Just then, the other passengers emerged from the station waiting room. "What's this all about?" inquired Mrs. Crumby.
Joe was soon surrounded by everyone at the station. He looked like a drowned rat, having just stepped out of the Tte Jaune Cache flood zone. The constable sent John Allen down to the ticket office to telephone the Police Barracks for two more officers.
The magistrate took Bigumpound aside and asked, "Why don't you just arrest this man and round up a few witnesses?"
"Witnesses?" replied Bigumpound.
"Yes," said the judge. "Find someone to whom this fellow sold caribou meat."
"Sir", said the policeman. "During my investigation this summer, I found that this 'Caribou Joe' has been involved with moonshine sales as well as the over-kill of wild game. There is one small problem. He has lots of friends. Finding a witness that would testify in court might present some difficulty."
"Have him arrested anyway," said the Judge. "Sometimes these rogues will be their own witness to a crime."
Bigumpound and the magistrate returned to the platform crowd just as constables Winslow and Scott arrived at a full gallop.
"Over here men," called Bigumpound. "Arrest that man." Then, he pointed at Joe.
"What's the charge?" asked Joe, as Constable Winslow put a primitive pair of handcuffs on Joe's wrists. "Why am I being arrested?"
"You'll know in good time," replied Bigumpound. And, under his breath he said, "We'll think of something."
In the next episode - "AT THE JAIL-HOUSE" - You'd think the police would have had more constructive business to conduct at Tte Jaune Cache during the time of the 1913 flood. But, no! They just had to take Joe in and lock him up!
