But even as the Sioux uttered the words a chill silence fell upon the excited throng.

The North West Mounted Police, who for a dozen years had guarded them and cared for them and ruled them without favor and without fear! Five hundred red coats of the Great White Mother across the sea, men who had never been known to turn their backs upon a foe, who laughed at noisy threats and whose simple word their greatest chief was accustomed unhesitatingly to obey! Small wonder that the mere mention of the name of those gallant "Riders of the Plains" should fall like a chill upon their fevered imaginations.

The Sioux was conscious of that chill and set himself to counteract it.
"The Police!" he cried with unspeakable scorn, "the Police! They will flee before the Indian braves like leaves before the autumn wind." "What says he ?" cried Cameron eagerly.

And Jerry swiftly interpreted.
Without a moment's hesitation Cameron sprang to his feet and, standing in the dim light at the entrance to the cave, with arm outstretched and finger pointed at the speaker, he cried: "Listen!" With a sudden start every face was turned in his direction.
"Listen!" he repeated.

"The Sioux dog lies.