Battle Cry at Batoche by B.J. Bayle

Author:B.J. Bayle
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: JUV016160
Publisher: Dundurn
Published: 2008-02-19T05:00:00+00:00

EIGHT

Hillyard Mitchell didn’t refuse, though. If anything, Ben thought he seemed eager to help any way he could to keep the lid on the cauldron that threatened to boil over. The horses kept to a steady canter, and Mitchell talked as they rode. “I sent word to Crozier two days ago to warn him if they make a foolish move, the Indians would mass together to help their Métis friends. Can’t blame ‘em. On the reserves they got so little, they figure a poor chance is better than none at all.”

The apprehension Ben felt stifled any desire for conversation, but he made himself reply civilly to the questions put to him. When he explained why Lawrence Clarke’s nephew and niece were living with the Métis, Mitchell chuckled and said, “Clarke and Dumont are about as opposite in this trouble as they can get. I expect you’d best try to stay out of it.”

Ben nodded, then a thought struck him and he felt himself grow cold. Pulling his horse to a stop, he blurted, “Mr. Mitchell, I figure my uncle forgets about us except when he sees us, and with this trouble brewing, he might say we got to come back to the fort. No matter what happens, Charity’s better off where she is. If real trouble comes, I can get her to Prince Albert.”

Mitchell studied Ben for a moment, then said, “I see what you mean. Well, we’re almost there, so you best come on ahead with me, but you know the fort. It shouldn’t be any trouble to keep out of your uncle’s sight, should it?”

Relieved, Ben grinned. “Thanks, Mr. Mitchell. I’ll do that.”

“Just keep your eyes sharp, though, so you can follow when I leave.”

Ben tied his horse outside the fort gates, and no one appeared to notice when he slipped inside; the place was crowded with soldiers and well-armed men dressed in clothes more suitable for farming. Mitchell tied his horse to a post in front of the quarters for the Mounted Police and went inside. A moment later he came out and looked around before he shouted, “Superintendent Crozier, a word with you, if you please!”

“Good to see you again, Mitchell,” a voice boomed, and the red-haired, solidly built officer of the North-West Mounted Police strode from the trade room, one hand outstretched. Crozier, though of average height, was a commanding figure in his immaculate red uniform and highly polished boots.

Listening from behind one of the parked wagons across the square, Ben heard Crozier ask, “What are those people up to over on the south branch? Clarke tells me they’re in open rebellion and demands I arrest the leaders.”

Ben slipped closer to hear Mitchell reply, “You’ll get nothing but trouble for your pains if you listen to Clarke. Maybe it’s him that should be put away. Why he’s the one got ‘em stirred up in the first place with all his talk about an army of police coming to arrest ‘em!”

Crozier lowered his voice and glanced over his shoulder at the big house across the square.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.