Between them, Hector felt, the situation might just possibly be kept in hand.
For the fortnight following Lescheneaux's departure, he was constantly on his feet and in constant communication with Father Duval and Bear Tooth.
His first move was to consult and advise Father Duval.
They met secretly.
"Whatever we do, Father," said Hector, "we must use tact, logic and persuasion. Threats? Useless!"
Father Duval smiled.
"Eh-h-, but you are a man af-taire my own 'art, Inspecteur. Dese pauvres sauvages—dey are joost children—bébés. Show a beeg, beeg stick—dey be'ave! Vraiment! But show a leetle stick—poof! Dey knock you down! Ef you 'ad all de Police be'ind you—ah! All right—shake de fist! But as you 'ave only ten men—ah! Talk quiet—ver', ver' firm but always no t'reat! Mais, attendez! Dese fellows are no fool. We give dem logic, as you 'ave said an' I bet you all stay quiet."
"My sentiments exactly, Father," Hector agreed. "Now, you are a man of peace; and they know it. There's not an Indian from here to the Arctic Circle that doesn't trust you, Father. Whereas—well, they know the Force is in arms against this revolt and they might think I was just talking to bluff them if I see them first. What I suggest, Father, is this: go to them, get them together, point out how we have helped them and treated them fairly always. Show them the treacherous side of this uprising. Tell them the mistakes the rebels have made. Then go on to point out the power of the Great White Mother—how we've already avenged the Goose River affair—how an army is already on its way to crush the enemy—how the flow of troops will continue, thousands and thousands of Shagalasha, until the war is ended at any cost and the leaders of the rebels hanged. Don't forget the rope, Father. Then—"
"Den—pour fini,—tell' dem 'ow much wiser to stay on reserve, till de ground, sell to de Government an' be true to de Queen. Eh, mon enfant, I know! 'Ow you say? Count on me, count on me! Mes pauvres petits! Mon Dieu, mon Dieu!"
"Then that's settled. I will stay away—it will be more diplomatic. Afterwards—well, we'll see how you get along first."