"Cameron, I am more anxious than I can say about the situation here in this part of the country.I have been away from the center of things for some months and I have lost touch.I want you to let me know just what is doing from our side.""I do not know much, sir," replied Cameron."I, too, have just come in from a long parley with Crowfoot and his Chiefs.""Ah, by the way, how is the old boy?" inquired the Superintendent.
"Will he stick by us?"
"At present he is very loyal, sir,--too loyal almost," said Cameron in a doubtful tone."Duck Lake sent some of his young men off their heads a bit, and Frog Lake even more.The Sarcees went wild over Frog Lake, you know.""Oh, I don't worry about the Sarcees so much.What of Crowfoot?""Well, he has managed to hold down his younger Chiefs so far.He made light of the Frog Lake affair, but he was most anxious to get from me the fullest particulars of the Duck Lake fight.He made careful inquiries as to just how many Police were in the fight.Icould see that it gave him a shock to learn that the Police had to retire.This was a new experience for him.He was intensely anxious to learn also--though he would not allow himself to appear so--just what the Government was doing.""And what are the last reports from headquarters? You see I have not been kept fully in touch.I know that the Commissioner has gone north to Prince Albert and that General Middleton has taken command of the forces in the West and has gone North with them from Qu'Appelle, but what troops he has I have not heard.""I understand," replied Cameron, "that he has three regiments of infantry from Toronto and three from Winnipeg, with the Winnipeg Field Battery.A regiment from Quebec has arrived and one from Montreal and there are more to follow.The plan of campaign I know nothing about.""Ah, well," replied the Superintendent, "I know something about the plan, I believe.There are three objective points, Prince Albert and Battleford, both of which are now closely besieged, and Edmonton, which is threatened with a great body of rebel Crees and Salteaux under leadership of Little Pine and Big Bear.The Police at these points can hardly be expected to hold out long against the overwhelming numbers that are besieging them, and I expect that relief columns will be immediately dispatched.Now, in regard to this district here, do you know what is being done?""Well, General Strange has come in from his ranch and has offered his services in raising a local force.""Yes, I was glad to hear that his offer had been accepted and that he has been appointed to lead an expeditionary force from here to Edmonton.He is an experienced officer and I am sure will do us fine service.I hope to see him to-morrow.Now, about the South,"continued the Superintendent, "what about Fort Macleod?""The Superintendent there has offered himself and his whole force for service in the North, but General Middleton, I understand, has asked him to remain where he is and keep guard in this part of the country.""Good! I am glad of that.In my judgment this country holds the key.The Crees I do not fear so much.They are more restless and uncertain, but God help us if the Blackfeet and the Bloods rise!
That is why I called for volunteers to-night.We cannot afford to be without a strong force here a single day.""I gathered that you got some volunteers to-night.I hope, sir,"said Cameron, "you will have a place for me in your troop?""My dear fellow, nothing would please me better, I assure you,"said the Superintendent cordially."And as proof of my confidence in you I am going to send you through the South country to recruit men for my troop.I can rely upon your judgment and tact.But as for you, you cannot leave your present beat.The Sun Dance Trail cannot be abandoned for one hour.From it you keep an eye upon the secret movements of all the tribes in this whole region and you can do much to counteract if not to wholly check any hostile movement that may arise.Indeed, you have already done more than any one will ever know to hold this country safe during these last months.
And you must stay where you are.Remember, Cameron," added the Superintendent impressively, "your work lies along the Sun Dance Trail.On no account and for no reason must you be persuaded to abandon that post.I shall get into touch with General Strange to-morrow and shall doubtless get something to do, but if possible I should like you to give me a day or two for this recruiting business before you take up again your patrol work along the Sun Dance.""Very well, sir," replied Cameron quietly, trying hard to keep the disappointment out of his voice."I shall do my best.""That is right," said the Superintendent."By the way, what are the Piegans doing?""The Piegans," replied Cameron, "are industriously stealing cattle and horses.I cannot quite make out just how they can manage to get away with them.Eagle Feather is apparently running the thing, but there is someone bigger than Eagle Feather in the game.An additional month or two in the guardroom would have done that gentleman no harm.""Ah, has he been in the guard-room? How did he get there?""Oh, I pulled him out of the Sun Dance, where I found he had been killing cattle, and the Superintendent at Macleod gave him two months to meditate upon his crimes."Superintendent Strong expressed his satisfaction.
"But now he is at his old habits again," continued Cameron."But his is not the brain planning these raids.They are cleverly done and are getting serious.For instance, I must have lost a score or two of steers within the last three months.""A score or two?" exclaimed the Superintendent."What are they doing with them all?""That is what I find difficult to explain.Either they are running them across the border--though the American Police know nothing of it--or they are making pemmican.""Pemmican? Aha! that looks serious," said the Superintendent gravely.
