Tod took up the reins of authority at Kamloops. Tod moves the fort to a better site, has seven buildings erected inside the palisades, and two bastions placed at opposite angles to protect the walls. Then he sends his hunters afield and remains in the fort with no companion save his wife and three children. Four years passed tranquilly and Chief Lolo rose to be the ascendant leader of the Shushwaps. For the story of Tod’s rule at Kamloops, the world is again indebted to Bancroft, who obtained the facts from Tod, himself. In the band of three hundred brigade horses roaming outside the palisades was a beautiful cayuse pony, which Lolo, the chief, coveted. “It was the custom,” says Bancroft, “to send a party from Kamloops to fish on the Fraser. This year (1846) Lolo was to lead the party. The second night after the departure, just as the chief trader was retiring, a knock was heard at the door. Beside himself, his family and a Half-breed boy, there was not a soul about the place. The fort gates were not even fastened. “‘Come in,’ exclaimed Tod. “Slowly the door opens until the black eyes of Lolo were seen glistening. Though fearful that some misfortune had happened to the party, Tod was Indian enough never to manifest surprise. The Shushwap pushed open the door and slowly entered. “‘Your family will be glad to see you,’ Tod remarked, wondering what had happened. “‘The sorrel horse,’ began the chief. ‘I want that horse, Mr. Tod.’ “‘The river has risen,’ observed Tod. “‘For twenty years I have followed the fortunes of the Hudson’s Bay Company ... and never before have I been denied a request.’ “‘Fill your pipe,’ said Tod. “‘Alas! My wives and little ones! Though I am old and not afraid to die, they are young and helpless....’ “‘What the devil is the matter?’ now blurted out Tod. ‘Who talks of dying? Where are the men? Why have you returned? Speak!’ “Briefly, Lolo declared that the Shushwaps had formed a conspiracy to attack the Kamloops brigade. “‘Where are the men and horses?’ “‘I hid them as well as I could off the trail, telling them I was going to hunt a better camping ground. I said nothing about the conspiracy, knowing the attack would not be made till we reached the river. Time was when I would not have turned back for such a threat, but my services are no longer valued.’ “‘Well, go to your family, and let me think about it!’ “Was it true, or a trick to get the horse? Tod was puzzled. While deep in thought as to what was best to do, Lolo’s head thrust in again. “‘Will you not let me have that horse, Mr. Tod?’ “‘No--damn you! Go home! If you say horse to me again, I’ll break every bone in your body.’