“I’m here,” responded a voice, instantly recognized to be that of the person addressed. “What do you want?”
“I want you,” was the rejoinder. “Come out here.”
“Well,” said John, “I guess I know what you want me for.”
“Probably,” replied the leader. “But hurry up. We’ve no time to lose.”
“One moment. I’ll be with you as soon as I can get on my moccasins,” said John.
“Be quick about it,” shouted the leader.
Long John was taken in charge by the company, and as soon as it was light enough to enable them to see distinctly, the leader, with four men, escorted him to the spot where Tiebalt was found. The remainder of the company kept guard over the men found sleeping near the wakiup. When they arrived upon the ground, the leader said to him,
“Long John, we have arrested you for the murder of Nicholas Tiebalt. We believe you to be guilty, and have brought you up here to the spot where his body was found to hear what you have to say.”
Palmer, who was one of the company, then proceeded to explain all the circumstances connected with the discovery, the position of the body, and the conversation he held with Long John when he applied to him for assistance.
“Boys,” said John, in a serious tone, “I did not do it. As God shall judge me, I did not.”