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His reserves had already secured possession of the ford, and they were ready to join in the battle if their support should be needed. The crucial moment came when the leading warriors of the Sioux' long column were level with the rear of Kiddie's division.
Late on that same day. Rube Carter was crossing the trail, carrying a load of material for Kiddie's building operations, when he saw Sheila limping towards him over the bridge. He dropped his load, strode up to her, and was putting his arms about her neck in welcome when he noticed that there was blood on her chin and throat. He searched for an open wound, but found none.
During the meal Kiddie was very quiet. It was Rube Carter who did most of the talking, and who told them of the battle of Poison Spider Creek and of Kiddie's election as chief of the Crows. "I ain't any surprised at Kiddie's refusin' ter take on the chief business," commented Gideon. "Not but what he'd make a tip-top Injun chief," added Isa Blagg.
If you wanted to voyage dere, f'r instance, you'd 'ave ter get a promise o' peace, a 'Besa' they calls it, from one of dese tough fellers, and he makes 'imself responsible to end any feller wat disturbs you; 'e can post a babby along o' you and so long as the kiddie's wid yer nobody'll touch you. Dats so, Mister Jim, you bleeve me.
Above the island and over the forest the air was sprinkled with startled birds; from the dark ravine of Laramie Pass a pair of eagles took flight. Isa Blagg drew his paddle and waved his hat. He followed Kiddie's canoe into the little bay that was its mooring place on the farther side of the island. "Located you at last!" he said, as he stepped ashore.
"That's so, Isa; that's so," agreed Kiddie. "Say, Sheriff," interposed Rube; "have you gotten any news ter tell us about that Sanson T. Wrangler business that brought you t' our camp t' get Kiddie's advice?" "No." The sheriff shook his head. "No, it all turned out just as Kiddie said, in every particular." "And Nick Undrell had nothin' whatever to do with it?" questioned Kiddie.
But before he could take aim there was a sudden quick movement in Kiddie's sleeping-place, a sharp flash, and a loud report that was mingled with a fierce howl and a heavy thud. Kiddie had leapt to his feet and was ready to fire a second shot at the beast that was writhing and snarling at his feet. "Keep back, Rube," he said calmly. "He ain't dead yet. But I've got him.
Rube was applying Kiddie's method of imagining himself in the other person's place, and, following up this process, he decided that it would not be very long before Kiddie would get on to the track of these Indians. When at length the ponies were brought to a halt, Rube was dragged to the ground and left there, lying on his back, with his cramped arms beneath him.
Kiddie looked puzzled. He glanced round at Rube. "Well?" said Rube. "Chief of the Crow nation. That's what they're offerin' you. Why don't you answer?" Kiddie stood irresolute. "Why don't you answer?" Rube repeated, impressed by the importance of the occasion. He was very much interested in the deputation of Indians waiting so patiently for Kiddie's decision.
You may well ask how did he quit? Say" the old man clutched Kiddie's arm in consternation "d'you reckon he's vamoosed on th' Arab mare?" Kiddie shook his head decisively. "That's not possible," he averred. "For one thing, he could hardly have mounted her with that bullet wound in his leg. For another thing, the mare's still safe in the stable where I locked her.
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