Ambrose made no answer. In his heart he had hoped that the empty charges at Fort Enterprise had fallen of their own weight before this.
The inspector turned his attention back to Watusk. "Deliver over your arsenal!" he said.
Watusk meekly unfastened his various belts and handed them to a trooper. Having observed Ambrose's rebuff, his face had become smooth and inscrutable again.
By this time the Indians had issued out of the pit by the rear and were standing in an uncertain group a little way off.
"Order them to pile their weapons on the ground," commanded the inspector. "Let each man make a mark upon the stock of his rifle so that he can identify it when it is returned. Send messengers to the other pits with orders for all the men to bring their guns here."
Watusk was eager to obey him.
"Where is your camp?" the inspector asked him.
Watusk pointed. "One mile," he said.
"After we get the guns you shall go there with me and we will examine the people."
Ambrose, hearing this, turned to the trooper who was nearest. "If you go to the camp get me my dog, will you?" he asked sullenly.