re anxious to get on.”</p> -<p>“No use staying here,” Sandy spoke again. “We’d -better get back to our ponies. We’ll bring them over -to the top of the ridge, where I think they’ll be safe -enough. There’s little danger that those lazy beggars -will climb the slope again.”</p> -<p>In returning to their horses, they chose to circle -around the outlaws’ camp, went down to the bank -of the river and moved slowly along, conscious of a -cool breeze and the close proximity of the water. -They were hot and tired and the water looked inviting. -Close to the bank it was clear as liquid glass. -Here and there were the shadows of whitefish and -Northern trout. At the bottom of the river was -white sand. Every few yards or so, projecting up -through this white sand, were smooth, brownish-colored -rocks that were surrounded by innumerable -tiny eddies.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_158">158</div> -<p>In the interest of the moment, the boys almost forgot -the grim business in which they were engaged. -Both had an overwhelming desire to linger here. It -was a peaceful, quiet spot. Sandy turned and smiled -upon his chum.</p> -<p>“That water,” he remarked, “looks cool.”</p> -<p>He wiped his perspiring brow.</p> -<p>“I know what you’re thinking,” laughed Dick. -“You’d like to strip and plunge in, wouldn’t you? I -wish we could.”</p> -<p>Sandy stopped and commenced fanning himself -with his hat.</p> -<p>“Why not? It will do us both good. We’d be -safe enough, I’m sure. They can’t possibly see us -from here.”</p> -<p>Dick was tempted. He looked down at the water. -A trout flashed up from the cold, clear stream. Only -for a moment did he hesitate.</p> -<p>“All right. Come on.”</p> -<p>They threw off their clothes, racing with each -other to see who would be the first to dive in. Sandy -won. Both boys commenced swimming about, diving, -floating, frolicking in the water to their hearts’ -content. So absorbed were they in the refreshing -sport, that they became oblivious of the passing of -time. Had not Sandy chanced to glance across the -river, it is probable that they might have forgotten -about their responsibilities for at least another hour or two.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_159">159</div> -<p>But in that glance, the young Scotchman had seen -something that quickly brought him back to the -world of realities. He sprang ashore, calling to Dick -excitedly.</p> -<p>“Look, Dick! What do you make of that?” One -glistening wet arm was flung out in front of him.</p> -<p>On the opposite side, a few rods up from the -water, Dick saw a blob of red—something that -looked very much like a large strip of flannel, caught -against the darker background of green.</p> -<p>“A red cloth,” answered Dick, only slightly interested. -“Wonder who left it there?”</p> -<p>“It moves! It moves!”</p> -<p>In spite of the nearness of Burnnel’s party, Sandy -almost shouted out the words.</p> -<p>Both boys stared, as if under some queer mesmeric -spell. They watched the red blob move along the -line of brush and disappear with magic abruptness. -It came back again, however, in a very few minutes—only -in a different place. Again it remained perfectly -stationary, then fluttered behind a rock. In -its second re-appearance, it moved toward the brink -of the river and, suddenly, instead of being merely -a red blob, mysteriously it formed itself into the unmistakable -outline of a human figure.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_160">160</div> -<p>“Some one in a red mackinaw,” declared Sandy, -laughing.</p> -<p>“In a police tunic, you mean,” Dick corrected him, -commencing to hurry into his clothes.</p> -<p>“What! A mounted policeman?”</p> -<p>“Exactly that. Why, you can see his broad-rimmed -hat and heavy top-boots.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_161">161</div> -<h2 id="c19">CHAPTER XIX -<br /><span class="small">ACROSS HAY RIVER</span></h2> -<p>“I’d like to go over there,” said Dick, “but if we -do, Burnnel and Emery will be sure to see us. We -don’t want that to happen. Our best plan is to wait -until after we ford the river. Then, if he hasn’t already -left the vicinity, we’ll find out who he is.”</p> -<p>“I know one thing,” Sandy declared confidently, -“and that is he’s not from the Mackenzie River detachment.”</p> -<p>“I’m not so sure. It may be our old friend, Sergeant -Richardson.”</p> -<p>“But that territory, over there across the Hay, is -patrolled by men from the Peace River Detachment,” -Sandy objected.</p> -<p>Dick rose quickly to his feet, hugging himself in -sheer ecstasy.</p> -<p>“I have it! I have it!” he cried. “You’re right! -He’s from the Peace River Detachment. They received -my wire. I’m willing to bet on it. It’s someone -after Creel.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_162">162</div> -<p>For a time Sandy caught the infection of the -other’s enthusiasm but, after mature deliberation, he -became more serious again.</p> -<p>“No; you’re wrong. The police haven’t had time -to come up from Peace River Crossing since you -wired them.”</p> -<p>“This man might have been on patrol somewhere -between here and the Crossing. They probably got -in touch with him; wired back, I mean. Sent him -out on Creel’s trail.”</p> -<p>“A possibility, of course. I wonder if we couldn’t -signal to him?”</p> -<p>The suggestion interested Dick for a time. Then -caution warned him that it was not a very good -plan after all. It might lead to complications.</p> -<p>“No, we’d better let things remain as they are. -Whatever we do, we mustn’t let Emery and Burnnel -know that we are here.”</p> -<p>“Very well, then,” Sandy agreed, “we’ll go back -to our ponies. It shouldn’t be long now before the -outlaws commence to ford the river.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_163">163</div> -<p>Cheered and invigorated, they made their way up -the slope, and not long afterward came to the place -where they had picketed the ponies. Saddling and -bridling their rugged little mounts, they rode slowly -along the ridge to a point above the outlaws’ camp. -Again they tethered out their horses and sat down -to wait. It was more than an hour later before the -outlaws attempted to cross. The sound of splashing -came up from below, punctuated now and again by -sharp voices of the two men.</p> -<p>The boys bounded to their feet and scrambled -down the steep embankment. Arriving at the abandoned -camp, they observed that Burnnel’s party were -already more than a quarter of the distance across -the stream. The ponies were swimming bravely, -while the two prospectors and “Rat” MacGregor’s -wife could be seen in the water beside them, clinging -to the pommels of the saddles. It was an exciting ordeal -and the boys watched the progress of the party -breathlessly. Soon they had reached the center of -the river, fighting valiantly. Now they were being -carried along by the swift central current. Gradually, -however, they neared the opposite shore. They -made their landing safely, a few minutes later, nearly -a mile downstream. They clambered up the slippery -bank, shook then like rats, and soon afterward -disappeared from view.</p> -<p>The boys waited for nearly an hour, before they -made any effort to follow. Then, leading their -horses down, they, too, plunged into the icy stream. -Exultant and happy, ten minutes later they waded -ashore and paused to dry their dripping garments in -the hot sun, near the edge of the river.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_164">164</div> -<p>“Now,” grinned Dick, “we’ll look for that policeman.”</p> -<p>They mounted their horses and proceeded on their -way. But, although they kept the river within view, -they could find no trace of the red-coated figure they -had seen only two hours before. He had vanished -mysteriously. Fearing that they had proceeded too -far down along the course of the stream, they turned -back, mounting the slope. Twilight had fallen. The -boys were baffled and discouraged. When they made -camp for the night, neither had much to say. After -supper they sat gloomily, looking out across the valley.</p> -<p>“I’m afraid we’ve lost out all around,” complained -Dick. “We may have some difficulty in finding -Burnnel’s party now. I wish we had left the policeman -to his own devices and had gone on after them.”</p> -<p>Sandy struck irritably at the mosquitos swarming -about him.</p> -<p>“Think I’ll start a smudge,” he growled.</p> -<p>Dick rose to his feet.</p> -<p>“While you kindle the fire, I’ll go along the slope -and get an arm-load of moss.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_165">165</div> -<p>Suiting the action to the word, he started away, -walking leisurely. He had gone less than fifty yards, -when he drew back, startled. Unless his eyes had -deceived him, he had seen something—a movement -in the brush. Trembling, he took up a position in -the deep shadows, close to a willow copse, straining -his eyes through the obscurity.</p> -<p>“Might be a deer,” he thought.</p> -<p>He had really not expected to see a man. Yet a -man it was. Creel! Dick blinked. The old recluse -stood limned in the darkening twilight, scarcely -twenty feet away. His attitude was that of a hunted -beast. His long hair fell over his eyes in straggly -disorder, giving him the appearance of a madman. -His long beard fluttered lightly in the breeze.</p> -<p>Dick’s heart leaped. Creel was coming straight -toward him. Cold sweat beaded Dick’s brow. He -was shaking as if from the ague. Nearer and nearer -came Creel. Only a few feet away now—almost -upon him!</p> -<p>Then, suddenly, for no apparent reason, the recluse -paused. Dick could hear his labored breathing. -Some intuitive sense had warned the man of impending -danger. For a full minute he remained perfectly -still, his gaze darting from right to left. He took -one step forward cautiously. A second step. Again -he paused. He was so close now, that Dick could -almost reach out his hand and touch him. The young -man’s mind was awhirl, dizzy with conflicting impulses. -His quarry within his grasp, and yet he hesitated. -Why, he did not know.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_166">166</div> -<p>The recluse took one more step and in that instant -caught sight of the crouching form. He attempted -to turn, one hand struggling at his belt. Dick -lunged forward, catching Creel around the knees, -bearing him down. The struggle was short but -spirited.</p> -<p>“No use,” panted Dick, “I’ve got you!”</p> -<p>Creel’s struggles subsided.</p> -<p>“What do you want with me?” choked the captive, -as Dick pinioned his arms.</p> -<p>“The police are looking for you, Creel,” the other -breathed in his ear. “The game’s up. You’ll have -to come along with me.”</p> -<p>Securing the other’s revolver, Dick rose to his -feet.</p> -<p>“Come on now,” he ordered, “Get up!”</p> -<p>He drove Creel ahead of him to the place where -he and Sandy had made camp. In the dim light, -Sandy saw the approaching shadows, but as yet was -unaware of the presence of a third person.</p> -<p>“Did you bring the moss?” he inquired petulantly. -“What kept you so long?”</p> -<p>“Sandy,” Dick’s voice quavered, “come here!” -The young Scotchman put down the branch, which -he had been breaking into short lengths, and strode -forward. His astonishment was unbounded.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_167">167</div> -<p>“Creel!” he exclaimed. “Where did you find him, -Dick?”</p> -<p>“Out there,” Dick pointed. Then, turning upon -the old recluse: “Hand over the contents of that -poke,” he ordered, pressing his revolver close to the -man’s chest.</p> -<p>Creel backed away.</p> -<p>“I haven’t it,” he whined. “It’s gone—gone! Release -me, I tell you. I haven’t it.”</p> -<p>“You had it,” said Dick. “What did you do with -it?”</p> -<p>“They took it,” answered Creel, his voice rising -almost to a scream.</p> -<p>“Who?”</p> -<p>“Burnnel and Emery. That woman.”</p> -<p>“Where did you meet them?”</p> -<p>“Back there,” the recluse waved one arm. “I came -on them unexpectedly.” He shook in his agitation. -“Wasn’t even thinking about them. I—I— The -policeman— He was following me. Ever since last -night.”</p> -<p>The story seemed plausible, yet in order to make -sure that their captive spoke the truth, they searched -his pockets, which proved to be almost as bare as -their own.</p> -<p>“Did they take your money too?” Dick demanded.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_168">168</div> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>“Where are they camped now?”</p> -<p>“About a mile from here. They turned me loose -less than an hour ago.”</p> -<p>“Creel,” said Sandy, “there’s one thing I wish -you’d explain. What are you doing here so far from -the trail?”</p> -<p>“Trying to get away from that policeman,” came -the answer. “I was on my way south to Peace River -Crossing, when I met him on the trail. He had me -cornered. He was sitting there on his horse, waiting -for me. I could see that. But I gave him the -slip. I dropped off my horse and ducked into the -thick timber on the left side of the trail. I ran. I -was sure that I could get away from him. I knew -that no horse could follow me there. But he kept on -my trail, and several times that night and today, I -caught sight of him following me.”</p> -<p>Sandy’s voice broke the next interval of silence. -“What’s to be done now?”</p> -<p>“I’m going over to the outlaws’ camp,” declared -Dick with grim decision.</p> -<p>“But what will we do with Creel?”</p> -<p>“You can stay here and watch him.”</p> -<p>Sandy caught his breath.</p> -<p>“Do you mean to say you’d tackle ’em all alone, -Dick? A terrible risk! They’d be sure to get you.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_169">169</div> -<p>“No, they’ll be too surprised to do anything. They -won’t expect me.”</p> -<p>Sandy put one trembling hand to his face.</p> -<p>“I—I hate to think of it. You’d be all right if -only Toma were with you. But alone—”</p> -<p>He paused, choking.</p> -<p>“I’ll set out right away,” said Dick, “and you -needn’t worry, Sandy. I’ll promise to be careful. I -won’t take any more chances than necessary. Perhaps -I’ll find them asleep.”</p> -<p>He turned to go. Sandy sprang after him, seizing -his arm.</p> -<p>“If anything happens to you, Dick, I’ll—I’ll feel -that it’s all my fault. But don’t forget that I’m -with you. If—if they should happen to take you -prisoner, I’ll manage your release somehow.”</p> -<p>“I know you will, Sandy,”—in a smothered voice.</p> -<p>“Good-bye, Dick.”</p> -<p>“Good-bye.”</p> -<p>Dick stumbled forward through the shadows, his -heart beating wildly. A mile to Burnnel’s camp. Not -far! He’d move cautiously. He mustn’t fail now. -Victory was in their hands.</p> -<p>The shadows were very dark along the ridge, and -far below came the murmur of the river. From its -darkened perch, an owl hooted dismally.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_170">170</div> -<h2 id="c20">CHAPTER XX -<br /><span class="small">A THRILLING EXPERIENCE</span></h2> -<p>Though only a short distance away, Burnnel’s -camp proved to be hard to find. It was darker than -usual that night, owing to the fact that the sky was -overcast. It is doubtful if Dick would have discovered -the camp at all, had he not, after nearly an -hour of beating futilely about in the underbrush, -been attracted by the dull red glow of a dying campfire.</p> -<p>Stealing upon his enemies with a quaking heart, -he had soon advanced within the circle of light made -by the glowing red embers. Near the fire were -stretched the forms of the two prospectors, while -thirty or forty feet away lay the woman.</p> -<p>The camp slumbered. Conditions could not have -been more favorable for Dick’s project. It would -be easy to walk over, gun in hand, and awaken the -sleepers. Neither of them would have the least opportunity -to offer resistance.</p> -<p>“It’s dead easy,” Dick argued with himself. “I -can’t fail. It’s all as easy as A, B, C.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_171">171</div> -<p>Yet he hesitated. He had planned his approach -and knew exactly what he was going to do and say. -But, somehow, it was easier to think about it than -to act. Once or twice he started determinedly forward, -but as quickly checked himself.</p> -<p>“I don’t know what’s the matter with me,” he -breathed. “Any minute they may awake, and yet -I’m standing here.”</p> -<p>He was nervous and shaky; his cheeks and hands -were deathly cold. His right hand gripped his revolver -so tightly that the bones in his fingers ached. -A stricture in his throat made breathing difficult. For -the second time, he took a step forward. The fire -was slowly dying out. Its subdued glow was less -bright than when he had arrived. If he didn’t act -promptly he’d be forced to accomplish his purpose -in the darkness and run the risk of failure.</p> -<p>He was less than twenty paces from the sleeping -forms. Moving very slowly, it would take less than -two minutes to reach the sleeping men. He realized -that to hurry over might be fatal to his plans. The -faintest sound might betray him. He mustn’t -snap a single dry twig or brush too hurriedly through -the tall grass. He couldn’t afford to fail now.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_172">172</div> -<p>He negotiated the distance without mishap. Heart -in his throat, he stood with his back toward the fire. -Immediately in front of him lay the two unsuspecting -outlaws. Burnnel snored peacefully, while -Emery, lying on his right side, one arm flung out, -might have been dead, for all the sound he made resting -quietly there.</p> -<p>Dick, preparing to shout out to awaken them, -checked himself in time. A cold sweat broke out upon -his body. An obstacle had presented itself. When -he aroused Burnnel and Emery, he would awaken -the woman too, and he was too far away from MacGregor’s -wife to prevent her escape. Or, what would -be more disconcerting or fatal still, she might suddenly -determine to come to the outlaws’ rescue. No -doubt she was armed. Dick’s heart beat wildly -against his ribs and a lump rose in his throat, choking -him. What was he going to do?</p> -<p>He considered waking the woman first, being as -quiet as possible, then coming back for the two prospectors. -But he dismissed this idea almost as quickly -as it had come. Better, far better to start with the -outlaws. He dismissed his original plan of shouting -out. That would never do. No; he would prod -them quietly with his foot until they woke up.</p> -<p>A distance of several feet separated the two sleepers. -He stepped between them. Burnnel lay flat on -his back. Dick stooped over and jerked the big -prospector’s gun from its holster, expecting of -course, that the man would awake. To his surprise -Burnnel slept on. So he turned his attention to Emery.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_173">173</div> -<p>Dick now had a gun in either hand. It gave him -more confidence. Emery stirred, as he prodded him -with his foot. He continued until the wiry little man -sat up, rubbing his eyes.</p> -<p>“A word out of you,” said Dick softly, “and I’ll -blow your brains out. Hand over your gun, butt -forward.”</p> -<p>Emery obeyed. Dick thrust the revolver in his -own holster, an awkward proceeding because he was -compelled to keep his opponent covered.</p> -<p>“Now,” said Dick, “wake up Burnnel and do it -quietly. Get busy!”</p> -<p>Emery, who evidently was thoroughly frightened, -rolled over and shook his partner. The big fellow -half-awoke, perceived who was shaking him, thrust -out one huge arm petulantly and pushed the little -man back with considerable violence.</p> -<p>“Shoot me or not,” snarled Emery, “yuh kin wake -him yourself.”</p> -<p>“Wake him up!” Dick’s voice carried a menace.</p> -<p>This time Emery succeeded. But the big man -was noisy and profane, even after his sleep-stained -eyes had caught the glint of Dick’s weapon.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_174">174</div> -<p>“Keep quiet!” ordered Dick, almost beside himself -with fear. “Keep quiet! If you don’t I’ll drill you -through and through. Give me the contents of that -poke!”</p> -<p>The campfire glowed an angry red. In its ghostly -light the two prospectors turned out their pockets, -defiantly. Dick recovered his own money, watch and -the huge roll of bills, belonging to Creel, Toma’s -jack-knife, Sandy’s pocket-compass, and two keys on -a ring. The articles were so many and varied that -he soon perceived that he would not have room for -them about his person. So he compelled Emery to -tie them up in a bundle, flung over his own coat for -the purpose. But where was the treasure? Nonplussed, -Dick stared from one to the other.</p> -<p>“Where’s the contents of Dewberry’s poke?” -Emery gave Dick a look of unutterable surprise—and -almost choked. Burnnel laughed scornfully.</p> -<p>“We ain’t got it.”</p> -<p>“What have you done with it?”</p> -<p>“Ain’t never had it,” said Emery, choking with -laughter.</p> -<p>“You lie!” exclaimed Dick hotly. “Creel told me -that you took it away from him.”</p> -<p>“No, you’re wrong, pardner. If Creel told yuh -that, he was spoofin’ yuh. We ain’t never even seen -him.”</p> -<p>“If that’s true,” said Dick, white to the lips, “how -did you manage to get Creel’s roll?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_175">175</div> -<p>Neither of the outlaws attempted to reply. Emery -hung his head guiltily. Burnnel’s face was averted. -Further questioning proved futile. Both men persisted -that they had taken nothing from Creel except -his money. Angrily, Dick drove them ahead of him -to where the woman lay, still sleeping, and aroused -her. Then, forcing the three to saddle and lead their -ponies, they made their way back to Dick and -Sandy’s camp.</p> -<p>On his way back, Dick felt that he had been robbed -of a complete victory. His achievement in capturing -the outlaws single-handed was darkened by the -knowledge that in some unaccountable way Burnnel -and Emery had contrived to hide Dewberry’s much-sought -treasure. He decided that when morning -came he would make a more careful search. It was -possible that he had overlooked its hiding place. It -occurred to him that it might be in one of the saddle-packs, -or sewed up in the outlaws’ garments. At -any rate, he would leave no stone unturned until he -had fully satisfied himself that Creel had lied to -him.</p> -<p>Sandy’s joy and astonishment over the safe and -successful return of his chum were unbounded. He -clapped Dick on the back, shouting out his approval.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_176">176</div> -<p>“If we’re only careful now,” he cried, “we’ll soon -reach the end of our adventures. We’ve won. Won’t -Corporal Rand and Toma be pleased when we return -with all these prisoners.”</p> -<p>For the remainder of that night neither of the -two boys slept. They took turn in replenishing the -fire and guarding the prisoners. Dick had become -more cheerful and was confident that when morning -came they would find the mysterious treasure, which -had been responsible for so much trouble and tragedy -and waste of human life.</p> -<p>Yet, when morning came, they were destined to be -disappointed again. They found nothing. Burnnel -and Emery watching them, sneered openly. Creel -seemed perplexed. Noticing his expression, Sandy -questioned him.</p> -<p>“Why did you lie to us about the contents of that -poke?”</p> -<p>“I didn’t lie to you,” Creel retorted. “They’ve done -something with it, you may depend upon that.”</p> -<p>“Don’t bother, Sandy,” Dick exclaimed in exasperation, -“you’re just wasting time. We might -as well start back. Corporal Rand will know what -to do.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_177">177</div> -<p>So, a few minutes later, they set out on their -return journey. They were forced to travel more -slowly than they had come, owing to the fact that, -on the previous day, while attempting to evade the -police, Creel had abandoned his horse. The boys -forced the outlaws to take turn and turn about walking.</p> -<p>On the evening of the first day they were treated -to a pleasant surprise. Sitting around the campfire, -enjoying their evening meal, the party was suddenly -made aware of the presence of a stranger. He had -come up silently and unnoticed. Presently he stood -before them, a trim, natty figure, the bright crimson -of his police tunic contrasting sharply with the deep -green around him. The policeman smiled at their -quick start.</p> -<p>“I’m Constable Wyatt, of the Peace River Detachment,” -he announced.</p> -<p>The boys sprang to their feet and hurried forward -to greet the constable.</p> -<p>“I’m Dick Kent and this is Sandy MacClaren,” -Dick explained to him. “We have been helping -Corporal Rand, who has been working on the Dewberry -case.”</p> -<p>The policeman smiled.</p> -<p>“Well, you’ve been more lucky or clever than I -have. From all appearances, you’ve made a coup. -I see you have Creel, the man they wired about.”</p> -<p>“I sent the telegram for Corporal Rand,” said -Dick a trifle proudly.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_178">178</div> -<p>“I almost had my hands on him on several -different occasions. Perhaps I would have -taken him eventually if you hadn’t. Who are these -others?”</p> -<p>“Burnnel and Emery, two prospectors, and she,” -Dick pointed, “is ‘Rat’ MacGregor’s wife. All of -them are mixed up in the case, constable. We had -reason to believe that Creel had Dewberry’s treasure. -Creel claims that Burnnel and Emery took it away -from him. Whether or not this is true, we have been -unable to determine. We can’t find it.”</p> -<p>And in a few words Dick related their experience -of the previous night.</p> -<p>“You say you’ve made a very careful search?” -asked Wyatt.</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>“The only thing that I can think of,” hazarded -the police constable, “is that Burnnel and Emery -hid the treasure somewhere near their camp before -they retired for the night.”</p> -<p>“That’s possible,” said Dick. “It didn’t occur to -me. Of course, they wouldn’t tell us if they had.”</p> -<p>“Naturally not,” Wyatt smiled grimly.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_179">179</div> -<p>On the following morning they reached the trail -and the first habitation they had seen for many, many -miles. Here they were able to procure another horse, -and thereafter they moved forward more quickly. -The next day, threading their way along through the -cool forest spaces, a turn in the trail revealed two -approaching horsemen. Dick and Sandy rose in -their stirrups and waved their hats wildly.</p> -<p>The two horsemen were Corporal Rand and Toma.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_180">180</div> -<h2 id="c21">CHAPTER XXI -<br /><span class="small">THE KEY TO THE MYSTERY</span></h2> -<p>Two days later, on its way north to the Mackenzie -River barracks, the party stopped for the night at -Meade’s Ferry. After supper Toma, Sandy and -Frederick Meade went over to the river for an evening’s -fishing. The two policemen and Dick remained -behind. Sitting in the large trading-room, -they conversed quietly.</p> -<p>“There’s only one thing that I regret,” said Corporal -Rand, “and that is that we have been unable -to recover Dewberry’s treasure.”</p> -<p>“What is this treasure?” Wyatt asked, then turned -his head as someone came to the doorway. “You—Mr. -Meade. Step right in. You don’t need to hesitate. -This isn’t a private conference.” As soon as -the free-trader had taken a seat beside him, Wyatt -repeated his question:</p> -<p>“What is this treasure?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_181">181</div> -<p>“We don’t know,” replied Rand. “However, it is -an established fact that on the night he was murdered -Dewberry had a roll of bills in his pocket and a small -poke, suspended from a cord tied around his neck.”</p> -<p>Rand paused, reached in his pocket and brought to -light a diminutive moosehide pouch or leather sack, -which he passed over to his fellow policeman.</p> -<p>“There it is. That’s the poke. You see how small -it is. Nevertheless, at one time it contained something -of great value. MacGregor risked his life to -get it. Frischette or Creel—as I now have reason -to believe—surprised MacGregor in the very act of -committing his crime, and took it forcibly from him. -Since that night the poke has had an interesting history. -Creel kept it in his cabin, but one night he was -visited by Emery and Burnnel, who secured possession -of it. A few minutes later Dick, Toma and -Sandy took it away from them. But in the end -Frischette got it and escaped. The next day his -body was found by Burnnel and Emery, who reported -the news to me.”</p> -<p>“They murdered him.”</p> -<p>“No, it was suicide. I’m almost sure of that. You -see, I found a note in the inner pocket of Frischette’s -coat. This note was in Frischette’s hand-writing and -mentions that he is about to take his own life.”</p> -<p>“Burnnel and Emery might have forced him to -write that note. It might be a case of murder after -all.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_182">182</div> -<p>“I’ve considered that too, Wyatt, but—well, to be -frank, I have a theory. My theory is that although -this is the poke originally carried by Dewberry, its -contents were tampered with and a substitution made -by Creel at his cabin before Burnnel and Emery -came. To make my theory more clear to you, I’d -like to say that I believe that this poke had been filled -with something of no value whatsoever. A clever -deception on Creel’s part. Not only did it fool -Emery and Burnnel, but it fooled Frischette himself. -When Frischette opened the poke, you can imagine -his rage and disappointment. The treasure was -not there. He was a coward at heart and dared -not return. Hopeless and despondent, he shot himself.”</p> -<p>Corporal Rand paused to light his pipe.</p> -<p>“My theory is strengthened by Creel’s subsequent -actions,” the corporal continued. “While I was out -on the trail investigating the cause of Frischette’s -death, he took the opportunity to slip away unnoticed. -The assumption was that he had started -out for Edmonton, or some other point, with Dewberry’s -treasure. Burnnel, Emery and ‘Rat’ MacGregor’s -wife evidently came to the same conclusion -for, after locking me up at Frischette’s road-house,” -the corporal flushed at the memory, “they set out to -follow Creel. If they didn’t suspect him of having -the treasure, why did they follow him? How are you going to answer that question?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_183">183</div> -<p>“Your theory must be correct,” said Wyatt.</p> -<p>“It must be,” Meade agreed.</p> -<p>“It isn’t my theory particularly. Young Sandy -MacClaren came to the same conclusion. You have -the facts. I needn’t go further into detail. You -know what happened over there by the river.”</p> -<p>“They cached the treasure somewhere,” declared -Wyatt.</p> -<p>Corporal Rand nodded.</p> -<p>“It seems to be the only solution.”</p> -<p>Conversation wandered to other things, and Dick -soon lost interest. He yawned, rose from his chair -and went outside. It was a lovely evening, cool and -exhilarating. There came to his ears the drowsy -sound of the forest. Birds peeped, preparing to -nestle down for the night. The pine trees droned -their incessant chant. Here and there, rabbits scampered -into the open, their curious little muzzles twitching -inquisitively.</p> -<p>Dick yawned again and stretched his arms above -his head. It was about time the boys were coming -back. He wondered if their fishing expedition had -been successful. Bored with the inactivity, he decided -to stroll down toward the river to meet them.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_184">184</div> -<p>He was twenty yards from the cabin when a voice -called him back—the voice of Corporal Rand. Quickly -he retraced his steps.</p> -<p>“Sorry to trouble you, Dick,” Corporal Rand met -him at the door, “but Wyatt and I would like to -see that bundle of stuff you secured that night from -Burnnel and Emery. Where is it?”</p> -<p>“In my bunk,” Dick answered, “rolled up in my -coat. I’ll get it for you.”</p> -<p>A moment later he secured the bundle, carried it -to the table and opened it. Wyatt, Rand and Meade -gathered in a little circle around him. He took up -the objects, one by one, very much after the manner -of a person taking inventory.</p> -<p>“This is Creel’s roll of money. This is mine. -These bills and coins belong to the outlaws. This -is my jack-knife and here is Sandy’s compass. This -is my watch and this is Emery’s revolver.”</p> -<p>There remained a pocket-comb and mirror, a pipe—its -bowl somewhat battered—two hunting knives -and the ring with the two keys. As Dick picked -up the last named object, Meade gave vent to a -startled cry and jumped forward.</p> -<p>“Let’s see it! Let’s see it! Give it to me!”</p> -<p>Dick handed it over.</p> -<p>“Keys,” said Rand. “Who owns them?”</p> -<p>“I think they belong to one of the outlaws,” answered -Dick.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_185">185</div> -<p>“Outlaws!” shrieked Meade, his face distorted. -“I should say not! They’re Dewberry’s keys. I’d -know them anywhere.”</p> -<p>A hush came over the room. An old-fashioned -clock ticked loudly. Presently Meade’s feet shuffled -away from the table and he went over and sat down. -His head dropped in his hands. For several minutes -he sat there in deep abstraction. He was thinking -deeply. Then, with unexpected suddenness, he -bounded to his feet.</p> -<p>“I’ve solved your mystery!” he shouted.</p> -<p>The three other occupants of the room surrounded -him in a body.</p> -<p>“Tell us,” cried Rand.</p> -<p>The free-trader waved them to their chairs.</p> -<p>“Sit down,” he commanded, “and I’ll tell you all -about it. But I must begin at the beginning, so that -it will all be clear to you.”</p> -<p>“Yes, yes,” breathed Rand.</p> -<p>“Dewberry was my friend. I was his guest one -time at Peace River Crossing. You know where -his place is?” He turned to Wyatt.</p> -<p>“A little cottage on a hill. Overlooks the Hart -River,” answered the policeman.</p> -<p>“Have you ever been inside of it?”</p> -<p>“No.”</p> -<p>“Were you acquainted with Dewberry?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_186">186</div> -<p>“I knew him slightly,” said Wyatt. “But I’ve -seen him often enough. An unusual character.”</p> -<p>“Exactly. He <i>was</i> queer—queer in many ways. -He loved books—scores of them in his book-cases. -A violinist and pianist too! But the most peculiar -thing of all about him was his aversion to human -companionship. He had no real friends. He was -shy and reserved. Kept to himself. For months at -a time, he would be away somewhere in the foothills -prospecting. Then he’d return again to Peace -River Crossing and become absorbed in his books; -or else he’d go out to Edmonton.”</p> -<p>Meade paused to light his pipe. He puffed reflectively. -It was several moments before he resumed:</p> -<p>“The minute I laid my eyes on that key-ring with -its two keys, I knew it. I’d seen it many times -before.”</p> -<p>As he spoke, Meade exhibited the ring and selected -the larger of the two keys.</p> -<p>“This,” he informed them, “is the key to the front -door of Dewberry’s cottage.”</p> -<p>“And the second?” Rand interrupted, unable to -check his curiosity.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_187">187</div> -<p>“This key, gentlemen,” Meade held it up and announced -dramatically, “is, I think, the key to your -mystery, the cause of all your trouble. It was the -thing that MacGregor wanted when he murdered its -owner, that Frischette died for, that Creel, Emery, -Burnnel and the squaw fought over. In other words, -unless I am very badly mistaken—and I don’t think -I am—this key unlocks a large iron chest that stands -in the front room of Dewberry’s cottage.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_188">188</div> -<h2 id="c22">CHAPTER XXII -<br /><span class="small">DEWBERRY’S TREASURE</span></h2> -<p>Peace River Crossing is a growing, bustling town -that nestles in the broad, deep valley of one of the -North Country’s largest rivers. Until a few years -ago, it was a trading post merely, the stamping -ground and meeting place of trappers, prospectors -and adventurers, who, from various points along the -river, and from the wilderness to the east and west, -came here to transact their business or find companionship -and entertainment.</p> -<p>At the time of this story, the Edmonton, Dunvegan -& British Columbia Railway only recently had -been built. Just a few months before his death, -Dewberry had seen the miracle of two lines of steel, -supported by a marvelous system of trestlework, -creep slowly into the village.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_189">189</div> -<p>Soon after that Dewberry decided that he would -go north. Turning his back upon his cherished books, -he went out, locking the door after him for the last -time. The cabin looked very lonely in his absence. -Perched on a hill, overlooking the Hart River, it -stood day after day, a sort of bleak landmark among -the other houses in the village. When the sun was -bright, and happened to be shining from the right -direction, the two front windows blinked and glistened -like two large human eyes. Indian and half-breed -children, playing in the level fields below, -would look up at them in fear. They were afraid -of the house. They were afraid of the man who -lived there. Nothing whatsoever could have induced -them to climb the rocky path and enter the yard, -which just now was overgrown with tall weeds and -grass.</p> -<p>This fear on the children’s part was shared to some -extent by their parents. They shunned the cabin. -In all the time Dewberry was away on this last trip, -probably not more than three persons passed by the -house, and then only because it was necessary to do -so. Not until late in midsummer, did anyone actually -cross the yard and deliberately walk up to the -door with the intention of entering.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_190">190</div> -<p>That person was Constable Wyatt, of the Peace -River Detachment of the Royal North West Mounted -Police. He was not alone. Another policeman -and three boys accompanied him. The constable -strode forward, erect and graceful, jingling a keyring. -He selected one key and fitted it into the lock. -Then he turned, before proceeding further, and -smiled at his companions.</p> -<p>“The right one. It will work, I think.”</p> -<p>“Open the door,” instructed the other policeman, -who stood close behind him, and appeared to be -either eager or impatient.</p> -<p>The key grated in the lock and the door creaked, -as Wyatt turned the knob and pressed his weight -against it. Five pairs of eyes stared into the room. -One of the boys—the youngest of the three—drew in -his breath sharply.</p> -<p>“Great Scott! Books! Look at ’em—just look -at ’em, Dick! A thousand or more!”</p> -<p>“A piano too,” said Dick. “But where’s the -chest?”</p> -<p>The small party crowded into the room. A heavy -odor assailed their nostrils. The place was stuffy -and close. The blinds, which hung over the closed -windows, shut out most of the light. Not until these -blinds were raised and a window or two flung up, -did any of the party do more than to give the room -a curious inspection.</p> -<p>“According to Meade,” Rand spoke calmly, “the -chest ought to be somewhere in this room.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_191">191</div> -<p>No chest was visible. Eyes darted here and there, -questioningly. Wyatt, Sandy and Dick hurried into -the adjoining room to continue the search there. -Corporal Rand sat down, while Toma still remained -in almost the identical position he had taken up when -he had first entered the house.</p> -<p>At one side of the room a heavy fur overcoat lay -in a wrinkled heap upon the floor. Four feet above -it, a long wooden peg projected from the scored -surface of a log. The inference was that the coat -had slipped off the peg at some time or other and -that Dewberry, either through oversight or neglect, -had failed to hang it back in its accustomed place.</p> -<p>For a short space the young Indian gazed at the -garment and then at the peg. His eyes lit perceptibly. -Something told him that the overcoat had not fallen -to the floor from that sturdy peg, and, besides, there -was a suspicious bulge—something underneath. -With an amused chuckle, he darted forward and -lifted up the coat. The chuckle died in his throat. -He stepped back.</p> -<p>The chest was there!</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_192">192</div> -<p>Corporal Rand’s sharp exclamation drew the -others quickly. They were crowded around him and -Toma, looking down with bated breath at an iron -box, covered with fantastic scrolls and figures, embellished -and ornamented with metal rosettes and a -fret-work of bronze. Neither Dick nor Sandy had -ever seen anything quite like it. It was not an ordinary -chest. It looked old—hundreds of years old—yet -it was neither battered nor broken, nor in any -way scarred or defaced. Beautiful though it was, -its beauty produced a strange effect upon them. A -malevolent influence seemed to emanate there.</p> -<p>Two feet high, three feet in length, approximately -twenty in breadth—the iron box stood there and -seemed to defy them. Its workmanship was superb. -Dick guessed that it was of foreign origin, probably -Oriental. He shivered a little as Wyatt gave the -key-ring to Corporal Rand and motioned to him to -stoop down and open the chest.</p> -<p>Rand’s fingers fumbled with the ring. A hollow -scraping sound followed the insertion of the key, -and, having turned it, the cover—fitted with a hidden, -powerful spring—sprang open so quickly that -its outer edge caught the policeman on the point of -the chin and threw him back amongst his astonished -companions.</p> -<p>Dazed, the corporal scrambled back to a position -on his knees and stared in bewilderment at the chest. -There was not a great deal to see. Within, the chest -was fitted with a thin metal lid, which completely -hid everything below. On the inside of the cover, -however, was pasted a heavy label, upon which was -the following writing:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_193">193</div> -<p>“TREASURE CHEST.—Exhumed in September -1843 from the ruins of an ancient temple discovered -by Sir George Pettibone, English explorer, -near Kaifeng, in the province of Honan, China. Believed -to date back to the Mongol or Ming Dynasty, -(A. D. 1260-1368), (A. D. 1368-1644).”</p> -<p>“Wonderful!” exclaimed Dick, when Corporal -Rand had finished reading.</p> -<p>“It is wonderful,” breathed Wyatt. “It would be -interesting to know how it came into Dewberry’s -possession.”</p> -<p>Sandy was impatient. He had pushed closer to -Corporal Rand and was looking down at the chest -over the policeman’s shoulder.</p> -<p>“I can hardly wait until you remove that lid,” he -broke forth. “Why don’t you lift it up, corporal?”</p> -<p>Gingerly, Rand placed a thumb and finger in two -round holes in the lid and tugged gently. Slowly, -an inch or two at a time, it came up, revealing an -interior space taken up by six square trays of sandalwood—any -one of which contained a fortune.</p> -<p>Gold! Treasure! The boys caught their breath. -There came a concerted rush around the box. Exclamations -of amazement. Not only gold here—but -precious stones. Diamonds! Sapphires! Blood-red -rubies! Platinum in rings and bars. Gold -dust! Curios! Priceless antiques! Nuggets!</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_194">194</div> -<p>Sandy and Dick were shouting and exclaiming -like maniacs. Wyatt and Corporal Rand were talking -in excited tones. Toma, less interested than any -of them, after a curious, puzzled glance into the interior -of the chest, backed away, grunting out something -under his breath.</p> -<p>It was Sandy, who presently discovered that the -trays were removable, that underneath them was a -shallow compartment, three or four inches in depth, -completely filled with letters and papers and documents -of various kinds.</p> -<p>“Here!” he shouted, holding it up. “A book! -Must be very valuable or Dewberry wouldn’t keep it -in here.”</p> -<p>He passed it on to Corporal Rand, then turned -again and, with Dick’s assistance, began replacing -the trays. The contents of these were, to the boys, -of far more importance and interest than anything -else confined within that ancient, mysterious receptacle. -Again they fell to examining the treasure.</p> -<p>They were so absorbed in this delightful pastime, -that they were wholly unaware of what was taking -place in the room behind them. The two policemen -had drawn up chairs and were sitting opposite each -other, their faces alight. Wyatt, who leaned forward -eagerly, was listening to Rand. Rand flipped -the pages and read out of the book:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_195">195</div> -<p>“November 20, 1908.—This is my second trip out -to Edmonton this year. Today I met Professor B—, -of the University of Alberta, who promised to secure -for me a first edition of Thackeray’s <i>Vanity -Fair</i>. Will send to Vincent’s at Montreal. Ought -to have it here next time I come down. Professor -B— is generous and kindly. Knowing of my interest -in antiques, he sent me, with a letter of introduction -to a Mr. Lipton, a private collector, who occupies -a suite of rooms at the King Edward. I enjoyed -this visit and induced Mr. Lipton to part with -a very valuable cameo.”</p> -<p>“Interesting,” remarked Wyatt. “Go on!”</p> -<p>Corporal Rand flipped several pages and resumed:</p> -<p>“May 6, 1909.—Spent the better part of this week -around the head-waters of the Finley. Gruelling -work, but I love it. The mosquitos are savage, persistent -little brutes, and only the fine mesh of my -new net, with the addition of a pair of gloves, saves -me from being sucked dry. I’ll need what blood and -energy I have to complete my work here. Have been -looking for the famous Crystal Lode, which old Dave -Crystal found somewhere near here in 1890 and subsequently -sold, ‘unsight, unseen,’ to Ben and Gordan -Wilson, who have never been heard from since.”</p> -<p>A slight pause while Rand cleared his throat and -turned more of the pages.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_196">196</div> -<p>“December 2, 1911.—I’m happy tonight. This -afternoon Lipton agreed to sell me that wonderful -Chinese chest. I paid him two thousand dollars for -it without once blinking an eye. At that, I’m lucky -to get it. Lipton wouldn’t have parted with it for -twice that sum eight months ago. I’m afraid he’s -been buying so much real estate that he’s short of -cash. Whatever his motive, I’m exceedingly grateful -to him.”</p> -<p>Wyatt slid forward in his chair.</p> -<p>“Yes! Yes!” he exclaimed excitedly. “Read on.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_197">197</div> -<h2 id="c23">CHAPTER XXIII -<br /><span class="small">LEAVES FROM AN OLD DIARY</span></h2> -<p>Dick and Sandy turned from their inspection of -the treasure.</p> -<p>“What’s that you’ve been reading?” Sandy demanded.</p> -<p>“Dewberry’s diary.”</p> -<p>“Is that the book I handed you a few moments -ago?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” the answer came from Corporal Rand. -“I believe it will prove of invaluable assistance to -us in this case.”</p> -<p>The corporal still held the book in his lap, and -seemed loath to discontinue its perusal. The excerpts -he had read aloud to Wyatt had still further excited -his curiosity, a curiosity which was shared by -the other policeman. The man from the Peace -River Detachment consulted his watch.</p> -<p>“It’s only three o’clock, Rand,” he pointed out. -“We still have plenty of time at our disposal. I’d -enjoy hearing more from that book. Why not -continue, corporal?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_198">198</div> -<p>Rand turned the pages at random, his keen blue -eyes glancing over the contents. In a clear, musical -voice he continued:</p> -<p>“November 12, 1912.—Why is it that my chest -from Honan continues to fascinate me? Sitting -here at home this evening, my thoughts dwelt upon -it. Twice I opened it and removed the trays, one -by one, with the rapt interest of a child; removed -them and placed them on the floor beside me. How -indescribably bare it looks. I’m sure it wasn’t like -that during the Ming dynasty.</p> -<p>“November 17, 1912.—Today I finished reading -Marco Polo’s wonderful narrative. Very naturally, -it turned my thoughts to the chest. I’m obsessed -with a whimsical fancy. My chest, I am quite sure, -was at one time the depository for the jewels and -wealth of the great Ming himself. I visualize all -those mysterious compartments overflowing with the -treasure from seven seas. This one contained diamonds; -this one rubies; this one sapphires and -emeralds. In the remaining trays there are quantities -of silver and gold. Just to heighten the illusion, -I have placed the contents of three pokes in -one of the trays. Then I locked it up. I, too, shall -have my treasure.”</p> -<p>Corporal Rand ceased reading. Dick and Sandy -laughed.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_199">199</div> -<p>“Queer old duck, wasn’t he?” Dick commented. -“Well, I don’t know as I blame him any. It is -mysterious.”</p> -<p>Corporal Rand did not reply. He turned a few -pages idly, then read again:</p> -<p>“June 2, 1913.—I have found the Crystal Lode. -Could scarcely believe my good fortune. Came -upon it more by accident than design. Tremendously -rich. Here and there, I found evidences of -the workings of old Dave Crystal. Will be compelled -to keep this a secret. Took out over a thousand -dollars yesterday.”</p> -<p>“Whew!” gasped Sandy.</p> -<p>Rand was excited too. He turned the pages more -quickly.</p> -<p>“October 1, 1914.—I’m back at the Crossing -earlier than usual this year. Brought a good deal -of gold with me. Raced it in the chest. It will -soon be filled to overflowing. The depository of -the great Ming has come into its own.</p> -<p>“November 10, 1914.—Lipton would smile if he -knew what I was up to. Today—the third since -my arrival in Edmonton—I converted nearly eight -thousand dollars worth of gold from the Crystal -Lode into precious stones. The jewelers here must -think I am mad. Almost overnight, I have changed -my vocation. In place of being a collector of rare -old books and antiques, I have become a connoisseur of gems.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_200">200</div> -<p>“November 12, 1914.—Professor B— of the -University of Alberta, had lunch with me at the -Cecil Hotel. Our talk was on various subjects but -finally I led him, rather adroitly, I think, to a topic -which, at present, is my all-absorbing passion. Did -Professor B— know anything about jewelry, -precious stones? He did. I have yet to touch upon -a subject he is not interested in. During our conversation, -he happened to mention casually that the -Dalton’s, who are very wealthy people here, possess -what is undoubtedly the most valuable sapphire in -this country. I think I must have pricked up my -ears at this information. During the rest of the day, -I could think of nothing else. Perhaps tomorrow I -shall pluck up enough courage to go and see Dalton.</p> -<p>“November 13, 1914.—The Dalton sapphire is -mine. Paid forty thousand for it. Dalton is not -an agreeable person to deal with. I almost came -away without it. Was forced to draw on my account -at the Bank of Montreal. Dalton demanded -a certified check and made a number of pertinent -inquiries over the telephone. In spite of his haughty -manner, he must need the money. Didn’t even offer -to shake hands with me at parting.”</p> -<p>Rand closed the book, pointing at the chest.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_201">201</div> -<p>“It’s easy to see now where he got those things. -For years he’s been converting the gold from the -Crystal Lode into precious stones.”</p> -<p>“Merely to satisfy a whim,” smiled Wyatt.</p> -<p>A moment later Rand resumed reading:</p> -<p>“August 8, 1915.—What an inconceivable ass I -am. Yesterday in some unaccountable manner, I -lost my note-book. I have been in the habit, while -away on these prospecting trips, of writing each -day’s events in a note-book, and later copying them -in my diary at home. Hope no one ever finds it. -‘My thoughts are precious things’ and I wouldn’t -care to have some fool laughing over them. Also, I -fear that in the book I made mention of the chest. -Worse luck!”</p> -<p>A sudden silence followed the reading of this last -excerpt. Then Wyatt rose to his feet and began -pacing up and down the floor.</p> -<p>“That has a direct bearing on this case,” he announced -suddenly. “MacGregor must have found -that note-book—or Creel or Frischette.... Any -of those scoundrels. It’s the only possible way they -could have learned of the existence of this chest -and the two keys Dewberry carried with him. I am -as sure of that as I am that I am standing here.”</p> -<p>“Extremely likely,” admitted Rand.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_202">202</div> -<p>“Of course. And if we can determine which one -of those men found the note-book, we’ll have some -valuable evidence.”</p> -<p>“It may force a confession from them,” said -Rand. “Just before we came down here, as you -remember, Inspector Cameron endeavored to cross-examine -them. It was useless. Well, I haven’t -lost hope that we may succeed next time. I’ll take -this diary with me.”</p> -<p>“May I look at it?” requested Sandy, holding out -his hands.</p> -<p>“What about the treasure?” asked Dick. “What -will we do with the chest?”</p> -<p>“Our inspector will attend to that,” answered -Wyatt. “Probably will be removed to the new Bank -of Commerce, just recently established here.”</p> -<p>“There are two likely places, where one might -find that note-book,” mused Rand, “—at Creel’s and -Frischette’s.”</p> -<p>“We can stop at both places on our way back,” -suggested Dick.</p> -<p>“A good idea. Then there’s MacGregor’s shack -too, I—”</p> -<p>“Listen to this,” interrupted Sandy, waving one -arm about excitedly.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_203">203</div> -<p>In his haste to open it, the diary slipped from -his trembling fingers and fell to the floor. Picking -it up, he experienced some difficulty in finding the -right page again. The others waited impatiently. -Finally, Sandy read:</p> -<p>“September 28, 1915.—The first heavy snow of -the season has come early this year. Imagine my -surprise this morning to wake in a blinding snow -storm. It is driving me away from the Crystal -Lode. After breakfast, I made haste to set out with -my two pack-ponies, and arrived at Carson’s cabin -shortly after two. I have always made it a point to -stop at Carson’s whenever possible. They are -friendly people. Mrs. Carson is an Indian, but exceedingly -pleasant and well educated. A cook too! -I can’t understand why a couple like that should be -afflicted with such hopeless offspring. Their -daughter, about fifteen, is vicious, while their son, -Reynold, two years older, is a young cutthroat, if -ever there was one. This afternoon I found him -in my room, quite brazenly going through my things. -It caused me to wonder if, after all, Reynold doesn’t -know something about that lost note-book. I recall -that I stopped here just the day before I discovered -it was gone.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_204">204</div> -<p>“September 29, 1915.—I am almost sure that -Reynold has it. Today he was copying something -out of a book—a black leather note-book—that -looked suspiciously like mine. He rose when he -saw me and beat a hasty retreat. I can’t accuse him -openly just yet, but when I come back this way in -the spring, I intend to lay a trap for him. That -young scoundrel really ought to be put in jail, although -I am afraid I never would have the courage -to do it myself. It would break both Mr. and Mrs. -Carson’s hearts.”</p> -<p>Sandy paused.</p> -<p>“Have you finished? Is that all?”</p> -<p>In his eagerness, Corporal Rand stepped over behind -the young Scotchman and looked down at the -open book.</p> -<p>“No,” answered Sandy, “it is not all. Here is -another paragraph, dated September 30—just a day -later.”</p> -<p>“I purposely remained at Carson’s one more day. -Thought I might be able to keep an eye on Reynold, -catch him again with the book and this time positively -identify it. Unfortunately for me, nothing -happened. Carson sent his son out with an armload -of traps in the forenoon, and after lunch, two -prospectors, Emery and MacGregor, stopped for an -hour or two on their way east to Fort Good Faith. -Carson introduced both men and we conversed for -a few minutes. Can’t say I liked either one. If I -were forced to choose a person to hang me, I think -I’d name MacGregor. Emery’s face is too vile—even -for a hangman’s.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_205">205</div> -<p>“Ugh!” Dick’s voice trembled. “If only he had -known!”</p> -<p>“October 1, 1915,” Sandy read on. “I can scarcely -believe it yet. Perhaps there is a redeeming trait in -the boy after all. At any rate, Reynold came to me -this morning, as I was preparing to leave, and gave -me my book. I was so astounded that I simply -stood staring at him. According to his story—which, -of course, I accepted, although I knew it was -a lie, ‘trembling unto heaven’—he had found the -book after my last visit here. He found it in my -room, he explained, ‘just where I had dropped it.’ -I breathed a sigh of relief that was almost a gasp, -thrust the accursed thing hastily into my pocket and -departed thence—<i>sans</i> two nuggets (worth about -twenty dollars) which I had given him as a reward -for his honesty.”</p> -<p>“The brat!” choked Wyatt.</p> -<p>“Yes,” stormed Rand, “that young scoundrel concocted -a devil’s mess indeed. He’s the one that ought -to be hanged for Dewberry’s murder.”</p> -<p>“But why?” Dick asked innocently.</p> -<p>“Why? Can’t you see. It’s as plain as the nose -on your face. He copied the contents of the note-book -and gave it to Emery and MacGregor.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_206">206</div> -<h2 id="c24">CHAPTER XXIV -<br /><span class="small">CARSON’S SON</span></h2> -<p>Several weeks had passed. They were back in -the North Country again—all except Wyatt. Outside -the door of the trading room at Fort Good -Faith, Sandy and Toma were bidding Corporal Rand -and Dick good-bye, and wishing devoutly that they -too might have been permitted to accompany the -policeman on this—the last stage of a memorable -journey.</p> -<p>Dick had been more than fortunate, they considered, -in receiving official sanction to be in at the finish. -He had earned this privilege, to be sure, but for -that matter, hadn’t they? For weeks now they had -been pursuing what had at first appeared to be a -phantom. The phantom had taken form. The mystery -had been uncovered. Step by step, day by day, slowly -and inexorably events had moved to an ultimate end. -The guilty were about to be punished. A few more -things to do, then—</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_207">207</div> -<p>“Hang it all,” thought Sandy, “the real work is -over anyway. I’ve done my part. They can’t say -I haven’t. This case is run to earth. What little -excitement remains, Dick is welcome to. Toma and -I both need a rest.”</p> -<p>Thus philosophically dismissing the matter, he -and Toma went fishing; and Corporal Rand and -Dick made their way on horseback to the foothills, -arriving at the Carson cabin one evening before dusk.</p> -<p>Mrs. Carson met them at the door. She smiled -her greeting and led the way into the house. A sort of -motherly person, Dick thought.</p> -<p>“I hadn’t expected anyone at this time of the -year,” she told them laughing, at the same time -brushing back a dark wisp of hair that had fallen -over her kindly forehead. “I’m afraid you’ll find -everything in disorder. We’ve been drying saskatoons -for the winter. Mr. Carson is in the kitchen -helping now. He’ll come right in.”</p> -<p>True to his wife’s prediction, Mr. Carson came -right in and, looking at him, Dick became heartily -sick of the whole business. Carson was the sort of -man one couldn’t help but like instantly. A much -older man than Dick had expected, yet agile enough -in spite of the white crown of hair, and handsome in -a dignified way. He shook hands and took a seat -opposite.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_208">208</div> -<p>“Everyone is welcome here. You’re tired, I expect.”</p> -<p>“And hungry,” Corporal Rand amended.</p> -<p>“Mrs. Carson will soon attend to that,” her husband -smiled. “She’ll have something ready in a -few minutes. Have you come far?”</p> -<p>“From Fort Good Faith.”</p> -<p>A girl appeared in the open doorway, having come -noiselessly, and stood, staring at them. The young -lady mentioned in Dewberry’s diary, Dick surmised. -She continued to stare as the now somewhat bashful -young man stole a glance in her direction, then -quickly dropped his gaze.</p> -<p>“Gertrude,” expostulated her father, “that isn’t -nice. Either come forward and be introduced or -return to the kitchen. My daughter,” he explained, -turning his head and speaking to Rand. Gertrude -made a wry face, shrugged her pretty shoulders and -returned to the room, where her mother was preparing -the evening meal. Her place was immediately -usurped by a tall youth, older than Dick, who took -up the business of staring with considerably more -energy and effect, adding a dark scowl or two for -good measure. As this was the young man he and -Corporal Rand had come all that way to interview, -Dick lost no time in giving him a careful appraisal.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_209">209</div> -<p>Reynold Carson’s appearance was not prepossessing. -He resembled neither of his parents. Unlike -his sister, he was not good-looking. His mouth -turned down at the corners. An unpleasant habit of -scowling had etched two deep lines across his narrow -forehead.</p> -<p>“A young cutthroat and no mistake,” mused Dick, -remembering Dewberry’s verbal picture of him.</p> -<p>It was not until after supper that Rand stated his -errand. All except Mrs. Carson were in the room. -The boy and girl sat in one corner and conversed -in low tones. Rand and Carson had pushed back -their chairs from the supper table and had lit their -pipes.</p> -<p>“Came over from Fort Good Faith,” said Rand, -endeavoring to keep his voice steady, “to see your -son. There’s a certain matter Mr. Carson, that I’d -like to discuss with him. It’s important.”</p> -<p>“Yes, yes—” Carson removed his pipe and seemed -to exhale the words with the smoke. “Reynold—” -he trembled. “What—what has he done?”</p> -<p>The policeman placed one hand on the old man’s -shoulder.</p> -<p>“I—I hate to do this. I wish it wasn’t necessary -to tell you. You—you understand my position. It’s -hard for me—hard for all of us.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_210">210</div> -<p>Dick choked and turned away his head. His heart -had gone out to this poor old man, and he just -<i>couldn’t</i> look at him now. And then, too, there was -the boy’s mother. Thinking about her— It was -terrible! She mustn’t come into the room. She -mustn’t hear what Rand was saying.</p> -<p>“It’s in connection with Dewberry’s murder. Indirectly -your son is implicated. I—I—”</p> -<p>Carson shrank back in his chair, threw up his -hands in front of his face and moaned in misery—in -terror. Reynold, who had heard his name mentioned, -and perceived his father thus afflicted, got -unsteadily to his feet and came stumbling across -the floor, glaring at Rand.</p> -<p>“What you doing to dad?” he demanded.</p> -<p>Carson sat up, endeavoring to get a better grip -of himself. Almost fiercely he turned upon his son.</p> -<p>“Reynold, you’re in trouble. The police have -come for you. What have you done? Speak up, -boy; speak up! My God!—this will kill your -mother.”</p> -<p>“He lies! He lies!” stormed the boy. “I’ve done -nothing. He lies!”</p> -<p>The corporal held up his hand, commanding -silence.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_211">211</div> -<p>“Sit down, Reynold—and keep quiet. You probably -don’t know what it’s all about—yet. Listen to -me. Answer my questions. No! Don’t try that,” -he warned, as Carson’s son reached for his knife. -“Sit down!”</p> -<p>“You’re lying,” whimpered the boy, taking a -chair next to his father.</p> -<p>“Reynold, I wish you wouldn’t say that,” pleaded -the old man. “He may be mistaken, but—but he -isn’t lying.”</p> -<p>“I haven’t done a thing,” protested the boy.</p> -<p>“Perhaps you’ve almost forgotten the incident,” -Rand cleared his throat, “but there was a note-book. -You found a note-book belonging to Dewberry. -Isn’t that right?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” Reynold acknowledged. “I did.”</p> -<p>“I remember that too,” said Carson brightening -a little. “Reynold said he found it in Mr. Dewberry’s -room. The prospector had—had mislaid it, -I believe.”</p> -<p>“I gave it back to Dewberry,” stated the young -man defiantly. “You don’t think I stole it, do you? -I gave it back to him.”</p> -<p>“Quite right,” said Rand. “But is that all?”</p> -<p>“All! O’ course, it is. What you tryin’ to insinuate?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_212">212</div> -<p>“I’m trying to insinuate,” the policeman was very -deliberate in his choice of words now, “that you read -the book, copied something out of it and afterward -sold that copy to two men—Emery and MacGregor. -You did that, didn’t you?”</p> -<p>Reynold seemed to sink into his chair. His lips -were white. Either he could not or would not -answer. Feeling faint, Dick looked out of a window. -Shadows were falling everywhere outside. -The trees were black silhouettes. Night was shaking -out its mantle from a metal-colored sky. There was -no brightness or radiance anywhere except a single -orange streak in the west, a sinister orange streak -that marked the place where the sun had gone down.</p> -<p>“If he doesn’t confess,” thought Dick, “and have -this over with, I’ll go crazy.”</p> -<p>A voice, trembling but defiant, broke across the -silence.</p> -<p>“Yes, I did do that. What was wrong about it? -Tell me—what was wrong about it? I didn’t commit -no crime— It wasn’t a very bad thing to do—you -can’t make me believe that. Just sold a copy -of something that was written in that old book.”</p> -<p>“Reynold!” cried the old man. “Reynold!”</p> -<p>“Listen, dad, it wasn’t so terrible wrong. I -didn’t touch anybody an’ I didn’t steal nothing. All -I did was to sell what was in that book to a few -men for just a few dollars.”</p> -<p>“To a few men!” gasped the corporal. “Who—beside -Emery and MacGregor?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_213">213</div> -<p>“I sold one copy one day when Dewberry was -here—before I gave him back the book. I made a -second copy, but I didn’t sell it for months afterwards. -Dad and I had a quarrel and I ran away. -I played cards and I lost money—all I had. I tried -to sell the copy. I showed it to a few men, but -they laughed at me. Then one night, when I was -at a road-house a queer looking chap, named Crane, -gave me ten dollars for it.”</p> -<p>“Are you sure his name wasn’t Creel? Stop and -think a moment.”</p> -<p>“Creel! Creel! That’s it.” Reynold looked at -the policeman in surprise. “How did you know?”</p> -<p>“I found out,” answered Rand.</p> -<p>“So you see, dad, it wasn’t anything so very -terrible,” Reynold ran on. “I—”</p> -<p>“Can you repeat what you copied from the book?” -Rand interrupted.</p> -<p>“No, not word for word. It was something about -an old chest that Dewberry had at his home at Peace -River Crossing—full of money; about a key that he -carried around his neck.”</p> -<p>“Would you remember if I read it to you?”</p> -<p>“Yes, I would,” answered the boy.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_214">214</div> -<p>Corporal Rand crossed the room, knelt down, and -opened his saddle-pack. A moment later he returned, -carrying Dewberry’s diary, resumed his seat, -and began thumbing the pages. It was several -minutes before he found the right place. Then he -read:</p> -<p>“May 13th, 1915. That chest is an obsession. -Even out here in the wilderness away from it, it -seems to haunt me night and day. Sometimes I call -myself a doddering old fool. To buy it was a -waste of money, an act of folly. That were bad -enough, but this thing I have been doing lately is -madness itself. In a thousand years, if God gave -me that long to live, I could never restore that chest -to its original glory and splendor. I’m sure that I -haven’t put into it one infinitesimal part of the -wealth and treasure that he did. If he were living -now, Ming would laugh my diamonds and rubies and -emeralds to scorn. I’m afraid he’d spurn my gold -too. Cheap stuff! Trash! Where I have thousands -he had millions. Folly to pit the Crystal Lode -against the resources of an empire. Yet here I am, -walking about with the key around my neck, trying -to emulate an emperor.”</p> -<p>Corporal Rand closed the book.</p> -<p>“Is that what you copied?” he asked.</p> -<p>“Yes, that’s it,” answered Reynold.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_215">215</div> -<p>“I wonder if you realize what you’ve done,” Rand -spoke softly. “When you sold those copies you -signed Dewberry’s death warrant. You must have -known that one of those men, to whom you sold that -information, would try to obtain Dewberry’s -treasure.”</p> -<p>“I didn’t think much about it,” the boy declared -doggedly.</p> -<p>“Dewberry is dead. MacGregor murdered him. -It’s your fault. MacGregor never would have murdered -him, if—if it hadn’t been for you. I want -that fact to sink in. You know now why I’ve come -to get you.”</p> -<p>“I’ll be hanged,” blubbered the boy.</p> -<p>Rand walked over and put his hand on the young -man’s shoulder.</p> -<p>“No—not that. We’ll do what we can for you. -You have a wonderful father and mother. For their -sake—and for your own—we’ll be as lenient as possible.”</p> -<p>The young man’s body shook with sobs.</p> -<p>“Hush! Hush!” whispered Carson, wiping away -his own tears. “I think I hear your mother coming.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_216">216</div> -<h2 id="c25">CHAPTER XXV -<br /><span class="small">PIECING THE THREADS</span></h2> -<p>Creel was the first to confess. Sitting in the -office of the commandant, in the presence of Inspector -Cameron, Corporal Rand, Reynold Carson and -Dick, he poured out his story. Confronted by Carson, -who identified him as being one of the men to -whom he had sold Dewberry’s secret, Creel saw that -only the truth could help him. His deep-set eyes -glowed dully. He moistened his lips.</p> -<p>“It’s true,” he began. “Frischette and me robbed -Dewberry. Took his money and his poke. For -months, we’d been waiting our chance. Dewberry -stopped at the road-house several times, but nearly -always it was during the middle of the day. Usually -he’d hit our place about noon and stay not more than -an hour. He preferred to go on and spend the -night with Meade, who was his friend.”</p> -<p>The sun, shining in through the window, bothered -the old recluse and he hitched back his chair. Not -until he became comfortable again did he resume:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_217">217</div> -<p>“Our chance come finally. Dewberry, delayed in -a storm, drifted in one afternoon late—about four -o’clock. He hadn’t time to make Meade’s that night. -It was a cold day and miserable. A blizzard out. -You could scarcely see ahead o’ you. I was surprised -when Frischette come over and notified me -that Dewberry was there. I hadn’t expected to stir -out of my cabin. I didn’t want to walk back through -the storm with him, but Frischette said it was the -best time for our plan, that we’d have to strike that -night if we ever intended to. After while I agreed -and we walked over and I hid in Frischette’s room.</p> -<p>“Neither one of us had any idea that that man -MacGregor was playing the same sort o’ game as us. -He was stopping at Frenchie’s that night, along with -a lot of others, and, of course, we thought nothing -of it. You see, we was sure that we was the only -ones ‘in’ on the secret. We had got the dope from -the kid and had made our plans.”</p> -<p>“Was a part of your plan to kill Dewberry?” -Inspector Cameron interrupted.</p> -<p>Creel nodded.</p> -<p>“Wasn’t any other way our plan would work out. -We simply had to do it. We was compelled to put -Dewberry out of the way, else he’d sound the alarm -and prevent us from getting into his cabin at Peace -River Crossing.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_218">218</div> -<p>“About nine o’clock Frischette come into the -room where I was, bringing my supper. Then the -two of us sat there talking. We had decided that it -wasn’t much use to try to do anything until along -about midnight. So we waited there in the dark. -When the bunk-hall began to get a little quiet we -stopped talking ourselves for fear we might keep -someone awake. It was exactly twelve by my watch, -when we stole out of that room.”</p> -<p>Creel paused reflectively, his eyes half closed. He -remained motionless and silent so long that Dick -began to wonder if the man had lost his power of -speech. Suddenly he sat up straight in his chair and -continued:</p> -<p>“We was both in our stocking-feet and we moved -as quiet as ghosts between the rows of sleepers. -Nobody could have heard us. Men was snoring all -around us. It was dark in the room, almost black, -but we knew exactly where to go. All the details -had been planned out in advance. Yet, as I said -before, we hadn’t figured on MacGregor, and on -that account we nearly got tripped up. We didn’t -know nothing about him until we was directly over -him.”</p> -<p>Again Cameron interrupted: “Directly over him? -What do you mean? Had you made a mistake and -gone to MacGregor’s bunk instead?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_219">219</div> -<p>“No! No!” the old recluse spoke impatiently. -“He was on his knees, stooping over Dewberry, with -the poke and money in his hands. Dewberry was -dead!</p> -<p>“MacGregor hadn’t even heard us come up. I -was carrying a knife in my right hand and I pushed -it against his throat. I whispered that if he made a -sound I’d kill him. In fact, I thought I would anyway. -I was so frightened I could hardly stand on -my feet. But if I was frightened, MacGregor was -worse than that. He was frozen like a block of ice. -I don’t think he had more than strength enough to -hand over the poke and the roll of bills. After that -we took him back into the kitchen and told him we -would give him his life if he’d promise to leave the -place at once and make no effort to get back the -poke.”</p> -<p>“He was glad of the chance, I guess,” a smile -twisted Creel’s lips. “We were pretty sure that we’d -never see him again. We weren’t afraid that he’d -squeal, because he was the one that had committed -the murder. Our hands was clean. Things had -worked out better than we could have planned ourselves.”</p> -<p>“You didn’t worry?” asked Cameron.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_220">220</div> -<p>“Yes, we did worry—some. We knew that MacGregor -wouldn’t say a word about us unless he was -placed under arrest for the murder. We didn’t -think you was going to get him, and you wouldn’t -either if it hadn’t been for Fontaine. We had no -idea that Fontaine knew anything about MacGregor -until he blabbed out that he had seen MacGregor -dope a drink he was mixing for the prospector. We -could have killed the kid for that, but if we had, -you’d have known right away that we was the ones -that had done it and was implicated in some way in -the other murder. There wasn’t a thing for us to -do but just sit and wait.</p> -<p>“We didn’t have to wait very long either. MacGregor -gets himself killed in a scrap with the police. -And lo and behold!—the ‘Rat’s’ wife won’t talk. She -wouldn’t tell you a thing and she knew <i>everything</i>. -You can bet MacGregor told his wife all about us. -But why didn’t she squeal? She could have got revenge -on us good and proper. She had us right -where she wanted us. When she wouldn’t give evidence, -we knew what was in that lady’s mind then -and there: <i>She was planning to get back that poke!</i>”</p> -<p>“Have you any more to say for yourself?” asked -the inspector, following a long interval of silence.</p> -<p>“No, sir, not a thing.”</p> -<p>“If you don’t mind,” said Rand, addressing his -superior, “I’d like to ask him a question.”</p> -<p>“Very well, corporal.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_221">221</div> -<p>“What was in the poke the evening Emery and -Burnnel came to your cabin?”</p> -<p>Creel’s laugh sounded like the cackle of a madman.</p> -<p>“A rusty nail and a piece of broken string, taken -from an old alarm clock. That’s what I call a clever -piece of work. It was my idea. Frischette didn’t -know a thing about it. It fooled everybody. I -buried Dewberry’s keys in a hole I dug in the cellar. -When I got the chance, I came back and dug them -up. It was the same day that you went over to investigate -about Frischette. You thought he had committed -suicide.”</p> -<p>“Well, wasn’t I right?”</p> -<p>“No.”</p> -<p>“If he didn’t commit suicide, what happened to -him?”</p> -<p>“The squaw shot him—MacGregor’s wife.”</p> -<p>One might have thought that Rand had been shot -himself. He jumped. It was several moments before -he fully recovered from his surprise.</p> -<p>“How do you know that MacGregor’s wife shot -him?”</p> -<p>“She told me so herself.”</p> -<p>“When?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_222">222</div> -<p>“The night her and Emery and Burnnel took the -keys away from me, that night across the Hay River. -Flew into a rage and spilled everything. I guess -she’d have shot me too, but Burnnel wouldn’t let -her.”</p> -<p>“If what you say is true, how can you account -for the note I found in Frischette’s pocket?”</p> -<p>“She made Frischette write it before she shot him. -Then she came back to my cabin and searched everywhere -for the keys. They were there, but she -couldn’t find them. My place looked like a wreck. -After that she met Burnnel and Emery who had -come back to try to get the poke again. The next -morning she stayed out there in the woods while -them two prospectors went over to see you.”</p> -<p>“And did she stay in the woods until the afternoon -of the next day?”</p> -<p>“That’s exactly what she did.”</p> -<p>Corporal Rand turned to Inspector Cameron.</p> -<p>“I guess that’s all, sir. I’d suggest that you verify -the prisoner’s last few statements by questioning -Mrs. MacGregor herself and Burnnel and Emery. -However, I believe that they are true. Shall I take -Carson and Creel to their cells, sir?”</p> -<p>The commandant nodded absent-mindedly, waved -one arm in a gesture of dismissal. Dick started to -file out with the others, when he heard Cameron calling -his name. Turning sharply upon his heel, he -strode back to the inspector’s desk and saluted.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_223">223</div> -<p>“Dick, you young rascal,” began the mounted -police official, “I’ve been wanting to have a talk -with you for a long time. You see, I have received -a letter concerning you and Toma. It came from -the Commissioner of the Canadian Royal North -West Mounted at Ottawa.”</p> -<p>“I received a letter from him, too,” said Dick, -“about a year ago. In this letter he said that he had -considered favorably my application to join the -mounted police, and that I should hold myself in -readiness to report at the barracks at Regina.”</p> -<p>“And you’ve heard nothing from him since?”</p> -<p>“Not a word, sir.”</p> -<p>“Didn’t you ever think that this was a little -strange?”</p> -<p>“Well—er—” Dick flushed. “As a matter of -fact, inspector, I’ve been so busy—we’ve all been so -busy—that I haven’t had much time to bother my -head about it.”</p> -<p>Inspector Cameron laughed and nudged Dick -slyly.</p> -<p>“Would you care to hear a paragraph or two -from the letter that <i>I</i> received?”</p> -<p>“Yes, sir. That is, if you’d care to read it, sir.”</p> -<p>“I do wish to read it. Here it is.” Cameron -picked up a typewritten sheet on the desk in front -of him. “Now prepare yourself for a shock.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_224">224</div> -<p>“Regarding your request,” read the commandant, -“that Recruits Kent and Toma should be retained -at your detachment for special police service, -I wish to say that although such an arrangement is -not usual and often not advisable, we have decided -to make a concession to you in this particular case.”</p> -<p>“Great Scott!” exclaimed Dick.</p> -<p>“So you see it was my fault that you didn’t go to -Regina. You boys are too valuable to lose.”</p> -<p>Dick’s face beamed like the sun. He felt that -some great force underneath him had lifted him up -and that now he was being whirled around and -around the room in a rose-tinted cloud. He couldn’t -speak because he was so happy.</p> -<p>“Don’t stand there looking like a ninny. Compose -yourself, my boy. Here’s your first month’s -salary check. Here’s another one for Toma. Came -direct from the paymaster at Ottawa. I haven’t one -for Sandy because he didn’t put in his application. -You tell him he’d better—if he wants to work for -me. And while you’re telling him that, you might -slip this bit of paper into his pocket with my compliments. -Drawn from my own personal account.”</p> -<p>Dick recalled afterward that he had thanked the -inspector, but he never could quite remember how -he had gotten out of the room. He often wondered -if he hadn’t floated out in triumph and in regal state -on that rose-tinted cloud.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_225">225</div> -<h2 id="c26">CHAPTER XXVI -<br /><span class="small">DICK REJOINS HIS COMRADES</span></h2> -<p>Three boys sat on the edge of a huge raft that -drifted lazily over the clear, cool surface of Whitefish -Lake, near Fort Good Faith. It was a hot day -in late summer. Heat waves danced across the water. -There wasn’t a speck of a cloud anywhere in sight. -Neither was there another craft on the lake. -With the exception of the three young sportsmen, -no person might have been found within -a radius of ten miles, which was fortunate, else it -might have been discovered that not one of the trio -wore any clothes. Naked as on the day they were -born, they sat and dangled their feet in the water. -“Mr. MacClaren told me that you were here,” Dick -was saying. “I stopped just long enough to have -something to eat, then I came right over. I was -so anxious to tell you how everything came out.”</p> -<p>“How long did you remain at detachment headquarters?” -asked Sandy.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_226">226</div> -<p>“Four days,” replied Dick. “It was longer than -I should have stayed, but I was anxious to learn -what they were intending to do with young Carson. -Inspector Cameron gave his case a special hearing -the day before I left. You can imagine how pleased -I was at the outcome.”</p> -<p>“What was the outcome? Let him off with a -light sentence, I suppose.”</p> -<p>“You couldn’t guess. He’s out on probation. Inspector -Cameron would have sent him to Edmonton -for trial, along with the rest of them, if it hadn’t -been for Corporal Rand. During the hearing Rand -proved to everybody’s satisfaction that Reynold -hasn’t full control of his mental powers—in a way -almost an idiot. He doesn’t fully realize yet what -he’s done.”</p> -<p>“So they sent him home,” said Sandy.</p> -<p>“I took him home.”</p> -<p>“Great Scott! How did that happen?”</p> -<p>“Inspector Cameron asked me to,” answered Dick. -“I couldn’t very well refuse, could I? I didn’t really -want to go—but I’m glad now. Sandy—if you -could have seen Mr. and Mrs. Carson’s faces when -we walked through the door, you’d have felt repaid -a million times.”</p> -<p>“I can believe that. What did they say?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_227">227</div> -<p>“I can’t remember all they said. At a time like -that, things people say don’t count. It’s what they -do and how they feel that really matters. I can’t -explain exactly what I mean. But if you’d been -there, you’d understand.”</p> -<p>“I think I understand now, Dick,” said Sandy -softly.</p> -<p>“That experience will make a man of him. He’s -changed already. And the girl, too. It was a -lesson for both of them.”</p> -<p>Toma dropped off the raft a moment later, during -a lull in the conversation, and swam in widening -circles around them. For a short time the two boys -watched him, then suddenly, with a little start, -Dick seized his trousers and plunged one hand in a -pocket.</p> -<p>“There! I’d almost forgotten. Here’s a check -for both of you from Inspector Cameron. Toma,” -he called, “come back!”</p> -<p>Toma swam back to the raft, and then Dick told -them of his interview with the commandant, not forgetting -to mention the letter that had been read to -him.</p> -<p>“Wish I’d put in my application too,” sighed -Sandy.</p> -<p>“It isn’t too late yet. Inspector Cameron told me -to tell you.”</p> -<p>“I’ll write one out this very day,” decided Sandy.</p> -<p>Toma regarded his check thoughtfully.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_228">228</div> -<p>“How I spend all this money?” he wanted to -know.</p> -<p>“A new saddle,” suggested Dick.</p> -<p>“Got ’em good one now.”</p> -<p>“A rifle then.”</p> -<p>“Plenty rifle.”</p> -<p>“Tell you what,” impishly advised Sandy, “tell -you what, Toma, you can save your money and later -on purchase a Chinese chest.”</p> -<p>“One that dates back to the Ming dynasty,” Dick -elaborated.</p> -<p>“Ugh!” said the young Indian.</p> -<p class="tbcenter"><span class="small">THE END</span></p> -<h2>Footnotes</h2> -<div class="fnblock"><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_1" href="#fr_1">[1]</a><span class="sc">Author’s Note</span>: An expression frequently heard in the -North. It means here “beyond the borders of the wilderness.” -</div> -</div> -<h2 id="c27"><span class="sc">Saalfield Books</span></h2> -<h3 id="c28">BOYS FICTION</h3> -<dl class="int"><dt>SUBMARINE BOYS SERIES</dt> -<dd><i>The Submarine Boys on Duty</i></dd> -<dd><i>The Submarine Boys’ Trial Trip</i></dd> -<dd><i>The Submarine Boys and the Middies</i></dd></dl> -<dl class="int"><dt>NORTHLAND SERIES</dt> -<dd><i>Dick Kent, Fur Trader</i></dd> -<dd><i>Dick Kent with the Malemute Mail</i></dd> -<dd><i>Dick Kent on Special Duty</i></dd></dl> -<dl class="int"><dt>BLACK RIDER SERIES</dt> -<dd><i>In the Camp of the Black Rider</i></dd> -<dd><i>The Mystery at Lake Retreat</i></dd> -<dd><i>Tom Blake’s Mysterious Adventure</i></dd></dl> -<h3 id="c29">GIRLS FICTION</h3> -<dl class="int"><dt>MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS SERIES</dt> -<dd><i>The Meadow-Brook Girls Across Country</i></dd> -<dd><i>The Meadow-Brook Girls Afloat</i></dd> -<dd><i>The Meadow-Brook Girls in the Hills</i></dd></dl> -<dl class="int"><dt>LINDA CARLTON SERIES</dt> -<dd><i>Linda Carlton, Air Pilot</i></dd> -<dd><i>Linda Carlton’s Ocean Flight</i></dd> -<dd><i>Linda Carlton’s Island Adventure</i></dd></dl> -<dl class="int"><dt>ADVENTURE GIRLS SERIES</dt> -<dd><i>The Adventure Girls at K-Bar-O</i></dd> -<dd><i>The Adventure Girls in the Air</i></dd></dl> -<h2 id="tn">Transcriber’s Notes</h2><ul><li>Copyright notice provided as in the original—this e-text is public domain in the country of publication.</li> -<li>Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and dialect unchanged.</li> -<li>Added a Table of Contents based on chapter headings.</li> -<li>In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.)</li></ul> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Dick Kent on Special Duty, by Milton Richards - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK KENT ON SPECIAL DUTY *** - -***** This file should be named 50275-h.htm or 50275-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/2/7/50275/ - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Rod Crawford, Rick Morris -and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Dick Kent on Special Duty - -Author: Milton Richards - -Release Date: October 22, 2015 [EBook #50275] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK KENT ON SPECIAL DUTY *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Rod Crawford, Rick Morris -and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - - DICK KENT - ON SPECIAL DUTY - - - By MILTON RICHARDS - - - Author of -"Dick Kent with the Mounted Police," "Dick Kent in the Far North," "Dick - Kent with the Eskimos," "Dick Kent, Fur Trader," "Dick Kent with the - Malemute Mail." - - - THE SAALFIELD PUBLISHING COMPANY - Akron, Ohio New York - - Copyright MCMXXVIII - THE SAALFIELD PUBLISHING COMPANY - _Made in the United States of America_ - - - - - Contents - - - CHAPTER PAGE - I Rand Tackles a Difficult Case 3 - II The Price of Folly 12 - III Three New Recruits 17 - IV Frischette's Money Box 28 - V A Midnight Prowler 38 - VI New Complications 49 - VII The Mysterious Poke 57 - VIII Corporal Rand Takes Charge 66 - IX Unexpected News 76 - X Conflicting Theories 85 - XI Finding a Motive 93 - XII "Rat" MacGregor's Wife 103 - XIII On Creel's Trail 111 - XIV A Meeting in the Woods 121 - XV A Deserted Road-House 129 - XVI Trapped! 134 - XVII A Policeman's Horse 144 - XVIII A Red Blob 154 - XIX Across Hay River 161 - XX A Thrilling Experience 170 - XXI The Key to the Mystery 180 - XXII Dewberry's Treasure 188 - XXIII Leaves From an Old Diary 197 - XXIV Carson's Son 206 - XXV Piecing the Threads 216 - XXVI Dick Rejoins His Comrades 225 - - - - - DICK KENT ON SPECIAL DUTY - - - - - CHAPTER I - RAND TACKLES A DIFFICULT CASE - - -"Rat" MacGregor dropped to the floor and crawled on hands and knees to -the bunk wherein Dewberry, weary after hours of heavy mushing over an -almost unbroken trail, now slept the sleep of the just. Dewberry's -raucous snores could be heard plainly. He lay face up, mouth partly -open, while one large, hairy arm hung limply over the side of his bed. - -MacGregor knew that Dewberry was really asleep. Not only did he know -this, but he was cognizant of another fact, of which he alone was the -sole possessor. He knew that the big Englishman could not easily be -awakened. He was aware that something else besides weariness and -exhaustion compelled Dewberry to slumber thus. And he grinned over the -thought of it. - -Before retiring for the night, the prospector had, following the usual -custom, removed none of his clothes. Neither had he troubled to unstrap -the money-belt that he wore, and place it in safe-keeping. The -money-belt was full, almost bursting with yellowbacks and greenbacks of -various denominations. But the thing which interested MacGregor even -more, was the small poke, suspended from a moosehide cord, and tied -securely about the sleeping man's neck. - -In his present predicament, the prospector would have been easy prey for -the figure who crept towards him, had circumstances been a little -different. The difference was this: In the room, the large airy room of -one "Frenchie" Frischette, keeper of road-houses, were a number of other -persons besides MacGregor and the drugged Dewberry. - -These persons reclined in various attitudes and conditions of sleep. Not -a few of them, including Corporal Rand, of the Royal North West Mounted -police, possessed--even in slumber--a sense of hearing exceedingly -acute. The creak of a board, a sudden rustling movement--almost any -noise at all--would have aroused them at once. No one realized this any -better than MacGregor. His job had been only half accomplished a few -hours before when, with very little difficulty, he had drugged the man -from Crooked Stick River. - -The thief rose slowly to a position on his knees. He was so close to his -victim that the man's feverish breath fanned his cheek. He could hear -plainly his own heart and the heart of the sleeper, beating in a sort of -wild harmony together. His right hand was within eight inches of the -rugged prospector, yet he seemed unable, powerless to extend it one -infinitesimal part of the distance which separated it from the actual -point of contact. - -In the dull, red glow of the fireplace he could see the tell-tale bulge -on Dewberry's barrel-like chest. It filled him with a sort of agony to -realize that at the crucial moment he lacked the courage and the -strength to accomplish his task. Never before had he been so overcome -with weakness. A few quick movements only were required to bring wealth -into his grasp; yet here he knelt, with a cold dampness suffusing his -face and a tingling paralysis of all his muscles. - -The prospector groaned and moved slightly, then raised one knee in a -convulsive movement of pain. MacGregor shrank back trembling, his eyes -darting about apprehensively. In a far corner another form stirred -uneasily and a loud, full-throated cough broke across the stillness like -a trumpet of doom. - -Several minutes elapsed before MacGregor had recovered sufficiently from -his fright to attempt another furtive movement forward. This time he -summoned to his aid the last remnant of a wilted spirit. His hands went -out toward Dewberry's throat. These clammy physical members found the -cord, but his fingers refused to function in his efforts to untie the -knot. For a moment he hesitated, then with a low, almost inhuman growl, -he tore his hunting knife from its sheath and tried to cut the cord. In -his haste, inadvertently the sharp point of the knife pricked the -sleeping man's chest and, to MacGregor's great astonishment and horror, -Dewberry started visibly and opened his eyes. - - * * * * * * * * - -The aroma of freshly fried bacon filled the room. Standing among his -pots and pans, nursing a new-found despair, "Frenchie" Frischette, -road-house keeper and gentleman of parts, could hear the approaching -figure. The pupils of his eyes were like beads of glass as they -encountered the trim, athletic figure of Corporal Rand. - -"_Oui_," he admitted slowly, "ze beeg prospector ees dead. You saw -heem?" - -Corporal Rand nodded. - -"How many men have already left?" he inquired. - -"Zay haf all left," Frischette shrugged his shoulders regretfully. "Many -before dawn. Zay go in ever' direction--both ze good men and ze bad. How -you find heem of ze beeg knife?" - -"The man who stabbed and robbed Dewberry will go south," Corporal Rand -stated with conviction. "It is the law of the land. Men, who have money, -invariably go south--to spend it. Is there anything more simple than -that, Frischette? The rule seldom fails. Adventure goes north and money -goes south. I'm taking the trail south." - -The road-house keeper moistened his dry lips. - -"I see heem four men go on the south trail ver' early roun' five -o'clock." - -"Together?" - -"Zay went each by heemself." - -"No doubt, one of those four men is the murderer." - -"You t'ink so?" - -"Yes," said the policeman stubbornly, "I'm quite sure the murderer would -travel south. At any rate, I'm going in that direction. So long, -Frischette." - -Two days later, Corporal Rand was forced to admit that in this case, at -least, a precedent had been broken. None of the four men was the -murderer. Two were Indians from Lac la Biche; a third, Beckholt, a free -trader, a serene, gray-eyed veteran of the North, was above suspicion. -Father Marchand, who completed the quartette, could not for one moment -be included in any inventory of crime. - -Without even taking the time to question one of them, Rand swung about -and retraced his way to the scene of the recent murder. - -In the policeman's absence, Frischette had made an important discovery. -Eagerly and somewhat excitedly, he told the story in a mixture of poor -English and bastard French. Fontaine, a half-breed boy in Frischette's -service, had seen, on the evening preceding the robbery, a tall, -furtive-eyed man mix two drinks--one for himself and one for the -prospector. In the cup intended for Dewberry, the tall, furtive-eyed man -had poured something out of a small bottle. Shortly thereafter, the big -prospector had stumbled to his pile of blankets and had fallen asleep. - -In doubt, Rand questioned the boy closely. At first, he did not believe -Fontaine was telling the truth. Then it became apparent, following a -severe cross-examination, that Fontaine had really seen what he had -described--was wholly innocent of guile. The description of the -furtive-eyed man, his mannerisms, his clothing, the way he walked, had -quickly brought a picture to Rand's mind. There was no possibility of -any mistake here. It was MacGregor, "Rat" MacGregor, of the Willow Lake -country. - -Soberly, the mounted policeman pondered his problem. If "Rat" MacGregor -was the murderer, as the cards seemed to indicate, why, with so much -money in his possession, had he set out on a trail which led farther -into the wilderness? By all the rules of common sense, a person of -MacGregor's caliber would have lost no time in getting back to the gay -"outside."[1] It was inevitable. The desire within him would have been -stronger than the will to resist. A powerful influence indeed, that -would pull a man north when wealth was burning his pockets. - -Ten days later, Rand found MacGregor in a small cabin below the Finley -River. First he had seen a man and woman together, then two scrambling -forms, a door closed hastily, and presently a gray puff of smoke from a -window near the front of the house. The bullet whistled over his head, -struck harmlessly in the brush behind him. A second cut into a drift to -his right. A third, lilting of death, grazed his shoulder, causing him -to sit down very suddenly. - -Thereafter, Rand moved slowly and painfully. This time he advanced -toward the cabin more cautiously. Fifty feet from his objective, he -threw himself down behind a snow-covered log, lit his pipe and dully -pondered what he ought to do next. For several hours MacGregor continued -to blaze away intermittently from the window. After that darkness came -and an interval of silence. The cold had grown more intense, more -bitter. By degrees, a peculiar numbness had settled over the policeman's -shoulders and along his wounded side. - -A moment later, he struggled to his knees, then rose deliberately and -walked ahead in the direction of the cabin. In front of the door he -paused, every sense alert. No sound issued from within; nor could he see -even a faint glimmer of light. Somewhere inside, Rat MacGregor--true to -his name--skulked in the dark--and his wife with him. - -The faint outline of a block of wood, lying in the snow at his feet, -drew his attention. Acting upon a sudden angry impulse, he stooped -forward, picked it up, and raised it high above his head. It catapulted -from his powerful arms, striking the window with a resounding crash. A -woman screamed. Her terrified cry rang out through the deep hush that -ensued and, accompanying its last wailing note, MacGregor's guns -spoke--two fiery flashes, not unlike the red tongue of a -serpent--darting out into the gloom. - -Shoulders hunched, Rand struck the door with a furious impact, and the -bolts gave way. As he fell forward into the room, one hand clutched his -gun. Again MacGregor fired; this time wildly, foolishly, for the flash -of his revolver indicated only too well his position, and Rand had him -almost before the sound of the other's weapon had become smothered in -the deep stillness of the room. - - - - - CHAPTER II - THE PRICE OF FOLLY - - -MacGregor's resistance had cost him his life. Ten minutes later, in the -flickering glow of a wax candle, the mounted policeman looked down at -the prone and lifeless form. - -"Well," he said, turning suddenly upon the girl, a rather pretty French -half-breed, "where is the money?" - -The half-breed grunted and looked sarcastically, indignantly at Rand. - -"No have money. No take money. Why you keel my man?" she wailed -tearfully. "Mounted police! Bah!" - -"Easy," cautioned Rand. "Where's that money?" He drew up to his full -height. "Better answer me quickly now or I'll take you along too." - -"No money," insisted the girl. "He no catch 'em money that time. Beeg -prospector wake up. No chance then. My man he come away." - -"Rot!" declared the policeman. "Your man killed Dewberry. Robbed him. -Nobody else." - -"Leesen!" MacGregor's wife plucked at his sleeve. "You think wrong this -time. You make heem beeg mistake. My man no rob, no keel--nothing! I -prove you find no money here. My man heem try rob, but no get nothing. -Otherwise, we go south--Edmonton. No can go without money." - -Although Rand was certain that the half-breed lied, a careful and -painstaking search of the premises failed to reveal the hiding place of -Dewberry's gold. Baffled, he was forced on the day following to place -the girl under arrest and set out for detachment headquarters, two -hundred miles away. There he filled in his report, turned the prisoner -over to Inspector Cameron for further questioning. - -But to no avail. Invariably the same answer, repeated over and over -again: - -"My man heem no rob, no keel. No take beeg prospector's money. Mounted -police! Bah!" - -From that point it became a baffling case indeed. Corporal Rand, to whom -it had been assigned, still believed, in the months that followed, that -MacGregor had committed the murder. But where was the money and the -poke? Did the girl really know where Dewberry's gold was? If the theft -had actually been committed by MacGregor, why had he broken precedent -and remained in the North. - -At Frischette's stopping-place, two miles east of the Big Smoky River, -Rand heard again Fontaine's story of the drugged drink, together with -such other information as the two Frenchmen could supply. Both were of -the opinion that MacGregor, and no one else, had planned and executed -the crime. Frischette's voice came droning in his ears: - -"Zat girl she know well enough where money ees. Not crazy zat girl; ver' -clever, ver' clever." His low chuckling laugh gradually grew boisterous. -"What you think, Corporal, zat girl foolish enough to tell ze mounted -police ever'thing. Mebbe after while she go south too." - -Preoccupied as he was, Rand caught the significance of that last -statement. - -"Are _you_ going south, Frischette?" - -The Frenchman nodded. - -"Yesterday I sell my beezness. I haf done ver' well here, corporal." -Then his voice sank to a confidential whisper. "In ze las' two, tree, -four year I make much money--ver' much money. Now you wish me ze good -luck, corporal." - -"Good luck," said Rand, his brow wrinkling. "Yes. By the way, whom did -you sell to?" - -Frischette hesitated, his little eyes gleaming queerly. - -"I no sell exactly. I haf too much already--too much money. Fontaine ees -a good boy, monsieur. You understand--a good boy. He learn queek. He -deserve much from me. For a few hundred I sell heem my beeg beezness." - -Still thinking deeply, Corporal Rand walked outside and sat on a rough -bench in the warm spring sun. Why had MacGregor failed to go south if he -had really robbed Dewberry of his gold. Men with money travelled south -invariably. There was no other rule. It had seldom been broken. Why, -Frischette himself, who had made a lot of money during his stay in the -North, now contemplated going south to spend it. - -With a sudden exclamation, Rand jumped to his feet. No! The rule had -never been broken. MacGregor probably killed, but he never robbed -Dewberry. He wondered if the man who had robbed Dewberry was inside. - -"Frischette," said the mounted policeman a moment later, "I wish to ask -a favor of you." - -"Yes, monsieur." - -"You are going south?" - -"Yes, monsieur." - -"How soon?" - -"In ver' few days, corporal. Why you ask." - -"Because I may need your help. I am going to ask you to remain here for -a while. I shall ask you to stay here until I have recovered Dewberry's -gold." - -Rand watched the other closely. The eyes of the road-house keeper -narrowed slightly--but that was all. - -"Et ees as you say, monsieur." - -Then Frischette turned and walked back into the kitchen. - - - - - CHAPTER III - THREE NEW RECRUITS - - -One bright spring morning Corporal Rand arrived at Fort Good Faith. It -was somewhat off his regular route, but he had a purpose in mind. There -were three young men there he very much wished to see. One of them was -Dick Kent, the second, Sandy MacClaren, a nephew of the factor, and the -third, a young Indian, named Toma. On many occasions previously the -three boys had given unsparingly of their services. The police needed -their help now. - -Working on the Dewberry case, Corporal Rand had suddenly remembered -about the boys and had decided to call upon them for assistance. They -could help him in clearing up the mystery. All three were unknown to -Frischette. They might be able to secure valuable information he -couldn't obtain himself. So, immediately after his arrival, he summoned -the three boys and made known his plans. - -"I would suggest," he concluded, "that the three of you, masquerading as -young prospectors, drop into Frischette's place and remain there several -days on some pretext or other. You can say that you're waiting for -supplies, coming in by pack-train from Fort Good Faith. Cultivate -Frischette's acquaintance. Make friends with Fontaine, the half-breed -boy in his service. See how much information you can pick up about -Dewberry and 'Rat' MacGregor." - -"But do you really believe," Dick asked, "that Frischette knows any more -about the murder than he has already given out to you?" - -"I'm not sure." Corporal Rand pursed his lips. "But one thing is slowly -dawning upon me." - -"What?" asked Sandy breathlessly. - -"That MacGregor's wife was right, that MacGregor didn't take Dewberry's -money, or the small poke he had around his neck." - -"But if he didn't take it, who did?" Dick inquired. - -"Frischette himself might have taken it." - -"Surely MacGregor had something to do with it," argued Sandy. - -Corporal Rand rose and walked slowly across the floor to a little table, -where he helped himself to a glass of water. He turned and regarded the -boys thoughtfully. - -"Here is a supposition that may throw a little light on what actually -occurred. 'Rat' MacGregor, as we have reason to believe, was the first -person to have designs upon Dewberry. He planned the robbery. He drugged -his victim. Evidently murder did not enter into his calculations. When -all was still in the room, MacGregor crept over to Dewberry's bunk to -commit the robbery. - -"In some way his plans went wrong. Perhaps the drug had not proved -sufficiently potent. While taking the money and poke, let us say, -Dewberry woke up. Perhaps Dewberry made some slight exclamation or -sound, which terrified MacGregor and which also might have aroused some -other sleeper in that room. In desperation, we will assume, MacGregor -murdered Dewberry, but is surprised in the act by this other person who -had awakened. Just for the sake of my theory, we will say that that -person was Frischette, that in some way he got the 'drop' on MacGregor, -compelling him to hand over the money and poke and then forcing him to -leave the place immediately." - -"Yes, that is plausible," agreed Dick. "But why Frischette? There were -other persons in the room beside him. Why do you think that Frischette -may be the guilty one?" - -"Because Frischette is planning to leave the country. He claims that he -had made a lot of money up here, and is now giving his business to the -boy, Fontaine, for a small consideration. That in itself is suspicious. -Frischette's determination to go 'outside' surprised me because I -remember that, less than a year ago, he confided to me his intention to -build three new road-houses here in the North." - -"When is he planning to leave?" asked Sandy. - -Corporal Rand smiled reminiscently. - -"He expected to go this week, but he has changed his mind since my last -talk with him. As a personal favor to me, he has consented to postpone -his journey until this little mystery has been cleared up." - -"But do you think that Frischette is aware that you suspect him of the -theft?" - -"No, I believe not. I merely told him that he would be of invaluable -assistance to me in solving this case, and that the mounted police would -be deeply indebted to him if he would consent to remain here for a few -weeks longer." - -Dick and Sandy both laughed. - -"I'll bet he's worried stiff," grinned the latter, "that is, if he's -really the thief. By the way, corporal, how much money did this Dewberry -have in his possession at the time of the murder?" - -"There's no way of determining the exact amount," Rand answered. -"Probably several hundred dollars in cash." - -"I wouldn't think that that would be sufficient bait to tempt -MacGregor." - -"There was the poke. Don't forget that." - -"But you said it was a small one. Perhaps there wasn't more than a few -hundred dollars in nuggets and gold dust." - -"I'm not sure that it was gold." - -"What makes you say that?" - -"Well, it was a very small poke. That much I know. It was almost too -small for a prospector's pouch. As you have suggested, if it contained -nuggets, there would scarcely be a fortune there--hardly enough to tempt -MacGregor. MacGregor would never have taken the chance he did for the -small amount involved. He was naturally a coward, a sneaking human rat, -and only a big stake could have induced him to gather sufficient courage -to make the effort. After reasoning it all out, I have come to the -conclusion that MacGregor must have known what that poke contained: -Something infinitely more valuable than gold." - -"More valuable!" exclaimed Dick. - -"Yes. Why not? Precious stones--or a secret of some sort worth thousands -of dollars." - -Sandy sat up, clutching the sides of his chair. - -"I'll say this is getting interesting. You're arousing my curiosity, -corporal. I love a mystery." - -"Well, you have one here," smiled Rand. "The morning after the murder I -came to the conclusion that it would not be a very difficult case. -However, it seems that I was wrong. Apparently, 'Rat' MacGregor is not -the only person involved. Before we sift this thing to the bottom, we -may discover that many persons are implicated. It is one of the most -mysterious, unusual cases with which I have ever had to deal." - -"How do you purpose to work it all out?" - -"I'm almost wholly at a loss to know. I haven't a great deal to go on. -It occurred to me that you boys might be able to pick up information -that I couldn't get myself. You may be able to find a clew. In the -meantime, I'm going over to Crooked Stick River--the place where -Dewberry came from just before the murder--and question some of the -people there. Perhaps Dewberry had a friend or two in whom he confided. -Certain it is that the contents of that poke has been seen by someone. -Otherwise, to use a well known expression, MacGregor never would have -been 'tipped off.'" - -"Don't you suppose that Dewberry might have told MacGregor about his -secret?" asked Dick. - -"Scarcely likely. MacGregor was hardly the type of person in whom one -would confide. He was a notorious character here in the North. He had a -very unsavory reputation. At various times he had been implicated in -certain questionable undertakings, and once had served a term in jail." - -"You think, then, that MacGregor had been following Dewberry?" - -"Yes, awaiting his opportunity. He'd learned of the secret. But I'm -positive that Dewberry gave him no information at all." - -Thus far Toma, naturally reticent, had taken no part in the -conversation. He sat rigid in his chair, eyes wide with interest, -nothing escaping him. Suddenly he drawled forth: - -"When you want us go over this fellow Frischette's place?" he asked. - -"Tomorrow, if you will," answered the corporal. "Arrange to stay there -for three or four days. Then come back here to meet me." - -"I know this young fellow, Fontaine, you talk about," Toma informed -them. "One time we pretty good friends. We go to school one time at -Mission. If he know anything, me pretty sure him tell Toma." - -"Good!" exclaimed Corporal Rand. "I'm glad to hear that, Toma. Your -friendship with Fontaine may be the means of solving this mystery. If -Frischette is implicated, Fontaine must be aware of it." - -The policeman rose to his feet again. - -"Well, I guess you understand what's to be done. If you'll excuse me, -I'll hurry away now. I want to see Inspector Cameron for a few minutes -before I go on to the Crooked Stick." - -He turned and shook hands with each of the boys in turn. - -"Well, good luck to you. I hope you'll like your new role of police -detectives. When you return, you'll probably find me here awaiting you." - -On the evening of the following day, the three boys, dressed for the -part, arrived at Frischette's road-house. It had been a warm afternoon -and the boys were weary as they rode up to the well known stopping place -and slowly dismounted. Sandy paused to wipe the perspiration from his -face. - -"We're here--" he announced, "mosquitos and all." He looked curiously -about him. "So this is the famous stopping-place. I've often heard of -it. It's one of the largest road-houses north of the Peace River. They -say that Frischette is an interesting character. He's lived in the North -a good many years." - -Sandy's observations were cut short by the appearance of two young -half-breeds, who sauntered over in their direction. Toma gave vent to an -exclamation, dropped the reins over his pony's head and advanced quickly -to meet them. - -"One of them must be Fontaine," guessed Sandy. - -"But he knows them both," observed Dick. - -Immediately Toma and his two friends approached and introductions took -place. - -"This him fellow," Toma was explicit, "my friend, Pierre Fontaine. This -other fellow, also my friend, Martin Le Sueur. He come long way this -morning to be with Pierre. Mebbe after while they be partners an' buy -Frischette's business." - -Both Le Sueur and Fontaine spoke very little English, so the -conversation that ensued, a lively one, was carried on in Cree. While it -was taking place, the boys put up their ponies and walked back in the -direction of the hostelry. No sooner had they entered, than Frischette, -with his usual hospitality, came forward to bid them welcome. As he did -so, Dick gave him the benefit of a close scrutiny. - -He was a little man, dark, vivacious--typically French. Yet his lively -features showed the unmistakable Indian strain of his mixed origin. He -conducted the boys to the dining room, talking as he went. - -"Very hungry you must be, monsieurs. Sit down for a moment. We have -plenty to eat here. I myself will serve you. Baked whitefish from ze -water only an hour. Brown bread which I bake with my own hands. Then -there ees coffee an' a sweet pastry, monsieurs." - -"I was hungry, but I'm famished now after hearing all that," Sandy -declared. "You are very generous, Mr. Frischette." - -"Et ees nothing." The Frenchman waved his arms deprecatingly. "I like et -you come here once in a while during thees lonesome summer to make ze -company. I am glad to learn that you are friends of thees ver' good boy, -Fontaine." - -Their welcome had been so whole-hearted and spontaneous that Dick did -not, even for a moment, believe that Frischette's manner was assumed. In -spite of himself, he was drawn toward the vivacious, hospitable -Frenchman. A capital host! It was difficult to see how Corporal Rand -could harbor suspicion against such a person. The genial road-house -keeper had none of the characteristics nor any of the appearances of a -criminal. - -That was Dick's first impression of the man. Nor did he stand alone in -this respect. Sandy, too, had been impressed favorably. Just before -retiring for the night, the young Scotchman whispered in his chum's ear: - -"Look here, Dick, if you want my honest opinion, I think we've come on a -wild goose chase. I believe Corporal Rand is wrong. After seeing and -talking with this man Frischette, I'm absolutely certain that he's -innocent. Someone else is the guilty person." - -"I can't help thinking that too," Dick replied. "If looks and actions -are not deceiving, Frischette is innocent. I doubt if he knows any more -about the case than he's already told Rand. Just the same, we'll remain -here and follow the corporal's instructions." - -"Just wasting time," grumbled Sandy. - -Suddenly, they were aware of a presence near them. Both looked up -quickly and a little guiltily, expecting to see Frischette himself. -Instead it was Toma--Toma, a curious expression on his face, the light -of excitement in his eyes. - -"Sandy, Dick," he announced breathlessly, "you come with me. I find out -something important to tell you!" - - - - - CHAPTER IV - FRISCHETTE'S MONEY BOX - - -Toma led Sandy and Dick to the seclusion of a poplar grove, a few rods -away from the house. His manner was mysterious. That he had come in -possession of information of extreme importance, neither of his two -friends could doubt. The young Indian's eyes fairly snapped, as he -motioned Dick and Sandy to be seated, he himself taking a position near -them. Sprawling out on the soft turf, he began eagerly: - -"I think better we come to this place, where no one hear us. I just find -out something about Frischette. Fontaine tell me. Good news for the -mounted police." - -"I hope you didn't tell your friend what we were here for," interrupted -Dick. "We mustn't take anyone into our confidence." - -"I no tell him that," Toma assured him. "All I do is ask once in a while -few questions 'bout Frischette. Then my friend, Fontaine, him talk. Tell -'em me all 'bout murder. He think MacGregor get money all right, an' -hide it away somewhere before police catch him. Never once it come in my -friend's mind that mebbe Frischette take the money an' the poke himself. -Frischette, he say, is good man, but very queer fellow. Once in a while -he do queer things--things Fontaine not understand. Every few days he -get out all his money, take it to room where he sleep, lock door, an' -begin count many, many times. Over an' over he count all his money 'til -he get tired, then he take an' put it back in box an' walk outside an' -find another good place to hide it." - -"A miser!" gasped Sandy. - -"I don't know what you call him. But Frischette very queer that way. -Fontaine 'fraid to ask him any questions or make talk when Frischette -like that, because he act like crazy an' swear an' beat Fontaine with a -big stick if he say too much." - -"The mere fact that Frischette is a miser, Toma," Sandy pointed out, -"doesn't necessarily imply that he's also a thief. If he wants to hide -his money and gloat over it, that's his own privilege." - -Toma nodded. - -"Yes, I know that. But Fontaine tell me something that make me think -that mebbe Frischette steal money too." - -"Is that so? What did he say?" - -"He say," Toma hurried on, "that two times last winter a very queer -thing happen. First time he wake up at night an' hear someone walking in -room, where all the men sleep. Next morning one man him say he lost all -his money. Frischette feel very bad an' give man mebbe ten dollars an' -say how sorry he is that once in a while thief comes like that in his -house." - -"So next time," continued the young Indian, "when Fontaine hear someone -walk again in middle of the night, he go quick as he can to Frischette's -room, an' he very much surprise when he see no one sleep in Frischette's -bed. Quick he go back again to room, an' all at once he meet Frischette -coming out." - -"'What you do here?'" Frischette say. - -"'I hear noise,' Fontaine tell him, 'an' I go to wake you up.' - -"'I hear noise too,' Frischette say, 'so I come in here to find out -mebbe another bad thief come,' he say. - -"Next morning, sure enough, two men lose all their money, an' Frischette -very sorry again an' say bad things 'bout thief an' give each man ten -dollars." - -"It does look suspicious," mused Dick. - -"Something of a coincidence," agreed Sandy. - -They sat for a short time deep in thought. Sandy got out his knife and -began whittling a stick. Dick's gaze wandered thoughtfully away to the -fringe of woodland opposite. - -"It might not be very difficult," he broke forth suddenly, "to determine -beyond the shadow of a doubt whether or not Frischette is a thief. In -fact, I have a plan. We might try it." - -"What is your plan?" asked Sandy. - -"We'll lay a trap for him. Between us we can scrape up a little roll of -money, and we'll use that as bait. I'll pull it out of my pocket when -he's looking, and pretend I'm counting it." - -"Yes, yes! Go on." - -"I'll return the money to the inside pocket of my coat while he's still -watching me. At night, when he comes into the room, I'll throw my coat -carelessly over a chair." - -"Look here," objected Sandy, a wry smile on his face, "I don't think we -have fifty dollars between us. Hardly an impressive roll, is it?" - -Dick grinned. "I can easily remedy that." - -As he spoke, he pulled from his pocket a number of old envelopes, -containing letters, wadded them together and then began wrapping crisp -new bills around them. With the acquisition of the bank notes Toma and -Sandy gave him, the dummy had grown to noble proportions. The boys -laughed gleefully over the subterfuge. - -A short time later, returning to the house, Dick awaited his -opportunity. Frischette was nowhere to be seen, when first they entered, -but presently a noise at the back attracted their attention and -immediately afterward Frischette came through the door, leading into the -kitchen, carrying a box under his arm. - -Dick and Sandy exchanged significant glances. Both recalled what Toma -had told them regarding that box. Also they observed the inexplicable -change that had come over their host. His animation and vivacity were -gone. From under their shaggy brows his dark eyes darted glances from -right to left--the look of a maniac or insane person. Without even a -nod, he passed by the three boys and entered his own room. - -"Got 'em again," whispered Sandy, much taken aback. "Not a very good -time for the working out of our plan, is it? He's deeply engrossed in -that mysterious box by this time." - -"We'd better try it out on him tomorrow," decided Dick. "He'll be in -there several hours, and it will probably take him another hour to find -a new hiding place for his precious treasure chest. It's getting late -now. We ought to be in bed." - -The boys went over and sat down on a long bench near the fireplace and -began idly to take mental inventory of the room. Bear skins hung from -the wall. In the center of the room stood a long rough board table, -covered with a somewhat frayed and tattered cloth. Above the mantel were -several firearms of various caliber and design. - -Suddenly, Sandy leaned forward and clapped Dick on the knee. - -"Dick, I have an idea. Just for the fun of it, let's follow the old -rascal and find out where he hides that box." - -Dick looked at the other dubiously. - -"Well," he hesitated. "I don't know. It seems like meddling to -me--prying into something that doesn't concern us." - -"Wait a moment, Dick. Is it really meddling? For the sake of argument, -suppose that box contained Dewberry's poke and money. We already have a -suspicion that such may be the case. Why wouldn't we be justified in -following him, when he leaves his room, and attempt to find where he -hides the box?" - -"But surely you wouldn't open it?" - -"Why not? I don't think I would have any scruples about that. Remember -you are dealing with a crook." - -"Are we?" argued Dick. "What makes you so sure? We have proved nothing -against him. Neither has Corporal Rand. He may be entirely innocent." - -Sandy lifted his shoulders in a gesture of impatience. - -"I'm afraid you'd make a poor detective. You're too honest, too -cautious." He paused, looked up and grinned. "Can you picture a -case-hardened police officer or the average sleuth passing up such an -opportunity? Candidly now?" - -Dick was forced to admit that his chum was right. "I'll grant you," he -smiled, "that no one, working on a case like this, ought to have trouble -with his conscience." - -"No, he shouldn't. As long as we are in the business, we might as well -conduct ourselves like real detectives." - -"All right, you can have your way this time. We'll follow Frischette. -We'll even pry open the box if you say so." - -A shadow flickered across Sandy's forehead. - -"But supposing the box is locked. There's a possibility that hadn't -occurred to me. We'd be in a difficult position, wouldn't we, if we -broke it open and found that there was nothing there to incriminate him? -Frischette would see that the box had been tampered with. He'd guess -that one of us, you, Toma or I, had opened it, or possibly he might -suspect Fontaine or Le Sueur." - -"If the box is locked," reasoned Dick, "there is a key to open it." - -"Yes--and he probably carries it around his neck. Fine chance we'd have -getting it from him." - -Their whispered conversation was interrupted at this juncture by the -creak of a door opening, and the sound of footsteps along the floor. -Startled, the boys looked up, just as Frischette came into the room -where they were, the box under his arm. He had come sooner than they had -expected. Again the boys noticed his strange behaviour. Some sudden -impulse induced Dick to accost him. - -"Mr. Frischette, may I trouble you for a moment." He attempted to -control the quaver in his voice. "We--Sandy, Toma and I--have been -wondering about our bill. If you don't mind, we'd like to pay you." - -Frischette's face recovered some of its former cheerfulness. - -"Ah, monsieurs, surely you are not to go so soon. Did you not tell me -zat you stay here for three, four day yet. I will be ver' sorry ef you -go now." - -"But we have no intention of going now," Dick enlightened him. "We -merely wish to pay you in advance." - -The Frenchman's dark face brightened. He watched Dick reach in his -pocket and pull forth a huge roll of bills. At sight of it, his eyes -gleamed and sparkled with envy. - -"If you weesh, monsieur. But et ees not necessary. Ze amount ees twenty -dollars for ze three of you." - -Dick fondled the heavy roll, slowly peeling off the required amount. He -was watching the roadhouse keeper and noticed with satisfaction the -effect the money had upon him. To his surprise, Frischette said: - -"Ees not monsieur leetle careless to carry roun' so ver' much money? Are -you not afraid zat thief will take et or else you lose et from your -pocket?" - -Dick pooh-poohed the idea, laughed, and with a sly look at Sandy, thrust -the roll carelessly in the inside pocket of his coat. Frischette -followed every move. His eyes seemed to burn into Dick's pockets. A look -of greed so transformed his features that for a time Dick could scarcely -believe that this was the genial, obliging host of the previous -afternoon. - -When he had received the twenty dollars, Frischette had found it -necessary to put down the square box, containing his treasure. He had -placed it on the table at his elbow with his right arm flung out across -it. Not once did he move from this position. While Dick was carrying out -his part of the prearranged plan, Sandy also was busy. He moved to the -opposite side of the table, in order to get a better view of the box. -What he wanted to find out was whether or not it was locked. - -Not until Frischette was in the act of picking up the box, preparing to -go, was Sandy able to determine about the lock. A key would not be -necessary. The small but formidable-looking chest could easily be -opened. Sandy smiled to himself. - -All that remained to be done now, he reasoned, was to follow Frischette -and learn where he kept his treasure. Then, when the opportunity arose, -they would ransack the box. It would not take long to solve the mystery -surrounding Dewberry's priceless poke. - - - - - CHAPTER V - A MIDNIGHT PROWLER - - -To follow a man through Arctic twilight, to slink from tree to tree and -cover to cover, to keep hid always and make very little sound--is not an -easy accomplishment. At least, the three boys found that it was not. -They stole stealthily along about fifty yards behind Frischette, -attempting to keep within that distance, neither advancing too quickly -nor too slowly. - -The wood they had entered was exceedingly dense, in places almost -impassable. Underbrush grew so thick that it choked out even the grass. -So thick indeed was the undergrowth, through which Frischette hurried, -that it was utterly impossible always to keep within sight of him. Now -and again they would see his hurrying form, only to lose it a moment -later. Sometimes the crackling of the underbrush would reveal his -whereabouts. At other times the boys would be in doubt as to where he -was, and would come to the conclusion that perhaps they had lost him. -Then they would hesitate about pressing on for fear that they might walk -boldly out in plain view of him. - -Yet always they contrived to pick up his trail, either by finding his -footprints or by hearing some slight sound ahead. As they continued -their pursuit, their astonishment grew. Why did the Frenchman seek out a -hiding place so far from the house? Had his greed completely unseated -his mind? Already, Dick estimated, they had come at least two miles, and -yet Frischette showed no sign of stopping. He was walking at a furious -pace now, his nimble legs darting along over the uncarpeted forest path. -He hugged his treasure-box to him and fairly plunged through thicket and -across the open spaces, occasionally muttering to himself. - -To the boys' amazement, the chase ended abruptly. They had come out to a -small clearing in which stood a cabin. Frischette's fingers stole to his -lips and a peculiarly soft, bird-like whistle sounded through the -forest. Then the Frenchman remained standing where he was until the door -opened and a slouching figure emerged. - -At sight of the occupant of the cabin, the boys gasped in wonder. Never -before had they seen so unusual a person. He was bent and old, and -hobbled as he walked, in one hand a cane to guide him. His head was -hatless, covered with a thick, straggling crop of hair, some of which -fluttered into his face and over his shoulders. His beard was long and -heavy--of a peculiar reddish tinge, streaked with gray. - -He approached Frischette, pausing a few feet from him, and looked up at -his visitor with eyes that peeped out from the shadowed depressions -between his beard and eyebrows like two black beads. The Frenchman was -the first to speak: - -"I bring back ze box again, M'sieur Creel. You will take et an' watch -over et. You are a faithful guardian, my friend. I weesh to compliment -you. Ever'zing ees here: ze money, ze treasure--ever'zing." - -The stranger spoke in a voice so low that, from their hiding place, the -boys could make out but a few words. Frischette spoke again: - -"Et ees tonight." - -The old man shook his head vigorously, gesturing with his hands. The -Frenchman raised his voice: "Et ees tonight, I tell you. You will do as -I say." - -This time they heard the protest: - -"No, no; I cannot come. Tonight I have other work. I cannot be there. I -refuse to do as you wish, Frischette, even for the sake of gain." - -The Frenchman's face grew suddenly crimson with fury. He stooped and -picked up a club, advancing threateningly. - -"I see 'bout that," he fairly shouted. "I see 'bout that pretty queek. -You try fail me, m'sieur, I make you sorry." - -The other did not blink. He faced his antagonist calmly, scornfully, -presently breaking into an amused chuckle. - -"You couldn't hurt a fly. You are a coward, Frischette. I, an old man, -have far more courage than you." - -The road-house keeper's sudden flare of fury quickly burned out. He -dropped his club and stepped back several paces, hugging his treasure to -him. Before the unwavering gaze of the old man he was helpless, and -possibly a little afraid. He glanced about sullenly. - -"All right, et ees your own broth you brew, monsieur. I shall keep ze -box. Et ees all mine. Do you hear? Et ees mine." - -"Faugh! A bluff! You wouldn't dare. I ask you to try it." - -The Frenchman clutched the box still more tightly. - -"Et ees mine," he persisted stubbornly. - -"You try it," warned the other. - -"No more will I come to you," Frischette informed him. "We are through. -I shall keep ze box." - -"Fool!" cried the other in vexation, beginning to relent "I suppose that -I must humor you always. Very well, it shall be as you say. I give you -my promise. But it will cost you a pretty penny this time." - -Suddenly they began to barter. - -"Half," said the Frenchman. - -"Two-thirds," insisted the man with the beard. - -Frischette gave vent to a shriek of anguish. - -"Two-thirds," he howled. "What? Are you crazy? I will not leesen to zat. -Et ees outrageous, m'sieur." - -Sandy poked Dick cautiously in the ribs. - -"Both mad!" he announced. "Can you make anything out of that gibberish? -What are they talking about?" - -"I'll confess," Dick whispered, "that I'm at a loss to know." - -In the end, the two conspirators came to an agreement - -"One-half it shall be," they heard the old man mutter. - -Having won his point, Frischette beamed. He thrust the box into the -other's hands. - -"Take et, m'sieur. I am sorry ef I speak cross. We must be friends. We -must understand each other. En a ver' few weeks we go to Edmonton an' we -shall be rich, m'sieur." - -Creel grumbled something through his beard, seized the box with eager -hands and half-turned as if to depart. - -"Tonight then?" - -"Yes, tonight." - -The boys scrambled back quickly, for Frischette was beginning his -journey homeward. A moment later, from the deep shadow of a heavy -thicket, they watched him pass. He was shaking his head and talking to -himself in a complaining undertone. Not long afterward he had -disappeared in the tangle of greenery, and over the woodland there -settled a deep and impressive silence. Dick looked at Sandy and Toma and -smiled. - -"The farther we go into this thing, the stranger and more perplexing it -becomes. I wonder who that man is? In what way is he associated with -Frischette? Why is he guarding the box? Now what do you suppose they -were arguing about?" - -"I can't imagine," answered Sandy. "What do you think, Toma?" - -The Indian youth rose and broke off a twig from a branch above his head. - -"I think him bad fellow just like Frischette." - -"Yes," agreed Sandy, "probably his accomplice." - -"It doesn't look as if we would open that box now," grimaced Dick. - -"Not unless we overpower the old man." - -Dick too arose, glancing back at the cabin. - -"I'd like to think it over before we attempt it. Possibly some plan may -occur to us tomorrow. At present we'd better go back to the road-house -before Frischette becomes suspicious. I wouldn't be in the least -surprised if he attempts to relieve me of that roll tonight." - -"I can agree with you there," said Sandy. "Did you notice his eyes when -you pulled it from your pocket?" - -"Yes." Dick smiled at the memory. - -They started back along the trail, for a time walking in silence. -Presently, however, Sandy turned toward Dick, his face thoughtful. - -"Supposing," he inquired, "that Frischette really does attempt the -robbery tonight. What will we do? Let him have the money? Or do you want -to catch him in the act?" - -"We'll let him have it." - -"But there's nearly sixty dollars of our money. I'm not so rich that--" - -"We'll get it back somehow, Sandy," Dick interrupted. "The police will -see to that. I've marked the bills so that we can identify them." - -"Good!" - -"We'd better remain awake, all of us," continued Dick. "I'll take the -lower bunk in the corner near the door. You can sleep in the upper one. -Toma can occupy the lower bunk next to mine. Just before we retire, -while Frischette is still in the room, I'll remove my coat and throw it -over the back of a chair." - -"We'll all keep perfectly still," said Sandy, "when he enters the room. -Remember, Toma, that you are not to make any effort to stop him." - -The young Indian nodded: - -"Yes, I understand. Me do nothing." - -Later, when they had retired for the night, they were in an excited -frame of mind. Had they been ever so tired, it is doubtful whether they -would have been able to relax for sleep. Dick lay, facing the doorway, -so that he could command a view of the entire room. Frischette's -sleeping apartment, almost directly opposite, opened on to the large -bunk-hall they occupied. If the Frenchman planned to take the roll, it -would be necessary for him to pass through the doorway, directly across -from Dick, and steal stealthily along the row of bunks to the chair, -over which Dick had carelessly flung his coat. - -The bunk-hall was shrouded in a partial darkness. Outside the night was -clear, and a half-moon rode through a sky sprinkled with stars. To the -ears of the boys, as they lay quietly awaiting the Frenchman's coming, -there floated through the open windows the droning sounds of the forest. -An owl hooted from some leafy canopy. The weird, mournful cries of a -night-bird, skimming along the tree tops, could be heard distinctly. The -curtain, draping the window on the west side of the room, fluttered -softly as it caught the rippling, nocturnal breeze. - -As time passed, Dick became conscious of an increasing nervous tension -and restlessness. He found it difficult to lay still. He turned from -side to side. The strain upon his eyes from watching the door so -continuously had caused a blur to appear before them, and only with -difficulty could he make out the various objects in the room. Time and -time again, he imagined he could hear a slight sound coming from -Frischette's apartment. Yet, as he lay there and the door did not open, -he realized that he must have been mistaken. - -At length he decided that the road-house keeper would make no effort to -come that night. Reasoning thus, he lay very still, his eyes closed, -drowsiness stealing over him. Through his mind there flashed confused -pictures of the day's happenings. In imagination, he was threading a -woodland path, following the fleeing form of a man, who clutched to him -a mysterious wooden box. Again he saw the angry, distorted face of -Frischette, who was standing there, one arm raised threateningly above -the stooped form and uncovered head of Creel--the queer old recluse. - -Tossing restlessly, his eyes came back to the door, and suddenly his -nerves grew taut. The door, he perceived, was now slightly ajar. It was -opening slowly. A few inches at a time it swung back, and at length a -muffled form stood framed in the doorway, then moved noiselessly nearer. -Unerringly, it padded across the floor, straight towards Dick's bunk. It -paused near the chair, scarcely four feet from where Dick lay. - -With difficulty, Dick suppressed a cry. The skulking, shadowy form was -not that of Frischette--but Creel! Creel, a horrible, repellent figure -in the half-darkness. Long, straggling locks of hair fell over his eyes, -while the heavy beard formed a mask for his repulsive face. Dick could -almost imagine that he could see Creel's deep-set eyes shining from -their sockets. They were like those of a cat. - -Previously it had been agreed between the three boys that in the event -of Frischette entering the room and attempting to steal the money, no -effort would be made to prevent him. Now Creel, and not Frischette, was -about to commit the crime. For some unknown reason Dick felt that he -could not lay there inactive. Resentment and anger suddenly burned -within him. As Creel cautiously lifted up his coat, Dick found himself -sitting bolt upright, and, to his amazement, heard himself shout out: -"Drop that coat if you don't wish to get in trouble. Drop it, I say!" - -Creel started so quickly, dropped the coat so suddenly, that the chair -overturned and crashed to the floor. There came the sound of moccasined -feet pattering away! Dick had sprung from his bunk, as had also Sandy -and Toma. For a time confusion and excitement reigned. Frischette -appeared in the doorway, and upon his heels came Fontaine and Le Sueur, -rubbing their eyes. - -"What ees ze matter?" Frischette inquired in a frightened voice. "What -has happen?" - -"Someone came in here a moment ago," cried Dick angrily, "and tried to -steal my money. I tell you, Frischette, the thief is in this house!" - - - - - CHAPTER VI - NEW COMPLICATIONS - - -Not until the following morning did the boys have a chance to discuss -the happenings of the previous night. Over the breakfast table, Dick was -the cynosure of two hostile pair of eyes--those of Sandy and Toma. It -was quite evident that Dick's chums were not satisfied with the outcome -of the night's adventures. Sandy, in particular, could scarcely contain -himself. He kept glowering at his friend over his coffee and bacon, and -Dick could see that a lecture was forthcoming. However, Sandy did not -get his chance until nearly an hour later, when the three boys left the -dining room for a turn in the open air. Scarcely were they outside, when -Sandy broke forth petulantly: - -"Look here, Dick, I must say that you followed out our agreement to the -letter. What did you mean by crying out like that, after it had been -decided to let Frischette walk away with the money?" - -"But it wasn't Frischette," Dick defended himself. - -"Wasn't Frischette. What do you mean? Of course, it was Frischette. I -saw him with my own eyes." - -"It was Creel." - -"Creel!" - -"Yes, that fellow who took the box from the Frenchman yesterday." - -Sandy whistled softly. - -"So that's their game. Creel is Frischette's confederate. I can see it -all now." - -"That's the way I have it all figured out too. Frischette is the man who -plans all the robberies and Creel is the one who executes them." - -Dick paused and leaned against the trunk of a huge jack-pine, -contemplatively regarding his two chums. - -"It means we have two persons instead of one to deal with. The -treasure-box they keep between them. Each probably has an equal interest -in it. I wish there was some way we could get hold of it." - -"Mebbe that not be so very hard," Toma suddenly interjected. "One night -we go over to Creel's cabin an' find it sure. I think I know how we get -it without much trouble." - -"How?" demanded Sandy. - -"You remember yesterday when Frischette come close to Creel's cabin he -stop in the brush an' make 'em noise for him to come out. Well, one of -us do same like that while other two hide close to cabin. When Creel -come out, thinking it Frischette, good chance go get box. What you say?" - -"A good plan, certainly," criticised Dick, "only how are we going to -imitate that peculiar, mysterious whistle. I'm sure I couldn't." - -"I couldn't either," declared Sandy. - -Toma put two fingers to his mouth and blew softly. It was an excellent -imitation of the sound the boys had heard on the previous day, and both -Dick and Sandy clapped their hands in delight. - -"You're good!" Sandy exclaimed. "I'm proud of you. How can you manage to -do it, after hearing it only once?" - -"I hear it many times," flushed the young Indian. "You see, there is -bird that hide deep in the woods that make 'em call like that. -Frischette, jus' like me, try make sound like that bird." - -"We'll go tonight," exulted Dick. - -The other two nodded in agreement. - -"Ten o'clock will be a good time," Sandy suggested. "Dick and I will -enter the cabin, while you, Toma, practice your wiles upon the thieving -Mr. Creel. Lead him away from the cabin as far as you can, so that we'll -have plenty of time to look around. We may have some trouble in finding -the place where he has hid the box." - -The boys had worked themselves up to a high pitch of excitement long -before the time appointed for setting out on their night's adventure. In -order not to arouse Frischette's suspicions, should he discover their -absence, they had informed him that they were planning to go over to -Lake Grassy Point, a distance of about eight miles, and visit the Indian -encampment there. Fontaine and Le Sueur, they explained, would accompany -them too, and he, Frischette, must not worry if they were late in -getting back. - -To their surprise, the arrangement met with the Frenchman's immediate -approval. - -"Et ees good you go," he told them. "You young fellow get ver' tired -stay one place all ze time." Then he sighed regretfully. "Ver' often I -weesh I might be young too. Always go, always have good time. Et ees ze -great fun, monsieurs." - -Dick's brow contracted thoughtfully. Did Frischette contemplate a visit -to Creel himself? Had the Frenchman a plan of his own? - -"Just our luck," Dick told Sandy a few minutes later, "if the old rascal -decides to visit Creel tonight. We've gone to a lot of trouble already." - -The young Scotchman slapped irritably at a mosquito that had lit upon -his arm. - -"Yes, it was necessary to take Fontaine and Le Sueur more or less into -our confidence. That's one phase of the thing I don't like. Those two -friends of Toma's know we're up to something. All I hope is, that -they'll have sense enough to keep their mouths shut. If Frischette ever -gets an inkling that we're watching him, the game's up." - -"But Fontaine and Le Sueur haven't the least idea what we purpose to -do," said Dick. "Neither one of them knows that we're spying upon -Frischette." - -"Yes, but they'll think it's queer that we're deceiving him. They'll -wonder why we have lied to him, want them to go to the encampment while -we remain behind." - -"You don't need to worry about that, Sandy. You may depend upon it that -Toma has made our proposed actions seem very plausible." - -Sandy grinned. - -"Toma probably has told them a wonderful story. I'll agree with you -there. He certainly possesses a keen imagination." - -Dick consulted his watch. - -"It's twenty minutes past nine now. I think, Sandy, we'd better go back -to the house and find Toma and the others. It'll be time to start before -long." - -They hurried along the path, and a few minutes later entered the house, -where they were joined by Toma and his two friends. Soon afterward, -Frischette strode into the room, carrying his coat and hat. - -"I go with you a leetle way," he announced. "All day long I work in ze -kitchen, where et ees hot. I think ze night air mebbe make me feel -good." - -Dick glanced sharply across at Sandy, keen disappointment depicted in -his gaze. The Frenchman's announcement had taken him completely by -surprise. The situation was awkward. - -"Why not come all the way to the encampment with us," invited Dick. -"We'll be glad to have you." - -Frischette threw up his hands in a gesture of dismay. - -"All zat way! Empossible! Et ees too far, monsieur. I am too tired. -Eight miles there an' back an' ze brush tangle in my poor tired legs. -No, I will go only a ver' short way." - -So Frischette, much to the boys' disappointment, accompanied them. He -chatted as they walked, continually gesturing, often stopping abruptly -in his tracks to point out some inconsequential object. - -Never before had Dick been given so excellent an opportunity to study -the man. He was slightly amused at the Frenchman's queer antics. He -would become intensely enthusiastic over the merest trifles--a bright -flower, a sparkling stone, a gnarled, misshapen tree. - -A person of moods and impulses, Dick decided, watching him. Sometimes he -wondered if Frischette were not assuming a certain behavior for their -special benefit. What was his real purpose in coming with them? -Certainly it was not because he really wanted the exercise and fresh -air. More likely, he intended to go over to visit Creel. - -Their course to Grassy Point Lake led them in the general direction of -Creel's cabin. When the Frenchman bade them adieu and turned back, Dick -estimated that they had still about two miles farther to go before they -would be directly opposite the abiding place of the mysterious recluse. -Realizing this, his previous conviction that Frischette was really going -there became shaken. Perhaps, after all, the road-house keeper had told -the truth, was actually going back as he said. - -Even if the man planned to strike off obliquely through the woods to -Creel's, hope of obtaining possession of the box was not altogether -lost. They might still turn the trick that same night, if only they -hurried. By running part of the way, they would arrive at the cabin -sufficiently in advance of Frischette to achieve their purpose. With -this thought in mind, Dick, after waving a friendly farewell to the -unsuspecting Frenchman, led the party forward quickly until a turn in -the trail obscured their movements. Then, breaking into a run, he darted -along the shadowy forest path, motioning the others to follow. - -Ten minutes later, the three boys drew away from Fontaine and Le Sueur, -striking off at right angle with the dim trail to Grassy Point Lake, and -continued their hurried course straight in the direction of the lonely -cabin. As they proceeded on their way, excitement, caused by the thought -of their coming adventure, grew upon them. They were shaky and nervous -when they finally drew up in front of a thick screen of underbrush, less -than sixty yards from the house. Dick motioned to Toma. - -"Hurry around toward the front of the cabin," he whispered tersely, "and -give your bird-call." - -"Sure you all ready?" inquired the young Indian. - -"Yes, all ready." - -"I go then." - -Without further word, Toma slunk forward, skirted the line of underbrush -and presently disappeared from view. - - - - - CHAPTER VII - THE MYSTERIOUS POKE - - -Dick and Sandy waited breathlessly. Thus far, no sound had come to them. -The forest was pervaded by a silence so deep and oppressive that the two -boys, waiting for Toma's mysterious call, could hear the thumping of -their own hearts. They had crept forward through the dense thicket to a -point where, though still concealed themselves, they could see the cabin -plainly. In the sombre northern twilight its every detail stood clearly -revealed--the low, grass-grown sod roof, the tiny window and the crude, -rough door. - -The boys found it difficult to restrain their gathering impatience. What -was Toma doing? Chafing over the delay, they crouched low, their gaze -sweeping the tiny clearing ahead. On Dick's forehead beads of -perspiration gathered slowly, while the palms of his hands were moist -and warm. - -"Can't imagine what's happened to him," Sandy croaked in Dick's ear. -"What's he waiting for? What's got into him, anyway? First thing we -know, Frischette'll be here--and it'll be too late." - -Dick did not reply. Just then he thought he had heard a slight sound in -the brush, directly in front of the house. Excitedly, he reached forward -and seized Sandy's right arm. - -"Ssh!" he whispered. "Keep still. Just look over there." - -Following his friend's instructions, Sandy looked and immediately his -mouth gaped open, and he emitted a startled gasp. - -Two men plunged out into the open--rough, desperate, evil-looking men, -who made their way stealthily forward. Each carried a knife and revolver -at his belt. One was tall and sinewy, the other short and thin. The tall -man proceeded ahead with long awkward strides, while the little man at -his side pranced along, like a small boy attempting to keep pace with -his elder. - -Of the two, the face of the smaller man was, if such a thing were -possible, more sinister, malevolent and wicked than that of the other. -His features were twisted in an expression that was both horrible and -repellent. It was as if he had been overcome by some violent emotion: -rage that hungered for revenge, or cruelty inflamed by avarice. In all -their experience, the boys had never encountered a more terrifying pair. -The very sight of them caused Dick and Sandy to shiver and draw back in -a sudden panic. - -"Ho-hope they don't come this way," shuddered Sandy. - -"Toma saw them before we did," whispered Dick. "That's why he didn't -attempt that call. Who do you suppose they are?" - -In terror, Sandy shook his head. - -"Keep down," he trembled, "or they may see us." - -Dick grew suddenly tense. The two men had reached the door of the cabin, -and for a brief moment stood undecided. Then the tall man raised a -gnarled hand and struck the door so violently and unexpectedly that -Sandy and Dick both jumped back, as if they, instead of the rough pine -barrier, had received the full impact of that mighty blow. - -The echo had scarcely subsided, when the tall man struck again. - -"Open up! Open up!" he thundered. "Creel, open up this yere door." - -The door swung back on its rusty hinges, and then the boys saw Creel -framed in the aperture. But it was a different Creel than the man they -had seen previously. He looked much older. The stoop to his shoulders -was more noticeable. A pathetic figure now, a terror-struck human -derelict. At the very best he could offer but feeble resistance to these -two terrible fellows, who had come storming and raging upon him. - -"Guess yuh know what we've come fer, Creel," the little man snarled. -"Yuh can guess, can't yuh? Quick now, an' bring it out. We're in a -hurry, I tell yuh. Quick!" - -Creel made the fatal mistake of pretending he did not know what the -other was talking about. He raised a trembling hand. - -"If you'll explain a little more clearly, gentlemen, what you want -I'll--" - -The sentence was not completed. The tall man reached out with one arm -and caught Creel about the neck. Scarcely seeming to exert himself, he -lifted him completely off his feet, holding him dangling--head pressed -back against the frame of the door. For a brief moment the body of the -recluse remained pinioned there, then was suddenly released and fell -with a muffled thud across the threshold. - -Dick and Sandy, who had been silent witnesses of the drama unrolling -before their eyes, caught their breath in anger. Much as they despised -and feared Creel, the unwarranted brutality of the tall man caused them -to experience a feeling of sympathy for the helpless old recluse. Dick's -hand flashed to the revolver at his belt, and he had half-started to his -feet, when Sandy drew him back. - -"Don't be foolish, Dick," he trembled. "Keep out of this. We can -accomplish more by remaining right here where we are. Look!" - -Creel had stumbled dazedly to his feet, gripping the door for support. - -"Now," declared the little man grimly, "I guess yuh understand. Bring it -out." - -Creel staggered inside and appeared, a short time later, carrying the -box. Both men made a grab for it, but the smaller was the quicker of the -two. He flung open the lid of the small treasure-chest and both he and -his companion pawed through it excitedly, their faces distorted with -greed. - -Dick and Sandy, who were watching events with wide-open eyes, were -wholly unprepared for the next step in the little drama. In a sudden -fury of disappointment, the little man raised the box and sent it -crashing to the floor. His expression was awful to behold, his eyes like -two bright coals of fire. Nor did his companion contain himself much -better. With an oath, he spurned the box at his feet, sending it flying -within the room. His cheeks were livid. - -"It ain't here, Emery!" he almost screamed. "It ain't here! That squaw -lied to us. We're done for. MacGregor got it after all!" - -But the other was not so easily discouraged. - -"It is here!" he fairly howled in his rage. - -With a lightning motion, he turned upon Creel, advancing with -outstretched hands--hands that looked like the talons of some huge bird; -hands that worked convulsively as they floated toward Creel's throat. -Before the little man's advance, the old recluse tottered back, throwing -up his arms in a defensive gesture. - -"I'll give yuh jus' two minutes tuh bring out that poke," the words came -screaming at him. "Yuh got it. I know yuh got it. If yuh don't want to -make food fer the crows, yuh better trot it out." - -"Gentlemen--" began Creel, his voice deathly calm. - -The little man's right hand flashed out and for the second time Creel -measured his length across the threshold. This time, however, he did not -rise. In falling, his head had struck the sharp edge of the doorway, -rendering him unconscious. Without even as much as a glance at him, the -two men stepped over his prostrate body and disappeared into the room. -For a space of nearly five minutes they remained inside, while Dick and -Sandy sat in a sort of stupor and blankly regarded each other. - -Then abruptly, Creel's assailants re-appeared and from their expression -and behavior, the boys realized instantly that the search had been -successful. The big man guffawed loudly as he pushed Creel's body to one -side with his foot and stepped out into the pale light of that Arctic -summer night. - -"We got it," gloated the little man. "That was a stroke o' luck, -pardner. The squaw was right. We got it!" - -As he spoke, he drew from his pocket a small object and fondled it in -his hands. Again the loud guffaw rang out, penetrating the silence. -Chattering and exulting, the pair made their way through the lush grass -that overran the clearing. Then, suddenly, they stopped. At the edge of -the clearing there had sprung up a frail but defiant figure. - -"Stop!" cried a voice. "Put 'em hands up or I shoot you quick." - -Creel's assailants, looking straight at the muzzle of Toma's revolver, -had no other alternative. Their hands went high. Dick thought the pair -looked very foolish standing there. And he could hear very plainly their -astonished, burning oaths. He and Sandy leaped to their feet and hurried -to Toma's assistance. They came up from behind and, with a nod to their -chum, quickly disarmed the murderous pair. But though they searched -everywhere, they could not find the poke. Dick paused in consternation. - -"Big fellow got it in his hand," said Toma. - -"Give it to me," Dick turned upon the outlaw. - -The big man's eyes gleamed with hatred, but with Toma's revolver -threatening him, he was forced to obey. - -"Take it," he growled out an oath. "But I bet yuh don't keep it long, -stranger. Yuh won't never get away with it. Jus' mark my words." - -Dick stepped back, laughing. - -"That remains to be seen," he answered the outlaw. "You fellows can go -now. If you know what's good for you, you'll leave this neighborhood as -quickly as you can. I have the description of both of you and will -notify the mounted police of this night's affair." - -The partners struck off through the underbrush, calling out their -taunts. It was not long before silence came again. The three boys stood -in a little circle, looking at each other. Now that the tension had -relaxed, they were all more or less bewildered. Dick still had the small -poke in his hand, and as yet had scarcely deigned to give it a second -glance. Suddenly, Sandy's voice rang out: - -"Well, if you ask me, this is a peculiar night's business. I'm almost -stunned. We're indebted to Toma for the way everything has turned out. -Let's see what's in that poke, Dick. Why don't you open it?" - -Dick looked down at the small object in his hand. He turned it over and -over thoughtfully. - -"No," he said, "you can open it, Sandy. I'm too shaky." - -With the poke held firmly between two fingers, he reached out to hand it -to his chum. But in that moment a strange thing happened. A crackling of -brush, a lightning leap forward, a snarl like that of a beast--and the -thing was whisked from his fingers as it dangled there in the air. Then -a figure darted past them and disappeared in the darkness of the forest -beyond. - -The three chums gaped at each other. - -"Who was that?" gasped Dick. - -Toma was the first to speak. - -"I see 'em," he spoke dolefully. "It was Frischette." - - - - - CHAPTER VIII - CORPORAL RAND TAKES CHARGE - - -Sandy rubbed his eyes. - -"I don't know what to make of this. Frischette has the poke now. In a -way I'm glad that he has. It's better for us, Dick. I'd hate to have -another encounter with those two prospectors. Wonder what Frischette -will say to us when we return to the road-house." - -"Don't worry," said Dick, "we've seen the last of him. He won't come -back." - -"You mean he'll leave everything?" - -"Yes, that's my opinion. I don't know what the poke contains but it must -be something of immense value. Just stop a moment to reason it all out, -Sandy. First of all, the poke belonged to Dewberry. MacGregor tried to -get it, but was thwarted in his purpose either by Frischette or Creel. -Creel had it in his possession until those two prospectors came along -and took it away from him. Now it's in Frischette's hands again. If he -returns to the road-house, he'll be afraid that we'll get it away from -him. After what happened tonight, he'll take no chances. He'll not even -consider his partner, Creel. He has a fortune in his hands and will -attempt to keep it." - -"What's to be done now?" asked Sandy. "Do you think we ought to set out -in pursuit of Frischette?" - -For a time Dick stood undecided. - -"No," he answered, "we haven't time. Tomorrow Corporal Rand will return -to Fort Good Faith. He has asked us to meet him there. We'll have to -follow his instructions: Go back tonight." - -"But what about Creel? We can't leave him here." - -"That's right. Let me see," Dick scratched his head in perplexity. - -"Tell you what we do," Toma suddenly broke forth. "One of us stay here -look after Creel an' other two go back to Fort Good Faith. If you like, -I stay here myself while you, Sandy, you, Dick, go on see Corporal Rand. -After while I get Fontaine an' Le Sueur to help me. Soon they come back -from Grassy Point Lake." - -"Your plan is a good one," approved Dick. "It's the best thing to do. If -Sandy and I start at once--go over to the road-house and get our -horses--we can reach Fort Good Faith shortly before the corporal -arrives. What do you think, Sandy?" - -"We ought to go, of course. The way things have turned out, we need -someone to take charge and straighten out this tangle. Corporal Rand -will know what to do. I expect his first move will be to set out in -pursuit of Frischette. The sooner we get Rand back here the sooner he'll -be able to follow and overtake him. Yes, we'd better start at once." - -"All right, we'll walk over and get the horses." - -Toma gave a little start of dismay. - -"I jus' happen think, Dick-- By Gar-- Make me feel like silly fool. What -you think I do?" - -"What did you do?" Dick asked kindly. - -"Yesterday I turn ponies out to eat grass." - -"Hang the luck!" exploded Sandy. "That means we'll have to walk. We -might have to look around all night before we find 'em." - -"I very sorry," began Toma. "I--" - -Sandy cut him short. - -"Forget it! I don't blame you, Toma. It's just a bit of bad luck, that's -all." - -"An' you don't feel mad at Toma?" inquired that young man plaintively. - -"Certainly not," Dick assured him. "Either Sandy or I might have made -the same mistake. It's all right. We'll walk." - -Without even returning to the cabin to determine the extent of Creel's -injuries, they shook hands with the young Indian and quickly departed. -Their hurried trek back to Fort Good Faith long remained in the boys' -memory. Dick struck out with Sandy at his heels, and hour after hour -they pushed on without even a pause for rest. - -Both were swaying on their feet from weariness as they entered the broad -meadow, surrounding the fort, and came finally to the well known trading -post. - -Factor MacClaren looked up from his work as the two youths entered. - -"Why, hello," he exclaimed in surprise. Then: "Whatever has happened to -you. You both look as if you'd been stuck in a swamp somewhere for the -last day or two. I wish you could see yourselves." - -The boys looked down at their mud-spattered garments. Sandy's eyes were -bloodshot and his shoulders drooped. Dick's face was scratched with -brambles. He had lost his hat and his hair was rumpled and streaked with -dirt. Each flopped into a chair and breathed a sigh of relief. - -"We made record time from Frischette's stopping-place," Sandy announced -finally. - -Sandy's uncle laughed. "I can well believe that from your appearance. -Have you been travelling all night?" - -"Yes," answered Dick, "all night. By the way, is Corporal Rand here?" - -Factor MacClaren nodded. - -"Arrived last night. Got in sooner than he expected. He's waiting for -you. Went out to the stables just a few minutes ago." - -"Uncle Walter," Sandy requested wearily, "I wonder if you'll be kind -enough to notify him that we are here." He sprawled lower in his chair. -"I'm so tired that I don't think I could walk out there. Also, while -you're at it, I wish you'd tell Naida, the cook, to prepare a good -breakfast for two hungry men." - -"Men!" grinned the factor. - -"Yes, men. At least, we're doing men's work." - -Chuckling to himself, Sandy's uncle departed upon his errand. Not long -afterward Corporal Rand himself appeared in the doorway and came eagerly -toward them. - -"Well! Well!" he exclaimed. "So you're back. What luck did you have?" - -"Great!" replied Dick, too weary to rise. "If you'll sit down for a -moment, corporal, we'll tell you everything." - -When Dick and Sandy had completed their narrative, Corporal Rand sat for -a long time in thought. His fingers drummed on the table. - -"You've done much better than I expected," he complimented them. "And to -be perfectly frank, I don't know what to think of it all. Those two men -you spoke of, who attacked Creel and secured the poke, I can't recall -that I've ever seen them. However, your description tallies with that of -two prospectors I met one time at Fort MacMurray. But that's hundreds of -miles from here. It hardly seems likely that it would be the same pair. -But that is neither here nor there. You boys have practically -established Frischette's guilt. If he didn't actually take the poke from -Dewberry himself, he must have induced Creel to do it. Probably when I -have seen and talked with Creel I can force the truth from him." - -"Will you place Creel under arrest?" asked Sandy. - -"Not unless I can get him to confess. As yet we can prove nothing -against him." - -Naida appeared at this juncture to announce that breakfast was ready, -and Corporal Rand accompanied the two boys to the dining room. Dick and -Sandy applied themselves with such diligence to the feast before them, -that Rand refrained from asking any more questions just then. When the -boys had pushed back their chairs, sighing contentedly, Rand took up the -subject anew. - -"I'm glad you came when you did. I'm anxious to go out on the trail -after Frischette. Just now Frischette holds the key to the riddle. If we -can catch him, I think our troubles will be at an end." - -Dick looked across at the policeman. - -"Your suggestion, then, is to return immediately to the road-house?" - -"If you boys are not too tired, I'd like to start at once." - -"Now that we've had something to eat, I'm ready to go," said Sandy. "I -feel a lot different than I did when we arrived here a short time ago." - -With one accord the three rose to their feet, and not long afterward -secured their horses and departed. Following a hard but uneventful ride, -they reached the scene of the events of the night previous. They met -Toma just outside the door of the road-house. He greeted them with a -cheery smile, striding forward to shake hands with Corporal Rand. - -"Glad you come so soon, corporal. I get 'em Creel over here last night. -Him pretty near all right now." - -"Did Frischette come back?" asked Sandy. - -The young Indian shook his head. - -"He no come. Creel no think he come either." - -They found Creel a few moments later, sitting, with bandaged head, in a -chair near an open window. At sight of the mounted policeman his eyes -dilated perceptibly. Yet otherwise he showed little of the emotion and -fear the boys had expected. - -But if Rand had hoped to secure information of value from the old -recluse, he was disappointed. When questioned about the events of the -night before, his answers were evasive. He knew nothing about the poke. -He had seen no poke. The money-box, slightly battered, which Toma -brought forth as evidence, belonged to him, he admitted. Why the thieves -had not taken the box, Creel could not understand. It contained upward -of five thousand dollars in currency. - -"If this box and money belongs to you," Rand demanded, "what was -Frischette doing with them? The boys say that Frischette had this box in -his possession here only two days ago. What was he doing with it?" - -Creel met the policeman's eyes unflinchingly. - -"The boys must be mistaken," he wagged his head. "The box is mine. Until -last night no one has seen it. People call me a miser. Those men, who -came last night, were disappointed because they expected to find more." - -Rand scowled. He saw the uselessness of further questioning. Though -Creel might be aware of Frischette's treachery, it was evident that he -had no intention of attempting to obtain revenge upon him. To -incriminate his confederate, would be to incriminate himself. Both would -go to jail. Creel was wise enough to see that. - -"Perhaps," said Rand grimly, "you'll have more to tell us when we bring -your friend, Frischette, back and obtain possession of that poke. You -could save yourself a lot of trouble by giving me a confession now." - -"I have nothing to confess," Creel declared obdurately. "I do not -understand Frischette's disappearance. But even if you do find him and -bring him back, you'll learn nothing of value. Frischette is my friend -and I know that he is not Dewberry's murderer, that he is innocent of -all wrong." - -The policeman rose to his feet, walked over and looked down at the old -recluse. - -"I didn't say that Frischette murdered Dewberry. I'm convinced that -MacGregor did that, just as much as I'm convinced that either you or -Frischette secured the money and poke that belonged to the murdered -man." - -Thus openly accused, Creel shrank back. His hands trembled. Yet, in a -moment, the weakness had passed. Again, unflinchingly, he met the gaze -of the man opposite. - -"You are mistaken," he declared in a clear, steady voice. "You will find -that you are mistaken. Events will bear me out." - -Rand suddenly drew back. Footsteps sounded outside. Voices, scarcely -distinguishable, floated to their ears. More scuffling of feet, and then -the door opened. Dick, Sandy and Toma darted to their feet, staring -wildly at the two newcomers: - -Creel's assailants of the night before! - - - - - CHAPTER IX - UNEXPECTED NEWS - - -For a full minute no one spoke. - -It was a question who was the more astonished--the prospectors or the -three boys. Corporal Rand turned his head as the two men entered and -regarded them steadily. Creel had half-started from his chair, then -quickly sat down again, while a queer smile puckered the corners of his -mouth. If Dick had expected that Creel's assailants of the previous -night would show fear at sight of the mounted policeman he was greatly -mistaken. To his surprise the big man nodded in a friendly way toward -the corporal, then advanced to confer with him. - -"This sure is a piece of luck," he exclaimed, extending a grimed and -hairy hand, which Rand totally ignored. "I hadn't expected to find yuh -here. Most allers when yuh want a policeman, there ain't one within -fifty miles." - -This statement, apparently, did not wholly please Rand, for he scowled -lightly, his sharp blue eyes full upon the other. - -"What business have you with the police?" he demanded. - -"It ain't nothin' that concerns us," the little man cut in, in his -attempt to smile looking more repulsive and ferocious than ever. "It's -like this, constable--" - -"I'm a corporal," interrupted Rand severely. - -"A' right, corporal. As I jes' started out tuh say Burnnel an' -me--that's him there. He's my pardner--is a hoofin' it along on our way -to Deer Lick Springs, when sudden like, in a little clearin' in the -brush 'long side the trail, we comes upon the body of a man." - -The prospector paused, rubbing his chin with the sleeve of his coat. - -"He was dead, corporal," he went on, "--dead as a dead crow he was, sir, -a lyin' there all stiff an' cold with a bullet through his head. - -"Fer more 'n a minute Burnnel an' me we couldn't speak, we was that -surprised, corporal." - -"My pardner has told yuh right," the big man hastened to confirm the -other's story. "He's back there now, jes' like we found him." - -During the short announcement by the two men, Rand's expression had -grown severe, as was always the case when he was thinking deeply or when -he had suddenly been made aware of some new and unexpected happening. A -deep pucker showed between his eyes. He motioned the partners to be -seated, produced a notebook and fountain pen. - -"Now just a moment," he began, glancing sharply across at the two tale -bearers. "Answer my questions as I put them to you. First of all, just -where did you find this body? How far from here?" - -Burnnel scratched his head. - -"Le's see--I reckon, corporal, 'bout twenty miles from here, southeast -on the trail tuh Deer Lick Springs. It was on the right side o' the -trail, wa'n't it Emery?" - -"It was," Emery corroborated the other. - -"On the right side o' the trail," continued Burnnel, "close to a willow -thicket." - -"In what position was the body?" Rand next inquired. - -"The man was a lyin' stretched out a little on his left side, one arm -throwed up like this:" The speaker imitated the position of the body by -putting his head forward on the table and extending his arm. "It was -like that, wa'n't it, Emery?" - -Again he turned toward the little man. - -"It was," came the ready rejoinder. - -"And you say there was the mark of a bullet on the man's forehead?" - -"Yep," Burnnel answered, "an' a revolver in the hand what was -outstretched." - -"In other words," Rand's tone was incisive, "it looked like suicide." - -Both the men nodded emphatically. - -"Yeah, that's what it was. Suicide. An' it happened not very long afore -we had come. Yuh could see that." - -The policeman tapped softly on the back of his hand with his fountain -pen. For several minutes he did not speak, then-- - -"You say you didn't disturb the body?" - -"No," answered the little man, "we didn't touch him." - -"Did you, by any chance, examine the contents of his pockets?" - -The big man flushed under the direct scrutiny, while his partner, Emery, -suddenly became interested in the fringe of his mackinaw jacket. - -"Well, yes," drawled the big man. "Yuh see," he attempted to defend -their actions, "Emery an' me thought that mebbe we could find a letter -or suthin' in his pockets what would tell who the fellow was." - -"Quite right," approved Rand. "And what did you find?" - -"Nothin'," stated Emery. - -"Nothin'," echoed his partner. - -"Absolutely nothing?" Rand's eyes seemed to bore into them. - -The partners exchanged furtive, doubtful glances. Then the face of Emery -darkened with a sudden resolve, and he thrust one hand in his pocket and -brought forth--to the boys' unutterable amazement--a small moose-hide -pouch, scarcely more than two inches in width and three inches in -length--a small poke, identical to the one Dick had held in his own -hands less than twenty-four hours before. Seeing it, Dick had taken in -his breath sharply, while Sandy and Toma rose excitedly to their feet -and crowded forward. - -"You found that?" asked Rand, wholly unmoved. - -"Yes." - -"Let's see it." - -Emery tossed it over and it fell in Rand's lap. The corporal picked it -up and examined it closely. He untied the cord at the top and opened it. -He thrust two fingers inside. - -"Empty," he said. - -"Yeah. Empty." - -Both Burnnel and Emery wagged their heads. Corporal Rand favored them -with a keen, searching look. - -"You're sure about that. You didn't take out its contents?" - -The partners denied the implication stoutly. Their denials and -protestations were so emphatic, that neither Corporal Rand nor the boys -could believe that they spoke anything but the truth. - -"And this was all you found?" Rand continued his questioning. - -"Nothin' else," grunted the big man. "There wasn't even a pocket knife -or a comb or a watch, or anything like that. His pockets was absolutely -empty." - -The sight of the moose-hide pouch had produced a strange effect upon -Dick. His eyes kept returning again and again to the mysterious object -Rand still held carelessly in one hand. Improbable as it seemed, Dick -could not shake off the belief that the poke was the same one that had -been taken forcibly from Creel the night before. He wondered what the -old recluse thought about it all. Turning his head, he glanced sharply -in his direction. - -To his surprise, Creel sat unmoved, apparently uninterested. His round, -staring eyes, which somehow reminded one of those of a cat, were set in -a fixed stare. Occasionally, Creel's long hand stole to his bandaged -head. It was evident that nothing was to be gained here. Then Dick -became conscious of a question that Rand had just asked the two men: - -"You found the body along the trail, twenty miles from here. Deer Lick -Springs is only ten miles farther on. What motive prompted you to return -here? Wouldn't it have been much easier to go on to your destination?" - -"We thought about that," the little man answered without a moment's -hesitation. "Burnnel an' me we talked that over when we was standin' -lookin' down at that man's body. I was fer goin' on tuh the Springs, but -Burnnel he says no. Wouldn't hear to it. He insists on comin' back all -this way tuh Frenchie's stoppin'-place." - -"Why?" asked the policeman, turning upon Burnnel. - -The big man drew a deep breath before he answered. - -"It's like this, corporal," he finally declared. "Yuh see I had a notion -that I had seen that man before. He looked like somebody I knowed what -lives over this way. I wa'n't sure, o' course, but I had a suspicion. It -sort o' bothered me. I says to Emery: 'We'll go back an' find out.'" - -The pucker came back between the corporal's brooding eyes. He looked -upon Burnnel with suspicion. Dick wondered if Rand believed, as he was -somewhat inclined to believe himself, that the partners were the man's -murderers. - -"What did you intend to do when you arrived here?" Rand asked. - -"We was plannin' to send word tuh the police. We thought they ought tuh -be notified. But afore God, corporal, we didn't have no idea that yuh -was here. Mighty lucky, I call it. Saved us a hull lot o' time an' -trouble." - -"Yes, it was lucky," the corporal averred grimly. "Rather fortunate for -me too. You may consider yourselves under arrest, at least until I have -investigated this case. You and your partner will lead me to the scene -of the tragedy." - -"A' right," agreed Emery, his face more repellent than ever, "me an' -Burnnel'll go with yuh. It won't take long. If we had some horses now--" - -"I'll supply the horses," Rand informed him. - -"That's fine!" Emery's smile expanded into a leer. "We can go an' get -back afore night. Ain't that right, Burnnel?" - -"Yeah," agreed Burnnel, "an' when do we start, corporal?" - -"Right away." - -"That's a' right with us," said the big man, "only--" - -"Yes," insisted Rand, "Only--" - -"Yuh see, me an' Emery ain't had nothin' tuh eat fer a long time. Soon -as we get suthin'--jes' a bite, corporal--we'll be ready tuh start. -Ain't that fair enough?" - -Rand nodded. His brow had contracted slightly, deepening the pucker -between his eyes. - -"There's one thing you've forgotten to tell me," he informed them. -"Burnnel, you said a moment ago that the man out there reminded you of -someone. Who?" - -"Yes, yes," said the big man eagerly, "I was a comin' tuh that. It'll -explain, corporal, why we drifts back this way 'stead o' goin' on to -Deer Lick Springs. Yuh see, the man out there looked," he paused, -wetting his lips, "looked like this here fellow what runs this -stoppin'-place--this here Frenchie Frischette." - -The three boys bounded from their seats. Corporal Rand himself started -visibly. With one exception every one in the room showed his -astonishment. That exception was Creel. The old recluse sat perfectly -unmoved, as though he had expected, had been prepared for the strange -denouement. - - - - - CHAPTER X - CONFLICTING THEORIES - - -Soon after the departure of Corporal Rand, Burnnel and Emery, the boys -sat in the big, cheerful room of Frischette's road-house and discussed -the latest episode in the chain of mysterious events. - -"I never expected to encounter anything like this," Sandy was saying. -"Honestly, Dick, it gives me the shivers just to think about it. If I -were called upon to express an opinion, I'd say that the farther we get -into this case, the more muddled and difficult everything appears to be. -For one thing, whoever would have guessed that this sudden tragedy would -have overtaken Frischette. What is the reason for it? Do you really -believe the story about the suicide?" - -"It sounds plausible, the way they tell it, but to be perfectly frank, I -think it's a deliberate lie. Why should Frischette take his own life? It -would be rather difficult to supply a motive." - -"That's what I think. But if he didn't take his life, how--I mean, what -happened?" - -"Simple enough. Burnnel and Emery met Frischette on the trail, -discovered that he had the poke and murdered him. Then, having committed -the crime, they became afraid. In order to save their own necks, they -devised a scheme so that it will appear that the Frenchman had taken his -own life. They probably arranged the body to bear out the story, placing -a revolver in Frischette's hand. They emptied the poke, hid its -contents, and then came back here, intending, as they both openly -admitted, to get in touch with the police." - -"Well, that is a lot more plausible than the suicide story. Do you think -that Corporal Rand was taken in by it?" - -"No; not in the least. They won't be able to fool him for a minute. When -they return here tonight, I'll be willing to wager every cent I have -that Burnnel and Emery are still under arrest." - -"I won't take your bet," said Sandy. "That's my belief too." - -Imagine their surprise, therefore, less than four hours later, to -witness the return of Corporal Rand and to perceive that he was -unaccompanied. Burnnel and Emery were not with him. The horses which had -borne the two prospectors to the scene of the tragedy, trotted behind -the policeman's horse at the end of a lead-rope, saddled but unmounted. - -It seemed incredible to the boys that Rand, usually so careful and -cautious in matters of this kind, should permit the two miscreants to -slip out of his hands. It was not like him. What could be the reason for -it? They could hardly wait for the policeman to dismount. - -"I found everything," said Rand a few minutes later, "just as Burnnel -and Emery told us. It is unquestionably a case of suicide. Everything -pointed to it. The revolver gripped in Frischette's hand, the position -of the body and the wound in his forehead. But what caused him to commit -such a rash act, is a problem which we may never solve." - -While the corporal was speaking, Dick could scarcely contain himself. On -two or three different occasions he started to interrupt the policeman. -At the very first opportunity he broke forth: - -"Corporal Rand," he began earnestly, "you have made your investigations -and, no doubt, are in a better position than we are to form an opinion. -But has it occurred to you that there is something unusually mysterious -about the whole affair. Sandy and I were talking it over just before you -came in. And no matter from what angle we look at it, we can draw but -one conclusion." - -"And what is that?" Rand was smiling. - -"That Burnnel and Emery killed Frischette, afterward making it appear -that the road-house keeper took his own life." - -Corporal Rand moved over to where Dick stood and patted that young man -on the back good-naturedly. - -"Splendid! You've both shown that you know how to use your heads. And -now, I'll make an admission: That was exactly my own estimate of the -case up to a few hours ago. To use a well known expression, the thing -looked like a 'frame-up,' very carefully planned by Monsieurs Burnnel -and Emery. I could have sworn that they were guilty. I was absolutely -sure--as sure as I am that I'm standing here--that Frischette had not -committed suicide at all, but had been murdered. There was pretty strong -circumstantial evidence to bear out this belief. The two men had gone to -Creel to obtain the poke, and had secured it, only to lose it again -through your intervention." - -The corporal paused, clearing his throat. - -"Then Frischette got it from you. Now, I ask you, what would be more -likely than that the two prospectors and Frischette should meet each -other, that Emery and Burnnel should learn that the Frenchman had come -into possession of the poke and eventually murder him in order to get -it. As I have said, that was the reasonable and logical deduction, and -you can imagine my astonishment to discover, almost beyond the shadow of -a doubt, that such a deduction was entirely wrong. Motive or no motive, -the Frenchman took his own life. I have proof of that." - -"What is your proof?" asked Sandy. - -"Well, I made a search of the body and found something that both Burnnel -and Emery had overlooked, a note in the inner pocket of Frischette's -coat. I know his handwriting and I am positive that the note is not a -forgery." - -"What did it say?" Dick asked breathlessly. - -By way of answering, Corporal Rand produced a wallet and extracted from -it a small, soiled slip of paper, handing it over to the boys to read. -For a moment they found difficulty in deciphering the sprawling, almost -illegible script. But presently Dick read aloud: - - "To whom it may concern: - - "I, Louis Frischette, am about to kel myself because I am veery much - desappoint. I write thes so no other man be acuse an' put in jail for - what I do. - Signed: - "Louis Frischette." - -Dick's hand shook as he handed the paper back to the policeman. - -"I'm not convinced yet," he declared. - -"But here's the evidence--the proof right here." Rand patted the slip of -paper. - -"It might be explained," Dick pointed out. - -"What!" The corporal looked startled. - -"How do you know that Emery and Burnnel did not force Frischette to -write that note before they murdered him?" - -Rand did a peculiar thing. He stared at Dick for a moment in absolute -silence, then turned without a word and walked back into the stable and -led out his horse. Not until he had sprung into the saddle did he trust -himself to speak. - -"I'm going back. I ought to be jerked back there by the nape of my neck. -What have I been dreaming of? Dick, I'll take off my hat to you. It's a -fortunate thing that one of us, at least, has not been wholly deprived -of the faculty of sober reasoning." He smiled grimly. "If this ever got -to Cameron's ears, I'd be fined six months' pay." - -"But I may be wrong," Dick flushed at the other's compliment. - -"Right or wrong, we can't afford to take any chances. In any event, I'm -going back before Emery and Burnnel slip out of my hands." - -And, in an incredibly short space of time, he was gone. A turn in the -woodland path shut him from view. But, even long after he had gone, Dick -and Sandy stood looking down the trail, across which laggard twilight -had flung its darkling banners. Sandy broke into an amused chuckle. - -"That's one on the corporal. He won't be in a very pleasant frame of -mind for the remainder of the evening, will he?" - -Dick scowled. - -"You must remember, Sandy, that we all make mistakes. Rand's oversight -is excusable. He's been working on this case day and night for the last -six months. He's tired out, and sometimes so sleepy that he can hardly -stick in the saddle." - -"Yes, that's right." The laugh died on the young Scotchman's lips. "He's -had a lot to contend with. And perhaps he hasn't made a mistake after -all. Frischette may have committed suicide. The note might not have been -forced from him. Who can say?" - -"Yes," said Dick, "who can say? Why don't you put on your thinking cap, -Sandy, and find a motive for Frischette's act?" - -"That's a bargain. We'll find the motive. We'll go over the details -carefully in our minds and try to come to some conclusion." - -Sandy grinned. "And tomorrow morning we'll compare notes." - -They were interrupted at this juncture by the appearance of Toma. They -could see at once, from that young man's expression, that something -unusual had happened. His face, sober at all times, was unusually gray -and depressed. As he came forward quickly, he kept glancing from one to -the other interrogatively. - -"Have you seen 'em fellow Creel?" he asked anxiously. - -"Why, no, Toma," Dick answered. "What makes you ask that?" - -"Little while ago," the young Indian enlightened them, "I think mebbe I -change bandage on that fellow's head. I look everywhere. I no find." - -"Come to think about it," Sandy made the assertion, "I haven't seen him -myself since lunch." - -Toma's face darkened. - -"I 'fraid mebbe he run away." - - - - - CHAPTER XI - FINDING A MOTIVE - - -The disappearance of Creel caused the boys a lot of worry. He had left -the road-house without a word to anyone and had slipped away without -being seen. It occurred to Dick to question Fontaine and Le Sueur, in -the hope that they might be able to throw some light on the matter. But -neither of the two young half-breeds could supply any information. - -"He must have gone back to his cabin," guessed Sandy. "He's a queer old -duffer in some ways, and probably prefers to be alone. No doubt, we'll -find him there." - -But such did not prove to be the case. Creel's cabin was empty. When the -boys entered, the place was strangely silent and eerie. It was so dark -within, that at first they could see nothing. It was damp and musty, and -their footsteps echoed cheerlessly through the gloom. - -"Strike a match," said Dick, "and we'll see if you can find a candle. -Although he isn't here, I'd like to look around a bit." - -The boys fumbled in their pockets. No one had a match, apparently, but -finally Toma found a broken stub of one and a tiny glare flickered -through the room. In its light, Sandy discovered a short piece of candle -on a soap box near the fireplace and carried it triumphantly over to -Toma before the match sputtered out. - -It was well that the boys had decided to look around before pursuing -their investigations further. The room was in complete disorder. -Confusion was everywhere. Toma, who had been the last person to leave it -on the previous day, was astonished at the change which had been brought -about there. - -"What you think about that?" he exclaimed excitedly. "Yesterday, when I -leave this place, everything all right. Somebody him come an' make -trouble here." - -"Creel must have come back," Sandy decided. "I wonder where he went to -from here?" - -"That seems hardly likely," Dick spoke up. "Everything here belongs to -Creel and he wouldn't be apt to throw things about like this. It isn't -at all reasonable, Sandy. Even if he was planning to leave this place -for good, he wouldn't do this thing, unless he had suddenly gone mad." - -"Yes, that's right. Just look at things! It's more reasonable to think -that someone came here with a grudge against Creel and proceeded to do -as much damage as possible." - -The boys spent a few more minutes in looking about. A tall cupboard, at -one end of the room, had been completely emptied. Its contents--parcels, -packages, cans of fruit and an occasional dish or granite plate--had -been swept to the floor. Chairs had been overturned. A small trap-door, -entering upon a tiny cellar below the rough, board floor, gaped open. -Looking at it, Dick came to a sudden conclusion. - -"Do you know what I think?" he began hurriedly. "This isn't a case of -wanton revenge. There's a reason behind it all. In Creel's absence some -person has been ransacking this place in the hope of finding something -of value." - -"You guess right that time," Toma nodded. "That's what it look like. -Somebody, not Creel, come here. Mebbe he look for box, where Creel keep -all his money." - -Sandy turned upon the young Indian. - -"By the way, Toma, what became of that box, the night we left here and -you took Creel over to the road-house?" - -"He take box with him." - -"Whoever came here," reasoned Dick, "must have thought that Creel's -treasure had been left behind." - -Sandy scratched his head. - -"Look here, Dick, do you think it _was_ the box? Was it the money he -came after? Why not that mysterious poke?" - -Dick slapped his chum on the back. - -"You have it," he exulted. "We're getting closer now." - -"And the plot thickens," grinned Sandy. - -"A few more tangled threads," Dick answered, smiling. "Perhaps we'd -better give up. This case is too deep and complicated for us. We haven't -the ability to solve it." - -"I quite agree with you. Not one of us is a Sherlock Holmes or an expert -from Scotland Yard. We're out of our natural element." - -"Just the same," Dick's enthusiasm was contagious, "we'll have lots of -fun in trying to figure it all out." - -"What we do about Creel?" Toma wanted to know. - -In their interest in the new development, Dick and Sandy had completely -forgotten about the old recluse until thus reminded. Where had he gone, -and what was his purpose in going? - -"No use in trying to do anything more about him tonight," Dick came to -the obvious conclusion. "It would be foolish to start out now to look -for him. We don't know which way he has gone." - -"Perfectly true," said Sandy. "He has given us the slip and, even in -broad daylight, we'll probably have plenty of trouble in picking up his -trail. We've been careless. I dread to think of what Corporal Rand will -say, when he hears the news." - -Dick righted an overturned bench and sat down upon it. - -"Let's rest here for a moment and then go back to the road-house." - -Toma, who had been carrying the candle about in his hand, moved forward -and placed it upon the table. Sandy drew up a chair. A short silence -ensued. Outside they could hear the plaintive whispering of the pines, -the rustling of leaves near the open window. - -Suddenly, Sandy sat up very straight on the bench, then leaned forward -eagerly, his merry blue eyes now serious. - -"I've just had a real inspiration," he announced. "Incidentally, I've -fulfilled my part of our agreement. I've found the motive for -Frischette's suicide." - -"Tell us." - -Dick's face lit in a half-smile. At the moment he did not take Sandy -seriously. He doubted very much whether Sandy would be able to advance -anything of value concerning the Frenchman's untimely end. Yet he was -mildly curious to learn what the other had to say. - -"What is your motive?" - -"Before I tell you," Sandy's eyes were sparkling now, "I want to ask you -a question. Please comb that old wool of yours and help me out as much -as you can." - -"Fire away," smiled Dick. - -"The other night when we took the poke away from Burnnel and Emery, can -you remember what it felt like?" - -Dick broke into a roar of laughter. - -"Felt like? What do you mean, Sandy?" - -"The poke, of course," scowled the young Scotchman. "I'm perfectly -serious. It's important. For nearly a minute you held that poke in your -hand. Didn't you feel it? Didn't you look at it? What were your -sensations?" - -"Why, why--I was too excited at the time. I had it in my hand, of -course. I remember it sort of fitted nicely in my hand--a little, flat -poke, made of soft leather, that was somehow pleasant to the touch." - -In his excitement, Sandy rose to his feet. - -"There! That's what I've been driving at. Didn't it occur to you at the -time that the poke was curiously light?" - -"No, I can't remember that it did. On the contrary. I have a sort of -hazy memory that, although the poke was somewhat flat, it did contain -something." - -Sandy sighed. "Well, if that's the case, I guess my theory is already -exploded." - -"What were you trying to deduce?" - -"You can have it for what it's worth. You will recall that after Burnnel -and Emery had spurned the money-box, and had knocked Creel flat across -the threshold, they went inside and found the poke--the thing they had -come after. They weren't inside that room more than a few moments. I -don't believe they opened the poke inside the room, and I know they -didn't open it outside. They were probably satisfied that it contained -what they had reason to believe it contained--I mean, weren't -suspicious." - -"I don't understand you." - -"Well, it's just a possibility, of course, yet it seems quite -reasonable. Anyway, for the sake of argument, we'll say that Creel had -removed everything of value from the poke. Not suspecting this ruse, -Burnnel and Emery took the poke away with them. A few yards away from -the cabin they are confronted by Toma, and then we relieve them of that -mysterious poke. We have it in our possession only a short time. -Frischette snatches it away from you. Believing that he has a fortune in -his hands, he decides to make his escape, leaving Creel, his -confederate, in the lurch." - -Sandy paused for breath, smiled soberly, then went on again: - -"Let us say that he puts the poke in his pocket and hurries along, -gloating over his good fortune. At first, he's so busy endeavoring to -put distance between him and the rest of us, that he doesn't find it -convenient to open the poke and examine its contents. - -"After a time, he slackens his pace. He pulls the poke from his pocket, -opens it, and, to his horror, discovers that it is empty. What is he -going to do? He dare not turn back. He has no money. You will remember -that Frischette was a person of sudden moods and emotions. He was -violent in everything--violently happy or utterly dejected. He feels -that there is nothing to do but to take his own life. A few hours later, -Burnnel and Emery came along and find his body and the empty poke. Now, -what do you think of that for a theory?" - -"Sandy," said Dick, in tones of deep admiration, "you've done well. -Splendid! Very logical. I've almost begun to believe in your theory -myself." - -"The trouble is," sighed Sandy, "it has one very weak point." - -"What is it?" questioned Dick. - -"You said just a moment ago that you were under the impression that, -when you had the poke in your hand, it contained something; wasn't quite -empty." - -"No," remembered Dick, "it wasn't." - -"So all my clever reasoning has been in vain." Sandy looked despondent. -"The circumstances do not fit my theory." - -Another long silence. - -"Let's not discard your theory altogether," said Dick at length. -"Perhaps I can help you out a little. Two minds are better than one, you -know. Permit me to offer a suggestion. From what you have said, I gather -that your inference is that Creel removed the contents of the poke. -Well, perhaps he did." - -"Yes, yes," said Sandy. "Go on." - -"And made a substitution. Put something of no value, whatsoever, in the -poke. That will bolster up your theory." - -Sandy's eyes gleamed. - -"You're right. If we keep at it, Dick, we'll soon be as proficient as -the great Sherlock Holmes himself." - - - - - CHAPTER XII - "RAT" MACGREGOR'S WIFE - - -Before the lunch hour on the following day, Corporal Rand and his two -prisoners returned to Frischette's road-house, only to discover that -Creel and the three boys were gone. However, Fontaine had a letter, -which he pressed into the policeman's hands. It was from Dick, a short -note, scrawled hastily over the discolored surface of a torn piece of -wrapping paper: - - "Dear Corporal: - - "Creel disappeared yesterday and we have set out this morning in an - effort to find him. If our search is not successful, it is doubtful - whether we will return to the road-house before tonight--and it may - possibly be sometime tomorrow. Very sorry this had to happen. - "Sincerely, - "Dick." - -Rand looked up, after perusing the short missive, and pursed his lips. -Then he made a swift calculation. If Dick and his two chums had -contrived to pick up Creel's trail, and had travelled steadily in one -direction, they were not more than twenty or thirty miles away at that -precise moment. They were on foot, while he had the choice of three -tough, sturdy horses. It would be possible to overtake them and assist -in the search. He wondered if it would be advisable to leave Burnnel and -Emery locked up in a room at the road-house, awaiting his return. - -He thought the matter over carefully. He hated to risk the chance of -losing his prisoners, yet it was very important that Creel should not -escape. The recluse, as the boys had ascertained a few days before, had -been associated with Frischette in a number of robberies, including that -of Dewberry. - -Dewberry's poke had been in the possession of Creel until the coming of -Burnnel and Emery. No doubt, Creel knew all about the murder as well. In -any case, he was too dangerous a character to be permitted to run at -large. The policeman roundly upbraided himself for his negligence in -failing to instruct the boys about keeping close watch over the man -during his own recent absence. - -After much thinking, pro and con, the corporal came to a decision. He -would go. Fontaine would watch over the prisoners. Just as soon as he, -Rand, could feed and water his horse and get something to eat himself, -he would immediately take the trail south--for that undoubtedly was the -direction in which the wily old recluse had gone. - -Having made his plans, the policeman proceeded to put them into -execution. He cared for his horse, had lunch, gave Fontaine final -instructions, and, just before starting out, locked Burnnel and Emery in -the room, which formerly had been the private chamber of the road-house -keeper himself. He led out his horse, saddled and bridled, and was in -the very act of mounting, when a sound came from the opposite side of -the road-house. It caused him to hesitate, one foot already in the -stirrup, then presently, with an exclamation of surprise, to withdraw -that foot and place it firmly on the ground again. - -A half-breed woman, quite young, sitting gracefully on a pinto pony, -guided by a rope bridle, came around the corner of the house and drew -up, less than twenty feet from the spot where the corporal stood. - -Seeing a woman there, was not what had interested Rand so much as the -fact that he had immediately recognized her. It was "Rat" MacGregor's -wife! - -If he had suddenly been brought face to face with her like this at any -other place except here, at Frischette's road-house, he would have -thought nothing of it, would have continued about his business, -untroubled by a single suspicion. - -But here it was different. What was the woman doing here? Surely it was -for no good purpose. Her coming had induced a perplexing train of -thought in the corporal's mind, and had made necessary a complete -revision of his plans. - -Shaking his head, he led his horse back into the stable and advanced to -question the woman. Removing his hat, he bowed politely. - -"Madam is a long way from home," he remarked. "May I ask which way you -are going?" - -"Rat" MacGregor's wife threw back her head haughtily. - -"Police! Bah!" she sniffed. - -"You have been released on probation," the policeman reminded her, not -unkindly. "Inspector Cameron has asked you to remain at home. What are -you doing here?" - -The woman sniffed again, but did not answer. She turned her back and -began fumbling with the cinches of the saddle. - -"You will return home at once," Rand instructed her, endeavoring to keep -his temper. - -She turned her head and looked over her shoulder, her face set and -determined. - -"Why you say where I go?" she broke forth passionately. "What business -you have tell me go home? I go, I stay where I like. First, you keel my -man, then you put me in jail, then you say I no go where I wish. Police -pretty big fool, eh?" - -"Mrs. MacGregor," declared the corporal patiently, "we have been more -than kind to you. We released you from jail and placed you on probation. -All that we have asked is that you remain at home and be good, attend to -your own affairs. If you will do that, we will not put you back in jail -again." - -"Bah!" snorted MacGregor's wife, sticking out her tongue and defying -him. - -"You must promise to go back," said Rand. "You must be good. You must -not try to anger the police. If you will go back this afternoon, I will -not mention this matter to the inspector. He shall know nothing about it -and will not ask me to put you back in jail." - -For a moment the policeman believed that he had won his point. Her -manner changed suddenly. - -"My horse he is very tired." - -"I will take him in the stable for you and give him something to eat. He -can rest there for a few hours and then you can start back." - -The corporal advanced, pushed her gently aside, loosened the cinches and -swung the saddle from the back of the pinto mare. As he did so, -MacGregor's wife withdrew a few paces. The policeman had his back to -her, and, therefore, did not see the swift movement of her right hand -toward her blouse. But he did see, when next he chanced to turn his -head, the small revolver nestling in her hand--pointed straight at his -head. - -"I didn't think you'd do a thing like that," declared Rand, -reproachfully. "You'll only get yourself in more trouble. Put it down." - -"You keel my man," the young barbarian declared spitefully. "Now I keel -you." - -"That's your privilege," answered the policeman, quite unmoved. "But if -you do, you'll hang for it. Be reasonable, and put down that gun." - -"Rat" MacGregor's wife possessed the black, beady eyes of a snake. They -were unrelenting, wicked, revengeful. Her staring gaze never left the -policeman's face. Eight feet away--it would not be possible to leap -suddenly forward and disarm her. His best chance was to endeavor to get -his own gun. - -But how could he get his gun, when she was watching him like that? He -knew that if he moved his hand a single inch, her weapon would explode -in his face. Hers was no idle threat. She really intended to kill him! - -There was a chance, very remote, of course, that Fontaine or Le Sueur -might come to his assistance. Look out of the window. See him and the -woman there. - -"Look here," said Rand, fighting for time, "I think you are making a -very serious mistake. You'll have to answer for it in the end. Inspector -Cameron will be sure to get you. You can't possibly escape. While there -is still time, you'd better put down that gun." - -"If I do," her eyes glinted, "will you promise not put me in jail?" - -The corporal did not hesitate. - -"A while ago I could have given you my promise. But not now. It is too -late, madam." - -The policeman was afraid that he had sounded his own death-knell. Well, -he had told the truth, anyway. He had not lied to her. He had not -stained his honor or violated the code. He wondered why he could feel so -calm with those eyes blazing at him and the knowledge that he was about -to die. Calm!--when he could see that the index finger of her right hand -was beginning to press slowly but determinedly against the trigger. - -"Time's up!" thought Corporal Rand. - -And then--like the sound that comes out of a dream--the opening of a -door. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII - ON CREEL'S TRAIL - - -The search for Creel had taken the boys southward. They were not sure -that he had gone that way; it merely seemed the most likely direction. -He had taken the contents of his money-box and had decamped, leaving no -trail. Just before starting, they had found the empty chest in the room -which he had occupied. - -Being a fugitive from justice, and with a considerable amount of money -in his possession, the natural deduction was that he was making his way -out to Edmonton. His chance of escaping was good. He had at least six -hours' start. He was not known to be a criminal. Almost anywhere he -would have passed unchallenged. As yet, the police had had no -opportunity to telegraph ahead in an effort to secure his apprehension. - -The boys had discussed his probable route, deciding that he would go by -way of Peace River Crossing. Boats of the Hudson's Bay Company plied up -and down the river during the spring and summer months, and it was only -reasonable to suppose that he would secure passage on one of these, -ascend the river to Peace River Crossing, where he could purchase a -ticket to go by rail to Edmonton. - -All this, of course, was mere conjecture. They had no real assurance -that it was the route that the old recluse would take. For all they -knew, he might still be in hiding somewhere in the vicinity of the -road-house. The only way to determine whether or not he was on his way -south, was to set out along the trail, making inquiries wherever -possible. - -Dwellings were few and far between. Sixteen miles due south of -Frischette's, they arrived at Meade's Ferry, where there was a -road-house and small trading-post, conducted by Hampton Meade, a kindly -veteran of the North. Here Fortune befriended them. They learned that -their assumption had been correct. Creel had spent the night there. - -"And he left early this morning," Meade's son, a handsome young man of -about Dick's own age, informed them. "Queer old beggar, isn't he?" - -Dick nodded. - -"Did he leave here on foot?" - -"Yes." - -Dick considered for a moment thoughtfully. - -"Would it be possible to obtain a horse or two? Are there any here? We -had our own ponies when we arrived at Frischette's stopping-place. We -turned them out to graze and they have disappeared. If you have any, I -will pay you handsomely." - -"There are two ponies," answered the young man,"--one of them mine, the -other, father's. You may have the use of them." - -The boys were overjoyed at this unexpected stroke of luck. It would be -necessary, of course, for one of them to remain at Meade's, while the -other two went on after Creel. They drew straws. It fell to Sandy's lot -to wait at the road-house until his two chums returned. - -"I don't expect we'll be away very long," declared Dick a short time -later, as he and Toma mounted the two borrowed steeds. "We ought to be -back before night." - -Creel had a few hours start of them, but he was walking. With light -hearts, feeling confident of success, the boys cantered away. Soon the -miles wound away behind them. They pressed their ponies forward, urging -them to their greatest speed. Time passed quickly. They had now begun to -scan the trail ahead, in the expectation of seeing the queer, shambling -figure of the old recluse. They galloped past a party of Indians, then -two prospectors, trudging along, weighted down by heavy shoulder-packs, -and finally drew up at a wayside cabin, inhabited by a half-breed -trapper. Dick questioned him: - -"Did an old man stop here not so very long ago? Walked with a stoop, -face covered with a heavy beard, hair straggling in his eyes. Did you -see him?" - -"_Oui_, m'sieur. I see him two, three hour ago. Him ver' fine fellow. -Plenty money. I have nice horse. He buy et." - -Dick had not expected this. The news had come as a shock. He blinked. - -"Rotten luck!" he exclaimed irritably. - -"What you say, m'sieur?" - -Dick did not answer. He was making a rough calculation. They had already -come fifteen or sixteen miles at top speed. No longer were their ponies -fresh. Creel had the advantage. It would be absolutely impossible to -overtake him now. Apparently, Toma held the same opinion. - -"No use go on now," he declared grimly. - -Dick turned to the half-breed. - -"You haven't any more fresh horses?" - -The half-breed looked surprised. - -"Know where we can get any?" Dick persisted. - -"Not many ponies 'round here," explained the trapper. "Why you no like -those pony there?" - -"Tired out," answered Dick. "And we want to go fast." - -He relaxed in the saddle, and just then an idea came to him. - -"How far is it from here to Fort Wonderly?" - -"'Bout twelve mile." - -Dick thanked the half-breed, motioned to Toma, and they set off again. - -"Well," announced Dick, "we're going over to the fort." - -"Why you go there?" Toma stared blankly. "Fort Wonderly off trail. Creel -him no go that way. I no understand why you do that." - -"I'll tell you, Toma," Dick spoke despondently. "We haven't a chance now -to overtake Creel. But at Fort Wonderly there's a government telegraph -office, and I'll give a message to the operator, warning everybody along -the route. There is another detachment of the mounted police at Peace -River Crossing, and they'll send out a man to intercept him." - -So it was late that night when Dick and Toma returned to Meade's Ferry -and reported the outcome of their journey. - -"It's too bad," Sandy commented, "I was sure that when you got back -you'd have Creel with you. But you showed a lot of good sense when you -sent that message. If Creel manages to slip through the police lines -farther south, he'll be a wizard." - -"I've been thinking about Creel all day," said Dick. "I've been blaming -myself continually for my negligence. We should never have permitted him -to escape. I'm positive now that your theory is correct, and that he's -going south, not only with the money that was in that box, but the -contents of Dewberry's poke as well. I really believe that if we had our -hands upon him now, and searched him, we'd find everything." - -"No doubt, you're right. Well, I suppose there's only one thing to do -now: Return to Frischette's road-house. Corporal Rand must be back by -now. He'll know what to do next." - -The two boys were joined later by Toma, Meade and his son. The -free-trader, a tall, imposing figure, complacently smoked a pipe and now -and again engaged the boys in conversation. - -"I understand that you've come from Fort Good Faith," he said. - -"Well, not exactly," Dick replied. "We live there. Factor MacClaren is -Sandy's uncle; but for the last few days we've been stopping at -Frischette's roadhouse." - -Meade's clear blue eyes shadowed. - -"Friend of his?" - -"Not exactly," answered Dick evasively. - -"Queer character," commented Meade. - -"He's dead," said Sandy. - -"Dead!" The free-trader straightened in his chair, removed the pipe from -his mouth and stared. "What happened to _him_?" - -"Took his own life." - -Meade received this information with a slight raising of his eyebrows. - -"Queer! That road-house will soon have an evil name. First Dewberry and -now Frischette." - -For a time conversation languished. Everyone seemed to be occupied with -his own thoughts. - -"I was interested in the Dewberry case," Meade finally broke the -silence. "You see, I knew him; knew him better probably than most folks. -Sort of unusual fellow, Dewberry was. One of the quietest, queerest men -I have ever met." - -Dick locked across at Meade sharply. - -"Not very many people really knew Dewberry," he stated. - -"I knew him," said Meade, "and I was sorry to hear of his death." - -"Where do you suppose Dewberry was going?" Sandy spoke up. "I mean just -before the tragedy. No one seems to know." - -Meade smiled. "There's no secret there. Dewberry often passed along the -trail, and sometimes remained here for several days at a time. He was a -queer duffer. But once you got to know him, his eccentricities passed -unnoticed. Not many folks knew it, but Dewberry's time was divided -between this country and Peace River Crossing. Usually, about six months -of the year, he lived at the Crossing. He owns property there. Has a -little house, overlooking the Hart River, and for weeks at a time he'd -shut himself up in it. A lot of folks couldn't understand why he chose -to do that. Neither could I, until one time, when I happened to be in -Peace River Crossing, I met him on the street." - -For a time Meade lapsed into silence, gazing reminiscently away in the -direction of the river. - -"He invited me up to the house," he continued. "Tidy little place, I -found it. Nicely furnished. Piano, violin, books. Books!--there were -rows upon rows of books. Special bindings, shelf upon shelf, I tell you, -and strange old volumes, musty with age. He loved them. That's where he -spent most of his time. Read from morning 'til night, and when he wasn't -reading, he was fiddling away on the violin or thumping on that piano. I -stayed there two days, and I want to tell you that I've never enjoyed -anything more. His company. His talk about the books. The music he made -on that piano." - -"Too bad he's gone," said Sandy. - -The free-trader nodded. - -"He was reputed to be very wealthy," said Dick. - -"I guess that is true," Meade answered thoughtfully. "You see, he was -one of the best prospectors that ever came into the North. There are -some folks who say that his luck was phenomenal. At any rate, he had no -occasion to worry. In recent years, it was more for the love and -excitement he got out of the game than the necessity of making more -money that induced him to take those long, lonely treks out there in the -foothills." - -"After what you have told us about him," puzzled Sandy, "there is one -thing rather difficult to understand. Why did a person of his -intelligence carry so much wealth about his person." - -"I don't think he did," declared Meade. - -"If that is so," persisted Sandy, "why did they follow him and plan the -robbery and murder at Frischette's?" - -"Well, there is no doubt that he had a considerable amount of money and -gold with him, but no more, probably, than the average prospector. I am -positive that he didn't carry his entire wealth with him. 'Rat' -MacGregor, or whoever it was that committed the robbery, merely -suspected that such was the case." - -Sandy abandoned the issue. Yet neither he nor Dick was convinced. There -was that tell-tale poke. - -As they sat there, watching the shadows steal out from the darkening -woodland beyond, they were presently made aware of a newcomer. - -An Indian pony, a pinto mare, left the turn of the trail near the fringe -of trees, bordering the river, and came slowly forward. A woman sat -astride the pony--a young woman, unmistakably an Indian or half-breed. -Meade rose as she reined up in front of the cabin and slowly dismounted. -The boys were not particularly interested. They had never seen the woman -before. - -"Who is that?" Sandy inquired listlessly. - -Both boys started at the unexpected answer. - -"Heaven help me," growled Meade, "if it isn't 'Rat' MacGregor's wife!" - - - - - CHAPTER XIV - A MEETING IN THE WOODS - - -Scarcely had the boys recovered from their astonishment, when they were -treated to a still greater and more breath-taking surprise. Meade's son -was the first to draw their attention. In their interest in the -newcomer, they had entirely overlooked the approach of two others. - -These two were Burnnel and Emery. They rode up to the accompanying -thump, thump, thump of three wildly beating hearts. Astride two horses! -Stolen horses! In his agitation, Dick rose and gripped the back of his -chair. He recognized the wiry little ponies, and rubbed his eyes. Less -than twenty-four hours before he had ridden one of them himself. The -other belonged to Sandy. - -In truth, Dick had become so excited that for the next few moments he -was barely aware of what was taking place. He was confused and -befuddled. He saw Sandy and Toma shoot to their feet in sudden dismay -and shrink back toward the open doorway. Not knowing that anything was -wrong, Meade and his son had gone forward to bid the new arrivals a -hearty welcome. And it was probably well that they did, for it gave the -three boys time to slip within the log building, hurriedly cross the -room and pass out of the door at the opposite side. - -All three were trembling with excitement. Below his shock of bright -yellow hair, Sandy's forehead was ashen. The boys hoped that they had -not been recognized. Undoubtedly, while making their approach, Burnnel -and Emery had seen them, but Dick recalled that in the position in which -they sat out there on the front porch, they had been hid somewhat by the -figures of Meade and his son. - -The coming of the two malevolent prospectors had placed them in a rather -awkward, if not dangerous position. It would be impossible for them to -remain at the road-house while the partners were there. Burnnel and -Emery had not forgotten the encounter of two days before in front of -Creel's cabin. No doubt, they would take a great deal of pleasure in -evening the score. Both were remorseless, savage, vindictive. Neither -would hesitate for a moment to take any advantage offered, any -opportunity for reprisal. - -"No, it will never do for us to remain," Sandy trembled. "You and Toma -can stay here if you like, Dick--not I. If we stay here, we'll be -compelled to fight it out." - -"I willing fight," Toma announced darkly. - -"It wouldn't be fair to Meade," Dick objected. "There's sure to be -trouble. Anyway, there's nothing to be gained by remaining here." - -"The thing to do," said Sandy emphatically, "is to get out--go somewhere -and make camp for the night. Either that, or start back at once for -Frischette's road-house, which we had planned to do tomorrow anyway. -I'll repeat that I don't care to show my face around here--at least, not -until Burnnel and Emery have gone." - -They were standing just outside the door on the side of the cabin -opposite to the one, where they had previously been sitting talking to -the free-trader and his son. They were safe from detection here only for -a few moments. As soon as Burnnel and Emery and "Rat" MacGregor's wife -put up their horses, they would enter the cabin. Then the boys would be -seen, for not only the door but one window overlooked the space there on -the west side of the house, where they were now standing. - -Toma pointed to a line of brush two or three hundred yards away, and -they proceeded hurriedly toward it. In leaving thus surreptitiously, -they had been forced to abandon part of their equipment--their rifles -and shoulder-packs, and a small roll of Hudson's Bay blankets. - -"What will Meade think?" Dick inquired anxiously, as they plunged into -the dense thicket and commenced picking their way ahead. "He won't -understand our sudden disappearance. I'm afraid he'll be anxious about -us." - -"Worse than that," Sandy struck out at a branch directly in front of him -before taking his next step. "He'll be sure to give us away. Emery and -Burnnel, if they don't know it already, will learn from him that we were -at the road-house when they arrived." - -"It can't be helped. I don't think they'll follow us." - -"What beats me," Sandy stopped altogether and turned to face his two -companions soberly, "is how they managed to get away from Corporal Rand. -You don't suppose he turned them loose again, do you?" - -"It seems hardly likely, yet--" Dick paused. - -"Yet they're here," the young Scotchman finished the sentence for him. -"Either they escaped, or he gave them their freedom. If he gave them -their freedom, Rand has proved to his own satisfaction that Frischette -really committed suicide. Then, of course, he wouldn't have any reason -for detaining them any longer." - -"Perfectly true. But that doesn't explain about the ponies. Rand may be -kind-hearted and all that, yet he wouldn't deliberately lend them the -ponies, would he? We need them ourselves." - -"They might have stolen the ponies," reasoned Sandy. - -"That seems more probable." - -"Well, what we do now?" Toma had grown impatient. "I think it be foolish -to stay here in brush all night. Better we start right back an' see if -we find 'em Corporal Rand." - -"But suppose the corporal didn't release Burnnel and Emery?" Dick asked -perplexed. "We'd be foolish to run away then. The least we could do, -would be to keep in sight of them. Remember, Creel has already escaped." - -In exasperation, Sandy strode over to a fallen tree trunk and sat down, -moping his perspiring forehead with short, angry jabs, a scowl on his -face. - -"O pshaw! What's the use? Everything's turning out all wrong. We're -getting deeper and deeper and deeper into trouble every minute. I'm -through! I'll never become a policeman or a good detective--I know I -won't. I'm growing tired of all this, Dick. It's wearing on my nerves. -It is, I tell you." - -Dick and Toma both laughed. - -"Nonsense, Sandy! This is a game of wits. I like it." Dick made a -comical gesture with his hands. "All you have to do is to out-guess the -other fellow. We'll win in the end. We're bound to." - -"Oh, is that so. A guessing contest!" The other's tones were deeply -sarcastic. "Well, if that's the case, we're at the losing end right now. -How many of your guesses have been correct?" - -Boy-fashion, Dick strode over and placed a hand on his chum's indignant -shoulder. - -"Forget it, Sandy. This isn't a bit like you. Come on!" - -"Come on where?" - -Thus put to it, Dick found himself in somewhat of a predicament. The -question required an answer. - -"Why--why--well--" he began. "You see, Sandy--" - -"It's a contest," Sandy reminded him scornfully. "All you have to do is -to outwit the other fellow. You like it. Now tell me, please, what is -your guess?" - -Dick flushed, but contrived to keep his temper. - -"I haven't quite decided yet. There are two courses open to us. We can -stay here and keep an eye on Burnnel and Emery, or go back to meet -Corporal Rand." - -In such a mood, Sandy got a good deal of enjoyment in tantalizing his -friend. - -"All right. I'm waiting. Why don't you guess?" - -Dick looked about him in desperation. Then gradually out of his -perplexity there sprang a solution to his difficulty. It came like the -sudden glimmer of inspiration. - -"We'll have to do both," he stated positively. - -"How?" - -"Separate." - -"I don't quite understand." - -"One of us can go back to meet Corporal Rand, the other two remain here -to watch Burnnel and Emery." - -Sandy rose from his place on the fallen tree, grinning a little -sheepishly. - -"Now you're talking. Why didn't you think of that before? Which one of -us will go to meet the corporal?" - -"You can go if you like, Sandy," said Dick with great magnanimity. - -"No, no; I wasn't thinking about that. You'd better go, Dick. You're the -one that thought of it." - -Dick shook his head. - -"I think I'd rather stay here, if you don't mind." - -"Just as you say." - -Sandy was really pleased. - -"It's a bargain, then, unless Toma--" - -"I like stay here, too," declared Toma. - -The three boys were grouped together, facing each other. For the time -being, they were off guard. Not that they had felt at any time during -the past few moments that danger really threatened them. Although still -fairly close to Meade's road-house, they weren't troubled about Burnnel -and Emery just then. Even if the two prospectors had seen them when they -rode up, it was extremely unlikely that they would attempt anything -until they had fully rested. Immediate pursuit was a thing that had not -entered the boys' calculations, and yet-- - -Dick's first intimation of an attack, or even of the presence of an -enemy, came when he beheld Toma--apparently for no reason at all--leap -straight back, like a deer surprised in its forest haunt, and plunge -headlong into a willow thicket. Sandy's behavior was equally puzzling. -Sandy sat down. He sat down on the seat he had just vacated and stared -wildly past Dick, both eyes and mouth open wide. Whirling about, Dick -blinked and caught his breath. A familiar pair confronted him. - -"Don't move," said a heavy voice. "We got yuh!" - - - - - CHAPTER XV - A DESERTED ROAD-HOUSE - - -Frischette's road-house was quiet. A casual passer-by, threading his way -along the shadowy forest trail, a trail arched by the branches of tall -poplar trees, might have thought that the place was deserted. There was -no sign of life anywhere, although a door and several windows stood -partially open. A young Indian, who approached the familiar landmark, -was struck by an overwhelming feeling of presentiment. - -The morning was well advanced and yet there was no evidence of life -here. No smoke issued from the tall mud-chimney, which rose like a bleak -sentinel at one side of the building. Sitting on the projecting end of -the center ridge-pole, a hawk basked in the sun. Intense quiet reigned, -a funereal silence, that was broken only by the faint rustling of the -leaves and the nervous stirring of the tall grass, which encroached up -to the door of the cabin itself. - -Toma rubbed one hand across his brow wearily. For four hours he had -walked steadily with this place as his objective, and in the hope of -finding his friend, the mounted police corporal. He knew that Rand ought -to be here. That had been their agreement, the understanding between the -policeman and the three boys. - -When he had approached to within thirty or forty yards of the house, -Toma's spirits fell. He was sure now that the road-house was untenanted. -No occupied dwelling, he reasoned, could be wrapped so deeply in that -tragic, sombre silence. The door stood invitingly open, yet Toma knew -before entering that no person recently had left it thus. He paused on -the threshold, staring into the room. It seemed to mock him. Except for -the few bare furnishings, it was entirely empty. With a quaking heart -and a trembling step, he passed through the main front room to the -kitchen at the back. - -No one was about. In the kitchen there had been stacked up, on a long -work-table opposite the stove, a pile of dirty, unwashed dishes. He -glanced at them casually, then passed on out of the back door and made -his way over to the stable. Like the cabin, the stable was unoccupied. -Disconsolately, Toma walked over and, climbing up, sat down on the top -rail of the six-foot-high corral fence. - -He didn't know what to make of it all. The absence of Corporal Rand -might, of course, be accounted for. But what about Fontaine and Le -Sueur, his two friends? Since the death of Frischette, these two last -named young men had taken over the management of the road-house. They -had entered upon their duties with a good deal of enthusiasm, and it -seemed unusual that they should both be away now, neglecting their -business. - -It was true, of course, that summer visitors were few. The bulk of -Frischette's trade had come during the early fall and winter and just -before the spring break-up. However, even if there were no guests at the -road-house, there was always the chance that one might come--an -occasional straggler--and it was not reasonable to suppose that both -Fontaine and Le Sueur would leave the place for any length of time. - -Yet, that was exactly what they had done. They were neglecting their -business. Toma scowled at the ground, and one moccasined foot beat an -impatient tattoo along the surface of the rail beneath him. He decided -after a time that, low on supplies, they had gone over to Fort Good -Faith to replenish their larder. But the absence of Rand was not so -easily explained, unless he was out searching for Burnnel and Emery. - -Shaking his head, Toma hopped down off the corral fence and strode back -in the direction of the house. This time he had a purpose in mind. He -would enter the kitchen and prepare himself a belated breakfast. He had -not eaten since early the night before and was tremendously hungry. He -entered the kitchen, kindled a fire in the large iron cook stove and -methodically set about his task. - -In the middle of his preparations he paused, pricking up his ears. Had -he heard something--a slight scraping sound? He stood perfectly still, -listening patiently. Then, as the sound was not repeated, he decided -that he had been mistaken. He returned to his task, and in a short time -breakfast was ready. He set a place for himself on the table in the -adjoining room, and was returning to the kitchen for his rasher of bacon -and pot of coffee, when he heard the sound again. - -This time there was no doubt in his mind. He had heard aright. The sound -issued from the room which had formerly been used by Frischette for his -office and private sleeping apartment. It was the only room in the house -that he had not explored. He bounded quickly forward, seizing the knob -of the door. He bent his weight against it. - -He stood back, scratching his head in perplexity. It was locked. -Something or someone was inside there. He called out softly. But, -although he imagined he heard the faint, scraping sound again, no voice -answered him. - -Toma was not long in deciding upon his course of action. He hurried into -the kitchen, passed through the door at the back, picked up a small log, -about four feet in length and six inches in diameter and, returning with -it, he applied himself to the door. - -At the first blow from his heavy battering-ram, the lock gave way. A -splintering and cracking of wood, and the door swung back. Looking -inside, Toma dropped his battering-ram. - -Closest to the door, lay Rand, gagged, bound hand and foot. A few feet -farther on, sprawled the youthful figures of his two friends, Fontaine -and Le Sueur. - -Following a little gasp of amazement, Toma strode into the room. - - - - - CHAPTER XVI - TRAPPED! - - -Burnnel and Emery had appeared so unexpectedly before the boys, opposite -Meade's road-house, that resistance was useless. Dick and Sandy had no -chance, whatever, to raise a hand in their defense. Of the three, Toma -had been the only one at all fortunate. His sudden leap backward into -the brush made possible his escape, but Dick and Sandy were powerless. -The young Scotchman, shrinking with terror, still sat on the fallen -tree, while Dick, no less overcome with fear, stood motionless, as the -two men drew closer, flourishing their guns. Emery's face was malignant -but triumphant. - -"So you thought you'd bust into our little game, eh?" he snarled, as he -relieved Dick and Sandy of their revolvers. "Yuh thought yuh was pretty -smart back there at Creel's a few days ago, didn't yuh? Well, yuh can -pay fer that now. Time we get through with yuh, yuh won't be so willin' -to meddle in somebody else's business." - -Dick found his voice. - -"We didn't harm you." - -Emery's scowl darkened. He was on the point of making some sarcastic -reply, but Burnnel cut in sharply: - -"Save your gab, both o' yuh. Too bad that other feller got away." - -Dick hoped that their captors would take them back to Meade's -road-house. It would be the best thing for him and Sandy. Their chance -of getting away would be better. They would feel safer there. Meade, no -doubt, would interfere and gain their release. - -Sandy had sunk into deep and utter dejection. He recalled, with little -shivers of apprehension, the treatment which had been meted out to Creel -a few days before. He was not buoyed up by any false hopes. He could see -in Burnnel and Emery's actions only an effort at reprisal--revenge for -their previous humiliation. Unlike Dick, he did not believe that they -would be taken back to Meade's road-house. In fact, such a thought had -never entered his mind. The partners were too shrewd for that. No, he -and Dick would be mistreated and tortured merely to satisfy their -craving for revenge. Besides, it would not suit Burnnel and Emery's -purpose to be encumbered with two prisoners. They had other business to -attend to. - -And, in a way, Sandy was right. Shortly after the boys had been relieved -of their guns, Burnnel straightened up, his mouth twisted in a venomous -leer. - -"Turn out your pockets," he ordered. - -The boys obeyed hastily, their hands nervous and trembling. Emery stood -over them, watching like a hawk, seizing from one or the other the -miscellaneous assortment of things that were brought to light. Dick, who -had acted as treasurer for the three boys, was relieved of a roll of -bills and a handful of silver. Burnnel's eyes lighted with satisfaction -at sight of the money, but his partner only grunted. Soon the boys had -completed their task. Their pockets had all been emptied. - -"Where's the poke?" - -Dick stared incredulously. - -"Poke? Why--why--what do you mean?" - -"Don't yuh try tuh look so blame' innocent. Yuh got it, one o' yuh." - -"Look here," said Dick hotly, "you know where that poke is--in Corporal -Rand's possession. You had it yourself on two different occasions. Why -didn't you keep it?" - -Burnnel advanced threateningly. - -"Enough o' that! Yuh know what I mean, a' right. We want what was in -that poke an' we want it quick." - -"But see here," protested Dick, "we haven't anything. I tell you, we -haven't. We don't even know what was in the poke in the first place." - -Burnnel and Emery exchanged glances. Then, indignantly, the little man -addressed the other: - -"There, what'd I tell yuh. It's plain they ain't got it. I was right. -It's Creel!" - -The huge bulk of Burnnel stood like a statue. Since questioning Dick, he -had not moved, except to turn his head in his partner's direction. Now -his chin was bent forward, resting upon his expansive, barrel-like -chest. To all appearances, his partner's assertion had given him food -for thought, required deliberate and careful consideration. In a moment -he raised his eyes again, glancing at Emery. With the fingers of one -hand he scratched the stubble on his pocked, scarred face. - -"How do yuh know that? You're jus' guessin'. I'd as soon think these -boys had it as Creel. Fact is, it's a hull lot more likely. How do we -know that this here young tomcat didn't empty the poke t'other night -right after we left an' afore Frischette comes along an' grabs it?" - -Emery darted a quick, insolent, sarcastic glance at his huge -confederate. - -"I don't believe it. Creel's the one what's fooled us. Fooled us in the -first place there at his cabin. It's all your fault, too. Yuh never -looked in that poke. An easy mark you are," he declared scornfully, -"lettin' him put it over yuh like that." - -Burnnel snarled like a bear in a trap. Emery perceived that he had gone -too far. His next words were placating, almost a whine. - -"Now look o' here, Bob, yuh don't need to get huffy. I think you're -wrong an' I'm goin' to stick to it. The only reason I said I'd come over -here tuh question these brats was all on your account. I wanted yuh to -be satisfied, tuh see fer yourself. We're jus' wastin' time. The thing -tuh do is tuh go back, pick up that blame' squaw an' see if we can't run -that worthless ol' rat tuh earth." - -Burnnel hated to admit that he was in the wrong, and in order to cover -his chagrin and disappointment, he flew into a violent rage and for a -period of nearly two minutes cursed wildly and furiously. As he did so, -he paced back and forth, huge fists clinched, swinging his arms -violently. With a final snarl, he cuffed Dick across the head, sending -the young man reeling back dizzily. His large moccasined foot, swinging -up, brushed Sandy's thigh. Then he seized Emery by the shoulder. - -"Come on! Let's get out o' here!" - -The little man's head jerked back with a snap. He, too, became furious. -They were still cursing and storming at each other as they disappeared -from view. - -The boys could scarcely believe their good fortune. They had not -expected to escape from the encounter with so little injury. They had -not even been taken prisoners. Their only loss had been that of their -money and their revolvers--a thing which troubled them little. Meade, -Dick was quite certain, would willingly help them out, as soon as they -explained their predicament. - -Of course, they couldn't go back to the road-house until Burnnel, Emery -and the woman had taken their leave. Tonight they must remain in the -woods, sleeping out under the trees. Also they must find Toma. - -Through the blue, enveloping twilight, they wandered hither and thither, -calling out his name. For hours they searched in vain. In response to -their repeated halloos, no cheery answer came. The deep silence drew in -around them. - -"He's gone for help," Sandy decided, flinging himself down on a soft -carpet of moss and pine-needles, and looking up anxiously into Dick's -face. - -His chum sighed wearily. - -"Yes, he must have gone back to Frischette's in the hope of meeting -Rand. But you may depend upon it, he'll give a good account of himself." - -"Toma's a trump," said Sandy, closing his eyes and speaking drowsily. "I -couldn't help but admire the way he leaped for that thicket at the first -sound from Burnnel and Emery. He's quicker than we are. Pretty hard to -catch him off guard." - -"And yet," answered Dick, "I can't understand why he didn't linger in -the vicinity. That would have been more like him. Waiting and watching -for a chance to get the drop on them, and then rescuing us. Just -thrilling enough to suit him. Funny he didn't do it." - -Sandy sat up, smiling. - -"I think he left his gun behind--over there at Meade's. I'll bet he was -provoked. He must have decided that the best thing to do was to hurry -back to Frischette's and rush Corporal Rand to our assistance." - -Although the days were warm, the nights were invariably cool. It would -not be pleasant to sleep out without blankets. Nor was it possible to -start a fire. Every article they possessed, including a box of matches, -had been taken by the two outlaws. - -They slept but ill. Mosquitos buzzed about them in swarms. They kept up -an incessant fight with these vicious pests, shivering on their bed of -moss, waking every few minutes to wonder if morning would never come. - -Somewhere around three o'clock, they rose and made their way back in the -direction of the road-house. It was too early yet to think about -disturbing any of its occupants. Burnnel and Emery would still be there, -and they had no wish to meet them again. Hungry as they were, and -sleepy, they realized that it would not be advisable to approach the -cabin until after the outlaws had departed. - -"When we get something to eat, and borrow a rifle or two from Meade," -said Dick, "I suppose we'll have to trail on after them." - -Sandy glanced at Dick sharply. - -"But don't you think we ought to wait for Toma and Corporal Rand?" - -"If we do, we'll be apt to lose trace of them, just as we lost trace of -Creel. You must remember that we'll have to follow them on foot. They -have horses." - -Sandy said no more, lapsing into a moody silence. The mosquitos -continued to buzz around their heads. But no longer was it cool. The -sun, an hour high, shed its warm rays to every part of the land. The -moisture, caused by the dew, was soon evaporated. Day had commenced. - -Yet they waited a long time before they were rewarded for their -patience. Smoke curled upward from the rough mud-chimney at the -road-house. Now and again, they could see someone walking about outside. -Another long wait, and they breathed a sigh of relief. Three mounted -ponies came out around one end of the cabin and headed down the trail. A -few minutes more, and they were out of sight. - -"Thank goodness!" Sandy breathed thankfully, parting the screen of brush -in front of him and stepping out into the open. "I thought they'd never -go. Come on, Dick--breakfast!" - -Dick hurried after Sandy, and it was not long before they pushed open -the door of the cabin and entered. Meade was there, and at sight of -them, sprang to his feet. He came forward quickly. - -"Where in the name of Old Harry have you boys been? We missed you last -night; looked everywhere. I wondered if you hadn't gone suddenly crazy." - -"We didn't want to meet Burnnel and Emery," explained Sandy. - -"You mean those two men, who stopped here last night?" - -"Yes." - -Meade whistled. "Why not?" - -Stammering out something, Sandy looked at Dick. His chum returned the -gaze, then stared straight into the eyes of the pleasant-faced free -trader. - -"Well, I guess it won't do any harm to tell you. Those two men, who -stopped here last night, are in some way implicated in the Dewberry -case. Corporal Rand went out with them yesterday to the place where -Frischette was found. They were under police surveillance. Apparently, -they have escaped. Those two ponies that they were riding belong to us. -We had met Burnnel and Emery before and thought there might be trouble -if they saw us. So we left." - -"And it was a good thing we did," Sandy cut in. "As it was, they -followed us, shortly after their arrival here, and came upon us -unexpectedly. They took our revolvers and all the money we had. Toma -escaped. Then they came back here." - -"And you've been out there in the woods all night?" Meade inquired -softly. - -"Yes, we have, Mr. Meade," replied Dick, "and we're mighty tired and -hungry." - - - - - CHAPTER XVII - A POLICEMAN'S HORSE - - -Toma had never seen Corporal Rand in a rage before. The corporal's face -was flushed with anger and his expressive blue eyes snapped. As yet the -young Indian had received no explanation of how the policeman and his -two friends had been made prisoners. He had been too busy to question -them. Besides they had been in no condition to talk. The first -intelligible word from any of them had been: - -"Water!" - -None of the three could stand. Locked in that hot stifling room, their -suffering had been terrible. For more than an hour Toma had administered -to them, chafing their limbs, bringing them water, making them more -comfortable. After that, he had been compelled to hurry back to the -kitchen to prepare a meal for them. Cared for in this fashion, their -recovery had been rapid. Soon all, except Le Sueur, were able to stand -and to limp about the room. - -It was then that Toma noticed the policeman's anger. His lips were -pressed together tightly, his hands were clinched. The nails of his -fingers dug into his palms. - -"How it happen you get tie up in that room?" Toma asked, his sober dark -eyes gravely regarding the policeman. - -"Burnnel and Emery." The answer came short and terse, with no attempt at -elaboration. - -"How they do that?" - -"I had them locked up here," Rand pointed to the room, "when that woman -came." He paused, while a slow flush of shame mounted to his bronzed -forehead. "It was she, MacGregor's wife, who did it, Toma. Came riding -into the corral, just as I was preparing to start. I led my horse back -into the stable and went over to question her. You see," Rand explained, -"I knew her--'Rat' MacGregor's wife. Wondered why she had come here, -Toma. Surmised, of course, that she was up to some mischief. But I was -wholly unprepared for her treachery." - -The corporal paused again and the flush deepened. - -"What she do?" inquired Toma. - -The policeman's mouth set in a straight hard line. - -"Pulled a gun on me without warning and without provocation. I didn't -have a chance. I knew she'd use it. Fontaine and Le Sueur came out of -the house and she got the drop on them too. Marched us back to the -road-house and forced us to release Emery and Burnnel. - -"As soon as Emery and Burnnel were released, they took charge. We were -thrown into the room, bound, gagged, and the door was locked." - -The corporal paused again, moistening his dry lips. - -"But that isn't all, Toma. I have still to tell you about--about -Inverness. My horse! In my position, lying on the floor, I had a view -through the window, and those fiends," Corporal Rand choked, "brought -Inverness around and shot him before my very eyes. After that I saw them -drag him away. They came back again and I caught a glimpse of them as -they rode off: Burnnel astride Sandy's horse, and Emery riding Dick's, -the woman bringing up the rear on her own pony." - -Toma's face had grown dark with suppressed emotion. - -"Bad thing they shoot your horse, corporal." - -The deep lines about the policeman's mouth tightened. The pupils of his -eyes were like two steel points, hard, glittering. It was not difficult -to see what most aroused his ire. Rand could accept, without -complaining, the indignities offered to his own person. Not so, -regarding his horse. He loved the animal. Through weary, lonesome days -on patrol, it had been his only friend and companion. A strange -attachment had grown up between them. Almost any time, Rand would gladly -have sacrificed his own life to save that of the fiery little steed. - -The wilful, deliberate shooting of this horse was the cause of the -corporal's anger. In his heart, he had sworn revenge. - -"You see, Toma," his voice was strangely calm, "he meant a lot to -me--Inverness. I--I hated to see him go. Poor old fellow! I could see -his pleading look, when they brought him over opposite the window, and -he looked in and saw me." - -Unbidden, a tear came into the corporal's steely eye and trickled down -his cheek. He rose from his chair and strode to the door. - -"Why they shoot your horse like that?" Toma wanted to know. - -"To insure their escape," the policeman answered, not turning his head. -"If I were released, it would be necessary to follow on foot." - -He turned quickly upon Toma. - -"How did it happen," he asked, "that you came on alone? Where are Dick -and Sandy?" - -"Burnnel and Emery get them jus' like they get you. Almost get me, too, -but I jump away from them. I come on here because I think mebbe you go -back an' help." - -"You did well, Toma. Where did this happen?" - -"Near the place where keep 'em house that free trader." - -"Meade?" - -The Indian nodded. - -"That isn't far from here," said Rand. "We'll start at once." - -In admiration, Toma drew in his breath. Well he knew the agony the -policeman must endure from his limbs, still swollen, as the result of -that terrible ordeal. Notwithstanding this, he proposed to start out as -if nothing had happened. It was nearly twenty miles back along the trail -to Meade's Ferry. Twenty miles with legs like that! Twenty miles through -the stifling heat of that summer's day--and over a rough trail! - -"You think you do that?" he asked, his mouth agape. - -"I can do it," declared Rand simply. - -And not long afterward they were on the trail, the policeman walking -with a pronounced limp, yet keeping abreast of his more agile companion. -Mosquitos drove around them in clouds. The hot breath of the sun-steeped -earth rose up about them. It was tedious work, a gruelling, unpleasant -experience. - -Yet the corporal did not complain. When he spoke at all, it was to joke -or jest, to comment lightly upon some phase of their journey. And with -each passing minute, his limp grew more pronounced. He was hobbling now -upon swollen, blistered feet. - -"We better stop rest," Toma advised him. - -"No," said Rand, clenching his teeth, "we'll go on. It can't be much -farther now. Just a few miles more." - -So they went on again, a weary, perspiring pair. Though Toma suffered no -particular physical discomfort, he endured mental torture as he watched -the policeman keep pace with him. He could have cried out with -thankfulness, when at last, through an opening in the trees, he -discerned the low, rambling structure, which served the double purpose -of store and road-house. - -A short time later they entered the building itself and were greeted by -the kindly free trader. - -"Glad to see you, corporal. The boys were expecting you." - -"Where are they now?" - -"They've gone on." - -"And Burnnel and Emery?" - -"The boys are camping on their trail." - -Corporal Rand looked very much surprised and turned upon Toma. - -"I thought you said that the boys had been taken prisoners?" - -"Yes," nodded Toma. - -"Well, how can that be?" - -"I can explain it all," Meade laughed. "Dick and Sandy were taken -prisoners, all right, but were released a few minutes later. They slept -out last night in the open, returning here shortly after the three set -out--Burnnel, Emery and the squaw." - -"How did the boys travel?" Rand asked. - -"I lent them two ponies." - -"Got any more?" - -"Not another one, corporal. I have only the two. One is mine and the -other belongs to my son, Frederick. But where is your own horse, -corporal?" - -Thus reminded of his loss, Rand's face became grim again. - -"They shot it. Back at Frenchie's road-house. That's why I've come on -foot." - -"And you're almost crippled," said Meade, who had observed the -policeman's limp. - -"I can manage somehow." - -"Not until you've doctored up those feet," Meade declared kindly. - -Rand flung himself down in an easy chair, motioning to Toma also to be -seated. - -"You'd better rest while you can, Toma. We'll go on again in a few -minutes." - -Meade had grown thoughtful. - -"I've an idea," he announced at length, "that I can get two horses for -you over at Bonner's Lake from a half-breed there. This man has a herd -of ponies he keeps for Spring and Autumn freighting. They're feeding on -the range now and I'm sure he'll accommodate me." - -Meade smiled, puffing stoutly on his pipe. - -"I'll send my son, Frederick, over there," he resumed. "In the meantime, -you can rest here. He won't be long." - -The kind offer was accepted. In truth, the corporal's limbs were so -badly swollen from the effects of the thongs and the hard trek -immediately after being released by Toma, that he doubted very much -whether he could walk more than a few miles more, anyway. - -"I won't forget your kindness," the policeman thanked him. "It's very -good of you." - -"Not at all! Not at all!" Meade hastened to assure him. "I'd do that -much for the Royal Mounted any time. I've heard about the case you're -working on, corporal, and I'm anxious to have you succeed. Dewberry was -a friend of mine." - -Rand looked up quickly. - -"That's interesting. So few men really knew Dewberry. Queer character, -from what I've heard." - -"A splendid man," Meade declared reverently. "A generous and fine man!" - -"While your son, Frederick, is away after the horses, I wonder if you'll -tell me what you know of him. It has been very difficult to gather any -information concerning him. It might help a lot in this case if you'd -give me a clear insight into his character. There are a number of things -I can't explain." - -Frederick was called and sent after the ponies. Then Meade sat down and -began telling about his friend, the mysterious Dewberry. It was a story -very similar to the one he had told Dick and Sandy. Rand listened -without once interrupting, and Toma also paid close attention until, -growing drowsy, he fell asleep in his chair. When he awoke again, Meade -was still talking, but now occasionally the policeman plied him with a -question. - -Toma yawned, rose to his feet and stalked over to a window. Looking out, -he was surprised to see the free trader's son already returning with the -horses. - -"They come," announced Toma. "The ponies are here." - -Corporal Rand smiled and nodded at Toma, but--a thing the young Indian -could not understand--seemed more interested in the conversation than in -the arrival of the ponies. Nevertheless, a moment later Rand rose and -hobbled to the door. Meade followed him. They went out ahead of Toma, -and, as they did so, the policeman remarked: - -"Your talk has been a revelation. I'm beginning to see a little light." - -Long afterward, when he and the corporal were out on the trail, Toma -studied over that statement. What did Rand mean by that? Hadn't he -always seen the light? - -Then he shook his head and gave up in despair. For Corporal Rand, as -Toma was well aware, had never had trouble with his vision. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII - A RED BLOB - - -Burnnel, Emery and Rat MacGregor's wife set a hard pace. They led Dick -and Sandy far afield and it was seldom that the boys ever came in sight -of them. It was plain that the prospectors intended to force their -horses to the limit in an attempt to overtake the fleeing recluse. - -The trail led south. It was a well known trail, much travelled, -especially in the Spring and Fall of the year. Then, to the boys' -amazement, the outlaws suddenly left it, striking off southeastward -through a country infrequently visited. For a long time Dick and Sandy -could find no reasonable explanation for this, but, finally, the younger -of the two boys, brooding over the strange conduct of the outlaws, -offered an opinion. - -They were crossing a broad meadow at the time, exerting their ponies to -renewed effort. Through the thick, waving grass ahead, almost waist -high, was the faint track made by Burnnel's party. - -"I know now," Sandy's voice was excited. "I've solved the mystery." - -"What mystery?" - -"The reason why they went this way. It's a shortcut, Dick. The main -trail, if you happen to remember, turns straight east about fifty miles -south of here. Burnnel and Emery figure that they can head Creel off by -coming this way." - -"You must be right, Sandy. But I wonder if they've stopped to consider -that they have a river to cross. It's a wide one, too, nearly a quarter -of a mile, I should say. Do you suppose they can swim the horses?" - -"Dangerous, but they must intend to try it. It will be interesting to -watch them. If they can make it, so can we." - -"We ought to arrive at the river some time this afternoon. Hope they -don't see us coming. We must be fairly close to them right now." - -Crossing the meadow, they entered a grove of poplar, through which they -made their way more slowly, emerging, at length, to another meadow, -somewhat smaller than the one they had previously crossed. Here they -paused. On the far side, several miles away, they saw three tiny specks, -which they knew was Burnnel's party. Not wishing to approach any closer, -they rode back to the poplars again, dismounted, staked out their horses -and prepared their midday meal. At the end of an hour, when they resumed -their journey, they knew there would be little danger of drawing within -sight of the outlaws. - -So they pushed on steadily. They left the meadow behind and entered a -woodland, which grew thicker as they advanced. The dim trail ahead -became more difficult to follow. Finally, they lost it altogether, but a -few hours later the trees thinned out and straight ahead of them, a -shining, glistening ribbon in the sun, they saw the broad expanse of the -Hay River. - -They staked out their ponies, and set out on foot to reconnoitre. For -several hundred yards they followed the course of the valley, but could -find no trace of the outlaws. However, continuing eastward, they were -rewarded by the sight of a thin column of smoke, drifting lazily up -through the trees. The outlaws had made camp a few hundred yards below -on the bank of the river. Just now they were engaged, so the boys -surmised, in the preparation of a meal. - -Dick and Sandy crept closer. Nerves taut, they wormed their way ahead. -Then Dick touched Sandy's arm. - -"Look!" he whispered. - -Burnnel and Emery were squatting in front of the fire, indolently -smoking their pipes, while MacGregor's wife busied herself in gathering -wood, laying out the camp utensils and in other ways making herself -generally useful. - -"Lazy brutes!" sneered Sandy. "They don't seem to be in much of a hurry. -Do you suppose they'll attempt to ford the river this afternoon?" - -"Yes, I think so. In spite of their indolence now, they're anxious to -get on." - -"No use staying here," Sandy spoke again. "We'd better get back to our -ponies. We'll bring them over to the top of the ridge, where I think -they'll be safe enough. There's little danger that those lazy beggars -will climb the slope again." - -In returning to their horses, they chose to circle around the outlaws' -camp, went down to the bank of the river and moved slowly along, -conscious of a cool breeze and the close proximity of the water. They -were hot and tired and the water looked inviting. Close to the bank it -was clear as liquid glass. Here and there were the shadows of whitefish -and Northern trout. At the bottom of the river was white sand. Every few -yards or so, projecting up through this white sand, were smooth, -brownish-colored rocks that were surrounded by innumerable tiny eddies. - -In the interest of the moment, the boys almost forgot the grim business -in which they were engaged. Both had an overwhelming desire to linger -here. It was a peaceful, quiet spot. Sandy turned and smiled upon his -chum. - -"That water," he remarked, "looks cool." - -He wiped his perspiring brow. - -"I know what you're thinking," laughed Dick. "You'd like to strip and -plunge in, wouldn't you? I wish we could." - -Sandy stopped and commenced fanning himself with his hat. - -"Why not? It will do us both good. We'd be safe enough, I'm sure. They -can't possibly see us from here." - -Dick was tempted. He looked down at the water. A trout flashed up from -the cold, clear stream. Only for a moment did he hesitate. - -"All right. Come on." - -They threw off their clothes, racing with each other to see who would be -the first to dive in. Sandy won. Both boys commenced swimming about, -diving, floating, frolicking in the water to their hearts' content. So -absorbed were they in the refreshing sport, that they became oblivious -of the passing of time. Had not Sandy chanced to glance across the -river, it is probable that they might have forgotten about their -responsibilities for at least another hour or two. - -But in that glance, the young Scotchman had seen something that quickly -brought him back to the world of realities. He sprang ashore, calling to -Dick excitedly. - -"Look, Dick! What do you make of that?" One glistening wet arm was flung -out in front of him. - -On the opposite side, a few rods up from the water, Dick saw a blob of -red--something that looked very much like a large strip of flannel, -caught against the darker background of green. - -"A red cloth," answered Dick, only slightly interested. "Wonder who left -it there?" - -"It moves! It moves!" - -In spite of the nearness of Burnnel's party, Sandy almost shouted out -the words. - -Both boys stared, as if under some queer mesmeric spell. They watched -the red blob move along the line of brush and disappear with magic -abruptness. It came back again, however, in a very few minutes--only in -a different place. Again it remained perfectly stationary, then -fluttered behind a rock. In its second re-appearance, it moved toward -the brink of the river and, suddenly, instead of being merely a red -blob, mysteriously it formed itself into the unmistakable outline of a -human figure. - -"Some one in a red mackinaw," declared Sandy, laughing. - -"In a police tunic, you mean," Dick corrected him, commencing to hurry -into his clothes. - -"What! A mounted policeman?" - -"Exactly that. Why, you can see his broad-rimmed hat and heavy -top-boots." - - - - - CHAPTER XIX - ACROSS HAY RIVER - - -"I'd like to go over there," said Dick, "but if we do, Burnnel and Emery -will be sure to see us. We don't want that to happen. Our best plan is -to wait until after we ford the river. Then, if he hasn't already left -the vicinity, we'll find out who he is." - -"I know one thing," Sandy declared confidently, "and that is he's not -from the Mackenzie River detachment." - -"I'm not so sure. It may be our old friend, Sergeant Richardson." - -"But that territory, over there across the Hay, is patrolled by men from -the Peace River Detachment," Sandy objected. - -Dick rose quickly to his feet, hugging himself in sheer ecstasy. - -"I have it! I have it!" he cried. "You're right! He's from the Peace -River Detachment. They received my wire. I'm willing to bet on it. It's -someone after Creel." - -For a time Sandy caught the infection of the other's enthusiasm but, -after mature deliberation, he became more serious again. - -"No; you're wrong. The police haven't had time to come up from Peace -River Crossing since you wired them." - -"This man might have been on patrol somewhere between here and the -Crossing. They probably got in touch with him; wired back, I mean. Sent -him out on Creel's trail." - -"A possibility, of course. I wonder if we couldn't signal to him?" - -The suggestion interested Dick for a time. Then caution warned him that -it was not a very good plan after all. It might lead to complications. - -"No, we'd better let things remain as they are. Whatever we do, we -mustn't let Emery and Burnnel know that we are here." - -"Very well, then," Sandy agreed, "we'll go back to our ponies. It -shouldn't be long now before the outlaws commence to ford the river." - -Cheered and invigorated, they made their way up the slope, and not long -afterward came to the place where they had picketed the ponies. Saddling -and bridling their rugged little mounts, they rode slowly along the -ridge to a point above the outlaws' camp. Again they tethered out their -horses and sat down to wait. It was more than an hour later before the -outlaws attempted to cross. The sound of splashing came up from below, -punctuated now and again by sharp voices of the two men. - -The boys bounded to their feet and scrambled down the steep embankment. -Arriving at the abandoned camp, they observed that Burnnel's party were -already more than a quarter of the distance across the stream. The -ponies were swimming bravely, while the two prospectors and "Rat" -MacGregor's wife could be seen in the water beside them, clinging to the -pommels of the saddles. It was an exciting ordeal and the boys watched -the progress of the party breathlessly. Soon they had reached the center -of the river, fighting valiantly. Now they were being carried along by -the swift central current. Gradually, however, they neared the opposite -shore. They made their landing safely, a few minutes later, nearly a -mile downstream. They clambered up the slippery bank, shook then like -rats, and soon afterward disappeared from view. - -The boys waited for nearly an hour, before they made any effort to -follow. Then, leading their horses down, they, too, plunged into the icy -stream. Exultant and happy, ten minutes later they waded ashore and -paused to dry their dripping garments in the hot sun, near the edge of -the river. - -"Now," grinned Dick, "we'll look for that policeman." - -They mounted their horses and proceeded on their way. But, although they -kept the river within view, they could find no trace of the red-coated -figure they had seen only two hours before. He had vanished -mysteriously. Fearing that they had proceeded too far down along the -course of the stream, they turned back, mounting the slope. Twilight had -fallen. The boys were baffled and discouraged. When they made camp for -the night, neither had much to say. After supper they sat gloomily, -looking out across the valley. - -"I'm afraid we've lost out all around," complained Dick. "We may have -some difficulty in finding Burnnel's party now. I wish we had left the -policeman to his own devices and had gone on after them." - -Sandy struck irritably at the mosquitos swarming about him. - -"Think I'll start a smudge," he growled. - -Dick rose to his feet. - -"While you kindle the fire, I'll go along the slope and get an arm-load -of moss." - -Suiting the action to the word, he started away, walking leisurely. He -had gone less than fifty yards, when he drew back, startled. Unless his -eyes had deceived him, he had seen something--a movement in the brush. -Trembling, he took up a position in the deep shadows, close to a willow -copse, straining his eyes through the obscurity. - -"Might be a deer," he thought. - -He had really not expected to see a man. Yet a man it was. Creel! Dick -blinked. The old recluse stood limned in the darkening twilight, -scarcely twenty feet away. His attitude was that of a hunted beast. His -long hair fell over his eyes in straggly disorder, giving him the -appearance of a madman. His long beard fluttered lightly in the breeze. - -Dick's heart leaped. Creel was coming straight toward him. Cold sweat -beaded Dick's brow. He was shaking as if from the ague. Nearer and -nearer came Creel. Only a few feet away now--almost upon him! - -Then, suddenly, for no apparent reason, the recluse paused. Dick could -hear his labored breathing. Some intuitive sense had warned the man of -impending danger. For a full minute he remained perfectly still, his -gaze darting from right to left. He took one step forward cautiously. A -second step. Again he paused. He was so close now, that Dick could -almost reach out his hand and touch him. The young man's mind was -awhirl, dizzy with conflicting impulses. His quarry within his grasp, -and yet he hesitated. Why, he did not know. - -The recluse took one more step and in that instant caught sight of the -crouching form. He attempted to turn, one hand struggling at his belt. -Dick lunged forward, catching Creel around the knees, bearing him down. -The struggle was short but spirited. - -"No use," panted Dick, "I've got you!" - -Creel's struggles subsided. - -"What do you want with me?" choked the captive, as Dick pinioned his -arms. - -"The police are looking for you, Creel," the other breathed in his ear. -"The game's up. You'll have to come along with me." - -Securing the other's revolver, Dick rose to his feet. - -"Come on now," he ordered, "Get up!" - -He drove Creel ahead of him to the place where he and Sandy had made -camp. In the dim light, Sandy saw the approaching shadows, but as yet -was unaware of the presence of a third person. - -"Did you bring the moss?" he inquired petulantly. "What kept you so -long?" - -"Sandy," Dick's voice quavered, "come here!" The young Scotchman put -down the branch, which he had been breaking into short lengths, and -strode forward. His astonishment was unbounded. - -"Creel!" he exclaimed. "Where did you find him, Dick?" - -"Out there," Dick pointed. Then, turning upon the old recluse: "Hand -over the contents of that poke," he ordered, pressing his revolver close -to the man's chest. - -Creel backed away. - -"I haven't it," he whined. "It's gone--gone! Release me, I tell you. I -haven't it." - -"You had it," said Dick. "What did you do with it?" - -"They took it," answered Creel, his voice rising almost to a scream. - -"Who?" - -"Burnnel and Emery. That woman." - -"Where did you meet them?" - -"Back there," the recluse waved one arm. "I came on them unexpectedly." -He shook in his agitation. "Wasn't even thinking about them. I--I-- The -policeman-- He was following me. Ever since last night." - -The story seemed plausible, yet in order to make sure that their captive -spoke the truth, they searched his pockets, which proved to be almost as -bare as their own. - -"Did they take your money too?" Dick demanded. - -"Yes." - -"Where are they camped now?" - -"About a mile from here. They turned me loose less than an hour ago." - -"Creel," said Sandy, "there's one thing I wish you'd explain. What are -you doing here so far from the trail?" - -"Trying to get away from that policeman," came the answer. "I was on my -way south to Peace River Crossing, when I met him on the trail. He had -me cornered. He was sitting there on his horse, waiting for me. I could -see that. But I gave him the slip. I dropped off my horse and ducked -into the thick timber on the left side of the trail. I ran. I was sure -that I could get away from him. I knew that no horse could follow me -there. But he kept on my trail, and several times that night and today, -I caught sight of him following me." - -Sandy's voice broke the next interval of silence. "What's to be done -now?" - -"I'm going over to the outlaws' camp," declared Dick with grim decision. - -"But what will we do with Creel?" - -"You can stay here and watch him." - -Sandy caught his breath. - -"Do you mean to say you'd tackle 'em all alone, Dick? A terrible risk! -They'd be sure to get you." - -"No, they'll be too surprised to do anything. They won't expect me." - -Sandy put one trembling hand to his face. - -"I--I hate to think of it. You'd be all right if only Toma were with -you. But alone--" - -He paused, choking. - -"I'll set out right away," said Dick, "and you needn't worry, Sandy. -I'll promise to be careful. I won't take any more chances than -necessary. Perhaps I'll find them asleep." - -He turned to go. Sandy sprang after him, seizing his arm. - -"If anything happens to you, Dick, I'll--I'll feel that it's all my -fault. But don't forget that I'm with you. If--if they should happen to -take you prisoner, I'll manage your release somehow." - -"I know you will, Sandy,"--in a smothered voice. - -"Good-bye, Dick." - -"Good-bye." - -Dick stumbled forward through the shadows, his heart beating wildly. A -mile to Burnnel's camp. Not far! He'd move cautiously. He mustn't fail -now. Victory was in their hands. - -The shadows were very dark along the ridge, and far below came the -murmur of the river. From its darkened perch, an owl hooted dismally. - - - - - CHAPTER XX - A THRILLING EXPERIENCE - - -Though only a short distance away, Burnnel's camp proved to be hard to -find. It was darker than usual that night, owing to the fact that the -sky was overcast. It is doubtful if Dick would have discovered the camp -at all, had he not, after nearly an hour of beating futilely about in -the underbrush, been attracted by the dull red glow of a dying campfire. - -Stealing upon his enemies with a quaking heart, he had soon advanced -within the circle of light made by the glowing red embers. Near the fire -were stretched the forms of the two prospectors, while thirty or forty -feet away lay the woman. - -The camp slumbered. Conditions could not have been more favorable for -Dick's project. It would be easy to walk over, gun in hand, and awaken -the sleepers. Neither of them would have the least opportunity to offer -resistance. - -"It's dead easy," Dick argued with himself. "I can't fail. It's all as -easy as A, B, C." - -Yet he hesitated. He had planned his approach and knew exactly what he -was going to do and say. But, somehow, it was easier to think about it -than to act. Once or twice he started determinedly forward, but as -quickly checked himself. - -"I don't know what's the matter with me," he breathed. "Any minute they -may awake, and yet I'm standing here." - -He was nervous and shaky; his cheeks and hands were deathly cold. His -right hand gripped his revolver so tightly that the bones in his fingers -ached. A stricture in his throat made breathing difficult. For the -second time, he took a step forward. The fire was slowly dying out. Its -subdued glow was less bright than when he had arrived. If he didn't act -promptly he'd be forced to accomplish his purpose in the darkness and -run the risk of failure. - -He was less than twenty paces from the sleeping forms. Moving very -slowly, it would take less than two minutes to reach the sleeping men. -He realized that to hurry over might be fatal to his plans. The faintest -sound might betray him. He mustn't snap a single dry twig or brush too -hurriedly through the tall grass. He couldn't afford to fail now. - -He negotiated the distance without mishap. Heart in his throat, he stood -with his back toward the fire. Immediately in front of him lay the two -unsuspecting outlaws. Burnnel snored peacefully, while Emery, lying on -his right side, one arm flung out, might have been dead, for all the -sound he made resting quietly there. - -Dick, preparing to shout out to awaken them, checked himself in time. A -cold sweat broke out upon his body. An obstacle had presented itself. -When he aroused Burnnel and Emery, he would awaken the woman too, and he -was too far away from MacGregor's wife to prevent her escape. Or, what -would be more disconcerting or fatal still, she might suddenly determine -to come to the outlaws' rescue. No doubt she was armed. Dick's heart -beat wildly against his ribs and a lump rose in his throat, choking him. -What was he going to do? - -He considered waking the woman first, being as quiet as possible, then -coming back for the two prospectors. But he dismissed this idea almost -as quickly as it had come. Better, far better to start with the outlaws. -He dismissed his original plan of shouting out. That would never do. No; -he would prod them quietly with his foot until they woke up. - -A distance of several feet separated the two sleepers. He stepped -between them. Burnnel lay flat on his back. Dick stooped over and jerked -the big prospector's gun from its holster, expecting of course, that the -man would awake. To his surprise Burnnel slept on. So he turned his -attention to Emery. - -Dick now had a gun in either hand. It gave him more confidence. Emery -stirred, as he prodded him with his foot. He continued until the wiry -little man sat up, rubbing his eyes. - -"A word out of you," said Dick softly, "and I'll blow your brains out. -Hand over your gun, butt forward." - -Emery obeyed. Dick thrust the revolver in his own holster, an awkward -proceeding because he was compelled to keep his opponent covered. - -"Now," said Dick, "wake up Burnnel and do it quietly. Get busy!" - -Emery, who evidently was thoroughly frightened, rolled over and shook -his partner. The big fellow half-awoke, perceived who was shaking him, -thrust out one huge arm petulantly and pushed the little man back with -considerable violence. - -"Shoot me or not," snarled Emery, "yuh kin wake him yourself." - -"Wake him up!" Dick's voice carried a menace. - -This time Emery succeeded. But the big man was noisy and profane, even -after his sleep-stained eyes had caught the glint of Dick's weapon. - -"Keep quiet!" ordered Dick, almost beside himself with fear. "Keep -quiet! If you don't I'll drill you through and through. Give me the -contents of that poke!" - -The campfire glowed an angry red. In its ghostly light the two -prospectors turned out their pockets, defiantly. Dick recovered his own -money, watch and the huge roll of bills, belonging to Creel, Toma's -jack-knife, Sandy's pocket-compass, and two keys on a ring. The articles -were so many and varied that he soon perceived that he would not have -room for them about his person. So he compelled Emery to tie them up in -a bundle, flung over his own coat for the purpose. But where was the -treasure? Nonplussed, Dick stared from one to the other. - -"Where's the contents of Dewberry's poke?" Emery gave Dick a look of -unutterable surprise--and almost choked. Burnnel laughed scornfully. - -"We ain't got it." - -"What have you done with it?" - -"Ain't never had it," said Emery, choking with laughter. - -"You lie!" exclaimed Dick hotly. "Creel told me that you took it away -from him." - -"No, you're wrong, pardner. If Creel told yuh that, he was spoofin' yuh. -We ain't never even seen him." - -"If that's true," said Dick, white to the lips, "how did you manage to -get Creel's roll?" - -Neither of the outlaws attempted to reply. Emery hung his head guiltily. -Burnnel's face was averted. Further questioning proved futile. Both men -persisted that they had taken nothing from Creel except his money. -Angrily, Dick drove them ahead of him to where the woman lay, still -sleeping, and aroused her. Then, forcing the three to saddle and lead -their ponies, they made their way back to Dick and Sandy's camp. - -On his way back, Dick felt that he had been robbed of a complete -victory. His achievement in capturing the outlaws single-handed was -darkened by the knowledge that in some unaccountable way Burnnel and -Emery had contrived to hide Dewberry's much-sought treasure. He decided -that when morning came he would make a more careful search. It was -possible that he had overlooked its hiding place. It occurred to him -that it might be in one of the saddle-packs, or sewed up in the outlaws' -garments. At any rate, he would leave no stone unturned until he had -fully satisfied himself that Creel had lied to him. - -Sandy's joy and astonishment over the safe and successful return of his -chum were unbounded. He clapped Dick on the back, shouting out his -approval. - -"If we're only careful now," he cried, "we'll soon reach the end of our -adventures. We've won. Won't Corporal Rand and Toma be pleased when we -return with all these prisoners." - -For the remainder of that night neither of the two boys slept. They took -turn in replenishing the fire and guarding the prisoners. Dick had -become more cheerful and was confident that when morning came they would -find the mysterious treasure, which had been responsible for so much -trouble and tragedy and waste of human life. - -Yet, when morning came, they were destined to be disappointed again. -They found nothing. Burnnel and Emery watching them, sneered openly. -Creel seemed perplexed. Noticing his expression, Sandy questioned him. - -"Why did you lie to us about the contents of that poke?" - -"I didn't lie to you," Creel retorted. "They've done something with it, -you may depend upon that." - -"Don't bother, Sandy," Dick exclaimed in exasperation, "you're just -wasting time. We might as well start back. Corporal Rand will know what -to do." - -So, a few minutes later, they set out on their return journey. They were -forced to travel more slowly than they had come, owing to the fact that, -on the previous day, while attempting to evade the police, Creel had -abandoned his horse. The boys forced the outlaws to take turn and turn -about walking. - -On the evening of the first day they were treated to a pleasant -surprise. Sitting around the campfire, enjoying their evening meal, the -party was suddenly made aware of the presence of a stranger. He had come -up silently and unnoticed. Presently he stood before them, a trim, natty -figure, the bright crimson of his police tunic contrasting sharply with -the deep green around him. The policeman smiled at their quick start. - -"I'm Constable Wyatt, of the Peace River Detachment," he announced. - -The boys sprang to their feet and hurried forward to greet the -constable. - -"I'm Dick Kent and this is Sandy MacClaren," Dick explained to him. "We -have been helping Corporal Rand, who has been working on the Dewberry -case." - -The policeman smiled. - -"Well, you've been more lucky or clever than I have. From all -appearances, you've made a coup. I see you have Creel, the man they -wired about." - -"I sent the telegram for Corporal Rand," said Dick a trifle proudly. - -"I almost had my hands on him on several different occasions. Perhaps I -would have taken him eventually if you hadn't. Who are these others?" - -"Burnnel and Emery, two prospectors, and she," Dick pointed, "is 'Rat' -MacGregor's wife. All of them are mixed up in the case, constable. We -had reason to believe that Creel had Dewberry's treasure. Creel claims -that Burnnel and Emery took it away from him. Whether or not this is -true, we have been unable to determine. We can't find it." - -And in a few words Dick related their experience of the previous night. - -"You say you've made a very careful search?" asked Wyatt. - -"Yes." - -"The only thing that I can think of," hazarded the police constable, "is -that Burnnel and Emery hid the treasure somewhere near their camp before -they retired for the night." - -"That's possible," said Dick. "It didn't occur to me. Of course, they -wouldn't tell us if they had." - -"Naturally not," Wyatt smiled grimly. - -On the following morning they reached the trail and the first habitation -they had seen for many, many miles. Here they were able to procure -another horse, and thereafter they moved forward more quickly. The next -day, threading their way along through the cool forest spaces, a turn in -the trail revealed two approaching horsemen. Dick and Sandy rose in -their stirrups and waved their hats wildly. - -The two horsemen were Corporal Rand and Toma. - - - - - CHAPTER XXI - THE KEY TO THE MYSTERY - - -Two days later, on its way north to the Mackenzie River barracks, the -party stopped for the night at Meade's Ferry. After supper Toma, Sandy -and Frederick Meade went over to the river for an evening's fishing. The -two policemen and Dick remained behind. Sitting in the large -trading-room, they conversed quietly. - -"There's only one thing that I regret," said Corporal Rand, "and that is -that we have been unable to recover Dewberry's treasure." - -"What is this treasure?" Wyatt asked, then turned his head as someone -came to the doorway. "You--Mr. Meade. Step right in. You don't need to -hesitate. This isn't a private conference." As soon as the free-trader -had taken a seat beside him, Wyatt repeated his question: - -"What is this treasure?" - -"We don't know," replied Rand. "However, it is an established fact that -on the night he was murdered Dewberry had a roll of bills in his pocket -and a small poke, suspended from a cord tied around his neck." - -Rand paused, reached in his pocket and brought to light a diminutive -moosehide pouch or leather sack, which he passed over to his fellow -policeman. - -"There it is. That's the poke. You see how small it is. Nevertheless, at -one time it contained something of great value. MacGregor risked his -life to get it. Frischette or Creel--as I now have reason to -believe--surprised MacGregor in the very act of committing his crime, -and took it forcibly from him. Since that night the poke has had an -interesting history. Creel kept it in his cabin, but one night he was -visited by Emery and Burnnel, who secured possession of it. A few -minutes later Dick, Toma and Sandy took it away from them. But in the -end Frischette got it and escaped. The next day his body was found by -Burnnel and Emery, who reported the news to me." - -"They murdered him." - -"No, it was suicide. I'm almost sure of that. You see, I found a note in -the inner pocket of Frischette's coat. This note was in Frischette's -hand-writing and mentions that he is about to take his own life." - -"Burnnel and Emery might have forced him to write that note. It might be -a case of murder after all." - -"I've considered that too, Wyatt, but--well, to be frank, I have a -theory. My theory is that although this is the poke originally carried -by Dewberry, its contents were tampered with and a substitution made by -Creel at his cabin before Burnnel and Emery came. To make my theory more -clear to you, I'd like to say that I believe that this poke had been -filled with something of no value whatsoever. A clever deception on -Creel's part. Not only did it fool Emery and Burnnel, but it fooled -Frischette himself. When Frischette opened the poke, you can imagine his -rage and disappointment. The treasure was not there. He was a coward at -heart and dared not return. Hopeless and despondent, he shot himself." - -Corporal Rand paused to light his pipe. - -"My theory is strengthened by Creel's subsequent actions," the corporal -continued. "While I was out on the trail investigating the cause of -Frischette's death, he took the opportunity to slip away unnoticed. The -assumption was that he had started out for Edmonton, or some other -point, with Dewberry's treasure. Burnnel, Emery and 'Rat' MacGregor's -wife evidently came to the same conclusion for, after locking me up at -Frischette's road-house," the corporal flushed at the memory, "they set -out to follow Creel. If they didn't suspect him of having the treasure, -why did they follow him? How are you going to answer that question?" - -"Your theory must be correct," said Wyatt. - -"It must be," Meade agreed. - -"It isn't my theory particularly. Young Sandy MacClaren came to the same -conclusion. You have the facts. I needn't go further into detail. You -know what happened over there by the river." - -"They cached the treasure somewhere," declared Wyatt. - -Corporal Rand nodded. - -"It seems to be the only solution." - -Conversation wandered to other things, and Dick soon lost interest. He -yawned, rose from his chair and went outside. It was a lovely evening, -cool and exhilarating. There came to his ears the drowsy sound of the -forest. Birds peeped, preparing to nestle down for the night. The pine -trees droned their incessant chant. Here and there, rabbits scampered -into the open, their curious little muzzles twitching inquisitively. - -Dick yawned again and stretched his arms above his head. It was about -time the boys were coming back. He wondered if their fishing expedition -had been successful. Bored with the inactivity, he decided to stroll -down toward the river to meet them. - -He was twenty yards from the cabin when a voice called him back--the -voice of Corporal Rand. Quickly he retraced his steps. - -"Sorry to trouble you, Dick," Corporal Rand met him at the door, "but -Wyatt and I would like to see that bundle of stuff you secured that -night from Burnnel and Emery. Where is it?" - -"In my bunk," Dick answered, "rolled up in my coat. I'll get it for -you." - -A moment later he secured the bundle, carried it to the table and opened -it. Wyatt, Rand and Meade gathered in a little circle around him. He -took up the objects, one by one, very much after the manner of a person -taking inventory. - -"This is Creel's roll of money. This is mine. These bills and coins -belong to the outlaws. This is my jack-knife and here is Sandy's -compass. This is my watch and this is Emery's revolver." - -There remained a pocket-comb and mirror, a pipe--its bowl somewhat -battered--two hunting knives and the ring with the two keys. As Dick -picked up the last named object, Meade gave vent to a startled cry and -jumped forward. - -"Let's see it! Let's see it! Give it to me!" - -Dick handed it over. - -"Keys," said Rand. "Who owns them?" - -"I think they belong to one of the outlaws," answered Dick. - -"Outlaws!" shrieked Meade, his face distorted. "I should say not! -They're Dewberry's keys. I'd know them anywhere." - -A hush came over the room. An old-fashioned clock ticked loudly. -Presently Meade's feet shuffled away from the table and he went over and -sat down. His head dropped in his hands. For several minutes he sat -there in deep abstraction. He was thinking deeply. Then, with unexpected -suddenness, he bounded to his feet. - -"I've solved your mystery!" he shouted. - -The three other occupants of the room surrounded him in a body. - -"Tell us," cried Rand. - -The free-trader waved them to their chairs. - -"Sit down," he commanded, "and I'll tell you all about it. But I must -begin at the beginning, so that it will all be clear to you." - -"Yes, yes," breathed Rand. - -"Dewberry was my friend. I was his guest one time at Peace River -Crossing. You know where his place is?" He turned to Wyatt. - -"A little cottage on a hill. Overlooks the Hart River," answered the -policeman. - -"Have you ever been inside of it?" - -"No." - -"Were you acquainted with Dewberry?" - -"I knew him slightly," said Wyatt. "But I've seen him often enough. An -unusual character." - -"Exactly. He _was_ queer--queer in many ways. He loved books--scores of -them in his book-cases. A violinist and pianist too! But the most -peculiar thing of all about him was his aversion to human companionship. -He had no real friends. He was shy and reserved. Kept to himself. For -months at a time, he would be away somewhere in the foothills -prospecting. Then he'd return again to Peace River Crossing and become -absorbed in his books; or else he'd go out to Edmonton." - -Meade paused to light his pipe. He puffed reflectively. It was several -moments before he resumed: - -"The minute I laid my eyes on that key-ring with its two keys, I knew -it. I'd seen it many times before." - -As he spoke, Meade exhibited the ring and selected the larger of the two -keys. - -"This," he informed them, "is the key to the front door of Dewberry's -cottage." - -"And the second?" Rand interrupted, unable to check his curiosity. - -"This key, gentlemen," Meade held it up and announced dramatically, "is, -I think, the key to your mystery, the cause of all your trouble. It was -the thing that MacGregor wanted when he murdered its owner, that -Frischette died for, that Creel, Emery, Burnnel and the squaw fought -over. In other words, unless I am very badly mistaken--and I don't think -I am--this key unlocks a large iron chest that stands in the front room -of Dewberry's cottage." - - - - - CHAPTER XXII - DEWBERRY'S TREASURE - - -Peace River Crossing is a growing, bustling town that nestles in the -broad, deep valley of one of the North Country's largest rivers. Until a -few years ago, it was a trading post merely, the stamping ground and -meeting place of trappers, prospectors and adventurers, who, from -various points along the river, and from the wilderness to the east and -west, came here to transact their business or find companionship and -entertainment. - -At the time of this story, the Edmonton, Dunvegan & British Columbia -Railway only recently had been built. Just a few months before his -death, Dewberry had seen the miracle of two lines of steel, supported by -a marvelous system of trestlework, creep slowly into the village. - -Soon after that Dewberry decided that he would go north. Turning his -back upon his cherished books, he went out, locking the door after him -for the last time. The cabin looked very lonely in his absence. Perched -on a hill, overlooking the Hart River, it stood day after day, a sort of -bleak landmark among the other houses in the village. When the sun was -bright, and happened to be shining from the right direction, the two -front windows blinked and glistened like two large human eyes. Indian -and half-breed children, playing in the level fields below, would look -up at them in fear. They were afraid of the house. They were afraid of -the man who lived there. Nothing whatsoever could have induced them to -climb the rocky path and enter the yard, which just now was overgrown -with tall weeds and grass. - -This fear on the children's part was shared to some extent by their -parents. They shunned the cabin. In all the time Dewberry was away on -this last trip, probably not more than three persons passed by the -house, and then only because it was necessary to do so. Not until late -in midsummer, did anyone actually cross the yard and deliberately walk -up to the door with the intention of entering. - -That person was Constable Wyatt, of the Peace River Detachment of the -Royal North West Mounted Police. He was not alone. Another policeman and -three boys accompanied him. The constable strode forward, erect and -graceful, jingling a keyring. He selected one key and fitted it into the -lock. Then he turned, before proceeding further, and smiled at his -companions. - -"The right one. It will work, I think." - -"Open the door," instructed the other policeman, who stood close behind -him, and appeared to be either eager or impatient. - -The key grated in the lock and the door creaked, as Wyatt turned the -knob and pressed his weight against it. Five pairs of eyes stared into -the room. One of the boys--the youngest of the three--drew in his breath -sharply. - -"Great Scott! Books! Look at 'em--just look at 'em, Dick! A thousand or -more!" - -"A piano too," said Dick. "But where's the chest?" - -The small party crowded into the room. A heavy odor assailed their -nostrils. The place was stuffy and close. The blinds, which hung over -the closed windows, shut out most of the light. Not until these blinds -were raised and a window or two flung up, did any of the party do more -than to give the room a curious inspection. - -"According to Meade," Rand spoke calmly, "the chest ought to be -somewhere in this room." - -No chest was visible. Eyes darted here and there, questioningly. Wyatt, -Sandy and Dick hurried into the adjoining room to continue the search -there. Corporal Rand sat down, while Toma still remained in almost the -identical position he had taken up when he had first entered the house. - -At one side of the room a heavy fur overcoat lay in a wrinkled heap upon -the floor. Four feet above it, a long wooden peg projected from the -scored surface of a log. The inference was that the coat had slipped off -the peg at some time or other and that Dewberry, either through -oversight or neglect, had failed to hang it back in its accustomed -place. - -For a short space the young Indian gazed at the garment and then at the -peg. His eyes lit perceptibly. Something told him that the overcoat had -not fallen to the floor from that sturdy peg, and, besides, there was a -suspicious bulge--something underneath. With an amused chuckle, he -darted forward and lifted up the coat. The chuckle died in his throat. -He stepped back. - -The chest was there! - -Corporal Rand's sharp exclamation drew the others quickly. They were -crowded around him and Toma, looking down with bated breath at an iron -box, covered with fantastic scrolls and figures, embellished and -ornamented with metal rosettes and a fret-work of bronze. Neither Dick -nor Sandy had ever seen anything quite like it. It was not an ordinary -chest. It looked old--hundreds of years old--yet it was neither battered -nor broken, nor in any way scarred or defaced. Beautiful though it was, -its beauty produced a strange effect upon them. A malevolent influence -seemed to emanate there. - -Two feet high, three feet in length, approximately twenty in -breadth--the iron box stood there and seemed to defy them. Its -workmanship was superb. Dick guessed that it was of foreign origin, -probably Oriental. He shivered a little as Wyatt gave the key-ring to -Corporal Rand and motioned to him to stoop down and open the chest. - -Rand's fingers fumbled with the ring. A hollow scraping sound followed -the insertion of the key, and, having turned it, the cover--fitted with -a hidden, powerful spring--sprang open so quickly that its outer edge -caught the policeman on the point of the chin and threw him back amongst -his astonished companions. - -Dazed, the corporal scrambled back to a position on his knees and stared -in bewilderment at the chest. There was not a great deal to see. Within, -the chest was fitted with a thin metal lid, which completely hid -everything below. On the inside of the cover, however, was pasted a -heavy label, upon which was the following writing: - -"TREASURE CHEST.--Exhumed in September 1843 from the ruins of an ancient -temple discovered by Sir George Pettibone, English explorer, near -Kaifeng, in the province of Honan, China. Believed to date back to the -Mongol or Ming Dynasty, (A. D. 1260-1368), (A. D. 1368-1644)." - -"Wonderful!" exclaimed Dick, when Corporal Rand had finished reading. - -"It is wonderful," breathed Wyatt. "It would be interesting to know how -it came into Dewberry's possession." - -Sandy was impatient. He had pushed closer to Corporal Rand and was -looking down at the chest over the policeman's shoulder. - -"I can hardly wait until you remove that lid," he broke forth. "Why -don't you lift it up, corporal?" - -Gingerly, Rand placed a thumb and finger in two round holes in the lid -and tugged gently. Slowly, an inch or two at a time, it came up, -revealing an interior space taken up by six square trays of -sandalwood--any one of which contained a fortune. - -Gold! Treasure! The boys caught their breath. There came a concerted -rush around the box. Exclamations of amazement. Not only gold here--but -precious stones. Diamonds! Sapphires! Blood-red rubies! Platinum in -rings and bars. Gold dust! Curios! Priceless antiques! Nuggets! - -Sandy and Dick were shouting and exclaiming like maniacs. Wyatt and -Corporal Rand were talking in excited tones. Toma, less interested than -any of them, after a curious, puzzled glance into the interior of the -chest, backed away, grunting out something under his breath. - -It was Sandy, who presently discovered that the trays were removable, -that underneath them was a shallow compartment, three or four inches in -depth, completely filled with letters and papers and documents of -various kinds. - -"Here!" he shouted, holding it up. "A book! Must be very valuable or -Dewberry wouldn't keep it in here." - -He passed it on to Corporal Rand, then turned again and, with Dick's -assistance, began replacing the trays. The contents of these were, to -the boys, of far more importance and interest than anything else -confined within that ancient, mysterious receptacle. Again they fell to -examining the treasure. - -They were so absorbed in this delightful pastime, that they were wholly -unaware of what was taking place in the room behind them. The two -policemen had drawn up chairs and were sitting opposite each other, -their faces alight. Wyatt, who leaned forward eagerly, was listening to -Rand. Rand flipped the pages and read out of the book: - -"November 20, 1908.--This is my second trip out to Edmonton this year. -Today I met Professor B--, of the University of Alberta, who promised to -secure for me a first edition of Thackeray's _Vanity Fair_. Will send to -Vincent's at Montreal. Ought to have it here next time I come down. -Professor B-- is generous and kindly. Knowing of my interest in -antiques, he sent me, with a letter of introduction to a Mr. Lipton, a -private collector, who occupies a suite of rooms at the King Edward. I -enjoyed this visit and induced Mr. Lipton to part with a very valuable -cameo." - -"Interesting," remarked Wyatt. "Go on!" - -Corporal Rand flipped several pages and resumed: - -"May 6, 1909.--Spent the better part of this week around the head-waters -of the Finley. Gruelling work, but I love it. The mosquitos are savage, -persistent little brutes, and only the fine mesh of my new net, with the -addition of a pair of gloves, saves me from being sucked dry. I'll need -what blood and energy I have to complete my work here. Have been looking -for the famous Crystal Lode, which old Dave Crystal found somewhere near -here in 1890 and subsequently sold, 'unsight, unseen,' to Ben and Gordan -Wilson, who have never been heard from since." - -A slight pause while Rand cleared his throat and turned more of the -pages. - -"December 2, 1911.--I'm happy tonight. This afternoon Lipton agreed to -sell me that wonderful Chinese chest. I paid him two thousand dollars -for it without once blinking an eye. At that, I'm lucky to get it. -Lipton wouldn't have parted with it for twice that sum eight months ago. -I'm afraid he's been buying so much real estate that he's short of cash. -Whatever his motive, I'm exceedingly grateful to him." - -Wyatt slid forward in his chair. - -"Yes! Yes!" he exclaimed excitedly. "Read on." - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII - LEAVES FROM AN OLD DIARY - - -Dick and Sandy turned from their inspection of the treasure. - -"What's that you've been reading?" Sandy demanded. - -"Dewberry's diary." - -"Is that the book I handed you a few moments ago?" - -"Yes," the answer came from Corporal Rand. "I believe it will prove of -invaluable assistance to us in this case." - -The corporal still held the book in his lap, and seemed loath to -discontinue its perusal. The excerpts he had read aloud to Wyatt had -still further excited his curiosity, a curiosity which was shared by the -other policeman. The man from the Peace River Detachment consulted his -watch. - -"It's only three o'clock, Rand," he pointed out. "We still have plenty -of time at our disposal. I'd enjoy hearing more from that book. Why not -continue, corporal?" - -Rand turned the pages at random, his keen blue eyes glancing over the -contents. In a clear, musical voice he continued: - -"November 12, 1912.--Why is it that my chest from Honan continues to -fascinate me? Sitting here at home this evening, my thoughts dwelt upon -it. Twice I opened it and removed the trays, one by one, with the rapt -interest of a child; removed them and placed them on the floor beside -me. How indescribably bare it looks. I'm sure it wasn't like that during -the Ming dynasty. - -"November 17, 1912.--Today I finished reading Marco Polo's wonderful -narrative. Very naturally, it turned my thoughts to the chest. I'm -obsessed with a whimsical fancy. My chest, I am quite sure, was at one -time the depository for the jewels and wealth of the great Ming himself. -I visualize all those mysterious compartments overflowing with the -treasure from seven seas. This one contained diamonds; this one rubies; -this one sapphires and emeralds. In the remaining trays there are -quantities of silver and gold. Just to heighten the illusion, I have -placed the contents of three pokes in one of the trays. Then I locked it -up. I, too, shall have my treasure." - -Corporal Rand ceased reading. Dick and Sandy laughed. - -"Queer old duck, wasn't he?" Dick commented. "Well, I don't know as I -blame him any. It is mysterious." - -Corporal Rand did not reply. He turned a few pages idly, then read -again: - -"June 2, 1913.--I have found the Crystal Lode. Could scarcely believe my -good fortune. Came upon it more by accident than design. Tremendously -rich. Here and there, I found evidences of the workings of old Dave -Crystal. Will be compelled to keep this a secret. Took out over a -thousand dollars yesterday." - -"Whew!" gasped Sandy. - -Rand was excited too. He turned the pages more quickly. - -"October 1, 1914.--I'm back at the Crossing earlier than usual this -year. Brought a good deal of gold with me. Raced it in the chest. It -will soon be filled to overflowing. The depository of the great Ming has -come into its own. - -"November 10, 1914.--Lipton would smile if he knew what I was up to. -Today--the third since my arrival in Edmonton--I converted nearly eight -thousand dollars worth of gold from the Crystal Lode into precious -stones. The jewelers here must think I am mad. Almost overnight, I have -changed my vocation. In place of being a collector of rare old books and -antiques, I have become a connoisseur of gems. - -"November 12, 1914.--Professor B-- of the University of Alberta, had -lunch with me at the Cecil Hotel. Our talk was on various subjects but -finally I led him, rather adroitly, I think, to a topic which, at -present, is my all-absorbing passion. Did Professor B-- know anything -about jewelry, precious stones? He did. I have yet to touch upon a -subject he is not interested in. During our conversation, he happened to -mention casually that the Dalton's, who are very wealthy people here, -possess what is undoubtedly the most valuable sapphire in this country. -I think I must have pricked up my ears at this information. During the -rest of the day, I could think of nothing else. Perhaps tomorrow I shall -pluck up enough courage to go and see Dalton. - -"November 13, 1914.--The Dalton sapphire is mine. Paid forty thousand -for it. Dalton is not an agreeable person to deal with. I almost came -away without it. Was forced to draw on my account at the Bank of -Montreal. Dalton demanded a certified check and made a number of -pertinent inquiries over the telephone. In spite of his haughty manner, -he must need the money. Didn't even offer to shake hands with me at -parting." - -Rand closed the book, pointing at the chest. - -"It's easy to see now where he got those things. For years he's been -converting the gold from the Crystal Lode into precious stones." - -"Merely to satisfy a whim," smiled Wyatt. - -A moment later Rand resumed reading: - -"August 8, 1915.--What an inconceivable ass I am. Yesterday in some -unaccountable manner, I lost my note-book. I have been in the habit, -while away on these prospecting trips, of writing each day's events in a -note-book, and later copying them in my diary at home. Hope no one ever -finds it. 'My thoughts are precious things' and I wouldn't care to have -some fool laughing over them. Also, I fear that in the book I made -mention of the chest. Worse luck!" - -A sudden silence followed the reading of this last excerpt. Then Wyatt -rose to his feet and began pacing up and down the floor. - -"That has a direct bearing on this case," he announced suddenly. -"MacGregor must have found that note-book--or Creel or Frischette.... -Any of those scoundrels. It's the only possible way they could have -learned of the existence of this chest and the two keys Dewberry carried -with him. I am as sure of that as I am that I am standing here." - -"Extremely likely," admitted Rand. - -"Of course. And if we can determine which one of those men found the -note-book, we'll have some valuable evidence." - -"It may force a confession from them," said Rand. "Just before we came -down here, as you remember, Inspector Cameron endeavored to -cross-examine them. It was useless. Well, I haven't lost hope that we -may succeed next time. I'll take this diary with me." - -"May I look at it?" requested Sandy, holding out his hands. - -"What about the treasure?" asked Dick. "What will we do with the chest?" - -"Our inspector will attend to that," answered Wyatt. "Probably will be -removed to the new Bank of Commerce, just recently established here." - -"There are two likely places, where one might find that note-book," -mused Rand, "--at Creel's and Frischette's." - -"We can stop at both places on our way back," suggested Dick. - -"A good idea. Then there's MacGregor's shack too, I--" - -"Listen to this," interrupted Sandy, waving one arm about excitedly. - -In his haste to open it, the diary slipped from his trembling fingers -and fell to the floor. Picking it up, he experienced some difficulty in -finding the right page again. The others waited impatiently. Finally, -Sandy read: - -"September 28, 1915.--The first heavy snow of the season has come early -this year. Imagine my surprise this morning to wake in a blinding snow -storm. It is driving me away from the Crystal Lode. After breakfast, I -made haste to set out with my two pack-ponies, and arrived at Carson's -cabin shortly after two. I have always made it a point to stop at -Carson's whenever possible. They are friendly people. Mrs. Carson is an -Indian, but exceedingly pleasant and well educated. A cook too! I can't -understand why a couple like that should be afflicted with such hopeless -offspring. Their daughter, about fifteen, is vicious, while their son, -Reynold, two years older, is a young cutthroat, if ever there was one. -This afternoon I found him in my room, quite brazenly going through my -things. It caused me to wonder if, after all, Reynold doesn't know -something about that lost note-book. I recall that I stopped here just -the day before I discovered it was gone. - -"September 29, 1915.--I am almost sure that Reynold has it. Today he was -copying something out of a book--a black leather note-book--that looked -suspiciously like mine. He rose when he saw me and beat a hasty retreat. -I can't accuse him openly just yet, but when I come back this way in the -spring, I intend to lay a trap for him. That young scoundrel really -ought to be put in jail, although I am afraid I never would have the -courage to do it myself. It would break both Mr. and Mrs. Carson's -hearts." - -Sandy paused. - -"Have you finished? Is that all?" - -In his eagerness, Corporal Rand stepped over behind the young Scotchman -and looked down at the open book. - -"No," answered Sandy, "it is not all. Here is another paragraph, dated -September 30--just a day later." - -"I purposely remained at Carson's one more day. Thought I might be able -to keep an eye on Reynold, catch him again with the book and this time -positively identify it. Unfortunately for me, nothing happened. Carson -sent his son out with an armload of traps in the forenoon, and after -lunch, two prospectors, Emery and MacGregor, stopped for an hour or two -on their way east to Fort Good Faith. Carson introduced both men and we -conversed for a few minutes. Can't say I liked either one. If I were -forced to choose a person to hang me, I think I'd name MacGregor. -Emery's face is too vile--even for a hangman's." - -"Ugh!" Dick's voice trembled. "If only he had known!" - -"October 1, 1915," Sandy read on. "I can scarcely believe it yet. -Perhaps there is a redeeming trait in the boy after all. At any rate, -Reynold came to me this morning, as I was preparing to leave, and gave -me my book. I was so astounded that I simply stood staring at him. -According to his story--which, of course, I accepted, although I knew it -was a lie, 'trembling unto heaven'--he had found the book after my last -visit here. He found it in my room, he explained, 'just where I had -dropped it.' I breathed a sigh of relief that was almost a gasp, thrust -the accursed thing hastily into my pocket and departed thence--_sans_ -two nuggets (worth about twenty dollars) which I had given him as a -reward for his honesty." - -"The brat!" choked Wyatt. - -"Yes," stormed Rand, "that young scoundrel concocted a devil's mess -indeed. He's the one that ought to be hanged for Dewberry's murder." - -"But why?" Dick asked innocently. - -"Why? Can't you see. It's as plain as the nose on your face. He copied -the contents of the note-book and gave it to Emery and MacGregor." - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV - CARSON'S SON - - -Several weeks had passed. They were back in the North Country again--all -except Wyatt. Outside the door of the trading room at Fort Good Faith, -Sandy and Toma were bidding Corporal Rand and Dick good-bye, and wishing -devoutly that they too might have been permitted to accompany the -policeman on this--the last stage of a memorable journey. - -Dick had been more than fortunate, they considered, in receiving -official sanction to be in at the finish. He had earned this privilege, -to be sure, but for that matter, hadn't they? For weeks now they had -been pursuing what had at first appeared to be a phantom. The phantom -had taken form. The mystery had been uncovered. Step by step, day by -day, slowly and inexorably events had moved to an ultimate end. The -guilty were about to be punished. A few more things to do, then-- - -"Hang it all," thought Sandy, "the real work is over anyway. I've done -my part. They can't say I haven't. This case is run to earth. What -little excitement remains, Dick is welcome to. Toma and I both need a -rest." - -Thus philosophically dismissing the matter, he and Toma went fishing; -and Corporal Rand and Dick made their way on horseback to the foothills, -arriving at the Carson cabin one evening before dusk. - -Mrs. Carson met them at the door. She smiled her greeting and led the -way into the house. A sort of motherly person, Dick thought. - -"I hadn't expected anyone at this time of the year," she told them -laughing, at the same time brushing back a dark wisp of hair that had -fallen over her kindly forehead. "I'm afraid you'll find everything in -disorder. We've been drying saskatoons for the winter. Mr. Carson is in -the kitchen helping now. He'll come right in." - -True to his wife's prediction, Mr. Carson came right in and, looking at -him, Dick became heartily sick of the whole business. Carson was the -sort of man one couldn't help but like instantly. A much older man than -Dick had expected, yet agile enough in spite of the white crown of hair, -and handsome in a dignified way. He shook hands and took a seat -opposite. - -"Everyone is welcome here. You're tired, I expect." - -"And hungry," Corporal Rand amended. - -"Mrs. Carson will soon attend to that," her husband smiled. "She'll have -something ready in a few minutes. Have you come far?" - -"From Fort Good Faith." - -A girl appeared in the open doorway, having come noiselessly, and stood, -staring at them. The young lady mentioned in Dewberry's diary, Dick -surmised. She continued to stare as the now somewhat bashful young man -stole a glance in her direction, then quickly dropped his gaze. - -"Gertrude," expostulated her father, "that isn't nice. Either come -forward and be introduced or return to the kitchen. My daughter," he -explained, turning his head and speaking to Rand. Gertrude made a wry -face, shrugged her pretty shoulders and returned to the room, where her -mother was preparing the evening meal. Her place was immediately usurped -by a tall youth, older than Dick, who took up the business of staring -with considerably more energy and effect, adding a dark scowl or two for -good measure. As this was the young man he and Corporal Rand had come -all that way to interview, Dick lost no time in giving him a careful -appraisal. - -Reynold Carson's appearance was not prepossessing. He resembled neither -of his parents. Unlike his sister, he was not good-looking. His mouth -turned down at the corners. An unpleasant habit of scowling had etched -two deep lines across his narrow forehead. - -"A young cutthroat and no mistake," mused Dick, remembering Dewberry's -verbal picture of him. - -It was not until after supper that Rand stated his errand. All except -Mrs. Carson were in the room. The boy and girl sat in one corner and -conversed in low tones. Rand and Carson had pushed back their chairs -from the supper table and had lit their pipes. - -"Came over from Fort Good Faith," said Rand, endeavoring to keep his -voice steady, "to see your son. There's a certain matter Mr. Carson, -that I'd like to discuss with him. It's important." - -"Yes, yes--" Carson removed his pipe and seemed to exhale the words with -the smoke. "Reynold--" he trembled. "What--what has he done?" - -The policeman placed one hand on the old man's shoulder. - -"I--I hate to do this. I wish it wasn't necessary to tell you. You--you -understand my position. It's hard for me--hard for all of us." - -Dick choked and turned away his head. His heart had gone out to this -poor old man, and he just _couldn't_ look at him now. And then, too, -there was the boy's mother. Thinking about her-- It was terrible! She -mustn't come into the room. She mustn't hear what Rand was saying. - -"It's in connection with Dewberry's murder. Indirectly your son is -implicated. I--I--" - -Carson shrank back in his chair, threw up his hands in front of his face -and moaned in misery--in terror. Reynold, who had heard his name -mentioned, and perceived his father thus afflicted, got unsteadily to -his feet and came stumbling across the floor, glaring at Rand. - -"What you doing to dad?" he demanded. - -Carson sat up, endeavoring to get a better grip of himself. Almost -fiercely he turned upon his son. - -"Reynold, you're in trouble. The police have come for you. What have you -done? Speak up, boy; speak up! My God!--this will kill your mother." - -"He lies! He lies!" stormed the boy. "I've done nothing. He lies!" - -The corporal held up his hand, commanding silence. - -"Sit down, Reynold--and keep quiet. You probably don't know what it's -all about--yet. Listen to me. Answer my questions. No! Don't try that," -he warned, as Carson's son reached for his knife. "Sit down!" - -"You're lying," whimpered the boy, taking a chair next to his father. - -"Reynold, I wish you wouldn't say that," pleaded the old man. "He may be -mistaken, but--but he isn't lying." - -"I haven't done a thing," protested the boy. - -"Perhaps you've almost forgotten the incident," Rand cleared his throat, -"but there was a note-book. You found a note-book belonging to Dewberry. -Isn't that right?" - -"Yes," Reynold acknowledged. "I did." - -"I remember that too," said Carson brightening a little. "Reynold said -he found it in Mr. Dewberry's room. The prospector had--had mislaid it, -I believe." - -"I gave it back to Dewberry," stated the young man defiantly. "You don't -think I stole it, do you? I gave it back to him." - -"Quite right," said Rand. "But is that all?" - -"All! O' course, it is. What you tryin' to insinuate?" - -"I'm trying to insinuate," the policeman was very deliberate in his -choice of words now, "that you read the book, copied something out of it -and afterward sold that copy to two men--Emery and MacGregor. You did -that, didn't you?" - -Reynold seemed to sink into his chair. His lips were white. Either he -could not or would not answer. Feeling faint, Dick looked out of a -window. Shadows were falling everywhere outside. The trees were black -silhouettes. Night was shaking out its mantle from a metal-colored sky. -There was no brightness or radiance anywhere except a single orange -streak in the west, a sinister orange streak that marked the place where -the sun had gone down. - -"If he doesn't confess," thought Dick, "and have this over with, I'll go -crazy." - -A voice, trembling but defiant, broke across the silence. - -"Yes, I did do that. What was wrong about it? Tell me--what was wrong -about it? I didn't commit no crime-- It wasn't a very bad thing to -do--you can't make me believe that. Just sold a copy of something that -was written in that old book." - -"Reynold!" cried the old man. "Reynold!" - -"Listen, dad, it wasn't so terrible wrong. I didn't touch anybody an' I -didn't steal nothing. All I did was to sell what was in that book to a -few men for just a few dollars." - -"To a few men!" gasped the corporal. "Who--beside Emery and MacGregor?" - -"I sold one copy one day when Dewberry was here--before I gave him back -the book. I made a second copy, but I didn't sell it for months -afterwards. Dad and I had a quarrel and I ran away. I played cards and I -lost money--all I had. I tried to sell the copy. I showed it to a few -men, but they laughed at me. Then one night, when I was at a road-house -a queer looking chap, named Crane, gave me ten dollars for it." - -"Are you sure his name wasn't Creel? Stop and think a moment." - -"Creel! Creel! That's it." Reynold looked at the policeman in surprise. -"How did you know?" - -"I found out," answered Rand. - -"So you see, dad, it wasn't anything so very terrible," Reynold ran on. -"I--" - -"Can you repeat what you copied from the book?" Rand interrupted. - -"No, not word for word. It was something about an old chest that -Dewberry had at his home at Peace River Crossing--full of money; about a -key that he carried around his neck." - -"Would you remember if I read it to you?" - -"Yes, I would," answered the boy. - -Corporal Rand crossed the room, knelt down, and opened his saddle-pack. -A moment later he returned, carrying Dewberry's diary, resumed his seat, -and began thumbing the pages. It was several minutes before he found the -right place. Then he read: - -"May 13th, 1915. That chest is an obsession. Even out here in the -wilderness away from it, it seems to haunt me night and day. Sometimes I -call myself a doddering old fool. To buy it was a waste of money, an act -of folly. That were bad enough, but this thing I have been doing lately -is madness itself. In a thousand years, if God gave me that long to -live, I could never restore that chest to its original glory and -splendor. I'm sure that I haven't put into it one infinitesimal part of -the wealth and treasure that he did. If he were living now, Ming would -laugh my diamonds and rubies and emeralds to scorn. I'm afraid he'd -spurn my gold too. Cheap stuff! Trash! Where I have thousands he had -millions. Folly to pit the Crystal Lode against the resources of an -empire. Yet here I am, walking about with the key around my neck, trying -to emulate an emperor." - -Corporal Rand closed the book. - -"Is that what you copied?" he asked. - -"Yes, that's it," answered Reynold. - -"I wonder if you realize what you've done," Rand spoke softly. "When you -sold those copies you signed Dewberry's death warrant. You must have -known that one of those men, to whom you sold that information, would -try to obtain Dewberry's treasure." - -"I didn't think much about it," the boy declared doggedly. - -"Dewberry is dead. MacGregor murdered him. It's your fault. MacGregor -never would have murdered him, if--if it hadn't been for you. I want -that fact to sink in. You know now why I've come to get you." - -"I'll be hanged," blubbered the boy. - -Rand walked over and put his hand on the young man's shoulder. - -"No--not that. We'll do what we can for you. You have a wonderful father -and mother. For their sake--and for your own--we'll be as lenient as -possible." - -The young man's body shook with sobs. - -"Hush! Hush!" whispered Carson, wiping away his own tears. "I think I -hear your mother coming." - - - - - CHAPTER XXV - PIECING THE THREADS - - -Creel was the first to confess. Sitting in the office of the commandant, -in the presence of Inspector Cameron, Corporal Rand, Reynold Carson and -Dick, he poured out his story. Confronted by Carson, who identified him -as being one of the men to whom he had sold Dewberry's secret, Creel saw -that only the truth could help him. His deep-set eyes glowed dully. He -moistened his lips. - -"It's true," he began. "Frischette and me robbed Dewberry. Took his -money and his poke. For months, we'd been waiting our chance. Dewberry -stopped at the road-house several times, but nearly always it was during -the middle of the day. Usually he'd hit our place about noon and stay -not more than an hour. He preferred to go on and spend the night with -Meade, who was his friend." - -The sun, shining in through the window, bothered the old recluse and he -hitched back his chair. Not until he became comfortable again did he -resume: - -"Our chance come finally. Dewberry, delayed in a storm, drifted in one -afternoon late--about four o'clock. He hadn't time to make Meade's that -night. It was a cold day and miserable. A blizzard out. You could -scarcely see ahead o' you. I was surprised when Frischette come over and -notified me that Dewberry was there. I hadn't expected to stir out of my -cabin. I didn't want to walk back through the storm with him, but -Frischette said it was the best time for our plan, that we'd have to -strike that night if we ever intended to. After while I agreed and we -walked over and I hid in Frischette's room. - -"Neither one of us had any idea that that man MacGregor was playing the -same sort o' game as us. He was stopping at Frenchie's that night, along -with a lot of others, and, of course, we thought nothing of it. You see, -we was sure that we was the only ones 'in' on the secret. We had got the -dope from the kid and had made our plans." - -"Was a part of your plan to kill Dewberry?" Inspector Cameron -interrupted. - -Creel nodded. - -"Wasn't any other way our plan would work out. We simply had to do it. -We was compelled to put Dewberry out of the way, else he'd sound the -alarm and prevent us from getting into his cabin at Peace River -Crossing. - -"About nine o'clock Frischette come into the room where I was, bringing -my supper. Then the two of us sat there talking. We had decided that it -wasn't much use to try to do anything until along about midnight. So we -waited there in the dark. When the bunk-hall began to get a little quiet -we stopped talking ourselves for fear we might keep someone awake. It -was exactly twelve by my watch, when we stole out of that room." - -Creel paused reflectively, his eyes half closed. He remained motionless -and silent so long that Dick began to wonder if the man had lost his -power of speech. Suddenly he sat up straight in his chair and continued: - -"We was both in our stocking-feet and we moved as quiet as ghosts -between the rows of sleepers. Nobody could have heard us. Men was -snoring all around us. It was dark in the room, almost black, but we -knew exactly where to go. All the details had been planned out in -advance. Yet, as I said before, we hadn't figured on MacGregor, and on -that account we nearly got tripped up. We didn't know nothing about him -until we was directly over him." - -Again Cameron interrupted: "Directly over him? What do you mean? Had you -made a mistake and gone to MacGregor's bunk instead?" - -"No! No!" the old recluse spoke impatiently. "He was on his knees, -stooping over Dewberry, with the poke and money in his hands. Dewberry -was dead! - -"MacGregor hadn't even heard us come up. I was carrying a knife in my -right hand and I pushed it against his throat. I whispered that if he -made a sound I'd kill him. In fact, I thought I would anyway. I was so -frightened I could hardly stand on my feet. But if I was frightened, -MacGregor was worse than that. He was frozen like a block of ice. I -don't think he had more than strength enough to hand over the poke and -the roll of bills. After that we took him back into the kitchen and told -him we would give him his life if he'd promise to leave the place at -once and make no effort to get back the poke." - -"He was glad of the chance, I guess," a smile twisted Creel's lips. "We -were pretty sure that we'd never see him again. We weren't afraid that -he'd squeal, because he was the one that had committed the murder. Our -hands was clean. Things had worked out better than we could have planned -ourselves." - -"You didn't worry?" asked Cameron. - -"Yes, we did worry--some. We knew that MacGregor wouldn't say a word -about us unless he was placed under arrest for the murder. We didn't -think you was going to get him, and you wouldn't either if it hadn't -been for Fontaine. We had no idea that Fontaine knew anything about -MacGregor until he blabbed out that he had seen MacGregor dope a drink -he was mixing for the prospector. We could have killed the kid for that, -but if we had, you'd have known right away that we was the ones that had -done it and was implicated in some way in the other murder. There wasn't -a thing for us to do but just sit and wait. - -"We didn't have to wait very long either. MacGregor gets himself killed -in a scrap with the police. And lo and behold!--the 'Rat's' wife won't -talk. She wouldn't tell you a thing and she knew _everything_. You can -bet MacGregor told his wife all about us. But why didn't she squeal? She -could have got revenge on us good and proper. She had us right where she -wanted us. When she wouldn't give evidence, we knew what was in that -lady's mind then and there: _She was planning to get back that poke!_" - -"Have you any more to say for yourself?" asked the inspector, following -a long interval of silence. - -"No, sir, not a thing." - -"If you don't mind," said Rand, addressing his superior, "I'd like to -ask him a question." - -"Very well, corporal." - -"What was in the poke the evening Emery and Burnnel came to your cabin?" - -Creel's laugh sounded like the cackle of a madman. - -"A rusty nail and a piece of broken string, taken from an old alarm -clock. That's what I call a clever piece of work. It was my idea. -Frischette didn't know a thing about it. It fooled everybody. I buried -Dewberry's keys in a hole I dug in the cellar. When I got the chance, I -came back and dug them up. It was the same day that you went over to -investigate about Frischette. You thought he had committed suicide." - -"Well, wasn't I right?" - -"No." - -"If he didn't commit suicide, what happened to him?" - -"The squaw shot him--MacGregor's wife." - -One might have thought that Rand had been shot himself. He jumped. It -was several moments before he fully recovered from his surprise. - -"How do you know that MacGregor's wife shot him?" - -"She told me so herself." - -"When?" - -"The night her and Emery and Burnnel took the keys away from me, that -night across the Hay River. Flew into a rage and spilled everything. I -guess she'd have shot me too, but Burnnel wouldn't let her." - -"If what you say is true, how can you account for the note I found in -Frischette's pocket?" - -"She made Frischette write it before she shot him. Then she came back to -my cabin and searched everywhere for the keys. They were there, but she -couldn't find them. My place looked like a wreck. After that she met -Burnnel and Emery who had come back to try to get the poke again. The -next morning she stayed out there in the woods while them two -prospectors went over to see you." - -"And did she stay in the woods until the afternoon of the next day?" - -"That's exactly what she did." - -Corporal Rand turned to Inspector Cameron. - -"I guess that's all, sir. I'd suggest that you verify the prisoner's -last few statements by questioning Mrs. MacGregor herself and Burnnel -and Emery. However, I believe that they are true. Shall I take Carson -and Creel to their cells, sir?" - -The commandant nodded absent-mindedly, waved one arm in a gesture of -dismissal. Dick started to file out with the others, when he heard -Cameron calling his name. Turning sharply upon his heel, he strode back -to the inspector's desk and saluted. - -"Dick, you young rascal," began the mounted police official, "I've been -wanting to have a talk with you for a long time. You see, I have -received a letter concerning you and Toma. It came from the Commissioner -of the Canadian Royal North West Mounted at Ottawa." - -"I received a letter from him, too," said Dick, "about a year ago. In -this letter he said that he had considered favorably my application to -join the mounted police, and that I should hold myself in readiness to -report at the barracks at Regina." - -"And you've heard nothing from him since?" - -"Not a word, sir." - -"Didn't you ever think that this was a little strange?" - -"Well--er--" Dick flushed. "As a matter of fact, inspector, I've been so -busy--we've all been so busy--that I haven't had much time to bother my -head about it." - -Inspector Cameron laughed and nudged Dick slyly. - -"Would you care to hear a paragraph or two from the letter that _I_ -received?" - -"Yes, sir. That is, if you'd care to read it, sir." - -"I do wish to read it. Here it is." Cameron picked up a typewritten -sheet on the desk in front of him. "Now prepare yourself for a shock." - -"Regarding your request," read the commandant, "that Recruits Kent and -Toma should be retained at your detachment for special police service, I -wish to say that although such an arrangement is not usual and often not -advisable, we have decided to make a concession to you in this -particular case." - -"Great Scott!" exclaimed Dick. - -"So you see it was my fault that you didn't go to Regina. You boys are -too valuable to lose." - -Dick's face beamed like the sun. He felt that some great force -underneath him had lifted him up and that now he was being whirled -around and around the room in a rose-tinted cloud. He couldn't speak -because he was so happy. - -"Don't stand there looking like a ninny. Compose yourself, my boy. -Here's your first month's salary check. Here's another one for Toma. -Came direct from the paymaster at Ottawa. I haven't one for Sandy -because he didn't put in his application. You tell him he'd better--if -he wants to work for me. And while you're telling him that, you might -slip this bit of paper into his pocket with my compliments. Drawn from -my own personal account." - -Dick recalled afterward that he had thanked the inspector, but he never -could quite remember how he had gotten out of the room. He often -wondered if he hadn't floated out in triumph and in regal state on that -rose-tinted cloud. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI - DICK REJOINS HIS COMRADES - - -Three boys sat on the edge of a huge raft that drifted lazily over the -clear, cool surface of Whitefish Lake, near Fort Good Faith. It was a -hot day in late summer. Heat waves danced across the water. There wasn't -a speck of a cloud anywhere in sight. Neither was there another craft on -the lake. With the exception of the three young sportsmen, no person -might have been found within a radius of ten miles, which was fortunate, -else it might have been discovered that not one of the trio wore any -clothes. Naked as on the day they were born, they sat and dangled their -feet in the water. "Mr. MacClaren told me that you were here," Dick was -saying. "I stopped just long enough to have something to eat, then I -came right over. I was so anxious to tell you how everything came out." - -"How long did you remain at detachment headquarters?" asked Sandy. - -"Four days," replied Dick. "It was longer than I should have stayed, but -I was anxious to learn what they were intending to do with young Carson. -Inspector Cameron gave his case a special hearing the day before I left. -You can imagine how pleased I was at the outcome." - -"What was the outcome? Let him off with a light sentence, I suppose." - -"You couldn't guess. He's out on probation. Inspector Cameron would have -sent him to Edmonton for trial, along with the rest of them, if it -hadn't been for Corporal Rand. During the hearing Rand proved to -everybody's satisfaction that Reynold hasn't full control of his mental -powers--in a way almost an idiot. He doesn't fully realize yet what he's -done." - -"So they sent him home," said Sandy. - -"I took him home." - -"Great Scott! How did that happen?" - -"Inspector Cameron asked me to," answered Dick. "I couldn't very well -refuse, could I? I didn't really want to go--but I'm glad now. Sandy--if -you could have seen Mr. and Mrs. Carson's faces when we walked through -the door, you'd have felt repaid a million times." - -"I can believe that. What did they say?" - -"I can't remember all they said. At a time like that, things people say -don't count. It's what they do and how they feel that really matters. I -can't explain exactly what I mean. But if you'd been there, you'd -understand." - -"I think I understand now, Dick," said Sandy softly. - -"That experience will make a man of him. He's changed already. And the -girl, too. It was a lesson for both of them." - -Toma dropped off the raft a moment later, during a lull in the -conversation, and swam in widening circles around them. For a short time -the two boys watched him, then suddenly, with a little start, Dick -seized his trousers and plunged one hand in a pocket. - -"There! I'd almost forgotten. Here's a check for both of you from -Inspector Cameron. Toma," he called, "come back!" - -Toma swam back to the raft, and then Dick told them of his interview -with the commandant, not forgetting to mention the letter that had been -read to him. - -"Wish I'd put in my application too," sighed Sandy. - -"It isn't too late yet. Inspector Cameron told me to tell you." - -"I'll write one out this very day," decided Sandy. - -Toma regarded his check thoughtfully. - -"How I spend all this money?" he wanted to know. - -"A new saddle," suggested Dick. - -"Got 'em good one now." - -"A rifle then." - -"Plenty rifle." - -"Tell you what," impishly advised Sandy, "tell you what, Toma, you can -save your money and later on purchase a Chinese chest." - -"One that dates back to the Ming dynasty," Dick elaborated. - -"Ugh!" said the young Indian. - - - THE END - - - - - Footnotes - - -[1]Author's Note: An expression frequently heard in the North. It means - here "beyond the borders of the wilderness." - - - - - Saalfield Books - - - BOYS FICTION - - SUBMARINE BOYS SERIES - _The Submarine Boys on Duty_ - _The Submarine Boys' Trial Trip_ - _The Submarine Boys and the Middies_ - - NORTHLAND SERIES - _Dick Kent, Fur Trader_ - _Dick Kent with the Malemute Mail_ - _Dick Kent on Special Duty_ - - BLACK RIDER SERIES - _In the Camp of the Black Rider_ - _The Mystery at Lake Retreat_ - _Tom Blake's Mysterious Adventure_ - - - GIRLS FICTION - - MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS SERIES - _The Meadow-Brook Girls Across Country_ - _The Meadow-Brook Girls Afloat_ - _The Meadow-Brook Girls in the Hills_ - - LINDA CARLTON SERIES - _Linda Carlton, Air Pilot_ - _Linda Carlton's Ocean Flight_ - _Linda Carlton's Island Adventure_ - - ADVENTURE GIRLS SERIES - _The Adventure Girls at K-Bar-O_ - _The Adventure Girls in the Air_ - - - - - Transcriber's Notes - - ---Copyright notice provided as in the original--this e-text is public - domain in the country of publication. - ---Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and - dialect unchanged. - ---Added a Table of Contents based on chapter headings. - ---In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the - HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.) - - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Dick Kent on Special Duty, by Milton Richards - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK KENT ON SPECIAL DUTY *** - -***** This file should be named 50275.txt or 50275.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/2/7/50275/ - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Rod Crawford, Rick Morris -and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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