第53章
A Government nearly three thousand miles away, with the nearest base of military operations a thousand miles distant, what could they do? The only real difficulty was the North West Mounted Police.But even as the Sioux uttered the words a chill silence fell upon the excited throng.The North West Mounted Police, who for a dozen years had guarded them and cared for them and ruled them without favor and without fear! Five hundred red coats of the Great White Mother across the sea, men who had never been known to turn their backs upon a foe, who laughed at noisy threats and whose simple word their greatest chief was accustomed unhesitatingly to obey! Small wonder that the mere mention of the name of those gallant "Riders of the Plains" should fall like a chill upon their fevered imaginations.The Sioux was conscious of that chill and set himself to counteract it.
"The Police!" he cried with unspeakable scorn, "the Police! They will flee before the Indian braves like leaves before the autumn wind.""What says he?" cried Cameron eagerly.And Jerry swiftly interpreted.
Without a moment's hesitation Cameron sprang to his feet and, standing in the dim light at the entrance to the cave, with arm outstretched and finger pointed at the speaker, he cried:
"Listen!" With a sudden start every face was turned in his direction."Listen!" he repeated."The Sioux dog lies.He speaks with double tongue.Never have the Indians seen a Policeman's back turned in flight."His unexpected appearance, his voice ringing like the blare of a trumpet through the cavern, his tall figure with the outstretched accusing arm and finger, the sharp challenge of the Sioux's lie with what they all knew to be the truth, produced an effect utterly indescribable.For some brief seconds they gazed upon him stricken into silence as with a physical blow, then with a fierce exclamation the Sioux snatched a rifle from the cave side and quicker than words can tell fired straight at the upright accusing figure.But quicker yet was Jerry's panther-spring.With a backhand he knocked Cameron flat, out of range.Cameron dropped to the floor as if dead.
"What the deuce do you mean, Jerry?" he cried."You nearly knocked the wind out of me!""Beeg fool you!" grunted Jerry fiercely, dragging him back into the tunnel out of the light.
"Let me go, Jerry!" cried Cameron in a rage, struggling to free himself from the grip of the wiry half-breed.
"Mak' still!" hissed Jerry, laying his hand over Cameron's mouth.
"Indian mad--crazy--tak' scalp sure queeck.""Let me go, Jerry, you little fool!" said Cameron."I'll kill you if you don't! I want that Sioux, and, by the eternal God, I am going to have him!" He shook himself free of the half-breed's grasp and sprang to his feet."I am going to get him!" he repeated.
"No!" cried Jerry again, flinging himself upon him and winding his arms about him."Wait! Nodder tam'.Indian mad crazy--keel quick--no talk--now."Up and down the tunnel Cameron dragged him about as a mastiff might a terrier, striving to free himself from those gripping arms.Even as Jerry spoke, through the dim light the figure of an Indian could be seen passing and repassing the entrance to the cave.
"We get him soon," said Jerry in an imploring whisper."Come back now--queeck--beeg hole close by."With a great effort Cameron regained his self-control.
"By Jove, you are right, Jerry," he said quietly."We certainly can't take him now.But we must not lose him.Now listen to me quick.This passage opens on to the canyon about fifty yards farther down.Follow, and keep your eye on the Sioux.I shall watch here.Go!"Without an instant's hesitation Jerry obeyed, well aware that his master had come to himself and again was in command.
Cameron meantime groped to the mouth of the tunnel by which he had entered and peered out into the dim light.Close to his hand stood an Indian in the cavern.Beyond him there was a confused mingling of forms as if in bewilderment.The Council was evidently broken up for the time.The Indians were greatly shaken by the vision that had broken in upon them.That it was no form of flesh and blood was very obvious to them, for the Sioux's bullet had passed through it and spattered against the wall leaving no trail of blood behind it.There was no holding them together, and almost before he was aware of it Cameron saw the cavern empty of every living soul.Quickly but warily he followed, searching each nook as he went, but the dim light of the dying fire showed him nothing but the black walls and gloomy recesses of the great cave.At the farther entrance he found Jerry awaiting him.
"Where are they gone?" he asked.
"Beeg camp close by," replied Jerry."Beeg camp--much Indian.
Some talk-talk, then go sleep.Chief Onawata he mak' more talk--talk all night--then go sleep.We get him morning."Cameron thought swiftly.
"I think you are right, Jerry.Now you get back quick for the men and come to me here in the morning.We must not spoil the chance of capturing this old devil.He will have these Indians worked up into rebellion before we know where we are."So saying, Cameron set forward that he might with his own eyes look upon the camp and might the better plan his further course.Upon two things he was firmly resolved.First, that he should break up this council which held such possibilities of danger to the peace of the country.And secondly, and chiefly, he must lay hold of this Sioux plotter, not only because of the possibilities of mischief that lay in him, but because of the injury he had done him and his.
Forward, then, he went and soon came upon the camp, and after observing the lay of it, noting especially the tent in which the Sioux Chief had disposed himself, he groped back to his cave, in a nook of which--for he was nearly done out with weariness, and because much yet lay before him--he laid himself down and slept soundly till the morning.