Stamping Ground Read Online Free Page B

it?”
    The fat judge cleared his throat, a sound that reminded me of coal sliding down a chute. “A people who call themselves the métis keep a small camp a couple of miles south of there,” he said. “They’re part Algonquin, part French, and they know more about the territory than any other friendly Indians you’re likely to find. You’ll want to engage one or two of them as guides. Also, Fort Ransom is only three days’ ride to the southwest. The commanding officer, Colonel Broderick, is an acquaintance of mine. I’ll give you a letter of introduction and he’ll fill you in on the latest details. Any other questions?”
    â€œSeveral hundred. To begin with, what am I supposed to do that the army can’t?”
    â€œThe reason that bunch has been so hard to find up until now is that the cavalry can’t move without being heard for miles. Too many men, too much equipment. But one man or a small band, provided they know what they’re doing, can penetrate that region unobserved. Since half the problem is locating them, you’ll have a head start.”
    â€œWhat do I do once I’ve located them? Surround them?”
    â€œYou won’t be alone. I’m sending Marshal Hudspeth with you.”
    â€œDandy. That makes the odds only ten to one.”
    â€œThat’s why time is of the essence. Army intelligence has reported a general exodus from Sioux and Cheyenne reservations throughout Montana and Dakota over the last few weeks. It’s no mystery why they’re leaving. Your job will be to capture Ghost Shirt and bring him here for hanging before they can join up with him. Otherwise there’ll be hell to pay.”
    â€œI thought he was scheduled to hang at Fort Ransom.”
    â€œHe was.” All this time Flood had been polishing his spectacles. Now he stopped and held them up to the light. Apparently satisfied with their sparkle, he placed them in a hinged leather case, snapped it shut, and slid it into his breast pocket along with the handkerchief, neatly folded. “I’ve rescheduled it for Bismarck because I feel it’s imperative that the citizens of Dakota witness the execution. The present situation hasn’t affected the land rush so far, but if Ghost Shirt is captured and hanged in some remote place like Fort Ransom there’s going to be talk that he wasn’t apprehended at all, that the army’s covering up, and accusations like that have a habit of sticking. Right now our sole advantage is that Bismarck is the end of the line. By this time next year that will no longer be true. The Northern Pacific plans to resume operations next spring. Let one suspicious rumor get started and the settlers will keep going as far as the rails will take them. The only way toprevent such a situation is to make this a civil matter and invite the public to the hanging.”
    â€œAnd you expect this Colonel Broderick to co-operate?”
    â€œHe has no choice. If Ghost Shirt is not brought to justice soon he faces court-martial for criminal negligence. You will find him most eager to help.”
    â€œWhat’s your interest in this?”
    A fresh guffaw exploded from him. “Harlan was right, by thunder! You’re nobody’s fool. Very well, I’ll be honest.” He folded his hands upon the swell of his stomach, which for him was quite a reach. “I have interests in several hundred acres of land situated along the railroad right-of-way. If the land boom fizzles, so do my interests. But that’s only a small part of it. I’m genuinely concerned with the welfare of the territory, and I’ll make use of all the power I possess to insure its future. It will never be anything more than a rest stop between stations if everyone who passes through thinks he has to hold onto his scalp with both hands for fear of losing it. It’s in your power to change that. Will you accept the