“My brother is wrong. White Horse, chief. My young men not let him go.”
“Good!” said the Inspector, promptly making up his mind. “I let him go now. In two days I come again and get him. The Police never lie.”
So saying, he released White Horse and without further word, and disregarding the angry looks and levelled rifles, rode slowly off after his party. On the edge of the crowd he met Sergeant Crisp.
“Thought I'd better come back, Sir. It looked rather ugly for a minute,” said the Sergeant.
“Ride on,” said the Inspector. “We will get our man to-morrow. Steady, Mr. Cadwaller, not too fast.” The Inspector slowed his horse down to a walk, which he gradually increased to an easy lope and so brought up with Cameron and the others.
Through the long evening they pressed forward till they came to the Kootenay River, having crossed which they ventured to camp for the night.
After supper the Inspector announced his intention of riding on to the Fort for reinforcements, and gave his instructions to the Sergeant.
“Sergeant Crisp,” he said, “you will make an early start and bring in the bunch to-morrow morning. Mr. Cadwaller, you remember you are to remain at the Fort two days so that the charges brought by White Horse may be investigated.”
“What?” exclaimed Mr. Cadwaller. “Wait for them blank blank devils? Say, Inspector, you don't mean that?”
“You heard me promise the Indians,” said the Inspector.