Their coming created quite a sensation at the post, and the old factor quite naturally rejoiced at the prospect of presently recovering all the stock so recently carried off by the bold swoop of the outlaw gang. Since the leading spirit of the organization, known to them only as the Hawk, was booked to be returned to Leavenworth; and the minor offenders would get their liberty cut off for years to come, it looked as though peace was likely to reign throughout that section of the Northwest Territory for keeps.
After Perk’s arm had been cared for it was determined to keep on in the direction of the Mounties’ headquarters, carrying all their prisoners along. They reached their objective about noon on the following day, not being able to make fast progress on account of the double burdens carried by the horses.
Then came the biggest surprise of all, so far as Jack and Perk were concerned. The former and Dr. Hamilton were having a little chat, and Perk on his part sat in the sun amusing himself by staring at something he held in his one good hand. Jack, as if by accident, steered his companion over that way, so they came up behind Perk, quite unaware of their presence. He was, as might be said to be his habit, talking with himself.
“Hang the luck!” they heard him mutter as if greatly annoyed; “there she slipped me again, jest like the greased pig they try to ketch in that silly game—I was goin’ to say that name as slick as you please, but now I lost connections again. Adrian—Adrian what?”
“Where did you get that picture?” demanded a voice close to his ear, as a hand shot out and snatched it from his grasp.
“Why—what—here, what business you got takin’ my property?” gasped Perk as turning his head awkwardly he looked in astonishment at Dr. Hamilton, strangely excited; while Jack stood by, nodding his head, and grinning, as if some suspicion he had entertained was now confirmed.
“Because he is my boy—I am Doctor Adrian Bahrman!”
When the surgeon said this as though determined to no longer hide his identity behind a false name, Perk gave a tremendous start, and turning to Jack cried out:
“Hot diggetty dig! did you hear that, partner—he said it, the name I been tryin’ to get out for ever so long! Knowed it was somethin’ that begun with a B, didn’t I tell you? Now I c’n get some peace, anyway. An’ me always wonderin’ where I’d seen a face like you’rn, Doc. Shake hands on that.”
Of course Jack had to tell the story, and when the thrilled doctor learned how Perk had evidently saved the lives of his dear ones he again wrung the unbandaged hand of that individual with might and main, tears streaming down his cheeks.