Elfreda, after a brief examination, did not believe that Peg's wound would prove fatal, but Hippy advised her not to tell the foreman of Section Forty-three of this, saying that he wished to make the man talk, which Peg probably would not do were he to think that his wounds were trivial.
The lumberjacks were ugly, and, had they had their way, they would have promptly finished the job begun by Willy Horse, believing, as they did, that Peg Tatem was responsible for the present and previous disasters that had befallen the Overland Riders in the Big North Woods.
Peg Tatem regained consciousness after Elfreda and Tom had worked over him for more than an hour.
"Did the Redskin git me ?" he demanded weakly.
"You're right he did," agreed Hippy.

"You might as well tell us all about it now before it is too late.

We know what you have done, and that's good and plenty, but you are now going to make a confession and swear to it." Peg went into a violent rage at the suggestion and pounded the cot with his wooden leg until he was exhausted.

Waiting until the fellow had quieted down, Hippy then informed him that in case he recovered, and had not confessed, they would see to it that he went to prison for a long term.

After hours of urging, the foreman of Section Forty-three gave in and made a full confession.