"I do not expect your help, but I ask you to remain where
you are for the present. And let me assure you this is no moment for
trifling."
With extraordinary skill and rapidity Little Thunder managed to lead
first the pack ponies and then the others, one by one, at intervals,
off the trail as they went onward, taking infinite pains to cover their
tracks at the various points of departure. While this was being done the
trader stood shouting directions and giving assistance with a fury of
energy that seemed to communicate itself to the very beasts. But the
work was one of great difficulty and took many minutes to accomplish.
"Half an hour more, just half an hour! Fifteen minutes!" he kept
muttering. "Just a short fifteen minutes and all would be well."
As the last pony disappeared into the woods Raven turned to Cameron and
with a smile said quietly,
"There, that's done. Now you are free. Here we part. This is your trail.
It will take you to Macleod. I am sorry, however, that owing to a change
in circumstances for which I am not responsible I must ask you for that
rifle." With the swiftness of a flash of light he whipped his gun into
Cameron's face. "Don't move!" he said, still smiling. "This gun of mine
never fails. Quick, don't look round. Yes, those hoof beats are our
friends the police.
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