And
don't follow!" he added. "I shall be waiting behind the rocks."
He slowly backed away from the group, turned in behind a sheltering
rock, then swiftly began to climb the rocky sides of the canyon. The
moment he was out of sight Little Thunder dodged in behind the ledges,
found his rifle, and, making a wide detour, began to climb the side of
the ravine at an angle which would cut off Raven's retreat. All this
took place in full view of the two watchers above.
"Let's get that devil," said the Inspector. But Cameron was already
gone. Swiftly along the lip of the canyon Cameron ran and worked his way
down the side till he stood just over the sloping ledge upon which the
Indian was crouched and waiting. Along this lodge came the unconscious
Raven, softly whistling to himself his favourite air,
"Three cheers for the red, white and blue."
There was no way of warning him. Three steps more and he would be within
range. The Inspector raised his gun and drew a bead upon the crouching
Indian.
"Wait!" whispered Cameron. "Don't shoot. It will bring them all down on
us." Gathering himself together as he spoke, he vaulted clear over
the edge of the rock and dropped fair upon the shoulders of the Indian
below, knocking the breath completely out of him and bearing him flat to
the rock.
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