Eagle's Nest was too far South for Louie to get any of the fur trade, but the outlying cattle ranches, prospectors, etc., gave him a fair trade. But Louie was the type of Northern trader, canny as a Scot, but caring little beyond his immediate needs. Marie was a little, black-eyed thing, adored above everything by old Louie, whose gray beard swept almost to his waist and whose whisper was almost a roar. He was a typical old French-Canadian, quick to answer, quick to forgive and with the strength of a grizzly bear. [Illustration] Bud could see the front of the store from where he stood on the headquarters steps. Directly across from him was the barracks building, and as Bud glanced that way a tall, rangy policeman came out of the building and crossed toward him. He came in close before he spoke. "What did the inspector have to say, Conley?" "I didn't listen much," grinned Bud, "but I got enough to know that he didn't need me any longer, Henderson." "And you resigned?" "Well," drawled Bud, "I didn't want to disappoint him." "That's too bad," sighed Henderson. "Don't bawl about it," begged Bud. "'F there's anythin' I hate it's t' see a policeman cryin'. I reckon I can bear m' burden." Henderson smiled. He had been Bud's bunkie and liked Bud, in spite of the fact that Bud laughed at the traditions of the Royal Mounted. Henderson was heart and soul in the service. "Going to leave this country, Conley?" he asked. "I--reckon--so--mebbe." Henderson glanced toward Beaudet's store and stepped in closer to Bud. "Keep your eyes open, Conley. Beaudet is half crazy and Burgoyne is as venomous as a snake. Dr. Clarey has been trying to talk sense into both of them, but I don't think he has done much good." "Henderson, do you think I got that girl drunk?" "I don't want to, Conley." "Then yuh do," said Bud quickly, "but it don't make no never mind." He turned, as though to walk away from Henderson, but stopped. Two horses were coming down the street; two saddled horses, without riders, and one of the saddles had turned and was under the horse's belly, greatly impeding its progress. "That is McKay's horse--that roan!" exclaimed Henderson, naming the trooper who had replaced Bud. "The other belongs to Cree George, McKay's packer. I wonder what has gone wrong." They caught the horses and led them up to the front of the headquarters. Bud removed the saddles, while Henderson reported it to Grandon. An examination showed that neither horse had been injured. "Broke loose and came back," was Grandon's comment. "Which don't fit the case at all," declared Bud. "McKay always uses a tie-rope and so does the Injun." Grandon looked curiously at Bud. "Are tie-ropes unbreakable?" he asked, a trifle vexed.