Wolf-Voice sat down and smoked. When men smoke they are doing nothing worse than thinking. The cook ceased doing the work he was paid for, and also smoked. Every one else smoked, and all watched the greatest thinker that the world has ever known--the Fire. The first man to break the silence was the Englishman. Whether in a frock coat, or a more simple garment, the Englishman has for the last few centuries been able to think quicker, larger, and more to the purpose in hours of bewilderment, than any other kind of man. He understood that his big purpose was lost in this "battle of the kites and crows." The oak should not wither because one bird robbed another's nest. As a world-wide sportsman he had seen many yellow fellows shine their lethal weapons to the discomfiture of his plans; and he knew that in Ermine he had an unterrified adversary to deal with. He talked kindly from behind his pipe. "Of course, Ermine, I am willing to do what is proper under any and all circumstances, and we will continue this vigorous travel if you can make the necessity of it plain to me. Frankly, I do not understand why we are doing it, and I ask you to tell me." Ermine continued to smoke for a time, and having made his mind up he removed his pipe and said slowly: "Mr. Harding, I shot Butler, and the soldiers are after me. I have to go fast--you don't--that's all." The gentleman addressed opened wide eyes on his guide and asked in low amazement, "D---- me--did you? Did you kill him?" "No," replied Ermine. Rising from his seat, Mr. Harding took the scout to one side, out of reach of other ears, and made him tell the story of the affair, with most of the girl left out. "Why did you not give him the photograph?" "Because he said he would make me give it and drew his pistol, and what is more, I am going back to kill the man Butler--after a while. We must go fast to-morrow, then I will be where I am safe, for a time at least." All this gave Harding a sleepless night. He had neither the power nor the inclination to arrest the scout. He did not see how the continuance of his hunt would interfere with final justice; and he hoped to calm the mood and stay the murderous hand of the enraged man. So in half-bewilderment, on the morrow, that staid traveller found himself galloping away from the arms of the law, in a company of long-haired vagabonds; and at intervals it made him smile. This was one of those times when he wished his friends at home could have a look at him. "Say, Wolf-Voice," said he, "Ermine says he is going back to kill Lieutenant Butler sometime later." "He says dat--hey?" "Yes, he says that." "Wiell den--she wiell do eet--var much, 'fraid--what for she wan kiell dose man Butler? She already waas shoot heem en the harm." "I think Ermine is jealous," ventured Harding. "What you call jealous?" queried the half-breed. "Ermine wants Butler's girl and cannot get her; that is the trouble."