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diff --git a/41889.txt b/41889.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 00a2500..0000000 --- a/41889.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9617 +0,0 @@ - - - - -BENTON OF THE ROYAL MOUNTED - - - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost -no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it -under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this -eBook or online at http://www.gutenberg.org/license. - - - -Title: Benton of the Royal Mounted -Author: Ralph S. Kendall -Release Date: January 20, 2013 [EBook #41889] -Language: English -Character set encoding: US-ASCII - - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BENTON OF THE ROYAL MOUNTED -*** - - - - -Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net. - - - - - - BENTON - OF THE - ROYAL MOUNTED - - A TALE OF THE ROYAL - NORTHWEST MOUNTED POLICE - - BY - RALPH S. KENDALL - - "Let us now praise famous men"-- - Men of little showing-- - For their work continueth, - And their work continueth, - Broad and deep continueth, - Greater than their knowing! - - _--Kipling_ - - GROSSET & DUNLAP - PUBLISHERS--NEW YORK - - Copyright 1918 by John Lane Company - - - - -FOREWORD - -The scenes of this story belong to bygone days. As the passer-by views -the ugly half-constructed railway terminus which now sprawls itself over -the original site of that historic group of Police buildings, known as -the "Post," little does he appreciate the pangs of real regret which -stir the hearts of old members of the Force, as they recall associations -of earlier years. - -Scattered now beyond the writer's ken are those good fellows with whom -he served in years gone by. They were men of a type fast disappearing, -with whom any one would have been proud to associate and call -"comrades." No longer do those once orderly grounds resound with the -clear notes of the trumpet-call, the neighing of troop-horses, or the -harsh-barked word of command. Gone is the old Guardroom at the gates of -the main entrance. The spot where the O.C.'s house lay half hidden -amidst its clustering shrubbery and trim, well-kept lawn and kitchen -garden, is now but a drab area of railway tracks. Missing is the -towering flag staff, from whose top-gaff, visible for miles around, -there flew from "Reveille" to "Retreat" the brave emblem of our Empire. - -But today, while these lines are being penned, many members and -ex-members of the old Force are still sternly serving that flag; gaining -well-deserved military honors, shedding their blood, and laying down -their lives in the great and terrible struggle for supremacy between -Human Liberty, and Iron Oppression that overshadows the world. - -Aye! ... small wonder that the sight of the old spot awakens strange -memories in those of us who were stationed there in our youth. Members -of a force of comparatively small numbers, it is true, but with a -reputation for efficiency, discipline, and stern adherence to duty which -has rarely been equaled, and is too widely known to need any further -eulogy in this story. - ---R. S. K. - - - - - PART I - - - - -CHAPTER I - - - "We've some of us prospered, and some of us failed. - But we all of us heave a sigh - When we think of the times that we used to have - In those happy days gone by. - When we used to whistle, and work, and sing, - Make love, drink, gamble, and have our fling; - Caring little for what the morrow might bring-- - In those good old days gone by." - - --_Memories_ - -With the outlines of its shadowy white walls and dark roof silhouetted -in sharp relief against a glorious full moon, the big main building of -the old Mounted Police Post of L Division stood forth--like a lone -monument to the majesty of British Law. A turfed "square," framed within -a border of whitewashed stones, lay at its front like a black carpet. -Clustered about the central structure were the long, low-lying -guardroom, stables, quartermaster's store, and several smaller adjacent -buildings comprising "the Barracks." Stray patches of silvery light -illuminated the dark recesses between them. It was a perfect night -following an unparalleled June day in sunny South Alberta. - -The "Post," with its shadowy outlines, presented a striking contrast to -its activity by day. In the daytime gangs of prisoners in their -checkered jail garb were to be seen tramping sedately here and there, -engaged on various jobs about the carefully kept grounds. An armed -"escort" followed grimly behind each gang. Police teams, hitched to -buck-boards and heavy, high-seated transport wagons, arrived and -departed with a clatter. Mounted men, on big upstanding horses, came and -went continually, each rider intent upon his own particular mission. At -the guardroom, the quartermaster's store, and the orderly-room the same -ordered action and busy preoccupation were noticeable. - -The only sounds that disturbed the peaceful serenity of the moonlit -scene proceeded from a lighted open window in the center of the main -building, where the men's quarters and the regimental canteen were -located. An uproarious hilarity resounded through the stillness; the -shrill yaps of a pup and the tinkling of a piano rising above the tumult -of song and laughter. - -These jovial evidences of good fellowship floated across the square, not -unwelcomely, to the ears of a solitary rider, whose weary horse was -bearing him slowly along the hard graveled driveway which led from the -main gateway to the stables. Dismounting somewhat stiffly, the man stood -for a moment, listening to the sounds of revelry. He gazed silently -toward the beacon of good cheer which seemed to beckon him. Then -suddenly turning on his heel, he trudged wearily on to his destination, -leading his mount. - -After spending half an hour or more in off-saddling, rubbing down, and -attending scrupulously, if mechanically, to his animal's wants, the -horseman emerged from the stable, locked the door, and walked slowly -across the square to the Canteen. - -Duly arriving at his cheerful haven, the newcomer opened the canteen -door and for a moment or two silently contemplated the all-familiar -scene of a large, well-lighted room with a bar at one end, behind which, -on rows of shelves, were stacked various kinds of dry provisions, -tobacco in all its forms, and miscellaneous odds and ends of a mounted -policeman's requirements supplementary to his regular "kit." - -Seated around small tables, playing cards, or else perched upon high -stools against the bar, he beheld a score or so of bronzed, -soldierly-looking men of all ages, ranging from twenty to forty. They -were dressed variously--some in the regulation uniform of the -Force--i.e., scarlet serge tunic, dark-blue cord riding-breeches with -the broad yellow stripe down the side, and high brown "Strathcona" boots -with straight-shanked, "cavalry jack" spurs attached. Some again--with -an eye to comfort alone--just in loose, easy, brown duck "fatigue -slacks." Many of the older members might have been remarked wearing the -active-service ribbons of former campaigns in which they had served. - -Their day's duty over, careless and jovial they sat, amidst the -tobacco-smoke-hazy atmosphere, smoking and drinking their beer and -exchanging good-natured repartee which occasionally was of a nature that -has caused a certain great writer to affirm, with well-grounded -conviction, that "single men in barricks don't grow into plaster -saints." Poor enough stuff it was for the most part, I fancy, but there! -... we were easily satisfied--we were not inclined to be over-fastidious -in the Canteen, and anyhow ... it passed the time away. - -At the piano was an ex-Dublin Fusileer, with a comical face and an -accent suggestive of "Silver Street," who acted as general accompanyist. -His own vocal talent was being contributed just now, and a chorus of -shouts, banging of beer tankards and stamping of feet greeted the final -verse of his song, the burden of which was-- - - "An' whin we gits to Donnybrook Fair, comes Thady, with his - fiddle, - An' all th' bhoys an' colleens there a-dancin' down th' middle; - Shpuds, shillaleghs, pigs an' potheen--all as ye thrapsed - along-- - Hurroo! for a chune on th' nob av 'um who'd intherrrupt me - song!". - -A little fox terrier pup, clinging with ludicrous gravity to a somewhat -precarious position behind a man who was perched all doubled up on one -of the high stools aforesaid, growled and snapped with puppy viciousness -at all teasing attempts to dislodge him, adding to the general uproar. -His master, Constable Markham, who, from certain indisputably "simian" -peculiarities of feature and habits, was not inaptly designated "the -Monk," had, as the result of his frequent libations, succeeded in -cultivating--what, in canteen parlance was termed--"a singing jag." Now, -elbows on bar, he began to bellow out a lone doggerel ditty for his own -exclusive benefit. Something where each bucolic verse wound up with-- - - "O be I I, or bain't I I-- - I tell ee I bain't zuch a vule as I luke!" - -The Orderly-room Sergeant, Dudley, a tall, good-looking fair man about -thirty, who, leaning on the bar alongside was endeavoring amidst the din -to carry on a conversation with a corporal named Harrison, turned -somewhat wearily to the maudlin vocalist. - -"Oh, now, for the love of Mike! ... try an' forget it, Monk, do!" he -drawled. "Charity begins at home! ... as if there wasn't _enough_ racket -in here without you adding _your_ little pipe! ... sitting there all -humped up an' hawkin' away like a--old crow on his native muck-heap! ... -Be I I, or bain't I I?" he exploded, with a snort of derision at the -other's uncouth Somersetshire dialect, and after a long pause: "By gum! -there's no mistake about you ... you're well named! You'd be quite at -home in the jungle!" - -He faced round again to the grinning corporal. "Say, Harrison," he -resumed, "don't know if Benton's come in yet, do you?" He lowered his -voice confidentially. "'Father's' called him in about something and I -want to see him directly he lands in--first crack out of the box." - -His eyes, wandering vaguely over the noisy crowd as he spoke, suddenly -dilated with surprised recognition as they lighted upon the newcomer, -whose unobtrusive entrance amidst the general revelry had somehow -escaped his notice. - -"Talk of the devil!" he ejaculated with easy incivility; "why here the ----- is! Why, hello, Ben! How's things goin' in Elbow Vale?" - -The object of this familiarity, walking silently forward to the bar with -a whimsical smile on his bronzed, dusty countenance, merely opened his -mouth to which he pointed in dumb show. - -"Dear me!" remarked the Orderly-room Sergeant sympathetically, "as bad -as all that? Here, Bob! set 'em up! ... give Sergeant Benton a 'long -'un'!" - -The "long 'un" tendered by the canteen orderly arrived and disappeared, -another following speedily on top of it; their recipient then, his -thirst temporarily appeased, turned to the two non-coms. - -There remains engraven indelibly upon the memory of the writer, as he -recalls the striking personal appearance and quietly forceful character -of Ellis Benton, a slightly saturnine, _still_ face, with high, bold, -regular features, suggestive rather of the ancient Roman type; coldly -handsome in its clean-cut patrician mold but marred somewhat by a -peculiar thin old scar, like a whip-lash, which extended from an angle -of the grim-lipped yet tender mouth up to the left cheek bone. This -facial disfigurement contrived to give him an expression of faint -perpetual cynicism, as it were, which was accentuated by a pair of -tired-looking pale gray eyes, deeply set under thick, dark, level -brows--eyes which seemed to glow at times with a somber light like -smoldering fire in their depths--eyes that were vaguely disturbing, -bidding you beware of the man's ruthless anger when aroused. - -Altogether it was a remarkable face with its indefinable stamp of -iron-willed, quietly reckless courage, indicative of a strenuous past -and open with the possibilities for good or evil alike, as caprice -should happen to sway its possessor's varying moods. - -And yet, strange to say, in spite of his hard-bitten, cynical exterior -and characteristics that verged sometimes on actual brutality, deep, -deep down in his complex soul Ellis Benton hid an almost womanish -tenderness, coupled with a sensitive artistic temperament that few were -aware of or would have credited. In figure he was splendidly -proportioned. Not overly tall, but with the lean, wiry flanks, broad, -square shoulders, and slim waist of the trained athlete that denoted -great activity, and the possession of immense concentrated strength -whenever he chose to use it. The "Stetson" hat, tipped back, exposed -slightly graying, closely cropped brown hair. But the young-looking face -dispelled at once the first impression of age, for Ellis was only -thirty-eight. - -His well-fitting uniform, consisting of a "stable jacket" of the -regulation brown duck, on which were noticeable the "Distinguished -Conduct," and the "King's" and "Queen's" South African campaign ribbons, -riding-breeches, boots and spurs, was thickly covered with dust, for he -had ridden into the Post from his detachment which lay many weary miles -to the south. - -"Well," he remarked to the Orderly-room Sergeant and, with significant -emphasis, "what's doin' now?" - -For the most part he spoke lazily in the slipshod, drawling vernacular -acquired from long residence in the West, though when occasion arose he -could revert naturally and easily to the educated speech of his early -upbringing. - -Dudley did not reply at first but shot a warning, almost imperceptible, -sidelong glance towards the crowd, enjoining silence. Obeying the -other's gesture, the detachment sergeant held his peace awhile, and -presently the two men, moving away from the bar, seated themselves at -one of the small tables and began to talk together earnestly in low -tones. - -The clamor around them increased. Out broke the old barrack-room chorus -"Johnny Green," which, to the tune of the "Sailor's Hornpipe" goes, as -all Service men are aware: - - "Oh, say, Johnny Green! did you ever see the Queen? - Did you ever catch a Blue-jacket lovin' a Marine? - May the Rock of Gibraltar take a runnin' jump at Malta - If I ever see a nigger with a white--rum-tum." - -"So _that_," concluded the Orderly-room Sergeant, "is what the old man's -got you in for. Did you make a _good_ job of it?" - -Benton's pale, deeply set eyes began to glow with their peculiar baleful -light. - -"Did I?" he echoed mirthlessly. "Well, I should smile!... An' I'll make -a better one still when I go back. I'll bash that ---- till he spits -blood!" - -He uttered the threat in an even, passionless, unraised voice, as if it -were just the merest commonplace remark. A canteen-chant held its own -with steady insistence: - - Three--men--in-a-boat, inaboat, - Three--men--all-very-dry, - Three--men--ridin'-a-Nannygoat, - Go it you--! you've only one eye. - -Dudley summarized briefly, in a tense undertone, the thing that Benton -need not be, regarding him closely meanwhile with slightly anxious eyes. -The bronzed, reckless face--naturally somber when in repose--wore a -terribly ruthless expression just then. - -"Oh, now, forget it, Ben," was his half joking admonition. "What the -d--l's the use of you runnin' amuck again an' makin' bad worse?... That -won't help matters one little bit ... an' you know it." - -Ever and anon--above the roar of the Canteen, not unlike the booming -note of a bittern amid the croaking and chirping of all the other lesser -denizens of some swamp--would rise the mighty brogue of the genial -Constable O'Hara, in a general exhortation to: - -"Come on! Fwet yure whustles an' sing-g, ye scutts, with 'gr-reat -gusto.' For ut was: - - Down, down, in swate Counthy Down, - An' th' pore ol' night-watchman was jus' passin' roun; - Puts his hand to his nob to feel where he was hit-- - Sez he "Holy Shmoke! but Oi'm--" - -The stentorian voice broke off short as the vocalist glanced -suspiciously at the empty glass at his elbow which a minute before had -been full. - -"Here," quoth he with some heat; "who was ut dhrunk my beer?... Was ut -you, Tabuteau?... Eyah, now! but thot's a Galway man's thrick ivry -toime!... Fill ut up agin, an' kape ut filled contihnuous, tu, ye Fenian -rapparees, d'ye hear?... else, begob! ye can get some other shtiff tu -blow the 'Pipes av Pan' for ye!... Come on, now!... fwet yure whustles -an' opin yure thraps an' sing-g, ye half-baked omadhauns! ... Now, thin! -all together! For ut was: - - Not las' night, but th' night behfure, - Tu tohm-cahts come a-knockin' at th' dhure" - -Ellis remained very still for some time, staring at his companion with -an absent, brooding face. - -"Just think what it'd mean," pursued Dudley. "As this matter stands just -now you _have_ got a reasonable show of getting away with it; but, I -tell you flat, old man ... a _second_ edition of it wouldn't go.... You -know what 'Father's' like in Orderly-room. You never know which way he's -going to jump.... You'd be 'broke' for a certainty, anyway.... I don't -want to see your name in 'G.O.'s' _that_ way.... Come, now! will you be -a wise guy an' listen to your Uncle Dud?" - -Thus he pleaded with the man who was to him a comrade and a sincere -friend. - -"Oh, well," responded Benton at last, wearily, with an oath. "I guess -I'll let up on that stiff this time. I handed him enough to last for a -bit, anyway, so that's some satisfaction." - -He bit off the end of a cigar which the other handed to him, continuing: -"Oh, I'll get away with it all hunkadory ... been up against it before -... lots of times.... Guess I can make the grade--that is, if 'Father' -_does_ come to Orderly-room in anything like a good temper tomorrow." - -Dudley, his point gained, got up and fetched two fresh tankards of beer. - -"Were you ever at such a howling 'gaff' before in all your life?" he -remarked irritably. "I'll bet 'Father' can hear 'em right across the -square there." And, as a penetrating Cockney voice then uplifted itself, -"how's that for 'Whitechapel'? ... listen to 'Tork abaht Tompkins.'" - - Too 'ard! too 'ard! An' th' ol' duck said, - as she waddled dahn th' yard - "Oh, I can 'atch a turkey or 'atch a chick - But I'm--if I can 'atch 'arf a brick! - It's a--bit bit,--bit, bit--bit bit too 'ard!" - -His audience, tickled beyond measure at the inimitable "coster" accent -which, for many years has been so famously exploited by Mr. Albert -Chevalier, egged this performer on to further efforts. Nothing loath, he -complied, and presently the Canteen was shaking with: - - Oh, nah I'm goin' to be a reg'lar torff, - A-drivin' in me kerridge an' me pair, - Wiv a top-'at on me 'ead, an' fevvers in me bed - An' call meself th' "Dook of Barney-fair." - "As-stir-th'-can" rahnd th' collar o' me coat, - An' a "Piccadilly winder" in me eye; - Goblimey! 'ear th' costers a-shoutin' in yer lug: - "Oh! leave us in yer will afore yer die!" - -On went the singing, shouting pandemonium. Benton's face began to clear -a little. He had not been in the Post for a long time and the homely -racket and the beer combined, gradually had the effect of making him -forget his troubles for the time being. - - An--d ... the elephant walked round, - And the band began to play, - So all you beggars that cannot sing! - You'd better get out of the way! - -A dozen or so of unprintable "limericks" followed this announcement, -contributed in rotation by various members of the community, the -"elephant" chorus "walking around" solemnly at the conclusion of each -one. A particularly ingenious composition just then drew a perfect storm -of laughter from the genial crowd, Ellis (sad to relate) guffawing -loudly with the rest. - -"Sacred Billy!" he ejaculated, grinning at Dudley, "but you're sure a -tough bunch in this old Post.... Did you hear that one?... Well!... this -is no place for a parson's son!" - -The Orderly-room Sergeant did not answer for a moment, then an -expression, which was a mixture of amusement and disgust, slowly -overspread his rather refined face, and a snorting, reluctant chuckle -escaped him. - -"Is that so?... 'Many's the true word spoken in jest'!" he retorted. -"Porteous--the young devil who came across with _that_ one, _is_ a -'parson's son,' as it happens, my boy.... His old man's the Dean of some -fat living or another in the South of England.... By George, though!... -I'm getting just about fed up with that stuff, night after night.... Tip -us a stave, Ben!... start in now and sing us something decent for a -change." - -He got up suddenly from the table and, lifting his tankard high as if -for a toast, bawled "Order!" A slight lull followed, taking advantage of -which, he called out: - -"Say, you fellows!... I propose we call on Sergeant Benton, here, for a -song!" - -A vociferous assent greeted his suggestion immediately, and all eyes -were turned on Ellis, with encouraging shouts of: "You bet!... That's -the talk! Come, on, Sergeant! please!... Order, there!... Shut your -traps for a bit!" For, they all knew that when in the mood he _could_ -sing. - -Benton did not move for a minute, then: "Doggone you!" he remarked, with -a resigned sigh to Dudley, "_you've_ let me in for this!... An' I just -wanted to sit here quiet!" - -He quaffed a long draught of beer and got up though presently and, -sauntering over to the piano which O'Hara promptly vacated for him, -seated himself. A comparative quiet ensued. Even "the Monk's" maudlin -ribaldry ceased, and that worthy becoming interested, he slewed around -on his perch so as to hear the better, unceremoniously shoving off his -faithful pup--"Kid"--in the movement, which sent that canine with a -hasty "flop" to the floor. - -With the hard lines of his face momentarily softened with an expression -of genial bonhomie, the Sergeant toyed absently with the keys for a -space, thinking of something appropriate for that hilarious company; -then suddenly, a clear baritone voice of remarkable depth and richness, -rang out in the old familiar song of "Mandalay": - - "Come you back to Mandalay, - Where the old Flotilla lay: - Can't you 'ear their paddles chunkin' from - Rangoon to Mandalay? - On the road to Mandalay, - Where the flyin'-fishes play, - An' the dawn comes up like thunder outer - China 'crost the Bay!" - -The last verse but one begins, as you know, with the sort of irritable -abandon typical of a soldier's "grouse": - - "Ship me somewheres east of Suez, where the best is like the - worst, - Where there aren't no Ten Commandments an' a man can raise a - thirst; - For the temple-bells are callin', an' it's there that I would - be-- - By the old Moulmein Pagoda, lookin' lazy at the sea;" - -He finished the rollicking old ballad amid thundering applause and loud -shouts of "'Core! 'Core!" "Give us 'In Cellar Cool'!" "Give us 'Father -O'Flynn'!" etc. But just then the clear, long-drawn-out, sweet notes of -a trumpet-call sounded outside on the square. The Orderly-room Sergeant -looked at his watch. - -"Hello!... Didn't know it was so late!" he ejaculated. "Come on, there! -Turn out!... 'First Post's' just gone!" - -And the Canteen gradually emptied as the men departed noisily to their -respective barrack-rooms. - - - - -CHAPTER II - - - A man severe he was, and stern to view; - I knew him well, and every truant knew: - Well had the boding tremblers learn'd to trace - The day's disasters in his morning face; - Full well they laughed with counterfeited glee, - At all his jokes, and many a joke had he; - Full well the busy whisper circling round, - Convey'd the dismal tidings when he frown'd. - - --_Goldsmith_ - -Captain Richard Bargrave, Superintendent of L Division--better known by -the fond appellation of "Father"--sauntered slowly along the narrow -sidewalk leading from his quarters to the orderly-room; the aged -black-and-white setter "Bob," his constant companion, keeping step -behind. - -How well many of us can recall that tall, spare, soldierly figure, and -the walk with its faint suggestion of old-fashioned cavalry swagger, -while the whispers of "Look out! here's Father coming now!" sent us all -scuttling about our duties. How we used to fume and curse (behind his -back) at his numerous erratic bursts of temper and little -eccentricities. How his polished sarcasm and fluent adjectives used to -curl us up and, incidentally--excite our envy. And yet--how we learned -to trust and respect that irascible but kindly old aristocratic face, -with its sweeping fair mustache. Aye!-- - - He passed as a Man in our critical eyes, - Stern, yet kindly--simple, yet wise. - Who'd upheld his rank since his service began - As "An Officer, and ... a Gentleman." - -"Father's a rum old beggar but, begad, he's a gentleman and always gives -you a square deal," was our invariable retort to divers disparaging -criticisms from members of other divisions, less fortunate, perhaps, in -the stamp of their own particular "Officer Commanding." - -Benton, who, attired in a red serge tunic--borrowed from Dudley for the -occasion--was looking through the billiard-room window, watched his -approach with interest. When nearing the orderly-room the old dog, -seeing "the Monk's" pup in supreme possession of the step, jumped -forward with a threatening growl to eject the usurper of his own -customary lounge. In the scuffle that ensued they got between "Father's" -legs and nearly upset him. - -"Damn the dogs! Damn the dogs!" he chuckled softly. - -And, stepping over them carefully, with a fond, benevolent smile, he -passed on through the open door, half humming, half whistling a hymn -tune, which was not, however, prompted by especial piety. It was a habit -of his. But to the observant sergeant it was an omen. - -"He _is_ in a good temper," he muttered with relief, and quietly he -awaited the summons that he knew must come. - -It came presently. "Sergeant Major!... Oh, Sergeant Major!" came the -thin, high, cultured voice. "Has Sergeant Benton reported in yet from -Elbow Vale?" - -The gruff official holding that rank and who was familiar to most -members of the Division as "Mickey," saluted and replied in the -affirmative. - -"Send him in!" came the order, and shortly Ellis found himself standing -at "attention," facing his seated superior. - -"That will do, Sergeant Major!... Kindly close the door," and they were -alone. - -There was silence for a moment or two, during which the O.C. rummaged -amongst some letters on his desk. He found the one he wanted and -scrutinized it carefully. "Sergeant Benton," he began, with a sudden -snap in his tones and a quick upward glance that strung that individual -up to tense expectancy, "I have here a letter--an _anonymous_ -letter--accusing you-of-grossly and maliciously-assaulting a well known -and respected citizen of Elbow Vale on the night of the twelfth -instance.... Motive unknown--all names--with the exception of your -own--omitted. Said assault of such severe character that its recipient -is still confined to bed. - -"Now, sir!... although I generally make a rule of treating anonymous -correspondence with the contempt it deserves--there seems something -vaguely familiar in this handwriting that inclines me on this occasion -to revoke my usual practise, and make a few inquiries into this puzzle. -I look to you for the key. You have the reputation of being a truthful -man in this Division.... Is the statement in this letter correct?" - -Benton hesitated. "As far as the assault goes, yes, sir," he said -finally. - -"What led to this assault?" - -The Sergeant hesitated again. "A dirty slander, sir, connecting me with -a married woman in the town," he said. - -The Captain tapped with his pen and eyed Ellis keenly. "_Was_ it a -slander?" he queried quizzically--and then repented, for there was a -look on that reckless but gentlemanly face that dispelled all -doubt--even before the man's answer came. - -"Ah, well, then," said the O.C., "that accounts for this letter being -anonymous. Now give me all names and particulars of this affair." - -The Sergeant did so and the Captain's face darkened as he listened. "So -that's who it is, eh?" he muttered thoughtfully. "Thought I knew that -writing again.... I remember the man--well--but I don't think I've ever -met the lady." And the fair mustache was twirled gallantly. - -The recital finished by the Sergeant remarking: "I couldn't very -well--under the circumstances, sir--lay a charge, or act otherwise than -I did--without dragging the lady's name into this miserable affair." - -"You've no business going about assaulting people, anyway," retorted the -old gentleman irascibly, with one of his characteristic changes of -front. "And though it is not my intention to take any further notice of -this unsigned epistle, as I am fully convinced you have told me the -absolute truth--I do not think it would be good policy to send a man -with your pugilistic tendencies back to this locality again. Let's see," -he mused aloud, "you're a good range man. I think I'll transfer you to -Cherry Creek, where you will be, I hope, beyond all temptation of -getting involved again in any more of these--ah--social -misunderstandings (Ellis groaned inwardly). Arrange for your kit to be -sent in from Elbow Vale and proceed to Cherry Creek. I will give you a -written order for Corporal Williamson to hand over the detachment to you -and to come in to the Post. He seems to have been getting slack, for -there are a lot of stock-rustling complaints coming in from his district -lately. See if you cannot effect a change in present conditions there. - -"Well!" he grunted impatiently, as the Sergeant halted irresolutely at -the door, "what is it?" - -"I beg your pardon, sir," said Benton, "but can I keep the same horse?" - -"Oh, I suppose--I suppose," said the O.C. testily. "Damme, sir!... -You've had that cursed horse transferred from every detachment you've -been stationed at!" He fussed with some papers. "You'd better tell -Williamson then, to ride in, and the next man who goes to Elbow Vale can -take _his_ horse. That is all, Sergeant.... Report to the Sergeant-Major -of your transfer." - -In the passage Ellis encountered the Sergeant-Major and Dudley. -"Banishment--physically, socially, and morally--right back to the -'bald-headed' again!" he plainted dismally to their inquiring grins. -"Father intimating in his own happy fashion that I wasn't quite -civilized enough to hold down a Line detachment.... Cherry Creek!... O -Lord!" - -Inside the orderly-room the Captain, meanwhile, was slowly pacing -backwards and forwards, hands clasped behind back. Through his teeth he -softly hissed one of his eternal hymn tunes, which he suddenly broke off -short to ejaculate with a low-toned, jerky abruptness to himself--"D--n -the man!--d--n the man! Don't blame him! Couldn't tell him so, though! -Thought I knew that writing! D--d cad, that fellow Cooper!... Knew him -years ago! D--d rascal! Glad Benton thrashed him! Done the same -myself!--younger days!" - -He resumed his interrupted hymn. - - - - -CHAPTER III - - - Therefore, Christian men be sure, - Wealth or rank possessing, - Ye who now will bless the poor, - Shall yourselves find blessing. - - --_Good King Wenceslas_. (_Old Carol_) - -Three weeks elapsed and Benton again showed up in the Post with the -first fruits of his new scene of operations--two prisoners committed for -trial on a charge of cattle stealing. - -His had been a weary watch for many nights, but he had caught his men at -last, slaughtering stolen beef cattle in an old deserted corral at three -o'clock in the morning. He looked worn out and had a black eye, received -in the rough-and-tumble arrest that had followed. - -The Captain was secretly pleased, but to Ellis he evinced little sign of -his satisfaction. "Praise men up--spoil 'em! Let 'em think it's their -ordinary course of duty," was his customary maxim. - -"Good man, that Benton," he muttered to himself during one of his office -pacings. "He'll straighten that Cherry Creek district out before long." - -He gave the Sergeant three days' rest, though, and spoke about -transferring him a man if required, which offer Ellis declined, however. -With his taciturn and secretive nature he preferred to follow alone, and -in various disguises, the tortuous windings of stock cases, calmly -relying on his own great strength, cunning, and ability with gun and -fist, to effect any arrest. - -The four-fifteen West-bound carried him as a passenger back to Sabbano, -his nearest railway depot, the detachment being on the prairies forty -miles away from the line. It was raining, and Ellis felt miserable as he -gazed through the window and contemplated the wet, cheerless ride he -would have in the morning. - -He vaguely thought of "Johnny" waiting for him in Sergeant Churchill's -stable at Sabbano. Was he being properly looked after? Churchill was a -"booze artist," d--n him, and like as not he'd neglect him, like he did -his own horse. - -He was aroused from his gloomy abstraction by something tugging at his -riding-crop and, turning his eyes he beheld a little curly-headed tot -leaning over the back of the seat ahead of him. She was perhaps about -three years old, and her blue eyes were sparkling with determination as -she pulled at the leather thong with all her baby strength, in a -desperate effort to possess herself of the desired treasure. - -Benton's moody face immediately softened with a friendly grin. He loved -children and they instinctively came to him without fear. - -"Hello, Sis," he said. "You want it?" and he surrendered the coveted -plaything, which she immediately started to flourish with great glee. -The mother, a thin, shabbily dressed, careworn-looking young woman about -thirty, looked on with a loving smile that glorified her poor, pinched -face. - -"Oh, Nellie, Nellie," she said reprovingly; "you mustn't--you'll hit -somebody" and she turned to Benton, saying, "I hope my little girl isn't -worrying you?" - -"Not a bit--not a bit," he returned cheerily. "Kids are welcome to tease -me any old time." - -Scrambling down from her perch, the little one gazed at his uniform with -lively interest and tentatively tapped his boots and the rowels of his -spurs with the crop. "Toldier," she lisped, and without more ado she -climbed up beside him on the seat and, putting her little arms around -his neck, gave him a genuine loving hug and kiss which fairly took him -by storm and caused broad laughs of amusement to come from those sitting -near. - -The touch of those baby lips awoke a strange longing in the heart of the -lonely man, and a dreamy, far-away look momentarily softened his hard -face. To have a comfortable home to come back to every night, and not to -be chased around here, there, and everywhere at the whims of the powers -that be. To be happily married to a loving girl-wife, and have kiddies -that would climb all over you, and run after you, and where you could -lie on the sands, in the sun, by the sea, somewhere, and watch 'em -playing-- - -A sudden exclamation from the mother awoke him sharply from his reverie. - -"What's the matter?" he asked. She seemed terribly agitated. "Oh!" she -said; "I've lost my hand-bag, and my ticket was in it and some money!" - -"Were you sitting here all the time since you got on the train?" he -inquired. - -"No," she answered; "I was on that seat at the far end when I first came -in this coach." - -He got up and, walking down the aisle, made a thorough search of the -place that she indicated, but his efforts were fruitless. It was a -little brown Morocco-leather bag, she informed him, with her name, -"Elizabeth Wilson," on it, under a celluloid panel. - -"Who was sitting by you?" he asked. "D'you think you could recognize the -person again?" - -She shook her head despondently. "Oh, I don't remember," she wailed. "My -girlie was crying, and in trying to quiet her I guess I didn't notice -anybody in particular." - -"How much money was in your bag?" he asked. - -"Twenty-five dollars," she said brokenly. "I am going to Vancouver to -look for a position, and it's all I have in the world. Oh, what shall we -do, my baby and I?" - -Ellis eyed the forlorn face a moment or two in silent commiseration; -then, seeking out the conductor, whom he knew well, explained the -situation. - -"Yes, I mind 'em getting on at Calgary," said that official; "and she -had a ticket through to Vancouver, all right." - -"Say, Bob," the Sergeant persuaded, "that bag's been pinched off her -without a doubt; but as she's no suspicion of anybody I can't very well -search every one on the bloomin' train, and I'm getting off in a minute -at Sabbano--be a good fellow and pass her on to Vancouver.... She's dead -up against it." - -The kind-hearted conductor agreed, and with an easier mind Ellis went -back to the woman and told her. - -The train began to slow down--"Sabbano--Sabbano!" called out the -brakeman, passing through the coaches. The Sergeant reached into his -pocket and, drawing out a roll of bills, pressed them into her hand. - -"There," he said gently. "That'll keep you going in Vancouver for a -time, and I hope you'll soon strike something." - -Speechless with gratitude at the man's impulsive generosity, she gazed -at him dumbly, with dim eyes. Her mouth worked but somehow the words -would not come. She choked, and hiding her face in her hands, sank down -on the seat, the poor, thin shoulders under the cheap blouse shaking -with her convulsive sobbing. - -The child, still clutching the crop, which Ellis had not the heart to -retrieve, set up a shrill wail in sympathy and clung to his leg. More -moved than he cared to show, but utterly indifferent to the slightly -ludicrous side of the situation, the policeman strove to quiet her. - -"Oh, come now, Sis," he pleaded coaxingly. "Mustn't cry.... Let go of me -for a minute.... I'm coming back!... Here," and producing a pen-knife, -he sliced off one of the lower buttons of his pea-jacket.... "There, -give me a kiss." - -The whimpers slowly ceased, and her little face brightened as she -clutched the shining treasure and, drawing his face down to hers, she -pressed her little rosebud of a mouth to his. - -Disengaging the tiny arms gently, with a whispered "Good-by," he ran to -the end of the coach and dropped off as the train moved out. - -It was only characteristic of the man's strange, impulsive, complex -nature that he should have done this thing, but how much money was there -in that roll of bills? Ellis himself, offhand, could hardly have told -you. - -As in the rain he wended his way along the wet platform, the station -agent came up to him, "Here's the key of the detachment, Sergeant," he -said; "Churchill's gone West on that train to Parson's Lake. He's coming -back on Number Two in the morning and he asked me to give it to -you--didn't you see him?" - -"No," said Ellis shortly. "I wasn't able to get off till it was on the -move.... Guess Churchill got on another coach." - -Not particularly sorry at the other's absence, he walked on to the end -of the little town where the detachment was situated. The place smelled -musty and stale as he entered. Papers, old letters, and torn novels lay -littered about the local sergeant's desk. The bed was not made up and -various items of kit were strewn around. Everything seemed covered with -a thick accumulation of dust. - -"Nasty, lazy, slovenly devil," he growled. "Lord, what a pig-pen! -Inspector Purvis'll happen along down here, unexpected, one of these -days. _Then_ there'll be something doing." - -He passed on through the back door to the stable, where a joyous whinny -from "Johnny" greeted him. He led the horse out along with the -Sergeant's and watered them, their greedy thirst drawing a savage curse -from him. "Takes d--d good care never to go dry himself," he muttered. - -After grooming Johnny down he went into the kitchen and rummaged around -until he found two or three pieces of lump sugar, at the sight of which -the horse began to nicker softly and raised its nigh forefoot, bending -the limb back for a piece to be inserted into the fetlock-joint, where -it was promptly licked out. - -He was a superb, powerfully-built black, with white hind fetlocks, -standing fully sixteen hands, well ribbed up, with the short back, -strong, flat-boned legs, and good, sloping shoulders of the ideal -saddle-horse. Benton had had him for over three years and was -passionately attached to the animal. - -He petted Johnny awhile then, fixing both horses up for the night, he -went down to the only restaurant the little town boasted--a Chinese -establishment--and got some supper. This despatched, he retraced his -steps and mooned around the dirty detachment, where he tried to read; -but his thoughts, ever and anon, kept reverting to the little cherubic -face of the child on the train, with her hollow-cheeked mother, and he -found himself vaguely wondering how far away they were by now. - -He looked at his watch. It was about twenty minutes to ten and, feeling -inclined for a drink, he strolled down town again and, entering the bar -of the Golden West Hotel, ordered a glass of beer. - -There were about half a dozen men in the bar who, after gazing awhile at -his uniformed figure and seeing he was not the convivial Churchill, eyed -him with sullen distrust. His gaze flickered over them casually, but -knowing nobody there but the bartender, he kept aloof. - -Suddenly, amid the babel of talk, a drunken, nasal voice made itself -heard: - -"Oh, you Harry! Say, wha's dat dere wit de yaller laigs?" - -Glancing sharply towards the end of the bar, he became aware of two -flashily dressed, undesirable-looking individuals of the type that -usually makes an easy living preying upon the unfortunate denizens of -the underworld, sizing him up. - -The one accosted as "Harry," a big, heavily-built man about thirty, with -a sneer on his evilly handsome, sinister face, answered slowly: - -"Oh, _him_. I guess he must be one of them Mounted Police ginks you hear -tell of over our side of the Line. Kind of 'prairie cop,'" he added -contemptuously, and spat. - -The epithet of "cop" was one held in peculiar detestation by members of -the Force and, coupled with the fellow's offensive manner, became a -gratuitous insult that was almost more than the Sergeant could stand, -for a slight titter followed, and all the faces--with the exception of -the bartender's-wore a sardonic grin at the policeman's discomfiture. - -Choking with silent fury, he glowered warily with swift calculation -around him. - -"No, it wouldn't do," he reflected. There would be too many witnesses, -like in that last business at Elbow Vale; and fearful of his own -ungovernable temper, lest any ensuing altercation should precipitate the -inevitable right then and there, he held his peace. - -Lowering his voice, his elbows on the bar, he spoke quietly to the -bartender: - -"Who's them two fellers at the end there, Pete--strangers?" - -"Yes. I dunno who they are," said that worthy in the same low tone, busy -polishing glasses the while. "They blew in off'n the West-bound. Jest -stiffs, I guess, Sergeant. They was laughin' fit to split 'bout -somethin' when they first come in." - -Benton finished his beer and, turning, pushed through the swing door, a -vindictive purpose seething in his mind. Crossing over to the dark side -of the street, he patiently waited. - -"I'll 'vag' the two of them," he muttered savagely. - -The rain had ceased and a few stars began to appear. It was nearly -closing time and his watch was of short duration. - -At the appointed time, with much bad language and noisy argument, the -bar slowly emptied, the last to leave being "Harry" and his companion; -the latter quarrelsomely drunk, and expostulating with the bartender, -who was escorting him to the door. - -"Gimme another drink!" he demanded. - -"No chance," came the answer. "You've got enough below. Beat it!" - -The speech was accompanied with a sudden shove, and the door banged to. - -Still the Sergeant waited. - -"Aw, come on, yer crazy mutt!" he heard the soberer voice of Harry say, -and saw him walk slowly on down the street, his bibulous comrade -unsteadily following. - -Keeping in the shade, Ellis noiselessly paralleled their direction, -until they were well beyond the last false-fronted store and amongst -some vacant lots, not far from the isolated detachment. He stopped for a -moment and listened intently. Except for the tipsy arguing of Harry's -companion, who was still in the rear, all was quiet. - -"Well, you gimme half, anyway," he heard him keep chanting. - -Now was his chance. With two of them, he knew he must act quickly, and -"acting quickly" was only a mild expression for _some_ of the Sergeant's -little methods in his business which, though invariably attended with -excellent results, did not, sad to relate, always strictly conform to -the rules laid down in that worthy little Manual issued to all members -of the Force for their regimental and legal guidance. - -With fell intention, he crossed over swiftly to the drunk. It was no -time for niceties in the manner of arrest, for the man might arouse the -neighborhood, and the Sergeant had reasons for not being particularly -desirous of an audience just then. - -With the deadly calculation of an ex-pugilist, he carefully judged his -distance in the dim light and swung a single terrific right uppercut to -the point of the chin. The head snapped back and, with a choking gasp, -the man fell heavily to the ground in an inert heap. - -At the smack and the thud of the falling body, Harry halted in the dark -ahead. - -"What's up?" he growled. "Are yer all in?" - -Ellis shouldered roughly into him and, with an oath, the man reeled -back. - -"Why, what's this?" he blustered and, as the shadowy outline of Benton's -Stetson hat in the uncertain light penetrated his vision, "why, it's the -'_cop_'!" - -"Yes," said the Sergeant through his set teeth and, with suppressed -fury, "I've got you now where I want you! I'll give you call me '_cop_,' -you G--d--d, dirty pimp!" and he smashed in a vicious left drive, flush -on Harry's nose. - -It was a staggering blow, and the blood squirted, but somehow the man -kept his feet and threw himself into a fighting posture, like one -accustomed to using his hands. - -He was by far the heavier of the two, but his movements were slow and -muscle-bound and the tigerishly vicious attack of the Sergeant, with all -its concentrated hate and science behind it, paralyzed him. He tried to -cover up, but those terrible punches with the giver's vindictive -"Oof--oof," accompanying each blow, seemed to reach his body and face at -will. - -It was all over inside of three minutes. Presently, ducking a savage -swing from his weightier opponent, Ellis feinted for the jaw then, like -lightning, drove two heavy, telling punches to that region termed in -pugilistic parlance the "solar plexus." The man, with a gasp, doubled up -and sank down. - -Breathing heavily after the exertion, Benton kneeled on him and, -reaching to his hip pocket, dragged forth his handcuffs and snapped them -on Harry's wrists; then, slowly rising to his feet, he waited. - -It was still quiet all round, and he felt a fierce exultation at -accomplishing his purpose without undue disturbance. Stepping over to -his first victim, he made a quick examination, and satisfied himself -that the man was only knocked out. He would come to after a time, he -decided, and was probably more drunk than hurt. _Harry_ was the one who -had incurred his animosity the most. - -Presently that individual, with a groaning curse, sat up and was -violently sick. Then for the first time he became conscious of his -manacled wrists and began to raise his voice in filthy expressions at -Ellis. - -"Quit that talk," said the Sergeant, in a tense, fierce undertone. "I -don't want any bother and have you waking everybody up at this time o' -night, I'm arresting both you fellers for vagrancy. Now, are you coming -quiet or not?" - -A torrent of blasphemy greeted the suggestion. - -"Not you nor any other ---- cop kin take me," he foamed from the ground; -then, suddenly kicking out, he caught Benton a nasty jar on the -shin-bone. - -The pain acted as the last straw to the exasperated Sergeant. With an -oath, he drew from his pocket a small steel article known in police -circles as a "come-along" and, clipping it on one of his prisoner's -wrists, he twisted viciously. The exquisite torture drew a shriek from -the wretched man. - -"Shut up," whispered Ellis savagely. "If you start hollerin' again and -still refuse to walk I'll"--and he gave another slight twist to the -wrist--"I'll break your arm! Now will you come, eh?" - -"Oh, o-o-h. No, no; oh, don't. Yes, yes, I'll come," came the agonized -response. - -"So," said the Sergeant quietly, as he jerked the man to his feet. "I -thought you would. Now don't you start monkeyin' no more. Step out!" And -with his hand on the other's collar, he guided him towards the -detachment, which was only a short distance away. - -On arriving there he unlocked the door and, ushering his captive into -the office, at the back of which were two cells, he leisurely removed -the handcuffs and proceeded to search him. What with blood, bruises, and -dirt, the man's face was a sight, and Benton, his anger now somewhat -assuaged, felt slightly uneasy as he reflected on the prisoner's -appearance at the morrow's court. - -"Put your arms up!" he ordered, and mechanically dived into the coat -pockets. His right hand encountered something square and soft, and he -drew it out. - -At the sight of the object his eyes dilated strangely. Well, well; it -was only a woman's little hand-bag with a name printed on it under a -celluloid panel-- - -He read it at a quick glance and, ceasing his investigations, he grew -curiously still. The prisoner, raising his head, met the Sergeant's -gaze. He shrank back, appalled, and a cry of fear burst from his mashed -lips, for it seemed to him as if the devil himself were looking out of -Benton's ruthless eyes. With an indescribable bitterness of tone, the -policeman suddenly spoke: - -"You skunk," he said; "you dirty, sneaking coyote. It was _you_, then, -that robbed that poor thing with the little kiddie on the West-bound?" - -He stopped and choked with his rage. Presently he burst out again: -"Lord, Lord! but I'm glad I bashed you up like I did, and but for a -probable charge of manslaughter I'd manhandle you properly. So _that's_ -what you and your pal were laughin' about when you went in to that bar? -When you come to die--which event, may it please God to grant quickly--I -hope that'll be the very, very last thing in your memory--that you once -robbed a helpless woman and her kid." - -He remained silent after this for a space, for a sudden disquieting -thought had occurred to him. - -"See here; look," he began again. "If I put this charge of theft against -you, it'll mean having to locate and drag that woman back here all those -weary miles, to identify her property and prove up the case against -you." - -At his words a gleam of hope lit up the prisoner's disfigured face. - -"For God's sake, policeman," he mumbled out of his twisted mouth, "give -us a chanct--just this once." - -The Sergeant pondered awhile. It was the easiest way out for himself, -_and_ for the woman, he reflected. Churchill was away and nobody would -know anything about this business. He tipped the contents of the bag -out. A bunch of keys, a woman's handkerchief, some smelling-salts, a -ticket to Vancouver, and various small odds and ends. - -"Where's that money?" he snapped out. "Here--let's go through you!" - -His search revealed a dollar's worth of silver. - -"Dig up the rest of that twenty-five dollars!" he demanded. - -Slowly the other took off one of his boots, and from it produced two -ten-dollar bills. - -"We had some dough of our own when we come on the train," he volunteered -to Ellis's silent look of interrogation, "but we got inter a poker game -with some fellers and lost out, so we broke into the five-spot fer some -supper and booze." - -Benton considered a bit longer, then suddenly made up his mind and -opened the door. - -"_Voertsek, du verdomde schelm!_"[1] he said sharply, jerking his head -towards the aperture. - - [1] A glossary of South African, and other words will be found at the - end. - -The man stared at him stupidly for a moment. "I don't savvy you," he -muttered. - -"Beat it, you d--d crook! D'you savvy _that_?" came the policeman's -harsh response. "Out of town by the first train that comes in--East or -West--and take your pal with you." - -"We ain't got the price," was the somewhat aggrieved answer. - -"Then take a 'tie pass,' d--n you," said the Sergeant grimly. "And -mind--if I catch either of you fellers around this burg tomorrow -morning, I'll shove you both in the calaboose _and_ put the boots to you -as _well_ as this charge. Now beat it, and go and pick up your pal!" - -Harry waited for no further invitation, but vanished into the night. - -Wearily Ellis gathered up the contents of the bag and, putting in the -money along, closed it. He felt very tired and, lighting a cigarette, he -sat down and tried to think. - -"Guess I can get it through to her," he muttered. "I'll send a wire now -that'll catch her on the train somewhere, and she can send me her -address." - -And going to the telephone he rang up the night-operator at the depot. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - - - And if you're wishful, O maiden kind, - To know concerning me; - A far-flung sentinel am I - Of the R. N. W. M. P. - Renouncing women, as though wearing a cowl-- - I live for a monthly wage - 'Way out on the bald, green-brown prairie, - That stretches as far as the eye can see; - Where the lone gray wolf and the coyote howl, - And the badger digs in the sage. - - --_The Prairie Detachment_ - -The day broke fine and clear. The hot sun quickly drying up the little -puddles and sticky mud resulting from the recent downpour. Benton, -rising early, watered and fed the horses. These duties despatched, and -his own breakfast at the hotel accounted for, he leisurely proceeded to -ascertain if the two participants in his previous night's adventure had -left town. - -A few guarded inquiries and a brief, but thorough, search satisfied him -on this point; so saddling up Johnny, and tying on his slicker, he rode -slowly down to the depot to await the in-coming East-bound train prior -to his departure for his lonely detachment. - -The train arrived, and on it, Churchill. The local sergeant was a man -about Ellis's own age, well set up and passable enough in appearance, -but with the florid, blotchy complexion, weak mouth, and uncertain gaze -of the habitual drinker. A few lucky arrests in which chance--more than -pluck or ability had figured, coupled with a certain cleverness in -avoiding trouble--had somehow enabled him to retain his stripes and the -sleepy little Line detachment. That there was no love lost between them -was very evident; Benton, on his side, making little effort to disguise -the contempt he felt for the other. - -It was a long-standing hostility, dating back many years when, as -recruits together in the Post, a trivial quarrel originating first in -the Canteen, had terminated finally in the corral at the back of the -regimental stables--with disastrous results to Churchill--who, ever -since this event, had not been man enough to forget, forgive, or attempt -to get even. - -A few cold civilities were exchanged, and Ellis remarking, "Here's the -key of your dive," chucked him over that article; then with a careless -"So long," turned his horse and edged up nearer to the platform to speak -to the station agent. - -On account of a small wash-out that had happened to the track some few -miles east, the train was held up for a short time, and the platform was -crowded with passengers who were strolling up and down, glad of the -opportunity to stretch their legs after their long confinement. - -Benton, less impatient than Johnny, who was pawing, eager to be off, was -watching them absently, when he suddenly became aware of his being, -apparently, an object of interest to somebody standing near and, turning -his head slightly, he beheld a tall, magnificently-built, dark girl, -eyeing him and Johnny with eager curiosity and admiration. - -And in very truth, handsome, saturnine-faced Ellis Benton, and the big, -black, pawing horse that he bestrode with the long-stirruped, -loose-seated, easy, careless grace of an habitue of the range, were both -fitting representatives of the great Force which they served. - -Wistful and sweet, the girl stood there and gazed awhile at man and -horse and presently she slowly came forward and, with a kind, impulsive -friendliness that immediately thawed the Sergeant's habitual reserve, -said: - -"I'm sure you must be thinking me awfully rude--staring at you so long; -but I was looking at your beautiful horse and wondering whether you were -a policeman or a soldier or what." - -And, smiling whimsically down into the girl's eager upturned face, the -Sergeant made answer: - -"Young lady," with a droll little vainglorious gesture which amused her -intensely, "behold in me one of those important officials who hold the -High Justice, the Middle and the Low in these parts ... a sergeant of -the Mounted Police!" Then suddenly bitter remembrance set his pale, -steady eyes agleam with their peculiar ruthless light and his strong -white teeth gritted, as he added, "Otherwise, just a 'prairie cop.'" - -She stroked and patted Johnny who, scenting a new friend, nickered -softly, tucked up his nigh fetlock in a beseeching manner, and nibbled -at her for sugar. - -"Isn't he just a beauty!" she murmured. "My, but I'd be a proud girl if -I had a horse like him to ride. Do you ever?-- What is it, Auntie?" she -said, breaking off short as a stout, elderly lady with a petulant frown -on her forbidding face, came bustling up. - -"Gracious, Mary!" snapped the aunt, very much out of breath, "I've been -looking everywhere for you," and angrily drawing the unwilling girl -aside, Ellis heard her say, "You shouldn't go talking to strange men in -that way, child ... really, Mary, I'm surprised at you!" - -"But, Auntie," came that young lady's slightly indignant answer, "I was -only asking him about his horse, and he speaks quite like a gentleman." - -The elder woman's response was partially inaudible to the Sergeant, but -a fragment of it--"Only a policeman!" smote his ears unpleasantly with -its pitiful snobbishness. - -As they moved away, though, he was repaid for that lady's uncharitable -remark, as the girl, taking advantage of "Auntie's" ample back being -turned, faced round and bowed to him with a kindly smile, an unspoken -"Good-by" manifested in the gesture which he at once returned with a -courtly grace, saluting gravely. - -Mechanically, his eyes followed the two ladies until they became lost in -the crowd, and then, with a muttered oath, he wheeled Johnny around and -rode slowly out of the town. - -"What a fine-looking girl that was," he reflected. "Some rich American's -daughter, no doubt, en route from Banff or elsewhere in the mountain -summer resorts West, after having a good time." _Why_ shouldn't she talk -to him? And mixed with his brooding thoughts came the consciousness of -his _own_ joyless, danger-fraught life, with the bitter, hopeless, -lonely feeling that the single man past thirty knows so well, whose -occupation, and more especially--means--place him without the pale of -matrimony. - -With the exception of those holding responsible staff appointments, -marriage was not particularly encouraged amongst the rank and file of -the Force, for many reasons. Lack of suitable quarters was partially the -cause of this policy; also (and not the least) the indisputable fact -that in the majority of cases where men are engaged in hazardous -pursuits the average single man is freer, and--as is only -natural--willing to run far greater personal risk in the execution of -his duty than a married man. - -True, many of the non-coms, and even "straight-duty bucks," _were_ -Benedicts, for various reasons best known to themselves. But Ellis, -forever mindful of the old fable of "The fox who lost his tail in a -trap," only laughed aside cynically all their feeble, joking admonitions -to him to join their ranks and, taking "Punch's" advice instead, -"didn't." - -Why had that cursed old frump come butting in? "Only a policeman!" ... -And with an angry Ellis unconsciously rammed the spurs into poor, -unoffending Johnny, who immediately broke in his gait with a sidelong -jump which, in its suddenness, nearly unseated him. - -The spasmodic jerk of the horse brought Benton to himself again, and -with a "There, there, Johnny--you old fool--I didn't mean to rake you," -he patted and eased that startled animal down to his customary pace. - -"She made a lot of you, didn't she, Johnny? And you know you liked it!" - -He rambled on, for latterly--in the utter loneliness of his long -patrols--the Sergeant had contracted the strange habit of talking aloud -to his horse, and Johnny's sensitive ears would prick backwards and -forwards as if he thoroughly comprehended what was being said to him. - -Traveling easily, and in no particular hurry, Benton made "Marshall's" -for dinner, and towards evening drew in sight of Cherry Creek district, -with its few scattered ranches and mixed farms. - -When about half a mile from his detachment, some objects strewn on the -trail ahead attracted his attention which, on drawing near, took the -form of pieces of paper, some spilt chicken-feed and flour, bits of -board, and the tail-board of a wagon; also, had he but noticed it, a lot -of scattered nails. - -With a grim chuckle he passed on. "Looks like somebody's had a -smash-up," he muttered. Suddenly he pulled Johnny up sharply, for the -latter had begun to limp perceptibly on the off-forefoot and, on -examination, Ellis found a nail deeply embedded at the side of the frog. -He tried to pry it out with his fingers and a knife, but it was in up to -the head and his attempts were useless. - -"No help for it, Johnny," he said. "You'll have to stick it till we get -home," and with a disgusted malediction at the ill-luck, he wended his -way slowly ahead on foot, Johnny following on three legs like a lame -dog. - -On arrival at their destination the nail was eventually extracted with -the aid of pincers, and after bathing and syringing the bleeding prod -with hot water and peroxide of hydrogen, the horse moved easier; but -Ellis was well aware that several days, perhaps a week, would elapse -before it would be safe to use him. And with the knowledge of this fact -oppressing him came also the realization that, should anything turn up -in the meantime, he would be under the necessity of borrowing a horse -from some one. - -Stationed in a new district, he was naturally chary of placing himself -under obligation to anybody; so, cogitating over his predicament, he -watered, fed, and groomed Johnny and, after fixing up the wounded foot -in a hot poultice for the night, he retired into his own domain to cook -some supper. - -The detachment, originally a ranch dwelling, was a square, -solid-looking, log-built structure, with a commodious stable in the -rear, and a corral and a fenced-in pasture. A huge, bleached buffalo -skull, with its stubby black horns--a relic of bygone years--frowned -down from over the main entrance, and a faded, weather-flapped Union -Jack hung from a short flag-staff at one pinnacle of the roof. With -whitewashed stones, the letters R.N.W.M.P. were formed in the earth -banking on the front side of the dwelling. The interior bespoke its -occupant's tidiness and orderly habits. - -One entered directly into a moderate-sized room that was severe in its -sparsely furnished simplicity. A long, bench-like table, covered with a -tartan police rug, on which were some neatly piled blank legal forms, -and books, a Bible, and writing materials. A plain oak arm-chair for the -said table, and several smaller ones, with a couple of form-seats, were -ranged around the walls, and immediately facing the magisterial bench a -strongly-built cell with a barred door and aperture was partitioned off. -A few enlarged framed photographs of old-time police and legal -celebrities and a green baize-covered board decorated with an assortment -of brightly burnished leg-irons and handcuffs completed the adornment of -the chamber. Nevertheless, in spite of the room's simple aspect, one -instinctively guessed that here, as occasion occurred, the solemnity of -the Law was upheld with no less a dignity than in the highest court of -justice. - -A door at one side of the cell opened into a larger apartment, evidently -used as a combined living and bedroom which, with its strange collection -of interesting objects, was typically significant of its owner's tastes -and personality. A comfortable, bachelor-like abode this, yet slightly -regimental withal too; for the blankets at the head of the cot were -strapped into the regulation neat roll with the sheets in the center, -whilst above, on a small shelf, were the folded spare uniform and -Stetson hat, on either side of which stood a pair of high, brown -Strathcona riding-boots with jack spurs attached. On pegs underneath -hung the "Sam Browne" belt and holster containing the heavy "Colt's .45" -Service revolver, together with a bridle, a head-rope, and a slicker. -Two or three easy chairs were scattered around and some tanned calf-skin -mats covered the floor. A table stood in the center littered with -periodicals and other reading matter, and a plain slung bookshelf held a -well-worn selection of classical and modern works of fiction. The walls -were relieved with varrious photographs, clever pen-and-ink sketches, -and unframed copies of famous pictures, among which were several -examples of Charles Russell's and Frederick Remington's works of art. A -tent-pegging lance, standing in a corner, supported a gaudy, feathered -Indian headdress on its point, while behind the door hung a set of -boxing gloves. - -Five years of Benton's wandering life having been spent on the -veldt--two of them passed in the Chartered Company's service--accounted -for the curious South African trophies that were noticeable here and -there. A stuffed _meerkat_ crouched half raised, like a gigantic gopher, -and that ugly bald-headed vulture, known in the _Taal_ as an _aasvogel_, -looked down with unpitying eyes. Two magnificent leopard skin karosses -were flung over the armchairs, and a Zulu oxhide war shield was -suspended in an angle of the walls, flanked crosswise with its companion -weapons--a heavy knob-kerrie and a short, broad-bladed, stabbing -assegai, whilst above hung those one-time sinister symbols of authority -north of the Vaal--a rhinoceros-hide _sjambok_, a Mauser rifle, and a -captured "_Vierkleur_" flag. Adjoining this room were the kitchen and a -small compartment used as a storehouse. - -His supper finished, and the daily diary, mileage report, and "monthly -returns" made out, the Sergeant lit a pipe and lay back in one of the -armchairs, lazily scanning the various criminal photographs in the last -copy of _The Detective_ he had brought with him from the Post, until -drowsiness overcoming him, the paper fluttered to the floor and his head -sank back against the leopard skin. The rays of the lamp shone full on -the strong, moody face, with the pipe still held clenched between the -teeth, and the athletic frame which, even in repose, contrived somehow -to convey in its posture an impression of instinctive, feline readiness -for sudden action. - -Indeed, the man's whole appearance seemed to fittingly bear out the many -strange stories that were current of his strenuous and eventful past. - - - - -CHAPTER V - - - The elder was quelled, - But the younger rebelled; - So he spread out his wings and fled over the sea. - Said the jackdaws and crows, - "He'll be hanged I suppose, - But what in the deuce does that matter to we?" - - --_Henry Kingsley_ - -The second son of an English cavalry officer holding a high rank, young -Benton's life up to the age of fifteen--with the exception of a few -escapades at Shrewsbury--which were due more to an ingrained hardihood -than viciousness, had passed very much the same as that of any other -well-bred public school boy. - -The death of his mother, however, and the later advent of a step-parent, -wrought a disastrous change in the boy's hitherto happy enough life. His -stepmother's intolerance with his high spirits led to many family -quarrels and finally had the effect of provoking a naturally wayward -temper to open rebellion and a definite course of action. - -Her studied, unremitting hostility towards the boy succeeded in arousing -in him a bitter, lasting hatred for her which, in its intensity and -fixity of purpose, was positively awesome and well-nigh incredible in -one of his years. - -Scorning to follow his elder brother's example in meekly submitting to -the new regime he turned, in his misery and distress, to an old friend -of his dead mother's, one--Major Carlton--his ofttime confidant and -mediator in many boyish troubles. - -Borrowing fifty pounds from the latter, and taking little else save his -mother's photograph and a few clothes, with a farewell to none except -his debtor, he turned his back on that beautiful old Devonshire home -forever. - -A youthful imagination inspired, perhaps, by prolific and intelligent -reading, inexplicably directed his course to the United States; so, -booking his passage at Liverpool, he found himself later, depleted in -money--but not in pluck or resolution--a waif in that vast assemblage of -mixed peoples. One letter--the last that he was ever to write home--he -despatched to his father. - -Sir John Benton's fierce, lined face softened for an instant as he -perused his son's missive, but it grew darker and drearier than ever -before he had read it through. The letter said no word of return, and he -guessed rightly it was meant for an absolutely final farewell. - -A strict disciplinarian in his own household, its contents he never -divulged to the rest of the family; and if he felt the loss of the -manly, headstrong boy, he never showed it hereafter by word or deed. The -stern old soldier recognized in those lines--penned with a certain -boyish courtesy--only too well the inflexible characteristics that -matched, to the full, his own. - -Various vicissitudes eventually landed young Benton in a great -cattle-raising district of Montana, where he obtained a job as a chore -boy on a big ranch, known as the "Circle H." A fearless upbringing -amongst horses stood him now in good stead, and this, combined with a -willing capacity for work, ultimately won for him the approval of "Big -Jim Parsons," the silent, laconic ranch foreman, who befriended the -lonely, and now taciturn, youngster. - -It is not to be supposed that he gained this patronage any too easily. -Although babbling little concerning his history, his English speech and -apparent breeding were sufficient at the start to make him the butt of -many doubtful pleasantries from the devil-may-care cow-punchers whose -bunkhouse victim he was. No sulker, he could assimilate the most of it -in good part; but there were limitations to such "joshing," as many of -his tormentors found out when the savage, uncontrollable Benton temper -blazed forth with such appalling venom of fist and tongue that, immature -youth though he was, caused the bleeding and cursing authors of the -disturbance to retreat aghast at the devil they had raised. The old -Mosaic law--"An eye for an eye"--with its grim suggestion of unforgiving -finality, always found in Ellis an ardent and exacting adherent. - -At such scenes Big Jim would generally appear on the field of -hostilities, a threatening, nasal sneer twisting his morose face. - -"Quit monkey'n with that kid, now," he would snarl; and with rising -wrath: "I tell yu', fer guts, that same dude maverick has yu' all -skinned! What was it he called yu', Windy?... Will yore mother stand fer -that?... What's happened to yore face, Ike?... Fell down an' trod on -it?" - -The foreman's rough championing, and his own ability to take care of -himself, in course of time discouraged this systematic baiting, and ere -long he received the degree of comradeship. Possessing an inborn love -for music, which from childhood up his mother had always sedulously -encouraged, Ellis was a pianist of no mean ability. This, coupled with a -sweet, boyish voice--which in later years was to develop into a -magnificent baritone--caused him to be in constant request as a -performer on the battered old piano which the ranch-owner's dwelling -boasted. Nothing loath, he played and sang to them the simple old -melodies and songs that they knew; and soon from being the ranch butt he -became one of its especial favorites. - -With characteristic honor, although the loan had been but a mere trifle -to the wealthy giver, his first laudable ambition had been to pay back -to Major Carlton the sum he had borrowed from that kind-hearted bachelor -on emigrating; and this, with much self-denial, he found himself able to -do during the next two years, thereafter keeping up a desultory -correspondence with his old friend which lasted until the latter's -death. - -Time went on, and Ellis, after drifting here and there through Montana -and Wyoming punching for various cattle outfits, finally returned to the -"Circle H," where at the early age of twenty-five he became its -competent young foreman--vice "Big Jim Parsons," deceased. - -By this time, his character, like his frame, was set; to the vehement -ambition and ardor of youth had succeeded the cool, matured resolution -of manhood--powerful to will, prompt to execute, and patient to endure; -he was proof against idle hopes, no less than against groundless fears, -and the common chagrins of life took no more hold of his soul than toil -or privation of his body. Yet under all this case-hardness, like a -virgin pearl lying dormant within its flinty habitation, there still -remained deep in him a certain softness of heart that he inherited from -the gentle lady whose picture and loving memory he had cherished -throughout his wanderings. - -It is not to be supposed that during all this time the rough -associations and surroundings compatible with the calling he followed -had not left their mark upon him. But hot-blooded, violent and impulsive -though he was by nature, a certain quaint cynicism and command of will -and feature enabled him to suppress outwardly these visible signs of his -temperament. His life was probably not much more immune from vice than -the majority of his fellows who bore themselves more jovially and -noisily; but oh the sin of violated love, or cruel desertion--too often -associated with the sowing of youth's wild oats--he could not accuse -himself. The dark eyes of more than one ranch beauty had looked -approvingly--perhaps lovingly--on the somber, handsome face and -slimly-powerful frame of the reckless young bronco-buster, wondering, -half-pityingly, what should make so youthful a countenance so stern. And -more than once the inviting loneliness of many whom ties bound had been -made only too apparent for his benefit. But the remnants of a nearly -forgotten family pride, rather than shyness or coldness, kept Ellis's -feet clear of the snares. He was not specially cold, or continent, or -tender of conscience, but he chose to take his pleasure in places where -he troubled no man's peace, and where there could be no ignominious -aftermath to torture him with its useless, heart-aching remorse. - -Every wayfarer through this world must needs encounter certain points in -his journey where the main trail divides. For awhile the two tracks may -run so near to each other that they may seem still almost one, but they -will diverge more and more till, ere they end, their issues lie as -widely apart as those of good and evil, light and darkness, life and -death. So it was now with Ellis Benton, for a chance episode occurred in -that young man's life which was fated to bring about a material change -in his fortunes and surroundings. - -A born fighter, and possessing unusual cleverness with his hands, he was -one night unavoidably forced into an encounter with a professional -prize-fighter on a public street, in Butte. A young girl, whom the -latter was persecuting with his unwelcome attentions, appealed to the -young cow-puncher for protection, and not in vain. Despite the terrible -punishment he received, the deadly fury and ability with which he -finally put his formidable antagonist away made a visible impression on -a well known fight promoter who happened to witness the affray. That -worthy, an ex-pugilist himself of considerable renown, with his glib -tongue, apparent sincerity, and cleverly framed appeals to the younger -man's vanity, succeeded at last in inducing him to enter the ring in -earnest. Ellis, in that unsettled period that comes in most strong men's -lives, was perhaps, too, subconsciously getting a little weary of the -range life that up to now had entirely satisfied his full-blooded -energies, but there is little doubt that had he remained with the -soberer calling that he had followed so long, it would have been more -advantageous to both his profit and honor. But the reckless hardihood, -ingrained in his nature, stifled the suggestions of prudence and -ambition; when he cut himself adrift from family and friends he severed -himself, in intent, no less decisively from the class in which he was -born and bred than if, as an heir to a throne, he had relinquished his -birthright, and become but a humble subject. With a characteristic -indifference to possible consequences, he was not the least ashamed, as -yet, of the doubtful profession that he had adopted. His subsequent -spectacular fighting speedily demonstrated his ability to become a -future middleweight champion, and for a while the bouts in which he -participated drew eager crowds, curious to see the coming young pugilist -who gave them such a good run for their money, invariably drawing with, -or putting away his opponent each time, with a sensational class of -fighting that was highly gratifying to their taste. Becoming gradually -disgusted with the crooked practises and propositions which, somehow, -seemed to be inseparable from the game, and more or less incumbent on -those who were dependent on the ring for a living, he made up his mind -to forsake the profession which demanded of him the sacrifice of his -common honesty. His commendable decision, however, certainly did not -carry with it the solace of much pecuniary acquisition; for although -fighting with great frequency, and winning, or splitting many big purses -during his brilliant, if brief, career, the fast life and heavy expenses -compatible with such a profession soon dissipated them along with a -considerable portion of his previously accumulated savings, limiting the -sum total of his worldly wealth to less than a thousand dollars. - -Becoming, by now, thoroughly restless and inclined to wander afresh, his -fancy next took him to South Africa, where he obtained a position in the -Chartered Company's service, at which occupation he remained until the -outbreak of the South African War two years later. Enlisting then as a -private in a well known, and afterwards famous, Irregular Horse, in the -later engagements at Elandslaagte, Waggon Hill, and Wepener, he showed -to the full the soldierly instincts only natural in one come of his -fighting race and breeding, at the latter action, particularly, when in -the storming of a strong Boer position, he exhibited a characteristic -courage of such an utterly reckless, desperate nature, that subsequently -gained for him the Distinguished Conduct Medal and a Sergeant-Major's -promotion. - -During the terrible Mauser fire, however, which well nigh decimated his -squadron, he received a bullet through the body, the same passing the -base of the right lung, luckily without permanently injuring that vital -organ. On recovery, he served throughout the succeeding guerilla warfare -until peace was proclaimed at Veereneging, on May 31, 1902. Wearying, -then, of South Africa and its war-ravaged desolation, he returned to the -country and scenes of his former life, resuming his avocation, riding -for a newly-formed cattle company, whose headquarters were near the -Canadian border. - -Here, during the next few months, he became acquainted with various -members of the scattered posts of the Royal North West Mounted Police. -Craving companionship, and with the recollections of his late military -experiences still fresh within him, he joined that Force, and after -passing through the inevitable curriculum of their headquarters at -Regina, he was eventually transferred to L Division. - -Several notable stock-stealing cases, in which his fearless ability and -previous range experience enabled him to obtain long term convictions on -the offenders, soon brought him under the favorable notice of his -superiors, who recognized his worth in this particular line, and in a -little less than four years he was promoted to the rank in which we find -him in the beginning of this story. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - - - "Whoo-oh!--Steady!... Let's git me cigarette lit! - Oh, a cow-puncher's curse on that frizzling sun! - There!... Whoop!... Go to her, goldarn it! - Yu' dirty, mean, locoed old son of a gun!" - - --_Bronco-Buster's Chorus_ - -Morning came, and with it a visit from one Gallagher, a middle-aged -bachelor, his nearest neighbor, whose ranch lay about a mile distant. -The Sergeant, seated outside the door, in the sun, smoking an -after-breakfast pipe, greeted the newcomer civilly as he lowered himself -stiffly out of the saddle, and waited for the other to divulge his -business. - -Nature had not been kind to Mr. Gallagher in regard to his physiognomy, -and Ellis, whenever he contemplated that homely visage, from certain -canine peculiarities therein, always mentally labeled him "Old -Dog-face." It _was_ an ugly, repellant countenance in a way, but the -eyes were those of an honest man, and the thick lips expressed a species -of genial humor. - -Meeting each other casually at the usual weekly mail gatherings, Benton -was always conscious of a kind of surly friendliness on Gallagher's -part, that showed up in marked contrast to the silent, mistrustful -antipathy, with which many of those present generally regarded him; -which attitude, be it remarked, worried the Sergeant but little. The -rancher broached the subject of his visit with little preamble. - -"Old man Tucker, from Fish Creek, was over wantin' to see yu' yesterday, -Sargint. Didn't find yu' in, so he come around to my place before he -went back." - -"Oh," said Ellis absently, and with a slight trace of weary irritation -in his tones; "what's bitin' that old fool now--was he full?" - -It was curiously noticeable that, when back amidst the habitues and -surroundings of his former life and calling, how naturally he reverted -to the terse, ungrammatical speech of the range. - -Gallagher, with a grin, lit his pipe, and leaning back in the chair that -the Sergeant had dragged out for him, blew out a cloud of smoke -reflectively. - -"Well, he weren't what you'd call exactly sober," he drawled. "It was -the same old business.... Says there's some of them a layin' to run off -that bunch o' hawsses o' his. Reckons he's got it straight this time." - -"He always has," responded the policeman, spitting with contemptuous -remembrance. "I'm just about fed up with his picayune happenings. He -makes me tired. Time and again he's got me a chasin' over to his place, -and there's never nothin' doin'.... Just some gag they've bin a throwin' -into him." - -The other was silent for a space. "Mebbe," he acquiesced musingly. "But -I don't know, Sargint ... he seemed more worked up this time'n I ever -see him." - -Ellis pondered over this dilemma. A complaint was a complaint, and -anyhow, no one could ever accuse him of neglecting his duty. - -"See here; look," he said presently. "I'd go on over and see what's -worryin' that old _soor_, but fact is, I'm stuck for a hawss. That black -o' mine went lame on me comin' home last night. Picked up a nail. He -won't be fit to ride for three or four days. Got anythin' in yore bunch -yu' could fix me up with till he gets sound again, Gallagher?" - -The rancher considered a moment or two with a grave, inscrutable face. -"Let's see," he said thoughtfully, the corners of his mouth twitching -ever so little. "I guess," he broke out finally. "Will yu' come on over, -Sargint?" - -An hour later Benton, perched on the top rail of Gallagher's horse -corral, lazily watched that worthy driving in his band of horses from -their range in a neighboring coulee and, slipping down on their near -approach, he opened the gate and then effaced himself out of their sight -carefully, to prevent a possible scare. - -Well strung out, with heads up and manes and tails flying, they followed -their leader, a powerfully-built, buckskin gelding. It was an old, -well-known trail to them and, presently, with customary obedience, they -surged through the opening into the big main corral, where they stood -around, a playfully biting, kicking mass of horseflesh, while their -owner, bringing up the rear, dismounted from his quiet old cow-pony and -hung up the gate behind them. Ellis, emerging from his hiding-place, -climbed up beside him on the fence, and together the two men gazed -silently awhile at the animated scene below them. - -There were perhaps about thirty head all told, of different grades, -ages, and colors, from the heavy Percheron-bred draught-horse to the -slender, cat-like cayuse. - -Benton, with the eye of a connoisseur of horseflesh, quickly ran them -over. "Pretty mixed bunch," he mumbled, ungraciously. - -"Well, yu' ain't buyin' 'em, Sargint," answered Gallagher, somewhat -nettled at the other's remark, and a silence ensued which was finally -broken by Ellis "shooing" at a big Clyde-built mare, heavy in foal, that -was hiding another horse from his view. The startled animal slowly -waddled away, disclosing the aforementioned buckskin, which bad somehow -escaped the Sergeant's notice. - -He quickly appraised its points. "Eyah," he muttered; "now _that's_ some -horse!" - -And indeed his approval was justified for it was about as likely a -looking specimen of the saddle-remount as one could wish to see, with -the short, strong back, long, springy fetlocks, and powerful quarters -that denoted speed and endurance no less than an easy gait. - -"That sorrel ain't a bad looker, either," he pursued. "Are they -saddle-broke, them two?" - -"Yep," said Gallagher shortly. "Yu' kin take yore pick, Sargint, of -anythin' that's in here." - -Benton, shading his eyes from the sun, scrutinized the two horses a -little longer and then, leisurely dropping to the ground, slid into the -saddle of Gallagher's waiting horse. - -"Guess I'll have to borrow yore saddle and bridle a space, old-timer, if -yu' don't mind," he remarked. "Lord, but yu' must be split to the chin. -I'll have to take these stirrups up a hole or two." - -Quickly unlacing the rawhide thongs, he adjusted them to his liking and, -tying the horse's halter-shank to the corral, unshipped the heavy -stock-saddle and bridle, depositing them on the ground beside the fence. - -The rancher's high-heeled Kansas boots, with their huge-rowelled Mexican -spurs, next attracted his attention and he stood for a moment silently -eyeing them and his own broad-welted, flat-heeled footwear. - -"What size boots d'yu' wear, Gallagher?" he inquired, with a mild grin. -"Nines, eh? ... same as me. D'yu' mind changin'? I'm sure on the -borrowin' stunt all right this trip, but them stirrups of yores ain't -none too wide an' I don't much fancy gettin' 'hung up.'" - -The other acquiesced willingly enough and the exchange was soon -effected. Unstrapping the lariat from off the saddle, Benton climbed up -and dropped inside the corral, the horses beginning immediately to -circle around uneasily at his approach, raising clouds of dust. - -"Which 'un yu' goin' to take, Sargint?" inquired their owner. - -"Guess I'll try out that buckskin first!" Ellis answered laconically. "I -wanta hold him and that sorrel. We'll let the others drift." - -Standing in the center of the corral, with an ease that bespoke long -practise, he slowly shook out a workable loop and began to adroitly -maneuver the buckskin to the rear of the bunch. But the latter, scenting -danger, and being apparently an old hand at the game, was very elusive, -diving head-down into the ruck always at the psychological moment. -Patiently watching his chance as, for about the twentieth time the -buckskin's head reappeared amidst the flying manes, the Sergeant -carelessly, with a curious overhand flip, swung and threw, the noose -dropping fairly over the ears and nose. - -Tailing onto the rope, with heels digging into the soft ground, he slid -for a few yards, then suddenly detaching the animal from the retreating -bunch with a powerful hip-heave he brought it up facing him. - -Gallagher watched the performance with a lazy curiosity. "Knows his -business with a rope all right," was his silent comment. - -Once caught, as Benton coiled in the slack, hand over hand, the buckskin -walked meekly up to his captor like one who knows the game is up, and -allowed himself to be patted. Leaving Gallagher to hold the animal, -Ellis proceeded to cut the sorrel into a small inner corral. This done, -he opened the gate once more, and with a wild whirl and surge that -scattered clouds of dust the late occupants eagerly streamed out on the -run back to their range again. - -Carrying the blanket, saddle, and bridle, the Sergeant entered the -corral and cautiously approaching the held horse, deftly slipped the bit -between its teeth and buckled the throat-lash firmly, then, drawing off -the lariat, picked up the blanket and flopped it over the withers with a -smack. The saddle next followed suit; the double cinches, although -slapping the animal's belly with the same deliberate roughness, failed -to produce any startling effect. - -"Seems gentle," Benton muttered aloud. - -"Yep," assented Gallagher, in a toneless voice. "Better take th' sorrel, -Sargint." - -Ellis glanced up sharply, but the rancher's face was set like an ugly, -expressionless mask, and he gleaned nothing there. - -"Why?" he inquired. - -"Pitches some," said the other drily and, with calculating inference, -"the sorrel, he's gentle. _I_ kin ride _him_." - -Ellis hesitated a moment. He was hardly to be classed in the same -category as a greenhorn, whom ignorance, taunt, or bravado will often -provoke into climbing onto a bad horse, with equally bad results, but -his reputation as a rider was at stake, for he knew Gallagher's tongue -was prone to wag at times. The latter's last words--"The sorrel, _he's_ -gentle!"--rankled a little, and his decision was made with an -unconscious snort of contempt, as he dragged at the latigo straps and -drew the cinches taut. - -"Pitches, does he?" he mumbled to himself. All right, then! He would -show Mr. "Dog-face" Gallagher something. And bending down he buckled on -the big, straight-shanked, Mexican spurs. "Gimme yore quirt, Gallagher!" - -Crossing the split reins carefully in the palm of his left hand and -catching the cheek-strap of the bridle, he reached out his right and -guided his foot cautiously into the stirrup, eyeing the buckskin closely -the while. The animal stood ominously quiet. Grasping the horn he swung -lightly and warily into the saddle and settled his feet home. Still no -movement from the motionless horse. Vaguely uneasy, he clucked and gave -it a light touch with the spurs. The effect was magical. The ears -suddenly flattened. A ripple ran along the black-striped back and as, -with a hoarse, grunting scream the buckskin dropped its head and bucked -into the air, in a flash Benton realized that he was on one of the worst -horses it had ever been his lot to tackle. - -"Oh--o-ooh--he-e--s-ss--a-ah!" in bitter bodily anguish, he groaned, as -again and again the horse rocketed and propped, stiff and hard with -terrible impact, and with a jarring side-shake that seemed to shiver his -very soul. The blood burst from his nose and mouth under the constant -violent concussions and he felt deathly sick. Still the snapping, -whalebone-like back rose and descended, "sun-fishing" in midair with a -curious upward flirt of the rump that was well-nigh irresistible, -causing the Sergeant's hand to swing up towards the horn more than once, -and but for the fact of Gallagher watching, he would have "pulled -leather" without shame. "Not grain fed.... Can't keep this up much -longer!" he gasped to himself. And shifting slightly in the saddle he -threw all his dead weight on to the nigh fore-leg. It was an old trick -that Ellis had often used in his younger and more elastic days, and by -degrees he became conscious between the twisting, jerking leaps of the -bucking fury under him, that the animal was weakening. - -Its resistance provoked a wild, unreasoning wave of anger to surge -through him, driving the remnants of his sick faintness before it, and -raising his hand he quirted and raked the still pitching buckskin with a -ferocity that finally drove it to a sweating standstill. - -"Go to it, d--n yu'!" he yelled, but the horse had had enough and only -broke into an easy trot around the corral. Swinging out of the saddle, -he stood for a moment swaying, dazed from the terrific ordeal he had -undergone. - -To him came Gallagher. "Holy doodle!" exclaimed that worthy, with a sort -of miserable heartiness, "he sure went after yu' some!" - -The policeman did not answer, but breathing in deep, heavy gasps, and -streaming with perspiration, slowly raised his head. At the unmistakable -silent animosity depicted on that drawn, bitter face, the rancher -changed countenance and retreated slightly with a deprecating gesture. - -"Now don't yu' go for to blame me, Sargint!" he began. "--'Member I -warned yu'!" - -Ellis looked at him loweringly, with evil irresolution. The man was -right, he reflected, but nothing makes us so unforgiving as the -consciousness of being in the wrong. - -"Warned me?" he echoed, with a mirthless laugh, and at the same time -blowing a stream of blood from his nose. "Oh, aye, yu' _warned_ me all -right--like Paddy warned his landlord!..." - -Regaining his breath somewhat, he resumed with savage ill-humor. "Yu've -an ugly mug, Gallagher.... If I thought for a minute yu'd handed me this -here stick of dynamite for a josh, I'd push what's meant to be yore face -right in, an' don't yu' forget it!" - -The other's dog-like visage contracted with a grin and he emitted a -short, barking laugh. - -"Easy! easy there, Sargint!... Now don't yu' start for to get mad 'bout -it," he chuckled. "Never yu' mind my mug. I ain't a beauty, I know.... -But handsome is that handsome does.... 'Member, I'm lendin' yu' a -horse." - -At the remembrance of the man's generosity, and his good-natured -response, Benton's short-lived fit of bad temper quickly evaporated, and -he felt guilty and ashamed at his own illogical outburst. - -"Gallagher," he said hoarsely, spitting out a mouthful of blood and -dust, "I guess I'm in wrong.... I take it all back." - -With an earnestness that there was no mistaking, the rancher reached out -his hand. - -"Sargint," he said solemnly, "shake. Yu're a rider." And in the warmth -of that grip Ellis became vaguely conscious that his nerve had won for -him a friend. - -Good fellowship established once more, Gallagher's taciturnity vanished -and he became voluble and communicative. - -"Now, see here, look; I'll tell yu', Sargint," he rambled on. "I raised -that hawss, an' I know him like a book. There's only two men ever stayed -with him. They're no-goods, both of 'em, but they kin _ride_. Yu' know -'em, too--Short an' Dirty's one, an' that there Jules Le Frambois yu've -just took down for rustlin' Billy Jacques' stock, t'other. Jules--he got -piled higher'n a kite, first crack outer th' box, but he stayed with him -th' second trip. Wanst he finds a feller kin ride him he quits pitchin' -right away _with_ that feller--for good. Yu' git on him now an' see 'f I -ain't right." - -Ellis did so and, with a rough slap of the quirt and a thrust of the -spurs, thumbing the horse's withers and fanning its ears with his hat; -but all his efforts to make the buckskin hump again were fruitless, and -the Sergeant, as he felt the surge of the easy-gaited, powerful animal -under him, knew that here was a remount that could be depended on in any -emergency. - -"What'd I tell yu'?" said Gallagher, as Benton dismounted and -off-saddled. "Nary a jump--an' Short an' Dirty, he rode him for three -months--an' he says he's good on th' rope an'll stand wherever his lines -is dropped. Now yu' take him and ride him as long as yu' want, -Sargint.... I guess there ain't nobody else around here as is anxious," -he added, grinning. "What's his name? Why, I calls him 'Shakem.' He's -sure shook a few of 'em, too. I didn't aim to get yu' hurt none, but -some of th' boys had it that yu' used to bust for th' 'Turkey-Track,' -an', well, I kinder own I was a bit minded to see if yu' shaped like -it," he ended whimsically. - -The ghost of a smile for a moment illuminated Benton's blood-stained, -tired face as, lighting a cigarette, he retrieved his own boots and -prepared to lead his borrowed mount away. - -"An' are yu' satisfied?" he queried wearily. - -"Aye," answered the rancher, with fervent conviction. "I sure am that. -Yes, I'll ride on over an' fix up that black o' yores if yu're away th' -night. So long, Sargint." - - - - -CHAPTER VII - - - "Oh, sheriff an' ranger both wished me luck, - Yu' bet! when I jumped th' Line last Fall-- - Yep!... Kind that a hog gets when he's stuck, - For I'd cert'nly made them cattle-men bawl. - Them fellers has cause to love me as much - As they do a wolf, or a sneakin' Piute; - But wouldn't this jar yu'--'gettin' in Dutch' - With th' Mounted Police, thru' a mangy coyote?" - - --_The Rustler's Lament_ - -After giving the buckskin a light feed of grain and attending to -Johnny's hoof carefully, Ellis despatched an early lunch, saddled up -Shakem, and struck out for Tucker's ranch, which was about eight miles -distant. It was a glorious day and, feeling fully recovered from the -effects of his morning's shake-up, he rode slowly on through the golden -haze with that ease and contentment that comes to a man who feels that -he has earned it, and has sound health and a good horse under him. - -Three miles or so beyond Gallagher's the trail veered slightly west, -then south, skirting the dense brush and timbered slopes of the -foot-hills. Emerging from a patch of poplar that fringed the base of a -small butte around which his trail led, a moving object suddenly -appeared above him, sharply defined against the sky-line. Glancing up -quickly he instantly recognized the tawny-gray, dog-like form of a -coyote. Benton, in common with most range men, loathed the slinking, -carrion-fed brutes and always shot them down remorselessly whenever -opportunity offered. Averting his gaze and still keeping steadily on his -way to deceive the wary animal, he cautiously lifted the flap of his -holster with the intention of making a quick whirl and snap-shot. With -shortened lines, he was just about to execute this maneuver when -something strange and unfamiliar in the actions of his intended victim -suddenly caused him to halt, paralyzed with open-mouthed curiosity and -astonishment. - -Apparently, for the moment, completely heedless of the close proximity -of its mortal enemy, Man, it was pawing violently at its snout, and to -the Sergeant's ears came the unmistakable sounds of choking and -vomiting. Gripping the Colt's .45, Ellis's hand flashed up, but the -shell was never discharged. For just then came the sharp crack of a -rifle shot from somewhere on the other side of the butte, and the -coyote, with a bullet through its head, tumbled and slid, jerking in its -death-struggle almost to the horse's feet. - -With a startled exclamation at the unexpected occurrence and, wrenching -his steed around as it shyed instinctively away, Benton swung out of the -saddle and turned wonderingly to examine that still twitching body. A -peculiar _something_--evidently the cause of its previous choking -motions--was protruding from its mouth and, prying open the clenched, -blood-dripping paws, Ellis tugged it out from away back in the throat, -down which it had apparently resisted being swallowed. Wiping the slimy -object on the grass, he spread it open. His eyes dilated strangely with -instant recognition, and a savage oath burst from him. It was the brand -cut out of the hide of a freshly killed steer. - -With lightning-like intuition and a quick, apprehensive, upward glance, -the Sergeant crumpled up the clammy, half-chewed flap of skin, jammed it -up under his stable-jacket and, jumping for the buckskin, wheeled and -dashed into the shelter of the bush. Breathing rapidly with excitement, -he dismounted and, lying on his stomach, dragged himself cautiously -forward until he could discern the dead coyote. - -His rapid movements had been only just in time. For, as he peered from -his hiding place, another object silhouetted itself against the -sky-line. A man, this time, wearing white-goatskin chaps, and in the -short, powerful body, red hair, and prognathous jaw, the policeman -discerned the all-familiar figure and lineaments of one--William -Butlin--generally known in the district by the soubriquet of "Short and -Dirty," or "Shorty." - -He was coatless, and his bare, brawny arms were blood-stained up to the -elbows as, clutching a rifle in one hand and a knife in the other, he -slowly descended the incline and inspected the result of his -marksmanship. Being summer, it was a poor skin and mangy so, with a -muttered oath and a contemptuous kick, he turned and retraced his steps -up the butte, with bent head scrutinizing the ground carefully around -for something as he did so. - -With a grim chuckle, the Sergeant watched him disappear from view and, -after waiting a moment or two, quietly raised himself and slid out of -his place of concealment. Climbing noiselessly until he reached the brow -of the incline, he dropped prone and, removing his hat, looked warily -down. He found himself looking down a narrow draw, dotted here and there -with patches of alder, willow-scrub, and cottonwood clumps--a huge -specimen of the latter rising from amongst its fellows at the lower end -of the draw. There, at the bottom, not fifty yards distant, Benton -beheld Mr. Short and Dirty busily engaged in stripping the hide from the -bloody carcass of a newly butchered steer. - -He had chosen an ideal spot for his nefarious work, the slopes on either -side of the draw rendering him completely immune from ordinary -observation, and the hot rays of the overhead sun beat down on the -sprawled, glistening, pink and yellow monstrosity that his knife was -rapidly laying bare. His rifle lay on the ground, well out of his reach, -near his horse, a chunky, well-put-up white animal and, with back turned -to the fierce scrutiny of the representative of the Law that followed -his every movement, he bent over his work with nervous haste, skinning -with long sweeps of his knife and glancing furtively around him from -time to time. - -With a stealthy movement Ellis arose, stood upright, and walked -noiselessly down to the impromptu barbecue. - -"Oh, Shorty!" he called. - -At the policeman's voice the man started violently and, wheeling like a -flash, knife in hand, faced him with open-mouthed amazement, fear, -guilt, cunning, and desperation flitting in turn over his rugged, evil -face. With carelessly-held revolver the Sergeant watched him intently -with glittering eyes, his attitude suggestive of a snake about to -strike. - -"Pitch up!" he rapped out harshly. - -The other made no move but a terrible spasm of murderous indecision -momentarily convulsed his face, which angered the policeman beyond -expression. - -"_Pronto!_" he roared explosively, with a shocking blasphemy and a -forward jump of his gun that sent Shorty's arms aloft with a galvanic -jerk, the knife dropping to the ground. - -Silently Benton surveyed him awhile, a deadly, menacing light like green -fire flaming in his deep-set eyes, and the muscles under the livid scar -on his cheek twitching. - -"Yu' look at me like that agin," he drawled slowly and distinctly, "an' -I'll blow a hole thru' yore guts. Three paces forward, -march!--halt!--'bout turn!" - -The movements were executed with a precise obedience that drew forth a -sneer from the observant sergeant. - -"Huh! an old bird, eh?" he gibed. "Always thought yu' were, from th' cut -of yore mug. I guess th' 'Pen' shore went into mourning th' day yu' -worked yore ticket. There's a lump on yore hip I don't like," he -continued sharply. "Here! Let's go thru' yu'!" - -He deftly extracted a revolver, glanced at it quickly, and then -transferred it to his own pocket. - -"Packin' a Colt's automatic around, eh?" he snarled. "That's another -charge I'll soak into yu'--carryin' concealed weapons." - -His swiftly working brain had, meantime, evolved a definite scheme of -action that he felt the circumstances required. Never for a moment -underrating the notoriously desperate character of his captive, he was -taking no chances, and purposely kept that individual under the tense -influence of his powerful will, giving him no opportunity to collect his -crafty wits. - -"Quick, now, my lad!" he broke out in a fierce undertone, seizing the -other's shirt collar and pushing the muzzle of the revolver into his -back; "step out to that big cottonwood down there--keep yore wings up. -Make one break an' this'll go off!" - -Bursting with helpless, impotent rage, the cowed and bewildered man was -roughly thrust forward to the indicated spot. Arriving there, Ellis -jerked out his handcuffs, opening these carefully so that he would be -able to manipulate them with one hand. - -"Shove out yore mitts on each side of this stick!" came his sharp -command. - -Shorty blinked at him with feigned stupidity out of veiled, bloodshot -eyes. - -"Quick!" snapped the Sergeant, with a fresh burst of fury at the other's -irresolution. "Quick, yu' sorrel-topped skunk, or I'll kill yu'!" - -Sullenly the gory arms were clasped around the tree and the handcuffs -clicked home. His man secure, the policeman turned swiftly. - -"_Adios_, Shorty," he said, with grim levity. "I'm just takin' a little -_paseur_ now. I'll be back before the coyotes get yu'." - -The rustler gazed after his retreating form with evil wonder. So far he -had uttered no sound, but now his lips framed themselves for speech. -Something causing him to change his mind, however, he only spat -viciously and resolutely held his peace. - -An hour passed. A slow one, too, for the shackled man. Shifting wearily -from one foot to the other, he eventually sat down, shoving out a leg on -either side of the cottonwood, his arms, of necessity, hugging the butt. -The sound of voices presently smote his ear, not unpleasantly either, -for by this time he was beyond caring for _what_ happened to him so long -as he was released from his cramped, ludicrous position. Soon two riders -hove into view at the entrance to the draw, and in them he recognized -his captor, and--Gallagher. - -The sight of the latter vaguely disturbed his warped conscience. -Gallagher had always been decent to him, he reflected. Had once even -lent him money. How could the policeman know it was Gallagher's steer? -He _couldn't_, he argued to himself. They were just trying to put some -bluff over him. And the conviction that he still held a trump card -hardened his heart. - -Pulling up at the dead steer, they dismounted and, leaving Gallagher -examining the carcass, Ellis walked on down the draw and released his -prisoner, snapping the handcuff back on the wrist again. - -"Get yu' over to th' beef an' set down," he ground out curtly. - -The rancher looked up at their approach. "Howdy, Shorty," he said -quietly, with a grim nod, which salute the other returned sullenly, with -a brazen stare, sitting down resignedly, with his manacled hands -clasping his knees. Benton, rolling a cigarette, looked interrogatively -at Gallagher. - -"Well," he queried. - -"Shore _looks_ like one o' mine," answered that worthy; "but--" - -His speech was suddenly interrupted by the rustler. Throughout his -capture he had remained as mute as a trapped wolf. Now he broke in with: - -"Yes, but yu' cain't _swear_ it's yores." And the sneering taunt -conveyed a meaning that was not lost on his listeners. - -For a moment or two the Sergeant scanned the faces of the two men, a -lazy, tolerant smile playing over his hard features as he fumbled inside -the breast of his stable-jacket. - -"Oh, he cain't, cain't he?" he drawled mockingly. "No, but _I_ can, my -strawberry blonde. Here's a letter for yu', Gallagher," he continued, -grinning. "Reckon I'll let Shorty read it first, though." And, unfolding -the flap of hide, he carelessly held it up for that gentleman's -inspection. - -With starting eyes and a ghastly imprecation the prisoner gazed at the -missing link, fear, anger, and astonishment flitting in turn over his -evil visage. - -"Why, why--" he stuttered. - -"Yes, _why_--" Ellis finished for him sarcastically. "_Why_ do yu' aim -to start in chokin' poor coyotes to death with other people's brands?" - -He handed the sticky piece of evidence over to Gallagher. "Double H.F.," -he said. "That's yore brand all right, ain't it, old-timer?" - -The rancher nodded wonderingly. - -"Yu'll find it fits into th' cut-out all hunkadory," the Sergeant added. - -"Satisfied?" he queried presently. "All right, then." And, in the set -formula that the Law prescribes, he proceeded to formally charge and -warn his prisoner. This duty ended, he sank down with a lazy yawn and, -rolling a fresh cigarette, tossed it good-naturedly over to the captive, -with a match along. - -"Have a smoke, Shorty," he observed, with an indolent, meaning smile. "I -guess yu' shore needs one." - -The three men smoked meditatively awhile, amid a silence that was -eventually broken by Gallagher. - -"Playin' it up kinder mean on me, ain't yu' Shorty?" he remarked -bitterly. "I reckon I've always treated _yu'_ white." - -The shackled man, with sullen, averted eyes, gave a hopeless shrug. - -"Didn't aim to put it over on _yu'_ in particular, Barney," he mumbled -in a low voice. "I was just a ridin' past here, casual like, lookin' for -some horses, when I see this steer a tryin' to catch up to th' bunch -with a broken leg. I kin pay yu' for it," he added defiantly. "An' if -yu'--" - -"_Payin'_ don't go on a job like this," interjected the Sergeant -sharply. "Even if Barney _was_ willin'.... Case is out of his hands. -Besides, if yu' can afford to pay for beef yu' ain't obliged to rustle -it. - -"Broken leg," he continued, with an incredulous grin. "Yes, an' I guess -it ain't hard to figure _what_ broke it. I've seen th' way yu' rope an' -throw--lots of times. _Casual!_ What? Oh, mighty bloody _casual_! A -skinnin' knife. A block an' tackle an' a butcher's cleaver in a -gunny-sack an' that big cottonwood to sling th' beef up to out o' reach -of th' coyotes till yu' could come around with a wagon an' team for it -after dark. What? _Casual_, eh? ... well, I should smile." - -A lull followed this sally. Presently Shorty raised his head. - -"My shootin' at that there coyote, it was, I guess, as fetched yu'?" he -inquired gloomily. "I was down at th' creek, gettin' a drink, an' when I -was comin' back I see him with somethin' in his mouth." - -Ellis nodded and blew out a smoke ring with dreamy reflection. - -"Aye, that an' other things," he drawled, slowly. "'Member makin' that -crack about a certain red-coated, yaller-laigged stiff whose goat yu' -was a goin' to get, like th' feller's before him? ... A little bit--not -much--I _don't_ think. Yu' ain't got no Corporal Williamson here. I've -been a-layin' for yu' ever since, an' now I reckon it's yu' for th' -goat." - -Gallagher, listening amusedly, uttered his low, barking laugh. - -"Goat!" he chuckled softly. "Goat!" The expression seemed to tickle his -imagination greatly. "Don't often get it put over yu', Sargint, I'll -gamble." - -"Oh, I don't know," said Benton lazily. "Do sometimes." He wriggled into -a more comfortable position. "Talkin' o' goats," he continued, with a -dreamy smile of reflection, "just for th' sake of a yarn I'll give -myself away. - -"It was two winters back--when I was stationed at Goddard," he began. "I -caught a feller there fixin' up another man's calf--all same Shorty, -here. I got th' owner to identify th' hide an' locked th' feller up. -Inspector Purvis happened to be down that day inspectin' detachments, so -I rustled up another J.P. and got them to commit this gink. I mind his -wife came to see him that night, an' kinder out of respect for her -feelin's I kept out o' hearin' while they chewed th' rag. Next -evenin'--I had a case on durin' th' day--I drives to th' station with -him to catch th' eight-thirty East-bound, usin' a wagon an' team I'd -borrowed. We had to pass _his_ place on th' way, an' he says to me, -kinder simple like: 'Corporal,'--I was a corporal then--'I'll most-like -be awaitin' trial some time an' I'll be wantin' some clothes. I fixed it -up with th' woman last night to have 'em ready when we come past. D'yu' -mind stoppin'?' 'All right,' I says, never suspicionin' nothin', for he -seemed a sorter homely, foolish kind o' 'mossback.' Sure enough, when we -comes opposite his place, out comes his wife with a big, fat gunny-sack. -Puts it in th' wagon. Cries, an' kisses him, an' says 'good-by.' It was -a bitter cold night, I mind, an' I had my fur coat collar turned up high -'round my face, an' my cap pulled down. Presently, when we was about -half ways there, he starts in to groan an' shiver up against me. 'What's -up?' I says. 'Cramps,' says he, still groanin'. 'Gosh, but I've got 'em -bad.' There was some straw in th' bottom of th' wagon, an' thinkin' it -might ease him some if he lay down a bit, I helped him over th' seat -into th' box, an' he lay down amongst th' straw, with his gunny-sack for -a pillow--_mine_, with th' calfskin exhibit in it, alongside me on th' -off-side of th' seat. Havin' cuffs an' leg-shackles on him I knew he -wouldn't be fool enough to make any kind of a breakaway, especially as -he really seemed sick, so I didn't watch him particularly close, an' we -jogged along through th' dark. He still seemed pretty bad when we made -th' station, so I got him a slug of whiskey an' we boarded th' train. I -handed him over at the guardroom, when we got into th' Post--locked up -my gunnysack, an' beat it back on th' West-bound that was late that -night. I didn't want to be around th' Post next day for fear Mickey, th' -S.M., might keep me in for duty. Well, the case came up about three -months later at th' Supreme Court. - -"Mr. Man hires him a lawyer an' pleads 'not guilty,' as bold as brass. -As I figured I had th' case all hunkadory I only had one witness--th' -owner of th' calf. I goes into the box an' gives my evidence an' pulls -out th' hide exhibit to identify. A red an' white one I'd put in an' a -red an' white one I pulls out, but I well-nigh had a fit when I saw th' -brand on it. It was th' prisoner's _own_. I looked like a proper fool, I -guess, with th' mossback an' his 'mouthpiece' both givin' me th' 'ha, -ha.' Luckily for me, Inspector Purvis happened to be in court an' of -course his statement that everything had been in order at th' -preliminary trial when he committed th' man was accepted by the judge, -an' after a hard fight with th' defending counsel--who, of course, -wanted to proceed right then an' there--we got th' case set over, an' -started in to investigate. 'Twasn't much use, though. They--th' -prisoner, his wife, an' th' lawyer--put it all over us--easy. Yes, -_sir_, they had th' bulge on us, all right, an' they knew it. Case was -dismissed at its second hearing through lack of evidence--th' judge -intimating, however, that he was satisfied that there'd been some funny -work somewhere, though, under th' circumstances he had no alternative -but to give th' prisoner th' benefit of th' doubt. Th' O.C., Purvis, an' -th' lawyer, well-nigh crucified me with their remarks. Been mighty -careful ever since, yu' bet! - -"A constable named Mason nailed him later, though, for stealing a horse. -He had him dead to rights an' made a better job of things than me. My -'rube' got three years. I had charge of th' escort when we took him, -along with some others, up to th' 'Pen.' It was then that he told me the -whole business. He'd fixed it up with his wife th' night she come to see -him in th' cells. When she came out with that gunny-sack, she'd put one -of their own calf-hides in on top of his clothes. That's what made th' -sack look so big. How in h--l he ever managed to snake _my_ sack from -alongside me on th' seat--without me feelin' him--swop them two hides, -an' then put it back again, was a corker, but he managed it, somehow, -an' dropped th' real 'un on th' trail, where his wife, followin' us up -in th' dark on a saddle-horse, snaffled it an' took it home in quick -shape an' burnt it." - -This story, delivered with the Sergeant's characteristic humorous, -arrogant abruptness, caused his listeners--in spite of the gravity of -the circumstances attending its telling--considerable amusement. It was -a curious anecdote for a man to relate of himself, especially in the -midst of the somewhat grim situation under which they were met, but it -was quite in keeping with Benton's strange, complex character. - -The three men lay silent awhile after this, each busy with his own -reflections. Presently Gallagher, who was gazing absently at the scar on -the policeman's cheek, said quietly: - -"It was yu' killed 'Slim' Cashell, over to Pitman, wasn't it, Sargint?" - -At the question the lazy good humor died out of Benton's face strangely. -Bleak and inscrutable became his expression on the instant--lowering and -sinister. His far-away, ruthless eyes began to glow with their peculiar -baleful light. It was the sun suddenly enveloped by a storm-cloud. - -"Aye," he said darkly, and a long pause ensued. "It was me or him," he -went on, in a cold, even, passionless voice. "An' my way o' thinkin' -_an'_ actin' at such show-downs is th' same, I reckon, as old Israel -Hands'--a certain gentleman o' fortune in a book I guess yu've never -read, Barney.... 'Him as strikes first is my fancy; dead men don't bite; -them's my views--amen, so be it.' ... He had his chance, anyway, an' he -left me his card, which I'll pack to my grave," he ended significantly, -touching the scar. - -The flies began to buzz around the carcass and the steady "munch, munch" -of the feeding horses sounded in their ears, whilst the sun, blazing -hotly down upon them without the mercy of a cooling breeze, sent up -little shimmering heat-waves from the sagebrush-dotted parched ground. -Shorty presently found his voice again. - -"Sargint," he began, with a certain surly respect that it was noticeable -had hitherto been omitted, "d'yu' mind me askin' yu' a question?" - -Ellis glanced at him indifferently, his deep-set gray eyes wide with -their peculiar, aggressive blank stare. - -"Go ahead--what is it?" he said. - -Shorty licked his dry lips. "Was it Jules le Frambois as told yu' -'bout--?" - -"No," interrupted Ellis irritably. "Jules told me nothin', an' I asked -him nothin'; an' what's more, I'd see yu' an' him ten fathoms deep in -h--l before I'd suck up any of yu' Ghost River crooks' cursed lies." - -"Were it George Fisk, then--or Scotty Robbins?" the other pursued. - -A puzzling, suspicious thought suddenly flashed into the policeman's -alert brain at the man's persistence, and instantly his face became an -inscrutable mask. - -"Now yu're talkin'," he answered meaningly. - -His words produced a horrible change in the weather-beaten, sinister -countenance of his prisoner. - -"By ----, I was a-thinkin' so.... Right from th' fust crack," he said -spitefully, with an oath. "An' now I'll tell _yu'_ somethin' that ain't -no lie. Them two same fellers has it fixed to annex old Bob Tucker's -bunch o' hawsses--tomorrer night. I was a-goin' to give 'em a hand, -too," he continued defiantly, with reckless abandon. "They figures on -takin' 'em up to a place they knows of in th' bush--up Ghost River -way--for a spell, till things quietens down a bit, I guess; then they'll -drive 'em South, to Paralee Junction, an' try an' ship 'em East from -there. George Fisk an' me had a sorter diff'runce 'bout whackin' up. He -says to me: 'Take it, or leave it!'--them were his words--'Me an' Scotty -ain't exactly pertic'lar whether yu' stays in th' family or not,' he -says." - -He paused for breath. Ellis shot a warning glance that spoke volumes to -Gallagher who, with open-mouthed curiosity, was listening eagerly to -this amazing recital. - -"Well, yu' see they've double-crossed yu', _amigo_," he said, with a -calm, convincing composure that left no further doubt in his prisoner's -mind. - -"Just a frame-up," he continued. "Why, them fellers has good steady jobs -punchin' for th' Wharnock Cattle Company, which they ain't got no -intention o' leavin' for to run off anybody's hawsses. They ain't -exactly stuck on yu' so, naturally, they figured this was th' easiest -way to get rid of yu'." - -Shorty spat vindictively, and his pale, lynx-like, merciless eyes glowed -as, with horrible blasphemies and threats, he broke out, reviling the -two alleged informers. - -"Frame-up!" he snarled. "Yes! ... on me _an'_ yu'. Why, this very beef -here was for 'em, while they was up cached in the bush. Feller was -a-goin' to foller 'em up with it in a wagon. _I_ won't be th' only one -to get double-crossed, as yu'll find. Yu'll be gettin' one o' th' worst -falls _yu'_ ever got in yore natural if yu' turn this whisper o' mine -down now. Well, I've told yu', anyways." And, spent with his rage, he -lay back like a man weary of life. - -The practical Gallagher glanced up at the slowly descending sun and -leapt to his feet. - -"Time's gettin' on," he said. "I don't figure on losin' that beef, -anyways.... It's a-stiffenin' up a'ready." - -And, picking up Shorty's knife, with practised dexterity, he proceeded -to complete what the rustler had begun. Ellis, outwardly nonchalant, but -seething inwardly with excitement at the news, the truth of which was -confirmed unhesitatingly by a certain native intuition he possessed, -lent him a hand at intervals and, presently, with the aid of the -block-and-tackle and a lariat on one of the saddle-horses, the two sides -of roughly dressed beef were slung up to a branch of the big cottonwood -tree, well out of reach of the coyotes. - -Catching up the rustler's patient horse, the Sergeant picked up the -rifle and, after pumping out the shells, thrust it into its scabbard -slung under the legadeiro of the saddle; then, knotting the lines around -the horn, he proceeded to swiftly fashion a hackamore with his lariat. - -"Reckon yu'll have to ride as yu' are, Shorty," he said. "I'm a-goin' to -trail yu' alongside. What's up?" he added, as the other, with manacled -hands on the saddle-horn, in the act of mounting, was staring at the -buckskin with interest. - -"Some hawss, that, yu're ridin', Sargint," he remarked, with a meaning, -bitter smile. - -"Some," assented Ellis dryly. "Well, yu' oughta know--bein' as 'twas yu' -topped him off. _Umbagi!_--let's _trek_. Don't forget that hide, -Barney!" he shouted. "Hang onto that brand, too--mind Shorty don't swop -it on yu'," he added with grim pleasantry. - -The rancher, busily rolling up the bloody mass, with the rustler's knife -and cleaver inside, responded with one of his customary barking laughs -and, lashing it on behind his saddle, mounted; and with him bringing up -the rear, the little cavalcade turned homewards. - -In due time they arrived at the detachment, and the Sergeant, after -carefully searching and locking up his prisoner, withdrew outside the -building to discuss matters with Gallagher. - -"Guess there ain't no Bull-Durham about th' tip old Bob Tucker's got -this trip," he said with conviction. "Wonder who 'twas put that old -stiff wise?" - -He was more excited than was his wont, and his brow was contracted with -impatient thought. - -"Reckon he's tellin' th' straight tale?" Gallagher ventured dubiously, -with a back-flung jerk of his head to the building. - -"Shore," answered the policeman. "'Twas just a bit o' lucky gammon I -threw into him--I'd no idea he'd fall for it like he did. Yu're a -witness of his admissions of being an accomplice o' these fellers. As a -matter o' fact," he continued, with a sly grin, "I haven't seen either -o' _them_ for well-nigh a month now. 'Twas Little Benny Parker wised me -up 'bout what Shorty figured he was goin' to do for me.... He was down -at th' post-office one mail day--quite a while ago, this is--an' these -fellers was all outside together a-talkin'--Jules le Frambois along. -Benny's only a little nipper, an' bein' on th' other side o' his horse, -cinchin' up, I guess they didn't notice him. Some cute kid, Benny!" - -He remained silent for a space, in deep thought. - -"Barney," he said presently, "I'd like yore help in this business. -Scotty Robbins ain't o' much account. He's a poor cur, he is. But Big -George's some bad man. I've got his record from over th' Line. He's done -two fives an' a three-year term for horse-stealin', an' I know for a -fact, too, that he's a gun artist. He killed two men in a dirty mix-up -at Los Barancedes, over in New Mexico, quite a while back. Th' Rurales -well-nigh put th' kibosh on him, but somehow he beat 'em out. So, yu' -see," he concluded with a whimsical smile, "it ain't exactly a one-man -job--at night, too. That is, if yu're willin'?" - -His request was met more than half-way. - -"Eyah! that I will, Sargint," the other answered bluntly and briefly. "I -guess I know me duty as a law-abidin' man should." He had, in his brief -acquaintance, formed a profound respect for the fearless man who sought -his assistance. - -"I know it's not exactly a civilian's end o' th' deal to get shoved into -takin' unnecessary risks," Ellis went on. "If I had time I'd ride out to -Buffalo Wallow an' get Nicholson--he's about due there, on patrol. But I -haven't ... an' this lay's supposed to come off tomorrow night. Besides, -I wanta go an' see Tucker. Pity old Boswell, th' J.P.'s, gone East. I'd -a got yu' sworn in as a 'special.' So yu' see how it is," he ended -simply. - -"Eyah!" said Gallagher, with a grim heartiness; "don't yu' worry over -nothin' son. My name's Barney Gallagher. I kin 'trail me coat' as good -as me father or me grandfather ever did. Yu'll find I'm right there with -th' goods." - -Ellis regarded the speaker's hard-featured face with its twinkling -Irish-blue eyes, and his angular, powerful frame. - -"Yu' just bet yu' are, Barney," he murmured thoughtfully. "Yu' just bet -yu' are. See here; look! I'll mosey on over to Tucker's first thing in -th' mornin'; an' I'll find out, if I can--without tellin' him -nothin'--what he knows. Shorty'll be safe enough locked up here while -we're away, an' if we nail these other two we can take th' whole bunch -into Sabbano for their preliminary trial. I'll be back mid-day, an' -towards evenin' we'll slide out." - -Their arrangements thus settled, Gallagher departed to his ranch, and -Ellis proceeded to cook supper for himself and his prisoner. Later he -fixed up the horses for the night and, on second thought, after -examining Johnny's hoof with a satisfied scrutiny, and leading him -around a little, he wrenched off the remaining shoes and turned him -loose in the pasture, where there was good feed and running water. - -"Go to it, old boy," he chuckled, amused at that animal's antics as, -delighted with his unwonted freedom, the horse, after a roll or two, -sailed off with a joyous kick and squeal, his previous limp now hardly -perceptible. - -Ellis watched him lovingly a minute or two then, lighting his pipe, he -reentered the detachment. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - - - He was a dirty, aged man, who to his bottle clung, - And ever and anon did curie in some queer foreign tongue, - The tale he told was passing strange, yet pitiful, withal-- - Of the lonely, care-fraught, troublous life - He lived from Fall to Fall. - - --_The Old Nester_ - -An uneventful hour and a half's ride next morning brought Benton within -sight of Tucker's homestead at Fish Creek. Leaving the main trail, he -struck into an old cow-track, which short cut wound its way through the -thick brush on the west side of the latter's pasture, emerging from -which, into a clear open space, he found the gate that he sought. - -What little feed there had been inside the few fenced-in acres was -cropped as close as if sheep had been herded there, and a bunch of -horses and a few gaunt cows wandered disconsolately hither and thither, -roaming the fence round and groping through the wire strands at the -nourishment that lay just beyond their reach. It was a pitiful sight and -Ellis, with his love for animals, felt a spasm of anger pass through him -as he noticed bad festering barbed-wire scratches on more than one of -the poor hungry brutes. - -"Th' cursed, scared old fool," he muttered savagely. "I reckon he's got -reason to be, though, if that whisper o' Shorty's is straight goods." - -He rode slowly across the parched, dusty ground and, fording the creek, -passed through the gate at the opposite end. Circling around the stables -and corrals, he dismounted outside the weather-beaten shack in which the -old man passed his lonely life. Dropping the buckskin's lines, the -Sergeant climbed up the broken steps and shoved his way in through the -half-opened door. - -With an oath he reeled back and his hand streaked like lightning to his -hip. For a second or two he remained perfectly motionless then, a grim -smile slowly relaxing his features, he dropped his hand and gazed -silently at the strange scene that met his eyes. - -He beheld an under-sized, grizzled-bearded old man about sixty who, with -the vacuous smile of the partially intoxicated, was leveling a rifle at -him with shaking hands. He was seated in an arm-chair, at a rough table, -that was littered with dirty crockery and cooking utensils. An empty -glass was in front of him. - -"_Saku bona, N'kos_," greeted Ellis mockingly. - -"_Saku bona, Umlungu,_" came the guttural response, while the wavering -rifle barrel slowly descended and the shriveled, stringy old throat -worked convulsively. "_Allemachtig_--but I thort you wos that _verdomde -schelm_--Short an' Dirty--come a-nosin' arahnd agin." - -Born and bred in the East End of London, thirty years on the South -African veldt and ten in Canada, had not depreciated Tucker's accent -much, and his speech was a curious jargon of Afrikander, Cockney, and -Western vernacular. - -"H--l!" said the policeman irritably. "Is this th' way yu' greet yore -friends these days? Been gettin' yore Dutch up, eh?--an' early, at that. -What's th' matter with Shorty? _He's_ all right! Wen wos 'e arahnd?" - -"Yestiddy mornin'," piped Tucker. "I tell yer I cawn't abide that -feller. I dahn't like th' looks of 'im an' I ain't a-goin' to 'ave 'im -come a-messin' abaht 'ere ... 'e ain't up ter no good. _Whau!_--I'll -_skiet die verdomde schepsel_," he finished with a screech, and raising -the rifle again. - -"Here! Yu' come across with that gun!" snapped the Sergeant. "Yu' make -me nervous. Come on now, Bob--let's have it. D'yu' hear?" - -Alternately threatening and cajoling, he at length obtained the weapon -and, jerking open the lever, pumped the magazine empty of shells. These -he gathered up and put in his pocket. - -"Got any more?" he inquired, ledging the rifle on some pegs. - -The old man glowered at him silently, and pointed with a shaking finger -to a cupboard, where a minute search produced two more packets of -cartridges, which speedily joined the others. - -"A man that's _dronk_ ain't got no business monkey'n' around with a -gun," remarked the policeman judicially. - -"You're a _leugenaar_" hiccuped Tucker indignantly. "I ain't _dronk_." - -"No--yu' ain't," retorted the Sergeant ironically. "Yu've got th' -makin's of a first-class jag, though. Th' smell of yore breath's mighty -refreshin'. Yu' wanta do what's right when a man wearin' th' King's -uniform comes arahnd yore _laager_." - -The implied appeal to his hospitality was not lost upon the other who, -arising with difficulty, walked unsteadily over to a dirty sofa and, -groping underneath, dragged forth a half-full Imperial quart bottle of -"Burke's Irish." - -"_Whau!_ Got it cached, eh? I _korner_," chuckled Ellis, reaching for a -glass and pouring himself out a generous libation. "_Allemachtig_, but -I'm dry this mornin'. Wish this was good, cold tickey beer instead o' -whiskey. _N'dipe manzi?_" - -His elderly host, relaxing back into his arm-chair again, indicated a -bucket and dipper. Benton mixed his drink and raised his glass. - -"_Salue_," he muttered, and drank. - -"_Drink hael_," the other responded gruffly. - -Putting down his empty glass, the Sergeant seated himself and proceeded -to roll a cigarette. - -"See here; look," he began, licking the paper across. "Yu'll be gettin' -_dronk_ an' doin' some poor sucker a mischief with that gun if yu' ain't -careful; an' then yu'll most likely land in _die tronk_ on a murder -charge, _Myjnheer_ Bob Tucker. - -"Say," he continued suspiciously, as a sudden thought struck him. "Yu' -was over to th' detachment to see me th' day before yesterday, wasn't -yu'?" - -"_Ja_," answered the old man sulkily. "An' yer ain't never abaht w'en a -feller wants yer." - -Ignoring the testy reply, the policeman resumed: "When yu' left Barney -Gallagher's which trail d'yu' come home by?--th' long 'un, or th' short -'un through my pasture?" - -"Th' short 'un," said Tucker wonderingly. "W'y?" - -"Anythin' happen to yu' on th' trail?" inquired his interlocutor. - -The old man hesitated a moment. "_Ja!_ Did 'ave a bit of a shindig," he -admitted shamefacedly. - -"_Ja_," said the Sergeant. "I thought so; an' now I'll tell yu' what -happened. Yu' was _dronk_ an' let yore lines catch under th' end o' th' -_disselboom_, an' yore team up an' run away on yu'. Managed to pull 'em -up, somehow, I suppose. Providence always seems to hand out a special -dispensation to fellers that's full, else more'n likely it's th' -hospital _yu'd_ be in instead o' that chair." - -"Well, I pulled _die schelms_, anyway," said the other. "An' I 'ad to go -back abaht 'arf a mile fer a bag o' chicken feed as fell aht." - -"_Ja!_ ... an' a bag o' blasted nails yu' had aboard fell aht wiv' it," -mimicked Ellis, irritably. "An' my hawss picked one of 'em up in his -nigh-fore an' he's been out o' business ever since." - -The old man, fumbling with trembling fingers about his waistcoat, -produced a short day pipe and, filling it, proceeded to smoke. - -"If yu' don't let up on th' _dop_ for a space," resumed the policeman -severely, "yu'll be havin' fancies again--bad 'uns, too." - -The abandoned Tucker cocked a boiled eye at his would-be mentor. - -"Tchkk!" he clucked testily. "Rats ... an' sech like. I've 'ad 'em.... -Yer cawn't skeer me wiv yer _fancies_," he shrilled suddenly, with -senile defiance. "'Ow abaht _you_? 'Tis an Aberdeen man's 'Say w'en!' -yer poured aht fer yourself, I noticed--an' then yer turns rahnd an' -torks ter me like a bloomin' _unfundusi_. _Whau!_ I _korner fancies_!" -he wound up bitterly. - -The Sergeant swallowed the home-thrust with a tolerant grin. - -"Ain't figurin' on practisin' what I preach just yet," he rejoined. - -"I'm a pore old feller," whimpered Tucker, dropping his pipe and -beginning to weep with maudlin self-pity. "Yer all tries to 'come it' -over me." - -The gray beard jerked up and down convulsively with his sobs. - -"Aw, h--l! come, now," said Benton, not unkindly. "Yu' bring a lot o' -yore troubles on yoreself. Why, don't yu' sell out here, Dad, an' go -back East to yore son there, where yu'd be looked after properly? Yu're -too old to be livin' here on yore lonesome like this." - -The old man gazed drearily through the open door. - -"I _wuz_ dahn theer two years agone," he said huskily, and with a -querulous, childish simplicity that moved his hearer more than that -individual cared to show. "My 'Arry's a good lad, but that theer _vrouw_ -o' 'is kills my pig properly. Nah!--there ain't no peace theer. An' th' -_kinders_ cries, an' w'enever 'e tries ter stan' hup fer hisself she -hups an' knocks 'im off th' perch reg'lar. She started on me, too," he -went on, spitting vindictively. "But I pulled aht of it an' come back -'ere. I 'member one night I went 'ome wiv a bottle ter 'ave a smile wiv -me b'y. Th' kitchen door were shut, an' I c'ud 'ear 'em a-goin' to it -fer fair. All of a sudden there come such a smack, that I guess she were -a-tryin' ter prove whether 'is block or 'er mop-stick were th' 'ardest. -I weren't a-goin' buttin' in where dry pokes an' 'ard words wuz a-goin', -so I _trekked_ ant of it quick--dahn ter th' pub on th' corner o' -Iroquois Street, an' got _dronk_ peaceful on me own. Nah," he concluded, -spitting again contemptuously, "folks is best single." - -The Sergeant looked hard at the careworn, dissipated old face, -doubting--and not for the first time, either--whether, under that simple -exterior, there lay not a better philosophy than he himself could boast -of. - -"Aye," he agreed slowly. "Like as not yu're right, Dad--like as not. -Now, what was it yu' come to see me about?" - -The old man fidgeted in his chair uneasily. - -"You mind me a-tellin' yer once abaht that theer old nitchie -'Roll-in-th'-Mud,' as I fahnd larst year in th' bush, wiv 'is leg broke, -an' took back ter th' Agency ag'in?" - -The policeman nodded. He had heard the oft-repeated tale more times than -he could remember. - -"Well," continued his host. "Th' old feller comes arahnd ter see me now -an' ag'in--just ter say 'Howdy' an' cadge a bit o' baccer. Well, th' -mornin' I come over ter see you I wuz ahtside th' stable _inspannin'_ me -team, meanin' fer ter _trek_ over ter Barney Gallagher's fer some -chicken feed an' stuff, w'en 'e comes a-jiggin' by, a-_sjambokin'_ 'is -old cayuse like them nitchies ullus does. 'E pulls hup w'en 'e sees me, -an' grins. 'Howdy,' says I. 'Howdy,' says 'e. I dahn't savvy 'is -_indaba_, so we ullus mykes sign tork. 'E seemed kind o' excited like -an' 'e catches me by th' coat an' leads me rahnd th' back o' th' stable, -where we cud see th' 'orses in th' field. 'E starts in ter wive 'is arms -like as if 'e wuz a-tryin' ter imityte a bloke a-drivin' 'em aw'y to'rds -th' West, then 'e touches 'is chest an' grunts '_Naymoyer, naymoyer_,' -two or three times, an' shykes 'is 'ead. I catches on ter wot 'e meant, -quick ... cudn't 'elp it. 'E wuz a-meanin' that some bloke wuz a-goin' -ter try an' run 'em off from me, an' wanted 'im ter 'elp 'im an' 'e -wudn't. That's wot 'e meant," wound up Tucker breathlessly, turning an -imploring, frightened face to the Sergeant. "An' I figger that theer -bloke wuz that same _schelm_, Short an' Dirty." - -For reasons of his own, the policeman tried to allay the old man's -shrewd suspicions. - -"Now, don't yu' go for to get a-blamin' poor Shorty for everythin'. He -ain't figurin' to do yu' no harm. P'r'aps th' nitchie was only meanin' -yore stock wanted turnin' out of that god-forsaken pasture o' yores, -onto th' range again, where they can rustle a bite. It's a blasted -shame, yore coopin' 'em up like that. That's what old 'Roll-in-th'-Mud' -meant." - -Thus he chided, but Tucker only shook his gray head obstinately, and -clung firmly to his pet conviction. - -"Had any more visitors th' last two or three days besides Shorty?" -queried Benton. - -The old man struggled with his liquor-fumed wits awhile, torturing his -memory. - -"Let's see," he said slowly. "W'y, yes!... That theer young -feller--Scotty Robbins, I think's 'is nyme--wot works fer th' Wharnock -outfit ... 'e come arahnd abaht fower d'ys ago. 'E's come 'ere ter see -me lots o' times. 'E said once as 'ow 'e wished 'e 'ad th' money ter buy -me plice. 'E seems a nice, kind-'earted young feller--that. Sometimes 'e -brings another feller wot works wiv 'im along too. 'E's a big chap--'is -nyme's Fisk." - -"Yes," said Ellis meditatively. "I know 'em. They're both nice, -kind-'earted fellers, as yu' say." - -He looked at his watch and jumped to his feet. "Well, I reckon I'll be -pullin' back," he said. "I'll go on over to th' Reserve sometime soon, -and see old Roll-in-th'-Mud, an' have a palaver with him through an -interpreter." - -The old man arose shakily and, with a string of Dutch and Zulu -maledictions on his supposed enemies, put a trembling, withered hand on -the policeman's sleeve. - -"Yer won't let any o' th' _schelms_ put anyfink over on me, will yer, -son?" he said wistfully. - -Benton turned and looked at him kindly, and a wave of compassionate pity -for the helpless old reprobate who besought his protection, not unmixed -with anger at the men who aimed to despoil him, stirred his deep, -sympathetic nature strangely. - -"Now, don't yu' worrit none. I'll look after yu', Dad," he said gently. -"Only yu' wanta take a tumble an' turn that stock o' yores out tomorrow -... they're starvin'. An' don't yu' go a-gettin' full an' monkey'n' -around with that gun no more, else I won't," he added warningly. "I'm -a-goin' to keep them shells for a time, to insure yore good behavior." - -Tucker, overwhelming him with abject promises of immediate and lasting -reform, tottered out into the open after him. - -"W'en I see that theer buckskin 'orse o' Barney Gallagher's thru' th' -winder, I made shore as it wuz Short an' Dirty comin' arahnd ag'in," he -piped. "W'y, _'e_ used ter ride 'im." - -"_Ja_," answered Ellis enigmatically, as he swung into the saddle. -"_Used._ Well, so long, Dad. Mind what I told yu', now. I'll be around -to see yu' again soon." - - - - -CHAPTER IX - - - "Saint Pether ... who hold'st th' Keys av Hivin-- - Oi'm poor ... an' Oi'm old ... comin' sixty-sivin-- - Thru' booze ... ? Eyah!--partly ... but honust, Oi've bin-- - Saint Pether ... Och!--won't ye--plaze--let me--come in?" - - --_The Derelict_ - -With a feeling of exultation he loped swiftly away. His morning had not -been wasted, he reflected. "All over but th' shoutin'," he muttered. - -"Wish I'd got time to go an' see that nitchie, though. Can't make th' -Agency today, now. Well, let's see how this comes off. I can get that -old beggar any old time." - -Then, suddenly, an uneasy thought crossed his mind. What if they didn't -show up. If they were hanging around somewhere close at hand, and had -seen him coming and going from Tucker's. His alert eyes flickered around -the rolling stretch of prairie unceasingly, but nothing more disturbing -than a few scattered bunches of horses and cattle appeared to his -vision. Presently, topping the summit of a small rise on the familiar -trail, he came within sight of the detachment again. - -Suddenly he pulled up sharply. - -"Why, hello!" he ejaculated. "What th' devil's up now?" - -For, in the distance, he saw a team and wagon outside the dwelling, with -two figures scuffling at the horses' heads, and the wind brought to his -ears the sounds of a violent altercation. Jabbing the spurs into the -buckskin, he raced towards them, and his speed soon brought him up to -the combatants, who were just picking themselves up from a clinch on the -ground. In one of them he immediately recognized a rancher in the -district named Pryce--commonly known as "Ginger" Pryce, from the -somewhat sanguine color of his hair and corresponding temperament. The -other, a tall, stooping, shrunken-faced old man, was a stranger to him. -The latter's face was bleeding, and he was gasping for breath from his -encounter with his younger antagonist with long, wheezy, asthmatical -sobs that shook his emaciated body terribly. - -"Here, now! What in h--l's this racket about?" shouted the Sergeant, -dismounting. - -Spitting, and breathing heavily, Pryce burst out: "Them hawsses an' -wagon is mine!" He choked with his rage, and paused to regain his wind. -"Yu' 'member I come around to yu' when they was stole 'bout three weeks -ago?" he ran on excitedly. "I was comin' along th' trail 'bout a mile -nor'west o' here when I meets this old stiff comin' sailin' along with -_my_ team an' wagon, as bold as yu' like. He says he bought 'em, an' -he's showed me a bill o' sale that he says he got off'n th' feller he -bought 'em from ... but I'll gamble it's only a faked-up one, an' _he's_ -th' feller what stole 'em. I made him drive on here to yore place. Yu' -wasn't in, so we gets arguin', an' he calls me a 'red-headed rooster.' I -won't take that off'n any man--old or young." - -"Why didn't yu' put th' boots to him while yu' was at it?" said Ellis, -with sneering sarcasm. "He's only an old man an' I guess yu' could easy -do it. - -"Well, old gentleman," he continued. "What about this outfit? Where'd -yu' get 'em?" - -Pale and exhausted, the aged man strove to recover from his distress. -His agitation was pitiable, and the Sergeant gave him time and waited -quietly. - -Speech suddenly broke from him, in a torrent of expostulation. - -"I didn't steal 'em!" he shrilled, in a thin, high, cracked falsetto. "I -didn't!--I bought 'em honest ... an' I've got th' bill o' sale to prove -it. I'm an honest man ... always have bin ... an'--an' this feller -here's abused me an' beat me up ... an' he's twenty years younger'n me, -if he's a day. O-oh, o-oh, oh, my God!..." And the tears ran down his -lined old face into his gray beard. - -"Yu' did steal 'em, you old liar--yu' know yu' did!" Pryce commenced to -yell back at him. - -"Aw, quit yore squallin', Pryce," snarled the policeman angrily, "or -I'll damned soon give yu' somethin' to squall about. This ain't a dog -fight. _I'm_ runnin' this inquiry, an' I'll have it conducted in a -proper manner. Just yu' keep yore traps closed--both of yu'--an' only -open 'em to answer my questions. D'yu' hear?" - -This roughly administered tonic had its effect, and the agitators grew -perceptibly quieter. The Sergeant watched them narrowly. - -"Now, let's start in again," he said. "Yu', Pryce! Yore team, wagon an' -harness disappeared on th'--th'--wait a bit, I've got it in my -notebook--'on th' sixth o' June. Team o' dark bays, branded E four on -th' right shoulder. One with white star on forehead an' two white -hind-fetlocks, an' t'other, white strip on forehead, an' a small -kidney-sore on left side o' back. Heavy, double-stitched harness, with -brass-mounted hames. Wagon--Studebaker--almost new.'" - -He leisurely examined the brands on the team and nodded as if satisfied. - -"That's yore team all right," he said. "Now, let's have a look at th' -wagon. 'Studebakers' is common enough. Is there any marks, or somethin' -yu' can positively swear to, about it--harness, th' same?" - -The other, nodding sulkily, indicated various features of -identification. - -With a final scrutiny, Ellis turned to the old man who, by this time, -had recovered sufficiently to give fairly coherent answers. - -"Let's have a look at yore bill o' sale, Dad," he said. - -The other, fumbling with shaking old hands about his pockets, at length -produced a dirty folded paper. Benton opened it and proceeded to scan it -closely, with a running commentary. - -"'Sold to Hiram Bryan. One bay team. Branded E four on right shoulder.' -H'm, h'm. 'Thirteenth of June.' Unlucky day for yu', Dad. 'One horse, -two white'--h'm, h'm, descriptions correspond O. K. 'Two hundred an' -fifty.' Got th' outfit cheap enough ... but I don't know ... nigh horse -is all right, but th' off'n ain't worth a d--n with them bog-spavins. -Seems to be made out in order, all right. Hello! Whose signature's this? -'Gordon Brown'!" He looked up suddenly. "Now, perhaps you'll tell me -who, an' what like of a feller this 'Mister Gordon Brown' is?" - -The old man gazed at his interlocutor out of watering, rheumy eyes. - -"Why, he's a big feller, with a black beard," he piped unhesitatingly. -And slowly and haltingly, with heavy, asthmatical breathing, he began -his labored explanation. - -"I'd just come over th' Line, from Nebrasky. Things was bad down ther', -an' I figgered on filin' on a bit of a homestead somewheres around this -part o' th' country. I was in th' hotel at Sabbano when I first met this -feller--him an' his partner, a younger chap--an' we got a-talkin' -together. He said as how they'd had a homestead down this ways, but had -got burnt out ... so they was--or he was--goin' ter take up 'nother -place, somewheres up in th' bush, west o' here ... later. I told him as -I had a bit o' money an' was a-figgerin' on buyin' a wagon an' team ... -an' he says: 'Why, we'll sell yu' our'n ... we ain't got no use fer 'em -jest now, an' afterwards I kin offer yu' a job--freightin' some stuff o' -ours up to our new place.' He said as how him an' his partner were -a-workin' fer an outfit called th' Wharnock Cattle Company." (Ellis -started involuntarily.) "They was a freightin' some supplies back ter -th' outfit with a four-horse team, an' he says ter me: 'Yu' kin come -back with us, ef yu' like, an' see th' team an' wagon ... an' ef yu' buy -'em, I guess I kin get yu' a job teamin' fer th' company till we're -ready ter pull out ter our own place.' They'd got a big load on, so it -was a two-days' trip, an' th' night we gets ther', he says: 'We've got -'em bein' kept over at a friend o' our'n. Me partner here'll go get 'em -in th' mornin'.' Well, th' young feller brings 'em in th' next afternoon -an', as they looked as th' kind I wanted, an' th' price bein' all right -why, I buys 'em, an' he gives me this bill o' sale." - -"D'yu' pay him cash?" inquired Ellis. - -The old man nodded wearily. "Two hunnerd an' fifty dollars," he -murmured. "I on'y had a hundred left, but they got me inter a poker game -at th' outfit, an' they skinned me o' that. Th' big feller, he fixed it -up with th' foreman fer me ter work ther' with me team fer a week or -two. Th' day before yestiddy he comes ter me an' he says: 'Termorrer -mornin' yu' get yore team an' pull out fer Cherry Creek. We're ready ter -quit now, an' there's some stuff down ther' as we wants yu' ter freight -up ter our place in th' bush.' He tells me th' way, an' he says: 'Yu' -hit th' trail that goes south, past a feller called Barney Gallagher's. -Don't yu' _stop_ ther', though. Ther'll be a feller with red hair, on a -white hawss, meet yu' somewheres around ther', and' he'll show yu' wher' -ther' stuff is, an' help yu' ter get it loaded.' Well, I pulls out, an' -comes over here, an' fust thing I know is, I meets up with this feller" -(here he indicated Pryce), "an' he holds me up, an' says as how th' team -an' wagon's his'n," he wound up, with a hopeless inflection in his -tones. - -There followed a long silence. The policeman remained in deep thought -awhile. - -"See here; look," he said. "Yu' tell me as near as yu' can, what this -big feller's like." - -The old man looked at him absently a moment. - -"Eh?" he said. "Why, he's a big feller with a black beard. They calls -him 'George' around th' outfit. Th' young feller ... they calls _him_ -'Scotty.' I dunno what his other name is. All my dealin's has bin mostly -with th' big feller--'George.' He does all th' talkin' ... an' th' young -chap ... seems ter do as he tells him." - -The Sergeant nodded gravely. "That settles it," he said sharply. - -Pryce, who, all this time, had been an eager listener, now sputtered -excitedly: "Why, why--that's George Fisk an' Scotty Robbins he's -a-meanin'. Must be. H--l! _They're_ all right. I know 'em both well. It -ain't likely as _they'd_ come a-sneakin' 'round a feller's place while -he was away an' steal his outfit. I'm a-goin' ter ride over ter th' -Wharnock outfit right now an' see'f this old gink's a-tellin' th' -truth," he ended, with a spiteful glance at the old man. - -Ellis turned and regarded him with his peculiar, blank, aggressive -stare. - -"Well, I guess yu' _ain't_," he drawled coldly. "That's _my_ end o' this -business. I know more about them same two fellers'n what yu' do. I know -this much, too. From information I've received, yu' wouldn't find 'em -_at_ th' outfit just now, anyways." - -The other stared at him sullenly. - -"That ther' team an' wagon's mine, no matter whether them fellers is at -home or abroad," he began blusteringly. "An' I guess I'll take 'em back -with me." - -"Reckon yu've got another guess comin', then," rejoined the policeman -dryly. "Th' outfit may be your'n, all right, but yu' don't get 'em till -this business is all cleared up, an' th' Court orders 'em to be returned -to yu'. When I'm ready, I'll notify yu' to come into Sabbano--with yore -witnesses, yu' understand--to prove yore ownership. D'yu' get me now?" -he rapped out harshly, with a rising inflection in his tones. - -The red-headed rancher regarded him with a sulky, brooding stare, the -premeditated retort dying on his lips. For there was _that_ in the -Sergeant's face and voice, just then, that forbade any talking back; so, -with a last, lingering, dissatisfied look at his newly found property, -he slowly mounted his waiting horse and rode away. - -Benton noted the course he took with grim satisfaction. No fear of his -meeting _them_ now. He was going home, all right--his place _lay_ -nor'east, he reflected. _They_ would come in from the sou'west. He -turned to the old man, whom the bill of sale had named as Bryan. - -"Unhitch that team an' put 'em in th' stable, Bryan," he said. "An' take -th' harness off 'em. I'm a-goin' to hold yu' on a charge of vagrancy -till this mix-up's all squared out." - -Slowly the other complied with the Sergeant's order and, leading the -horses into the stable, endeavored to unharness them; but the weight of -the heavy, brass-mounted hames seemed too much for his strength to raise -and hang on the stable-pegs. He staggered and almost fell, the Sergeant -coming to his assistance, and giving him a hand. - -"An' _yu'_ figured on takin' up a homestead, Dad?" he said -incredulously. "Why, with yore age, an th' shape yu're in, it'd kill -yu'. Yu' ain't fit for nothin' like _that_. Whatever d'yu' come over -here for? Ain't yu' no friends--relations, or family, back where yu' -come from--to look after yu'?" - -The old man shook his gray head despondently and, with a weary sigh and -long-drawn whistling breaths, sank down on an oat bin. - -"I did hev one time," he wheezed, in the cracked, querulous tones of the -aged. "Plenty o' money, too! Oh, I hed lots o' friends--then. I raised -four of a family--three boys an' a girl. They're all married, an' livin' -in different parts o' th' States. They don't bother none over th' ol' -man--now. Th' wife--she was th' last one as I hed in th' world ter call -friend. She died last Christmas, so I come over here. Son," he said, -with an impressive solemnity, pausing a moment, "whin yu' see a man o' -my years down an' out, what d'yu' gen'rally figger's wrong?" - -Ellis, with an inscrutable face, was thoughtfully studying the -venerable, weary countenance of his elderly vis-a-vis. - -"Booze?" he queried slowly. - -"I reckon yu' hev it," was the hopeless reply. "Me own worst friend! -But--I hev always bin honest." - -The policeman considered the other's face a moment or two longer, then -suddenly made up his mind. - -"I'll take a chance on it," he muttered; then, raising his voice. "See -here; look, Bryan," he said. "Sizin' things up as they've panned out up -to date, I believe yu've been tellin' me th' straight tale, all right. -Now, I've got another feller in here--locked up. There's only one cell. -But I'm not a-goin' to shut yu' in with a dirty criminal like him, if -yu'll give me yore word as th' honest man yu' call yoreself, yu' won't -try to skip out on me. I'll be away tonight--or th' best part o' th' -night--on duty. So yu' an' this feller'll be alone in here. Yu're not to -talk to him, mind. Yu' can give him a cup o' water thru' th' bars if he -wants it, but no matches or anythin' to smoke. I'm takin' no chances on -a fire while I'm away. Yu' can just lay around an' sleep on my cot, an' -let that feller think as yu're a-watchin' him. 'Member," he added -warningly, "if yu' _did_ try to skip, I could easy catch yu' ag'in ... -an' it'd be a sure sign yu' was a guilty accomplice o' these fellers. I -need yu' as an all-important witness, an' this is th' only chance yu've -got of gettin' clear. D'yu' get me now?" - -The old man, seeming grateful at the trust thus reposed in him, eagerly -gave the required promise. - -"Son," he said solemnly. "I give yu' my word. Yu're treatin' me like a -white man." - - - - -CHAPTER X - - - Now, gallant Saxon, hold thine own! - No maiden's hand is round thee thrown! - That desperate grasp thy frame might feel, - Through bars of brass and triple steel!-- - They tug, they strain! down, down they go, - The Gael above, Fitz-James below. - - --_Scott_ - -Seven o'clock came, and the Sergeant, with a few parting instructions to -old Hiram Bryan, saddled up and departed for Gallagher's. - -The latter who, pipe in mouth, was seated on the steps of his shack -busily splicing a hondu in a rawhide lariat, or riata, looked up at the -other's approach, and glanced curiously at the Sergeant's unfamiliar -dress and mount. - -"Hello," he said waggishly. "Fancy-dress ball, eh? What's th' idea?" - -For Benton was riding the prisoner's white horse and also wearing that -gentleman's chaps, coat, hat, and white handkerchief. - -Ellis grinned. "They're expaictin' Shorty," he said. "Mustn't disappoint -'em." - -Half an hour later the two men rode slowly along the trail leading to -Fish Creek. The evening shadows began to close in, but they dawdled, -keeping a wary look-out and talking in low, guarded tones, for voices -carry far over the range on still nights. - -"Sergeant," said Gallagher casually, during their progress. "'Member, it -ain't that I'm grudgin' givin' yu' this bit o' help but, d'yu' know, -I've often thort it kinder queer-like as yu' don't get 'em to give yu' -another man to help yu' out here?" - -Ellis did not reply immediately. "I could," he said presently. "But -what'd be th' use? They'd most likely send me along some gentlemanly -young 'Percy,' just fresh up from Regina, who didn't know his mouth from -a hole in th' ground. It ain't no child's play--handlin' th' crooked -stock cases in a district like this. A man's got to be onto his job -right from th' drop o' th' hat. Look how they put it over -Williamson--what! He should never have come here. He should have stayed -with that staff job in th' Q.M.'s store ... never did nothin' else since -he's bin in th' Force. They saddled me with a peach once, I mind--when I -was stationed at Goddard. He was a nice, well-meanin' kid, all right, -but all th' same he queered two o' th' best cases I've ever had," he -ended bitterly. - -They rode side by side in silence awhile. - -"Yu' heeled?" inquired the Sergeant quietly. And, as the other nodded, -and tapped his hip significantly: "Mind, though, I ain't anxious to have -any shootin' on this business, unless it's absolutely necessary. I don't -want no cursed chasin' in th' dark, either, with th' chances o' th' -hawsses comin' down wallop, in every doggoned badger-hole around. I -ain't just figured _how_ I'm a-goin' to get 'em yet! Can't tell, this -stage o' th' game. It'll most likely have to be somethin' almighty -sudden, yu' can take yore oath o' that!" - -Arriving later at the previously mentioned line of brush that fringed -the west side of Tucker's pasture, they struck in along the old cow -trail and dismounting about thirty yards from the gate, still within the -shelter of the dense bush, they squatted down and awaited events. - -A three-quarter moon showed itself rarely through a thick rift of clouds -and, as their eyes became accustomed to the curious gray light that -flooded everything around, objects within a certain radius stood out -with surprising clearness. - -"Lord!" said the policeman in a low undertone, "I wish we could smoke. -'Twon't do to chance strikin' a match, though. Reckon they'll foller th' -fence-line from th' sou'west angle when they _do_ come. Good job Tucker -ain't got no dogs to start in yappin'. Guess _he's_ drunk an' sleepin' -by now. Good job, too, he don't know no more'n he does. He'd be -a-runnin' around all worked up like a flea in a mitt, with that old -Mauser o' his, an' shootin' at th' moon." - -"We'll have ter look out for them hawsses o' our'n a-whinnyin', too," -said Gallagher anxiously. "That's what I'm scared of." - -A slow, dreary hour passed. Ellis arose stiffly, and stretched himself. - -"I'm gettin' tired o' settin' here," he whispered to the other. "I'm -a-goin' out to th' edge o' th' brush. If either o' them hawsses starts -in, yu' cut th' wind off'n him quick." And he stole away noiselessly. - -He was barely away ten minutes before he came gliding back. - -"Here comes somebody," he whispered. "Along from th' sou'west angle, as -I figured, too. Guess it's them, all right. If 'tis, I reckon I'll have -to jump somethin' hot off'n th' brain 'bout gettin' 'em." - -With all their faculties on the stretch, they held their breaths and -listened intently. Soon their eager ears caught the sound of approaching -horses and the faint creak of leather. Straining their eyes in the -gloom, they presently made out the forms of two riders slowly and -cautiously traversing the cleared strip that lay between the fence and -the line of brush. - -Reaching the gate they halted, but making no attempt, as yet, to -dismount or open it, remained lolling on their horses and talking in low -tones. - -"Waitin' for Shorty," whispered Ellis to Gallagher who, smothering a -chuckle, whispered back: "Some wait!" - -Even in that dim light they could see that one of the riders loomed up a -big, bulky shape, in contrast to his slighter-appearing companion. - -"That's Big George, all right," murmured the rancher into Benton's ear -as a low, deep bass undertone rumbled to them. "Listen ter that voice o' -his!" - -Ready for emergencies, they quietly watched the two dark forms and -patiently waited. Their vigil was short. An unmistakable, smothered oath -came to their ears. The guarded, booming growl of the bigger man, became -more insistent. They saw the slighter shape dismount and, presently the -"tang" of a tightly stretched barbed-wire gate being released and drawn -aside sounded sharply in the stillness. The big shape, still mounted, -slowly disappeared into the shadows beyond, the smaller one resuming his -seat in the saddle and waiting at the opening. - -Feverishly the Sergeant weighed the situation. "Scotty" Robbins--and, -without a doubt, it must be he--possessed an extraordinarily fast horse, -he reflected. Even if he _was_ able, under the guise of Shorty, to range -near enough to close, it was not particularly easy to pull a good rider -like Scotty out of the saddle. He would be sure to raise a loud outcry -at the first attempt, and thus warn Fisk. If he once got away, it would -be futile to follow him in the dark. - -The emergency caused a wild thought to flash into Benton's fertile -brain. Why not _rope_ him? Long years of constant practise had rendered -him clever with a lariat. It was worth trying. The tumble would insure -Scotty's partial silence anyway, and Gallagher could fix the rest, -leaving him free to tackle Big George, whom he knew it would be suicidal -to ever call on to surrender at close range. - -Clutching his companion, he whispered tensely: "Now they're split! I'll -have to nail Mister Scotty quick, before he gets a chance to make a -breakaway. That roan o' his--'Duster'--can run anythin' around here -off'n its laigs. I'm a-goin' to try _ropin'_ him. Let's have that -rawhide riata o' yores--that 'black-jack' o' mine kinks. Get yore -handkerchief ready, an' run out an' cram it into his kisser an' choke -th' ---- if he starts in to holler. Here, Barney!"--he slipped the -latter a pair of handcuffs--"hold these. Keep 'em open an' give 'em to -me when I say. Now look out! Gaffle him quick when I jerk him off'n th' -perch." - -Leading Shorty's horse slowly and heedfully back through the brush, the -way they had come, he mounted and, after carefully shaking out a loop to -his liking in the riata, which he trailed in readiness with back-flung -hand, he circled around until he reached the clear space between the -fence and the brush. - -Suddenly his borrowed mount nickered. Scotty Robbins started nervously -at the sound, but a sigh of relief escaped him as the shape of the -familiar white horse became revealed to his vision. - -"Oh, Shorty--that yu'?" he called out, in a loud, tense undertone. - -There was no answer from the rider, who approached near--_nearer_. - -Suddenly. "Swis-s-s-s," came the sibilant hiss of something through the -air, and the loop of a riata flopped fairly over his head and shoulders. -Taken utterly by surprise, he uttered a frightened squawk and, with a -quick upward thrust of his arm, endeavored to free himself of the -encumbrance. The movement was too late. That single squawk was his -limit. For the other, wheeling his horse on the instant, rammed in the -spurs, and the next moment there came a terrible jerk that tore his -clutching hands from the saddle-horn and flung him to the ground with -all the breath knocked out of his body. - -The startled, riderless horse gave a violent jump at the unexpected -occurrence and tried to run, but the trailing lines under its feet -causing its head to be yanked down severely at every step, from -customary experience it soon pulled up, snorting nervously. - -With as much compunction as a cow-puncher who drags a calf up to the -branding fire, so Ellis swiftly trailed the unfortunate Scotty towards -the opening in the brush. The watchful Gallagher darted noiselessly -forward and, turning him on his back, slacked off the lariat. - -Benton leaped down. "Quick!" he whispered fiercely. "Let's have 'em!" - -Snatching the handcuffs from the other, he snipped them on Scotty's -wrists. The latter was still moaning and gasping with the shock of his -fall. - -"Yu' ain't croaked him, hev yu', Sargint?" said the rancher, in a low -voice. - -"Nah," snarled the policeman, in a tense whisper. "That flop's jerked -th' wind outa him, that's all. He'll come to in a second an' most likely -start in to bawl, so yu'll wanta be ready with that handkerchief. Say! -that's sure some rope-horse o' Shorty's--c'n turn on a dollar. See here; -look! I'm a-goin' to wait at th' gate for George. No use for to try an' -rope _him_--he's too heavy. I'll have to fix him some other road. He'll -be some handful, too, believe me! If I shout for yu', leave Scotty an' -come on th' dead run. Mind, though, I don't want no shootin' unless it's -absolutely necessary." - -He turned swiftly, and was about to mount again, when a sudden thought -flashed into his mind. Scotty was not wearing white chaps. They would be -a "dead give away," he reflected. At close range they would show up -plainly to Fisk in that light. - -The next instant he had unbuckled the waist-strap and kicked them off; -then, leaving Shorty's white horse, he ran to where his late victim's -mount still stood waiting. At his sudden, hasty approach, it edged away -slightly, and snorted, scenting an unfamiliar being; but, impatient, he -grabbed at and caught one of its trailing lines, and the next minute was -in the saddle. The stirrups were about an equal length to his own, so he -felt comfortable enough on the beautiful, springy beast. Taking up its -owner's previous position at the open gate, he waited quietly. - -Soon there came a slowly gathering, muffled thud of many hoofs, and the -shadowy blurr of a bunch of horses became visible to him as they drew -near. On they came, and the leader, after suddenly stopping and snorting -with puffed-out nostrils at the apparition of the rider, who remained so -motionless at the side of the gate, darted through, the others speedily -following, well strung out by the skilful tactics of their driver to -avoid jamming at the opening. - -As the last horse passed through the gate, Ellis planted himself -squarely in the midway, facing the rider, who was bringing up the rear. -The huge form gradually loomed up nearer to him in the surrounding -gloom. - -"H--l! what yu' waitin' fur, d--n yu'?" rumbled the deep, harsh, -low-pitched voice. "Why didn't yu' head 'em off, west?" - -Benton moved forward slowly with raised hand. - -"Sh-sh!" he hissed warningly. - -Fisk halted irresolutely. Scotty's horse fooled him completely. - -"What's up?" he growled. - -Ellis, his powerful right arm swinging free, ranged up alongside as if -to have speech with the other. Then suddenly, and with an uncanny -swiftness, he silently and viciously struck for the angle of the big -man's jaw. - -The blow crashed home, and the great body went lurching sideways out of -the saddle. Like a flash the Sergeant swung down off his horse and -jumped for the rustler, dragging out another pair of handcuffs as he did -so. - -His haste was his undoing, for he got wedged in between the frightened, -jostling horses and knocked sprawling. The next instant a huge, -bear-like shape that made horrible, beast-like noises in its throat, -fell upon him and clutched his arms. Frenziedly he writhed under that -terrible grip. - -"Barney!" he yelled. "Oh, Bar--!" - -But his cry changed to a gurgle as the other's hold shifted to his -throat. With desperate efforts he fought off the choking clasp and, -wriggling somehow from under his enemy's smothering weight, scrambled -with reeling brain to his feet. - -Big George had arisen also, snorting and grinding his teeth with mad, -demoniacal passion, and Ellis instinctively guessed that he was fumbling -for his gun. Entirely forgetful of his own weapon in the Berserker rage -that possessed him, the Sergeant sprang at the giant rustler, hitting -out with great smashing punches to the jaw and stomach, that sent Fisk -staggering back and gave him no opportunity to draw. With a snarl like a -wild beast, he closed again with his slighter antagonist and, as the two -men swayed hither and thither, Benton became dimly conscious of -Gallagher's form and voice added to the melee. - -Stumbling and tripping, the struggling, cursing trio came headlong to -the ground. Suddenly, with a gurgling yell of pain, Fisk released his -grip on Ellis, who was the under dog and, clutching at his own throat, -fell backwards; his head, meanwhile, giving curious, spasmodic jerks. -Uncomprehending, but quick to follow up his advantage, the Sergeant -rolled over upon him; and as he did so, his hands, seeking the other's -neck, encountered a rope, and he instantly realized what had happened. - -"Steady, Barney!" he panted. "Ease up a bit. Yu'll choke him." - -Roughly, and with the swift celerity of men accustomed to throwing and -hog-tying steers, they trussed up their late formidable antagonist, -winding the forty-foot riata around him as he kicked and raved, with a -maze of knots that left him as helpless as a child. Then, utterly spent -with their exertions, they lay back, gasping for air and sweating. - -Gradually recovering, they regained their speech somewhat. - -"G--d!" said Ellis, still breathing heavily, "that's about the worst -man-handling I guess I ever _did_ get! Here! This won't do, lyin' on our -backs all night. Where in h--l's them bracelets? I dropped 'em -somewheres around here." And, arising unsteadily, he began to kick -amongst the short grass. - -With the aid of some matches the missing articles were eventually found. -The two men then turned to the huge, bound figure of the rustler, who -was still cursing and twisting under his bonds. Cautiously, loosening -one great arm at a time, they clasped the steel loops around the -enormous wrists. - -"Should have a gun," muttered the Sergeant. "He was a-tryin' to draw, -all right. Can't get at it, though, while he's on his back. Here, let's -roll him over on his face, Barney, so's I can get at his hip-pocket." - -In about as gentle a fashion as a lumber-jack twisting a log with a -cant-hook, so the big body was heaved over into the desired position, -and Ellis commenced his investigations. A smothered exclamation escaped -him. - -"Hullo!" he said, "what's this? So _that's_ why I didn't get mine, eh?" - -He struck a match, disclosing by its light the butt of a long-barreled -Colt's .45 protruding from the rustler's right hip-pocket. Being -unscabbarded the wing of the hammer had (providentially, for Benton) -caught in the torn lining of the pocket and become firmly fixed therein. - -"Eyah!" ejaculated Gallagher. "D'yu' ever see th' likes o' that, now? -Talk about luck--what!" - -Ellis carelessly spilled the shells into his hand. "How's Scotty?" he -inquired. - -"Oh, him?--he's all right," answered the rancher. "He come around while -yu' was a-waitin' at th' gate fur Big George, here. He started in to -snivel, but I d--d soon shoved th' handkerchief in his trap." - -"Mighty good job yu' fixed George as yu' did," said the Sergeant. "I -didn't wanta shoot, but I guess I'd a-had to if yu' hadn't come along -just then. I ain't heavy enough to rough-an'-tumble it with a bull like -him. He well-nigh got me that first trip. Thank yu', Barney. Yu're right -there with th' goods, an' no mistake.... I'll never forget it." - -"Aw, h--l," said the other roughly, to hide his feeling. "'Twarn't -nothin', Sargint. I on'y picked up th' first thing as come handy--that -riata yu'd chucked off'n Scotty. That's all right." - -A string of oaths from the recumbent Fisk aroused them. - -"Hey!" rumbled the growling, bass voice threateningly. "Who is yu' -fellers, anyways? What'n h--l d'yu' think yu're at? Yu'l.... - -"One o' yu's Barney Gallagher--I know that. I'll fix yu' fur this, -Barney!" - -Ellis unwound the lariat from around the big man's legs; then, striking -another match, held it to his own face. - -"Know _me_, now?" he said. "George--I reckon I've got yu'! Get up, yu' -big stiff, or I'll fix _yu'_!" - -A fresh burst of blasphemy greeting his request, he picked up the riata -again and, dropping a loop over the rustler's head and shoulders, drew -it taut. - -"Yu' go get me one o' them hawsses, Barney," he said quietly. - -Gallagher sauntered over to where the two animals had halted after their -first scare and were placidly feeding, and returned with Scotty's horse. -The Sergeant mounted and took a turn of the riata around the -saddle-horn. - -Amidst an ominous silence he swung around in his seat with shortened -leg. "Comin'?" he inquired significantly. - -Big George was no coward, but he was between the devil and the deep sea; -for in the cold cruelty of the policeman's tones he read aright the -signs of a pitiless purpose if he still persisted in further obstinacy. -Sullenly he rolled over onto his knees, and awkwardly raised himself on -his feet. - -"So," said Ellis approvingly, "that's better." - -Dismounting leisurely, he drew off the loop and coiled up the riata. - -"Get yu' over to that openin' in th' brush, where yore partner is," he -continued, in an authoritative, menacing voice. "Here!--this way." And, -grasping the big man's shoulder, he guided him over to the indicated -spot. - -There they found the handcuffed, miserable Scotty. He had made no -attempt to run away. Naturally a timid rogue, the rough handling that he -had received had knocked whatever little pluck he possessed out of him -completely. Now he whined like a frightened child, blaming Fisk for -their mutual mischance; but the latter cursed savagely back, threatening -him in horrid terms, so he ceased his lamentations in pure dread of the -other's dominant personality, and relapsed into shivering silence. Fisk -began to raise his voice again. - -"What d'yu' figure on chargin' us with, anyways?" he snarled. "Why, yu' -ain't got nothin' on us! We was on'y lookin' fur one o' our own hawsses, -as we thort might--" - -"George," said the Sergeant appealingly, with up-raised, protesting -hand, "don't! Yu' gimme a pain--honest, yu' do. I'll tell yu' what I'm -chargin' yu' both with, bein' as yu're from Missouri, an' want to be -shown." And in no uncertain terms he proceeded to do so, and cautioned -them. - -"Why didn't yu' call on me an' tell me yore business, as yu're supposed -ter do?" blustered Big George in injured tones. "I'd a-come with yu' -peaceable enough. I'll make a statement ag'in yu' two fellers 'bout th' -way I was man-handled." - -The policeman uttered a snort of ironical amusement. - -"'Come peaceable'!" he echoed. "Yes, yu'd a-come peaceable enough--yu've -shown that. I've got th' marks an th' feel o' yore little donnies on my -throat yet. I don't bear yu' no grudge fur that, though. Yu' go ahead, -then, with yore statement, Mister Bloomin' Lawyer, an' I'll come back at -_yu'_ with a charge of 'resisting arrest an' assaultin' a police-officer -in th' lawful execution of his duty,' fur which yu're liable to get two -years extra. 'Call on yu' an' tell yu' my business' indeed! An' who's to -prove I _didn't_?" he queried, with an ugly laugh. "If yu' like to call -it square why, all right. But if yu' mean actin' dirty, I'll act dirty, -too--an' ahead o' yu' at that." - -The force of the other's argument seemed to impress the big rustler -considerably, and he remained silent. - -"I've got yore record from over th' Line, George," the Sergeant -continued. "It's sure a peach.... Five years in th' State 'pen' at -Huntsville, Texas. Another five in Rawlins, Wyoming. An' three in Sante -Fe, New Mexico.... 'Call on' a rough-neck like yu'?" he repeated. "With -such a record as that? In th' dark--at close range--with a .45 on yore -hip? 'Call on yu'! '--an' bring my knittin'. What'd yu' bin doin' th' -whiles? Shot me dead, most likely, or made some break that'd a-forced me -to shoot _yu'_--just 'bout th' last thing I wanted to happen. No, Mister -George; for reasons yu'll know later, yu're worth more to me alive than -dead. 'Call on yu'!' Not if I know it. I'd trust yu' 'bout as much as I -would a grizzly, a wolf, or a 'diamond-back.' Yu' don't get me like them -two yu' stretched down at Los Barancedes. Yep, I know all 'bout _that_, -too. What's that? On'y 'greasers'? Mebbe--but if th' Rurales'd a-caught -yu' they'd a-surely bumped yu' off, greasers or not. Now, see here; -look," he concluded with a harsh ring in his raised voice, "yu' get me, -once an' for all. Yu're a prisoner. I know my duty as a Mounted -Police-Sergeant, an' I don't have to get arguin' th' point with -four-flushin', tin-horn scum like yu'. An' mind, now, what I said about -that charge goes if yu' make one more break, talkin' back to me." - -A hasty search of the two men's pockets, revealing nothing more -dangerous than a jack-knife belonging to Scotty, he turned to Gallagher -and bade him bring up the horses. - -"Knot th' lines 'round th' horns o' George's an' Scotty's," he said, -"an' string 'em together 'bout three foot apart with yore lariat, -Barney. I want yu' to trail 'em. I'll come on behind." - -When all was in readiness he jerked out a curt order to the captives, to -"Climb aboard an' hold onta th' jug-handle!" - -"'Member," he added warningly. "I'm close behind, so don't be so foolish -as to chance anythin'. First man that does'll get hurt--bad." - -Then, and for the first time, Big George noticed the Sergeant's mount. -Speechless for the moment, he stood, pop-eyed, gaping stupidly. - -"Look, look!" he ejaculated to his partner in distress, "why, that's -Shorty's--" his voice failed him. - -"Eyah! That's what put th' kibosh on me," commiserated poor Scotty -feelingly. "He must ha' corralled _him_, too, an' th' ----'s given us -away. _Must_ have--who else could ha' put this feller onta us?" - -Ellis, in his own saturnine fashion, chuckled grimly at this last -remark. "Sure," he said, "_that's_ what. Now, yu' fellers climb up -_pronto_. I ain't a-goin' to hang around here all night." - -In dismal silence they obeyed resignedly, and the grim little procession -eventually reached the detachment. Wearily they dismounted, and the -Sergeant drew Gallagher aside. - -"Yu' go on in first Barney," he whispered. "Light th' lamp, an' wake th' -old feller I told yu' about. Tell him to go an' camp in th' kitchen for -th' night--I'll bring him in some blankets, later. I don't want them -fellers to see _him_." - -The other, nodding silently, entered the building, and soon a light -shone through the open door. Presently he came out again. - -"All set," he said. - -The Sergeant then proceeded to usher in his prisoners and, after -leg-ironing them together, with a significant gesture handed the key -over to Gallagher. Seen in the light the two rustlers presented a -grotesquely dissimilar appearance. - -Big George fully justified his soubriquet. Standing nearly six feet two, -his enormous breadth of shoulder and hairy, barrel-like chest which the -torn shirt revealed seemed, somehow, though, to detract from his actual -height. His age might have been forty or thereabouts. On some -physiognomies evil passions have imprinted their danger signals -unmistakably. Fisk's sinister countenance, with its somber, desperate -eyes and bushy tangle of coal-black beard which hid, one instinctively -guessed, a cruel mouth and a terrible, animal-like jaw, might to many -imaginations have found its prototype in the ruthless visage of a -moss-trooping cattle-reiver of the Middle Ages captured, perchance, in -some Border night foray. - -In strange comparison to _his_ formidable personality, a comparison -which might have been likened to that of a coyote shackled to a grizzly -bear, stood alongside him his slightly-built companion, Scotty. He had -sandy hair, closely set, shifty blue eyes, and a large, loose-lipped -mouth with a receding chin. It was a cunning, vicious, yet decidedly -weak face and, noting its defects, one could easily imagine the truth of -old Hiram Bryan's previous assertion: "Th' young chap seems ter do as he -tells him." - -Ellis, with seemingly careless indifference, but keeping a wary eye on -Big George, removed the handcuffs off both men. He then proceeded to -relieve them of all their belongings, which he placed in separate bags -that were specially made for that purpose, and numbered. Then, after -making out an itemized list for each, he began to--ostentatiously--count -out their money. Each of the men possessed a small quantity, and this he -put in a couple of envelopes, marking the amount on the outside. -Gallagher, leaning against the door, watched the performance with -curious interest. He had an inkling of what was coming. Benton, seating -himself, beckoned the two forward to the table. Shackled together, they -awkwardly obeyed. He chose Scotty first, and reckoned up the few bills -and silver belonging to that individual. - -"Eight dollars and sixty-five cents," he concluded. "That correct?" -Scotty nodded. "All right, then," said Ellis, licking up the envelope -and pushing over a pen. "Look over that list an' see 'f it's O. K. -before yu' sign for it." - -Scotty glanced through the items and nervously affixed his signature. -The same procedure was gone through with Fisk. As the latter finished -signing, the policeman drew the piece of foolscap towards him and, -extracting a folded paper from a small wallet, leisurely compared the -two specimens of caligraphy. With a satisfied sigh, he thrust them both -into his pocket and looked across the table with a sinister smile at Big -George. - -"Mister Gordon Brown," he murmured reflectively. - -The two culprits started violently, and stared with dismay at the man -who had thus outwitted them once more. Fisk strove to recover himself. -Over his perturbed, evil face there crept the blank, lifeless expression -of duplicity. - -"Wha's that?" he inquired innocently. - -The Sergeant's smile vanished. His face hardened, and he began to speak, -drawling out his words one by one. - -"I'm chargin' yu' both," he said sententiously, "with stealin' a team, -wagon, an harness, valued at two hundred an' seventy-five dollars, from -one, Lloyd Pryce, of Beaver Dam, on th' sixth o' June; afterwards -selling the same as your own property to one, Hiram Bryan, on th' -thirteenth o' th' same month." Then followed the customary warning. -"That's all," he finished, "an I guess it's sure enough, too." He eyed -them a moment amidst a dead silence, and then broke out irritably: - -"What do th' likes o' yu' want to come over _this_ Side for--peddling -yore dirty work in a decent, law-abiding country? Why in h--l couldn't -yu' stay where yu' both belong? Now, get yu' away back there an' sit on -that bench." - -Apathetically they obeyed, with the hopeless resignation of men for whom -life could hold no more surprises, and which, in Fisk's case, was all -the more remarkable, considering his previous belligerent attitude. It -had been on the tip of the policeman's tongue to question him as to what -had become of the money thus fraudulently obtained but, on second -thought, he desisted. Some lie or another would be the only result of -such an inquiry, he reflected; and besides, he had warned them. -Gambling, he knew, was notoriously rife at the Wharnock ranch, which was -probably the true cause of its disappearance. (A correct guess, as was -subsequently proved at their trial.) - -Ellis looked at his watch. It was just going on midnight. - -"Seems too bad--a-commandeering yu' for all this work, Barney," he said -apologetically, to Gallagher. - -"Oh, I ain't worryin' none, Sargint," the other answered. "I got that -meat in all right, this mornin'; but there's my team I'd like to turn -out inter th' pasture, a cow as should be milked, an' some chickens I -wanta leave some feed out for. I guess yu'll be wantin' me inter Sabbano -with yu' th' next couple o' days, eh?" - -Benton nodded. "P'r'aps it's more'n likely somebody'll be around in th' -mornin'," he said hopefully. "An' then yu'll be able to run on down an' -do yore chores. Say, will yu' off-saddle an' fix up th' hawsses? Turn -them two belonging to these fellers out in th' pasture--there won't be -room for no more when yores an' Shorty's is in--an' say, Barney; bring -in all th' blankets yu' can lay yore hands on in there." - -In about half an hour the rancher returned, laden with a heavy bundle of -the aforesaid articles, which Ellis shook down on the floor in the -corner farthest from the door, subtracting two, however, for old Bryan -in the kitchen. - -"Yu'll have to bunk down here for th' night," he remarked curtly to the -prisoners. "Yu' might as well get down to it right away, an' get all th' -sleep yu' can, because it'll be a long trip tomorrow." - -Wearily they rolled their coats for pillows, and curled themselves down, -dormant murder gleaming in Fisk's somber, brooding eyes as he glanced -now and again at the cell door whence issued the untroubled snores of -Shorty. - -Benton drew Gallagher on one side. "We'll have to do a 'night guard' on -these fellers," he whispered. "Guess we'll do two hours apiece. I'll do -th' first trick an' hand over th' watch to yu' when I'm through. Yu' go -on inta my room there, an' lie on th' bed." - -Slowly the night dragged through for the tired, haggard, unkempt -watchers. After waking the Sergeant up at eight o'clock, the rancher -went out and did the stable chores, and when he returned Ellis cooked -breakfast for all hands--taking good care to keep Shorty and old Bryan -aloof from their former acquaintances. - -As they were finishing the meal there came a knock at the door, and on -opening it the policeman was surprised to see Pryce and two other riders -outside. Benton closed the door behind him and stepped forward. The -rancher seemed oppressed with a certain shamefacedness, and fidgeted -nervously with his quirt. - -"Sargint," he began. "I guess I kinder riled yu' yesterday--actin' as I -did--but I was fair mad, an' I--well, it's that cursed temper o' mine -gets th' better o' me. I ask yu' to try an' forgit it." - -"Oh, that's all right, Pryce," said Ellis shortly. "I'm glad yu've come -around, anyways, as I was just figurin' how I was goin' to get word to -yu' to come inta Sabbano." And in a few words he acquainted the other -with an account of the previous night's adventures. - -"Well, yu' do surprise me!" exclaimed Pryce wonderingly and, with rising -wrath: "Why, Big George, an' Scotty--I always give 'em th' run o' my -place as if they belonged there, whenever they come a-ridin' around. -Why! come to think o' it, three days before my outfit was stole, I -'member meetin' up with Scotty in th' Four-mile coulee; we was both -lookin' for strayed stock--an' I mind tellin' him as me an' th' woman -figured on drivin' inta Sabbano on th' Thursday, an' he asked me to -bring him some Bull-Durham 'baccer from there. Guess I forgot it. -Anyways, Big George, he was around about a week afterwards, an' listen! -He had th' gall to tell th' woman as how what a dirty deal it was to -rustle a feller's outfit, an' what th' parties deserved as did it. Where -was them hawsses all th' time, d'yu' think, Sargint, before they sold -'em to th' old man, I mean?" - -"Staked out in th' bush somewheres, I guess," said Benton. "They've both -o' 'em got touches o' rope-burn around th' fetlocks. Say, who's yore -friends, Pryce?" - -"Two fellers as kin swear to my outfit," replied the rancher. "I brought -'em around to see it." And, turning, he introduced the men to the -Sergeant. - -"Well, put yore hawsses up an' come on in," said Ellis. "Don't yu' get -a-talkin' to th' prisoners mind, though," he added. "Least said, soonest -mended. We figure on pullin' out in 'bout an hour's time." - -A clatter of wheels disturbed them and, turning, they beheld a wagon and -team approaching, driven by none other than old Bob Tucker. There was -something irresistibly funny in the excited motions of the dissipated, -elderly Jehu, as he urged his team forward with an unending string of -Afrikander expletives, which made them all burst out laughing. - -"_Eyck! Eyck! Azi-wan-n! Ari-tsemah! Hamba-ke!_" he bawled. - -The policeman stepped forward and held up his hand as the sweating -horses drew near. - -"_Wana!_" he shouted. "_Wacht-een-bietje!_ What's bitin' yu' now, Dad?" - -Tucker was tremulous and incoherent, but by degrees he managed to impart -the somewhat belated news that "'is 'orses 'ad bin let aht of 'is field" -during the night, and that "'e 'ad fahnd 'em abaht free mile sou'west -from 'is plice." - -"Yu better let 'em stay out now, too," said the Sergeant. And he told -the old man everything. "Yu needn't be scared of yore bunch no more now. -What! Yu' didn't hear nothin' in th' night? Why, I reckon we made 'bout -as much racket amongst us as yu' do a-shovin' yore old team along. I -guess 'Johnny Burke' put _yu'_ to sleep, all right. Yu'd better -_outspan_, now yu've got here, an' turn yore team out in my pasture. -We'll want yu' along with us in Sabbano as a witness. Yu' can come back -with Barney Gallagher on Shorty's hawss. Yu' can ride _him_, all -right--he's quiet." - -Fisk looked up brazenly at the new-comers as they entered, but Scotty -remained with downcast eyes, in nervous trepidation as Ellis and his -visitors, withdrawing into a corner, commenced to converse in low tones. -Seeing the re-enforcements, Gallagher slipped away and departed to his -ranch. When he returned, he found Pryce's wagon and team standing -outside the detachment, with old Hiram Bryan occupying the driver's seat -and Tucker alongside him. - -Putting the stable-blankets and some hay in the bottom of the box, the -Sergeant led forth the handcuffed and shackled Fisk and Robbins, and -assisted them into the wagon. Shorty, for obvious reasons, he placed on -the former's own horse, which was led by Gallagher. A wise precaution, -considering the glances of deadly hatred which, from time to time, were -exchanged between the former and Big George, each still firmly believing -the other to have turned traitor. Ellis brought up the rear on the -buckskin, with Shorty's rifle in a carbine sling at the saddle-horn. - -It was a long, monotonous trip, but nothing untoward happened. To avoid -stopping anywhere for dinner, the Sergeant had previously put in the -wagon a big pack of cooked food and a jar of water; so, halting mid-day, -they ate a meal and then, resuming their journey, arrived in Sabbano -about sundown. Tired and dusty, they eventually drew up at the -detachment. - -Sergeant Churchill surveyed the party with astonishment. - -"Hello! Where you klatch-um?" he inquired jocosely. - -"Klatch-um allee same Chellee Kleek," responded Ellis. "Give us a hand, -Churchill, an' let's get 'em inside. Cloakey an' Wardle--them two J.P.'s -of yours--are they both in town?" - -"Billy Cloakey is," answered the other. "But Old John Wardle went away -to th' coast a couple o' days ago, for a holiday. Don't know _when_ -he'll be back. What's up? Want 'em to hold a prelim'?" - -"Yes," said Benton thoughtfully. "Guess I'll go an' wire the O.C. just -now, to send one o' the inspectors down by the mornin' train." - -As the nine-thirty west-bound train drew up at the little station next -morning Benton, who was on the platform awaiting it expectantly, stepped -forward and saluted a tallish, blond man, dressed in the dark-blue serge -uniform of an inspector. - -"Well, Sergeant," greeted the latter, "you've been doing great business, -I hear? But I can't forget you're the disturber of my rest, all the -same," he added, with a wry smile. "Aren't there any local J.P.'s around -here who could have handled these cases?" - -Ellis grinned back apologetically. "Sorry to have had to drag you out of -bed so early, sir," he said. "Yes, there are a couple of resident J.P.'s -here. Wardle, who runs a general store and the post-office, and Cloakey, -a real estate man. Wardle's away at the coast just now, so I was forced -to wire for you. Cloakey's here, though, to sit with you on these cases. -Two of the men I've arrested are particularly tough, and I was anxious -to get them into the Post by tonight's train, if possible." - -They turned away from the station, and commenced to walk slowly up the -main street. - -"Have they engaged counsel?" pursued Inspector Darby. "I didn't see any -one on the train I knew, coming up." - -"No, sir," answered the Sergeant. "I asked them all, individually, last -night, before I wired to the O.C., but none of them seemed inclined to -want a lawyer when I explained that this was merely the preliminary -trial. It was the same about witnesses before we left Cherry Creek. -Fisk, the ringleader, starting in to bluff that: 'They'd have all the -"mouthpieces" _and_ witnesses they wanted, when the _real_ trial came -off'; so I didn't bother with them any further. But, as a matter of -fact, sir, I don't see how they possibly could have any witnesses at -all. They've taken pretty good care of _that_ in the crooked work -they've been carrying on. This is Mr. Cloakey coming down the street -now. I don't think you've ever met him, have you, sir?" - -The Inspector replied in the negative, as he gazed with well-bred -curiosity at his prospective associate on the magisterial bench, who was -just then drawing abreast of them. He beheld a big, cheery-faced, -somewhat corpulent, man nearing middle age, who grasped his hand with -genial warmth, as the Sergeant, with easy deference, introduced him. A -few civilities were exchanged, and Ellis led the way to the detachment -which, on entering, he perceived to have suddenly assumed an unwontedly -tidy appearance. After hurriedly gathering his witnesses, he formally -opened the court, and the preliminary inquiry began. - -Shorty's case was taken first, the local sergeant guarding the other two -in an inner room, so as to be out of hearing. A sullen plea of "Not -guilty" was entered to the first and second charges. "Guilty" to the -third--that of "Having a weapon on his person when arrested." Dealt with -summarily on this minor offense, he was given the option of paying a -fine or the alternative of a short term of imprisonment with hard labor. -He chose the latter. - -The two principal charges--"Cattle stealing," and "Conspiring to commit -an indictable offense"--were next proceeded with. Ellis, after being -sworn, gave his evidence, the strange nature of which--in the former -charge--relaxed even the imperturbable Inspector's judicial calm, as he -and his colleague listened with unconcealed interest to the coyote -episode, and viewed the half-chewed brand which the Sergeant fitted into -the cut-out in the hide. Benton's testimony in both cases being largely -corroborated by Gallagher, Shorty was duly committed to stand his trial -at the next sitting of the Supreme Court. - -The case against Fisk and Robbins was much more protracted and tedious. -Charged jointly, they entered a similar plea to their confederate on -each indictment. From time to time, during the proceedings, the -Inspector's casual glance flickered curiously from Big George's battered -physiognomy to the bruised face and scratched throat of the Sergeant. -But he was a wily, old, experienced officer and, as neither side -appeared anxious to enlighten him, he drew his own conclusions and -wisely refrained from comment. Adjourning for lunch, and also to view -the alleged stolen team and wagon, the hearing was resumed again in the -afternoon, and eventually the two rustlers were committed. - -Ellis then drew the attention of the Court to the case of old Hiram -Bryan, who had shakily given his evidence during the trial. All huddled -up, the aged, decrepit man sat there in silence, his wistful gaze -wandering from face to face. - -"Your Worships," he said, "in the absence of all proof of complicity, I -have detained this man merely under a 'vagrancy' charge, so as to insure -his appearance in this court as an all-important witness." - -The two justices of the peace nodded understandingly. A whispered -colloquy ensued between them, then they turned and gazed thoughtfully at -the bowed figure of the broken man who was awaiting their will with the -apathetic resignation peculiar to the aged. Inspector Darby, leaning -forward, chin resting in hand, presently broke the silence. - -"Sergeant Benton," he said, with a slight note of irresolution in his -voice, "taking into consideration the somewhat cruel position that -circumstances have placed this man in, it is not, of course, our -intention to press that charge against him. But you no doubt realize -that it is of vital importance to this last case that his evidence be -forthcoming at the Supreme Court." - -Ellis bowed his head in assent. He was prepared for this emergency that -he had foreseen from the beginning. - -"Your Worships," he said, in quiet, convincing tones, "if you see fit to -discharge the accused I will hold myself personally responsible for his -appearance when this case comes up at the next Sessions." - -His superior turned again to his fellow justice, and they conferred -awhile in low tones. This consultation ending, the Inspector faced round -once more. - -"All right, Sergeant," he said. - -Ellis motioned to the old man to stand up. Dully and awkwardly though -the order was obeyed, the venerable face was not devoid of a certain -dignity as its owner raised a pair of honest eyes and gazed back -unflinchingly at his judges. The Inspector cleared his throat. - -"There has been no evidence adduced in this case to prove that you had -any knowledge of these men's alleged criminal actions and intent," he -said, in his even, passionless tones. "Rather, it seems that you have -been their unfortunate victim, for which you have this Court's sympathy. -This charge of 'vagrancy' against you will be dismissed ... but you -understand that your evidence will be required again when the Supreme -Court sits." - -The old man gazed at him vacantly, and the Sergeant opened the door. - -"All right, Bryan," he said; "you can go. I want to see you later, -though." - -And, clutching his hat in his trembling old hands, the other tottered -slowly out. - -Pryce arose. "Your Worships," he began imploringly, "how 'bout me team -an' wagon? Is there any chance of me bein' able to take 'em back with -me? I've got a tur'ble pile o' work to do, an' I need 'em bad." - -The Inspector contemplated the rancher's anxious face thoughtfully a -moment or two before replying. - -"Why, yes, Mr. Pryce," he answered slowly, eyeing his confrere, who -nodded his concurrence to this request. "I don't see why you shouldn't. -But you will have to sign a document undertaking to produce them, if -required, when this case comes up at the next Sessions, you understand." - -All business being now at an end, the Sergeant formally closed the -court, Inspector Darby and the congenial Mr. Cloakey departing to the -hotel, and Ellis to the depot freight office with Pryce to make -inquiries respecting the arrival of some police stores that were -overdue. Finding that the latter had come, he arranged with the rancher -to haul them out to the Cherry Creek detachment on his return trip. - -With this and various other small duties the time passed rapidly, and -twilight was descending when the Sergeant retraced his steps up the main -street on his way back to the detachment. He felt jaded and weary from -lack of sleep and the strain on his physical and mental powers during -the past forty-eight hours, but a certain exultation at the thought of -all that had been accomplished in that space of time buoyed him up. - -In the midst of his somewhat tiredly complacent reflections he became -aware of a figure approaching him unsteadily along the uneven board -sidewalk whom he recognized as Hiram Bryan. - -A sharp gust of wind suddenly deposited the latter's ancient battered -hat in the gutter and made merry sport with his venerable wisps of hair -and gray beard. Stooping to recover his headgear, he lost his balance -and pitched heavily forward. He struggled to his feet again with -difficulty and leaned for a space, all covered with dust, up against the -wall of the Chinese restaurant, his breath coming and going with wheezy -asthmatical sobs. - -Ellis presently drew up alongside and contemplated the unlovely but -pitiable spectacle with a slightly compassionate grin. - -"Hello, Dad," he remarked. "Where d'yu' get it? Been celebratin' along -with Bob Tucker, I guess. Well, old gentleman, yu' got outa that mix-up -all hunkadory, an' I was glad of it." - -But the old man only rocked perilously on his heels, regarded his -interlocutor somberly awhile with liquor-blurred eyes, and resolutely -held his peace. - -Momentarily nonplussed at the other's silence, the Sergeant continued in -tones half playful, half serious: - -"Come, old Kafoozleum; yu' ain't very grateful, it seems. Life an' -liberty's somethin', anyhow, an' it's more than teams an' wagons--or -booze. For now, see here; look! This is th' straight goods--if yu'd ever -gone up in th' Ghost River bush, along with them two fellers, either yu' -or th' nitchie, they'd a-seen to it as neither o' yu' come out of it -alive again to, perhaps, get a-talkin' afterwards. Yu' can take yore -oath o' _that_." - -"An' I hadn't bin diddled out o' me outfit," piped old Bryan doggedly, -with the hopeless, unreasoning obstinacy of the aged. "I'd a-bin away -from yu' all--a-livin' quiet on some little ol' homestead. But--yu' -corralled me team an' wagon, lad. I'm little better'n a hobo now." - -Surprise, not unmixed with amusement at this somewhat illogical -outburst, rendered Ellis speech- less for the moment. - -"But they _wasn't_ yore team an' wagon, Dad," he said. "Th' Law--" And -then he stopped, recognizing the absurdity of ever attempting to argue -under such conditions. A great pity, though, for the old, broken man, -welled up in his heart. - -"Here, here," he began, not unkindly. "Don't get a-talkin' foolish, now, -Hiram." - -And his hand sought the other's shoulder. But Bryan avoided his touch. - -"Nay," he said thickly. "Let be, lad. I'm an old man, an'--an' draw fast -to homeward. I'll soon be in a good place, God grant--an' out o' reach -o' all yore laws an' contraptions. Let be, lad. Yu've played h--l wi' -me, amongst yu'." - -The words of rough condolence died in the Sergeant's throat. He saw, -through misty eyes, the poor old derelict, fuddled with whiskey and -sorrow, go shambling on his way with bowed gray head. And the sight was -more than he could stand. With a few strides he overtook the aged Hiram -and, in spite of his feeble resistance, gently, but firmly, turned him -around. - -"I've been a-figurin' this business out--right since we come in from -Cherry Creek," he said huskily. "Yu're comin' along with us on th' train -to-night, Dad, when we take them prisoners down. An' I'm a-goin' to get -yu' into a certain place that I know of, where yu'll be looked after -good for th' rest o' yore days--Father Rouleau's Home for the aged an' -infirm. Besides--I want yu' somewheres handy when that case comes off." - - - - -CHAPTER XI - - - "My object all sublime - I shall achieve in time-- - To let the punishment fit the crime; - The punishment fit the crime." - - --_The Mikado_ - -The three rustlers were tried at the following Criminal Assizes held -about two months later. - -Fisk, obtaining money from some unknown source, was the only one of the -trio represented by counsel, retaining that eminent criminal -lawyer--Denis Ryan--to defend him. Robbins' craven heart failing him at -the eleventh hour, he pleaded guilty to all charges, and threw himself -unreservedly upon the mercy of the Court. Shorty, actuated more by -motives of spite against Big George, whom he still firmly believed to -have betrayed him, entered a similar plea. Brooding over his former -accomplice's imaginary perfidy during his past two months in the -guardroom awaiting trial, the one thought--to "get even" with his -enemy--had gradually become an obsession, which finally culminated in a -deliberate intention to reverse his original plea on arraignment. - -These two totally unexpected occurrences combined to render Fisk's case -hopeless. His counsel, with characteristic ability, put up a brilliant -and spirited defense for his huge, ill-favored client; but it was a -forlorn hope, and he knew it long before the jury returned with their -verdict of "Guilty." - -One of the most decisive factors in the case had been the evidence of -the old Indian--"Roll-in-the-Mud"--who, examined through an interpreter, -stated that Fisk had approached him with an offer of a five-dollar bill -and one of Tucker's best colts, in return for his help in driving the -bunch of horses at night up the difficult bush trail in the Ghost River -district. - -Sentence in each case was deferred until three days later, when the -prisoners were taken to court again. Big George and Shorty, whose -previous criminal records told heavily against them, were very severely -dealt with by a judge whose lack of sympathy with stock rustlers was -proverbial. The former, proven to be the ringleader and instigator of -the crimes, received a sentence of ten years' penal servitude; the -latter, seven. Scotty, being that it was, as far as could be -ascertained, his first offense, and who, furthermore, was adjudged to -have been the tool of Fisk and Shorty, drew the comparatively lenient -sentence of four years. - -The two first named took the announcement of their punishment with the -silent, dogged indifference of men to whom durance vile was no new -thing; but Scotty burst out into loud lamentations and weeping as the -prisoners were quickly ushered downstairs to the court cells underneath. - -Filled with pardonable elation at the successful termination of his -cases, Benton left the courthouse and leisurely betook his way back to -the Post. All the genial _bonhomie_ that his many-sided nature could -command now asserted itself, and he strolled along, humming a cheery -lilt, his heart merry within him. Still in this enviable frame of mind, -he departed later in the day for his detachment. - -That night, standing on a corner of the main street in Sabbano, idly -smoking and watching the faint reflection of a far-distant prairie fire, -he heard himself hailed and, turning, greeted a man who sauntered slowly -across the street to him with a familiarity that bespoke long -acquaintance. - -"Hello, Charley," he said. "What's blown _you_ into this jerkwater -burg?" - -The other struck a match and relit his cigar before replying, disclosing -a gaunt, lined, intellectual face with a grim mouth, which was somewhat -accentuated by a close-cropped, grizzled military mustache. - -"Case," he answered laconically. "Say, Ellis, where's Churchill? He's -stationed here, isn't he?" - -Benton nodded. "Yes," he said; "but he's been in the Post, now, for -three days--waitin' for a case of his to come off at Supreme Court. He -was there when I came away this afternoon. Why? What d'you want _him_ -for?" - -"M-m! Oh, nothing in particular," his companion mumbled. "Just wondered -where he was, that's all." - -The newcomer deserves a more especial mention, for his history was a -sad, though not an uncommon one. Charles Musgrave, M.D., had begun life -as a clever young house-surgeon attached to a famous London hospital. -Possessing extraordinary daring ability, inspired by a genuine love for -his profession, he gradually obtained a reputation that caused him to be -regarded as one of the foremost exponents of surgery of his day. Then it -was--unluckily for him--at the zenith of his fame, that he became -enamored of lovely Blanche Farrel--then a nurse in St. John's Hospital. - -It was the old, time-worn, sordid story that the world is aweary of--his -wife's education and morality proved to be inferior to her beauty. After -enduring two soul-wracking years of jealousy and humiliation as the -result of the unfortunate misalliance that he had contracted, he -obtained a divorce, and, abandoning his career, went to South Africa, -where he strove to efface the bitter memories of his past misery amidst -the vast whirlpool of cosmopolitan adventurers that thronged the Rand. - -Still retaining the skill and love of his profession that had once -created him a power amongst his fellow-men, he rapidly acquired an -immense practise in Johannesburg. This, coupled with various lucky -mining speculations, enabled him in a few years to amass a considerable -fortune which, alas, was doomed, however, to be swept away, along with -thousands of others, at the commencement of the great war. Declining, -then, the offer of an important position at the Wynberg base-hospital, -he became the principal medical officer of the Irregular Horse, which -Ellis had joined--composed mainly of his fellow-refugees of the Rand. -Possessing much personal bravery, he served throughout the war with -great gallantry, exhibiting on many occasions such an utter disregard -for his own life whilst attending wounded men under fire, that -frequently caused him to be mentioned in despatches. - -The climax of that long-protracted, bitter struggle, leaving him an -impoverished man once more, he forsook the country that had engulfed his -second fortune and prospects. Still resolutely turning his face away -from England, he came to Western Canada, where his ability in his -profession speedily raised him again in the medical world. Here, working -hard and drinking obstinately, he led an existence which, if it was not -commendable, was only in accord with that of many others whom Fate and -the vicissitudes of life have entreated thus unkindly. - -Most men can, and invariably do, recover from the first benumbing -effects of misfortune, but--they cannot _forget_. In appearance the -doctor was a rather distinguished-looking man, tall and -powerfully-built, with closely cropped iron-gray hair, and a complexion -that was bronzed and roughened by years of exposure to a tropical sun. -That worn, haggard face of his, though, told a real tale. The furrows -there had been plowed by an enduring bitterness, and though only in his -forty-fifth year, he looked considerably older. - -Exchanging a few desultory remarks, they strolled on down the sidewalk -and, passing the station, drew near to the last of the scattered houses. -During their progress Ellis had been aware of light footsteps following -them and, glancing back once or twice, had noticed a woman approaching. -Soon she caught up to them and, thinking that she was about to pass, he -drew in close to Musgrave to give her room to get by. Presently she came -alongside and, to his utter surprise, a sweet, girlish voice said, -coaxingly: - -"Why, hello, Church'; coming in?" And a hand caught his that hung at his -side and gave it a gentle squeeze. - -They were just within the glare of one of the few street lamps that the -ill-lighted little town boasted, and opposite the gate of the end -cottage. He beheld a girl, whose age he might have computed at anything -between eighteen and twenty-five--tall, and voluptuously formed, with -thick masses of dark hair that curled in little wavy tendrils around a -broad, low, white forehead with level brows. Her complexion still -retained the soft bloom of that of a healthy country girl, and a pair of -bewitching dark-brown eyes flashed into his with a fluttering -self-consciousness that told him many things. - -Musgrave took a step or two forward and, turning, contemplated the scene -with lazy curiosity, not unmixed with amusement. Sheer astonishment tied -Benton's tongue for an instant, then: - -"Sorry, sister," he said gravely. "Guess you've got the wrong number. -Better ring up again." - -The girl uttered a little gasping giggle of surprise. - -"Oh," she said. "I thought you were the _other_ policeman." - -She fidgeted a little at his silent regard and clicked the gate open, -continuing: - -"Well--you look a pretty nice boy!" - -But the words, though light and brazen in themselves, rang false, and -betrayed the novice. She began to flinch under the steady stare of those -calm, watchful, passionless eyes and, returning his look with a slight -air of defiance, twisted and untwisted her gloves with a little nervous -laugh. - -Ellis hesitated. He was no Joseph--this was Churchill's district, and -_his_ look-out, was his first impulsive reflection. But -something--something that was, perhaps, _childish_, in the girl's great -dark eyes and winsome face, in which there still remained a trace of her -lost innocence and her self-conscious voice and manner, held him awhile -longer, motionless. - -And, as the man continued to stand there with bent head, curiously -still, as if carved in stone, just looking--and _looking_--in deep, -thoughtful silence at the wanton young beauty who sought to tempt him, -the filmy, transparent outlines of _another_ face, it seemed to him, -rose up alongside hers. - -The sweetly grave, spiritual face of a girl, long since dead, whose love -had once been his--the very incarnation of womanly purity. - -"Yes," he mused, "that was it--that was it begad! it was the _eyes_ ... -they were very, very like poor Eileen's." - -Presently he cleared his throat and began to speak. - -"See here; look, Mandy," he said soberly. "If I was doing my duty -properly I should just take you down to the police station, lock you up, -an' put a charge against you that a certain section of the Criminal Code -prescribes for your offense. D'you get me?" - -She shivered and paled a little, and her great eyes opened wide as she -searched his face beseechingly, as if trying to discern whether he was -in earnest. There was no banter in his tones, so she came closer and, -catching his hand again, looked into his face with a forlorn sort of -smile that was at once both roguish and pitiful. - -"D'you mean that, or are you on'y just foolin', Policeman?" she -implored. "You wouldn't arrest me, would you?" - -The Sergeant contemplated her thoughtfully. And a great pity arose in -him, for the fingers that clasped his own were deadly cold, and the -cheap finery that she was clad in was but a miserable protection against -the chilly wind that had sprung up. - -"Now listen," he said. "_You_ haven't been in business long, my girl. -You can't fool me. Quit it, kid, before you get in _real_ wrong. Get -back to th' farm again." - -She stared at him with open-eyed astonishment. - -"Why!" she gasped, "who told you I come from a farm?" - -He laughed quietly. "Just a sayin' sister," he said. "Seems I wasn't far -out, eh? Where _do_ you come from, then?" - -But her lips only trembled and closed tightly, as she regarded him now -steadfastly, in dogged silence. - -"Now, see here; look," Ellis went on slowly. "If it's because you're up -against it an' want money, why--" He drew out a five-dollar bill from -his pocket and closed her fingers gently over it. - -The kind ring in his voice unnerved her. She looked at him vaguely for a -few seconds with heaving bosom and glistening, tear-filled eyes, then -suddenly burst out into passionate sobbing. - -"Oh!" she wailed between the convulsive spasms of emotion that shook -her. "Oh, my God! D'you think I'd be doin' this if we didn't! No, no! -Oh, dear!" - -The Sergeant's brows contracted with a sudden, sharp, lowering glance. - -"Who's _we_?" he inquired with significant interest. - -With a few long-drawn, shuddering sobs, like a child that has been -scolded for crying, she quieted down curiously at his question and, -presently pulling out a handkerchief, began to dry her eyes. - -He reiterated his query, but she only stared back at him with dumb, -though not defiant, obstinacy, as before. - -"You stayin' _here_?" He indicated the cottage. She nodded. He turned on -his heel and prepared to depart. - -"You go in then, kid; you're cold," he said. "You be a good girl, now, -an' don't get chippyin' round no more or you'll be gettin' into trouble. -Good night." - -And, leaving her gazing after him wistfully, he rejoined the waiting -doctor, and they moved off slowly back the way they had come. - -"Moral reformer, eh! for a change?" Musgrave remarked with a flippant, -gibing laugh. "Well, it isn't worse than many of your vagaries. We shall -have you entering Holy Orders next, I suppose?" - -In his heart the savage old cynic approved; but, for the life of him, he -could not check the sneer. - -Ellis made no reply. It was a habit of his very often not to answer -Charley, and the latter did not mind it in the least. - -"Now listen," pursued Musgrave. "I'll tell _you_ something now. I've -been here for two days. Langley, who owns the hotel here, is an old -patient of mine. He wired me to come down an' see a man who was ill in -his place--chap asked him to get a doctor. Rattray, the medico here, is -in hospital himself, undergoing an operation for appendicitis, so I came -along. Now, I'm a specialist. I don't undervalue _my_ professional -services in the least, I can assure you. Quit that, years ago. I have my -fee. Those that don't care to pay it are welcome to get somebody -else--that's all there's to it. Now--coming back to this case in -hand--naturally, after having to come all the way down here, one of the -first things I did was to sound Langley as to my prospective patient's -financial stability. May sound mercenary, or merciless, whichever you -please--to _you_--but, as I said before--Well, Langley said he was all -right, as far as he knew. Seemed to have plenty of money--has paid up -square enough during the week or so he's been in the hotel--was an -absolute stranger to him--registered as John Walters, from Toronto--said -he'd been sick for a couple of days. So I went upstairs to have a look -at him. He looks to me like a clerk, counter-jumper--town-bred, -anyway--might be anything--I don't know what his line in life is--never -asked him. He must have divined that I'd been questioning Langley about -him, for one of the first things he said to me was: 'Money's all right, -Doctor. Oh, I've got plenty of "dough."' And he fumbles under the -bedclothes and shakes three or four _hundred_-dollar bills at me. -_Hundred-dollar_ ones, mind you! Afterwards, when I was examining him, I -found he was wearing a leather money-belt next to his skin--you -know--the kind we used to have in South Africa, with pockets all round. -I don't know, of course, how much he's got in it; but he hangs on to it -mighty close, and seems very nervous and suspicious. He's a pretty sick -man, anyway. I may have to rush him into town to one of the hospitals, -and operate on him right away. I'm just waiting for a certain symptom to -show up. Now, here's one of the queerest parts about this business. The -morning after he'd put up at the hotel--so Langley tells me--_this girl_ -came here, along with some chap. Whether they're man and wife, or not, I -couldn't say; they're living together _as_ such, at all events, and -they've rented that cottage. What the fellow's name is I don't know, or -what his business here is, either. He dresses fairly well, and he's got -good looks--of a certain type. But it sure is a d--d bad face, all the -same. Typical 'white-slaver's.' Well, yesterday afternoon I went -upstairs to see my patient. I'd just got to the landing where his room -is, when I heard somebody talking to him--in precious loud, ugly tones, -too. I heard this: 'Yer thought yer could "shake" me--hidin' away in -this burg, eh? Now, look a-here. I'm nigh broke--you're flush. If yer -don't come across quick, I'm a-goin' to start somethin'. I've bin here -close on a week now, an' I ain't a-goin' to wait no longer!' - -"I promptly opened the door and stepped in, and here was my gentleman, -standing by the side of Walters' bed. The expression on his mug was -anything but sweet, and as for Walters--he was all in--collapsed, -absolutely. 'What's the trouble?' I said. 'Oh, nothin',' says Mr. Man, -kind of off-hand; 'just a-talkin' over a little business matter with my -friend, here.' 'Well, now look here,' I said; 'I'm the doctor attending -this man. He isn't in a fit condition to talk business to anybody, -especially _your_ kind. Just _look_ at him, man! Now, you get straight -out of here--right now. I'm not going to have you worrying this man in -the condition that he's in; and remember, you're to stay out--for good. -You keep away from here altogether, or I'll d--d soon take steps to make -you. D'you hear?' He looked at me in a precious mean, ugly sort of way, -but he slunk out, and he hasn't been near Walters since. That's _why_ I -wanted Churchill. Looks now as if _he_ might know something, eh?" - -Ellis uttered a short, mirthless laugh. "That's what," he answered -succinctly. - -They walked on in silence for awhile. - -"It's like this," resumed Musgrave. "I'm purely and simply in the -position of a doctor called in to see a patient. As long as I'm -remunerated for my professional services it's none of my business to go -poking about, prying into other people's affairs, and I don't intend to -in this case. That's up to _you_. But, all the same, the whole thing -seems a kind of a rum go, and I thought I'd better mention it to one of -you. Whatever's this fellow, Walters, going around with all this money -cached on him for? keeping indoors always, religiously, at night--so -Langley says ... of no occupation--never speaking to anybody if he can -help it ... as mum as you please.... Never letting on to Langley, or any -one, that he knew this other chap, either. Then this talk I overheard in -his bedroom ... proper blackmail. The plot thickens--ahem! I think we'd -better temporarily assume the respective roles of Sherlock Holmes and -his pal, Dr. Watson, to clear up this dark mystery," he concluded, with -a melodramatic chuckle. - -The Sergeant nodded, with a thoughtful grin. - -"M-m, yes! it sure does look kind of queer," he murmured. "Guess I'll -take a _dekho_ at both these ginks tomorrow, Charley, before I pull out -to the Creek. That girl, for instance. You can take your oath she's just -travelin' with that chap. Been enticed away from some little country -burg--you know the ways and means these brutes have o' working these -things? Once away from home they're done for, and scared to go back. He -must be just usin' her as a decoy-duck for some rotten business best -known to himself, but you could see how green she was. Churchill--what? -the d--d fool--riskin' his job--gossipy one-horse _dorp_ like this!" - -They had reached the door of the hotel. - -"Well, I'm going to turn in," said the doctor. "Sure you won't come in -and have a drink?" - -Ellis shook his head. "No, thanks, Charley," he said; "I'll enjoy one -better tomorrow. See you then. Good night, old man." - -And he walked slowly on towards the detachment. Half an hour later he -threw aside the paper that he had been reading and, yawning wearily, -prepared to go to bed. Suddenly, there came to him the remembrance of -some mail matter that he had brought with him from the Post, and which -he had neglected to look at as yet. Mechanically he felt in his pockets. -No!--it wasn't there--must have left it in his red serge when he changed -into his stable-jacket. His surmise was correct, and presently he began -to tear the envelopes open, glancing carelessly through their various -contents. Well, well, the General Orders for the current month, his -shoeing account returned with a small mistake in it, a peremptory -request--obviously dictated from the Quartermaster's Store--anent having -his Monthly Returns despatched at a somewhat earlier date than had -hitherto been his habit ... nothing very _important_, there. What did -Dudley mean? Hello! What was _this_? He had drawn from the last envelope -a typewritten copy of a circular. He stared vaguely at the headlines of -the notice, which ran: - - WANTED FOR MURDER AND BURGLARY - $500 REWARD - - The above amount will be paid to any one giving information that - will lead to the arrest of either of the below-described men, - who, on the night of August 28th, 190-- in company with - one--Joseph Lipinski, alias George Winters--since arrested in - Seattle--shot and killed, John Hetherington, night-watchman of - the Carter-Marchmont Trust Building, who surprised them in the - act of robbing the safe in the Company's offices, in New - Axminster, B. C. - - Description. No. 1. Henry Shapiro (alias Harvey Stone, alias - Nathan Porter). Known to the Chicago police as "Harry the Mack." - Age 37; 5 ft. 11 in.; about 190 lbs.; black hair; has peculiar - light gray eyes, with slight cast in the left one; complexion, - swarthy; clean shaved; is of Jewish descent; nationality, - American;-- - -Followed details of dress and general habits. Concluding: - - Lipinski, in a statement that he has made, alleges that it was - Shapiro who fired the shot which killed Hetherington. Was a - former prison mate of Shapiro's in Elmira Penitentiary, where - the latter was serving a term of five years for safe-blowing. - This man has a criminal record also, he says, in Chicago, and - has served a three-year term in Joliet, Ill., on a charge of - white slavery. We are endeavoring to obtain his photo, Bertillon - measurements, and finger-print classification from one of these - institutions. - - No. 2. Herbert Wilks. Age 26; 5 ft. 8 or 9; about 165 lbs.; blue - eyes; brown hair; complexion, fresh; clean shaved; nationality, - Canadian; dressed in a dark-blue serge suit; gray Fedora hat, - with black band round it; brown boots. This man is a former - employee of the Trust Co., and was discharged by them two days - previous to the date on which these crimes were committed. As - far as is known, he has no record and has never been in trouble - before. Has the reputation of being quite a sport. Possesses a - jaunty air, drinks heavily, is a cigarette fiend, carries a - cane, and is said to be fond of women. Comes from Hamilton, - Ont., and is believed to have relatives there. Lipinski states - that Wilks must have the bulk of the money (approximately - $2,000.00) that was stolen, as he had quit them earlier, leaving - the safe open, in which they only found $150.00. That they were - in the act of splitting this when they were surprised by the - watchman. That they separated and ran different ways immediately - after the murder, being fired at by the patrolman on the beat, - who had heard the shot. Has not seen either of them since, and - has no idea which way they went. Had often seen Shapiro in - company with a woman, whom he did not know. The greater part of - the money stolen is in the shape of Bank of Commerce bills of - large denominations, which they may have difficulty in changing. - - Wire all information to - - _John Mason_, - _Chief Constable_. - -Below, ran the usual injunctions: - - Members of Line, or other detachments are notified to keep a - sharp look-out for these men, who may have come East. - - (_Signed_) _R. B. Bargrave_, _Supt._ - _Officer Commanding L. Divn._ - -For some few seconds the Sergeant sat perfectly motionless, failing at -first to grasp the full significance of what he had just read, the typed -characters of the circular appearing but a mere indistinct blur to his -abstracted eyes. Then, slowly but surely, the conviction grew in his -mind that here--_here_ in his hand, he held, undoubtedly, the very key -to the mystery that Musgrave had confided to him that night. - -"Well, I'll be ----!" he ejaculated softly to himself. He looked again -at the date of the crime. "Ten days ago. Holy Doodle! they must have -been a bloomin' long time makin' up their minds to wire East, or I'd -have got this long ago. S'pose they figured they had 'em corralled all -hunkadory in the town somewhere ... couldn't get away ... or, when they -nailed this Lipinski man in Seattle, that they'd all beat it the same -road. Ten days ... an' this chap--Walters, as he calls himself--has been -here for a little over a week. That fits in O. K." - -He sprang to his feet and buckled on his side-arms beneath his -stable-jacket; then, putting on his hat, he extinguished the light and -slipped stealthily out of the detachment into the dark of the night. - -"Here goes for that five hundred 'bucks,'" he muttered grimly. "No use -wastin' time over Walters. _He_ can't run away. Let's have a _dekho_ at -this Mr. Shapiro--if it _is_ him. Why in thunder should they choose -_this_ place of all places to get playin' hide-an'-seek in? Well, I -guess we'll know later." - -Entering the lane that lay at the rear of the buildings paralleling the -main street, he strode swiftly and silently back towards the cottage -where the girl had informed him she was staying. As he approached it -there came through the stillness a smothered murmur of voices and, -presently the low-pitched, guarded tones of a man's growling bass, mixed -with a woman's sobbing, reached his ears. - -Quickening his pace, he noiselessly drew near the scene of the -altercation, the thick carpet of dust effectually deadening his -footsteps. There, under the light of the lamp, he beheld the figures of -a man and a woman, the latter unmistakably the young would-be "Delilah" -who had accosted him earlier in the evening. - -"How come you to make such a ---- fool break as that?" came the man's -voice, fierce and indistinct with passion. "_He_ ain't th' cop that's -here reg'lar. He's easy, _that_ guy. This feller, he _knows_ me--beat me -up one time--him. I---- By G--d! I believe you were a-puttin' him wise!" - -The girl's weeping response was inaudible to the listening policeman, -but it only seemed to add fresh fuel to her persecutor's rage for, with -an inarticulate snarl, he struck at her savagely and, with a piteous, -heart-broken cry, she reeled back from the cruel blow. - -The sight maddened Ellis and, with an angry shout, he sprang forward. -The man, who hitherto had been standing with his back to the light, now -swung sharply around at the interruption. In a flash the Sergeant -recognized that face again. It was "_Harry_"--the man who had robbed the -woman on the train, and whom he had thrashed so severely some two months -earlier. - -Like lightning both men's hands streaked to their hips, but the yeggman -was the quicker of the two. The girl saw his action and, with a hasty -movement, flung herself between the combatants with raised, protesting -hands. - -"No, no, no! Harry, _don't_!" she screamed. - -But, simultaneous with her cry, came the flash and crack of his gun. -Staggering with the shock of the bullet, she clutched at her bosom in -stupid bewilderment. - -"Oh, God!" she gasped in her agony. "Oh, bub-bub-bub!" And, swaying with -a side-long lurch, she fell heavily to the ground. - -For a few seconds the two men remained motionless, stupefied at the -tragedy that had been enacted before their eyes. Then the policeman's -gun spoke and, with a groaning blasphemy, Harry reeled back, dangling a -shattered left wrist that he had flung up instinctively to shield his -head. - -Again and again the Sergeant pressed the trigger, but a succession of -empty clicks were all that followed. With dismay he then recollected -expending four fruitless long-range shots at a coyote that evening -whilst exercising Johnny, and neglecting to reload. - -He was at the other's mercy. But that individual, seemingly demoralized -by the excruciating torture of his wound, failed to profit by his -advantage. Still clutching his gun, he wheeled around and dashed for the -railroad track. - -In feverish haste Ellis ejected the spent shells, dragged forth three -more cartridges and, thrusting them into the cylinder of his weapon, -with the practised flip of the finished gun-fighter, flung two more -shots after the fugitive, who had recoiled from his sudden contact with -the barbed-wire fence that ran alongside the track. - -At the second report Harry pitched forward on his face, but the next -moment he had rolled under the lower strand of the wire, arisen to his -feet again and limped away in the gloom, heading for the station. -Benton's first fierce impulse was to follow in immediate pursuit, but a -low moan of intense half-conscious agony from the stricken girl checked -him. - -"Can't get far winged like that, anyway," he muttered. "I'll get him -later." - -Stooping down, he gently gathered up the inanimate body in his powerful -arms and strode towards the cottage with his burden. The head, with its -soft mass of curly dark hair, lolling over helplessly against his -shoulder like a tired child's, whilst the bright arterial blood pumped -in quick jets from the bullet wound in her breast all down the front of -his stable-jacket. - -With an impatient thrust of his knee, he burst open the gate and, -climbing the few steps, entered through the open door into the front -room, where a lamp was burning. Here he deposited the girl on a low -couch. - -Attracted by the shots, soon there came the sounds of hurrying feet and -the murmur of many voices and, presently, a small concourse of excited -and curious people began to gather in front of the cottage where the -light was showing through the open door. The Sergeant stepped forward -hastily. - -"Quick!" he said. "One of you run up to the hotel and get Dr. Musgrave; -he's staying there. Quick! By G--d! This girl's been shot, and she's -bleedin' to death!" - -And, in response to his appeal, two figures immediately detached -themselves from the gathering and sped away. Turning back to the couch, -he kneeled down and, ripping open the girl's flimsy blouse, rolled his -handkerchief into a pad and pressed it tightly over the wound. She lay -quite still, with closed eyes, groaning occasionally with the deadly -pain that wracked her, a bloody foam bubbling up from her lips at each -gasping breath. Soon Musgrave came bursting in. - -"Why, what's this?" he said breathlessly. - -"That fellow--with her," answered Ellis disjointedly. "Wanted for -murder--B.C.--went to arrest him--shot at me--hit her--instead-- Can't -tell you now-- Here, Charley!--look after her--goin' after him--not far -away--hit bad." - -He was on his feet as he spoke, swiftly ramming fresh shells into his -gun; and, with one last look at the unconscious face, he jumped down the -steps and started for the station via the direction that Harry had -taken. A few of the more adventurous spirits attempted to follow him but -he peremptorily ordered them back. Catching sight, though, of a face -that he knew, he hastily beckoned its owner aside. - -"See here; look, Wardle!" he said, in a tense undertone to the -kindly-faced old man who officiated as postmaster in the little town. -"I'm glad you're here. There's a girl in the house there, who's been -shot up pretty bad, an' I think it's all up with her." He rapidly -explained the situation to the other, adding: "You're a J.P.... Don't -attempt to worry her if she's too far gone, remember, but try an' get a -deposition off her if the doctor will allow it, an' get him an' somebody -else to witness it.... Can't stop now--got to get after this chap, -quick!" And he hurried away. - -A man swinging a railroad lamp came forward and accosted him, whom he -recognized as the station agent. - -"Look, now, Carey," he said significantly, in response to the other's -excited offer of help. "Come, if you want to. But I tell you -flat--you're takin' a big chance of gettin' hurt. Douse that cursed -light," he added irritably, "or you'll be makin' a proper mark of us." - -The other promptly obeyed, and presently they reached the beginning of -the platform. The Sergeant produced a small electric torch. - -"Should be some blood to trail him by," he muttered. "I got him twice. -Hello! here it is!" - -Pressing the button at intervals, they followed the faint dribbles and -spots along the ties. Clear past the station offices and freight shed, -it led them, right to the shelving terminus of the platform, where they -brought up a dozen or so yards beyond when the blood marks suddenly -ceased. - -"What place is that?" whispered the policeman, indicating a small -structure whose shadowy outlines loomed up vaguely against the -surrounding gloom. - -"Section men's hut," the agent whispered back. "There's only some tools -and a handcar in there. It's locked, though, and Petersen, the section -boss, has the key. He can't get in there. Let's go on a piece--we may -pick it up again." - -They crept cautiously on for a short distance, but the sanguinary trail -failed to reappear. - -"No use goin' any farther," protested Ellis, in a low tone. "P'r'aps -he's doubled back an' cached himself under the platform." - -They retraced their steps and soon picked up the blood spots again. -Benton, gun in hand, halted irresolutely in front of the section hut. - -"You _sure_ it's locked, Carey?" he said. - -The other moved ahead impatiently. "Yes, _sure_" he answered. "It's no -good lookin' there, Sergeant--let's rout around the platform." - -A sudden impulse, though, moved Ellis to step over to the shed. Grasping -the door handle, he pulled on it. To his surprise it swung open. - -The next instant there came a rattle as of tools being displaced as a -dark form arose. Followed a blinding spurt of flame and a deafening -report right, it seemed, in his very face. Instinctively, he winced -away, with a burning pain in his left ear and, ducking down, with deadly -calculation he fired upwards twice as he did so. - -The detonation in the galvanized-iron structure was terrific. When the -echoes gradually died away, a curious scraping, threshing noise, -monotonous in its regularity, succeeded, coupled with a horrid, -long-drawn, liquid gurgle, as of water issuing from the neck of an -inverted bottle. - -These ominous sounds, too, eventually ceased, and the silence of the -night settled over all once more. Carey clutched Benton with a shiver, -and his teeth chattered like castanets. - -"Is--is he--dead--d'you think?" he quavered. - -"Don't know," returned Benton in a low voice. "Sufferin' Moses! my -_ear's_ hurtin' me somethin' fierce. I'm bleedin' like a stuck pig. Keep -you well to the side, there, when I flash the light in. You never know -what's goin' to come off." - -Cautiously he pressed the spring of his torch and, as the little halo of -radiance penetrated the obscurity, he gave a quick, searching look. With -a satisfied sigh, he released the button and turned in the darkness to -his companion. - -"All right, Carey," he said reassuringly. "You can light up again now." - -With shaking fingers, the other produced a match and, relighting his -lamp, cast its rays into the opening. He beheld a sight that was to -remain in his memory for many a day. With a cry of horror, he tumbled -back, the lantern falling from his nerveless grasp. - -"Oh, my God!" he cried. "Oh, Lord!" - -Ellis stooped and picked up the smoking globe. - -"Here, here!" he remonstrated callously. "What's wrong with you, Carey? -Get a hold of yourself, man. You're a peach to want to come man-hunting, -you are. Have you never seen a stiff before? Get in an' have a good look -at everythin', because you'll most likely be an important witness at the -inquest.... O-oh!" he broke off, with a sharp intake of his breath, "my -ear's givin' me h--l. Lend me your handkerchief." - -Thus urged, and trembling violently with horror and repugnance, the -agent nerved himself again to the ordeal. Raising the lamp once more, he -gazed with morbid fascination at the ominous heap that but a short while -back had been a strong, hot-blooded man. - -With the handkerchief pressed to his wound, and cursing softly with the -pain, the Sergeant jerked his gun back into its holster again. Stepping -forward, he inspected his handiwork critically. The two heavy, smashing -bullets of the Colt's .45, fired at close range, had done their deadly -work effectively. One, penetrating a little beneath the left eye, had -blown away a portion of the skull in its exit, whilst the other, tearing -its passage through the thick, bull throat, had turned the place into a -veritable shambles. - -Still clutched in the stiffened right hand was a huge, unfamiliar type -of pistol, which weapon the policeman examined with curious interest, -coming--as it nearly had--to ending _his_ earthly existence. The -terrible simplicity of the creed that was his in such matters forbade -his evincing the slightest vestige of pity or remorse for his dead -enemy. The vision of a pale, pinched-faced young mother, with a little -child, seemed to arise before his eyes, and the heart-broken cry of a -stricken girl still rang in his ears and hardened his heart. - -"Blast you!" he muttered savagely. "You only got what was comin' to you. -It was me or you, this trip, an' no error. You had an even break, -anyway." - -The agent turned aside, shaking in every limb. - -"Let's get!" he said, with an oath. "Ugh! I can't stand it no longer. I -guess sights and happenings like this ain't nothing to you, Sergeant ... -you're used to it in your line of business. Besides, you've been through -a war and must have killed and seen lots of fellers killed before. It -don't turn you up like it does me. Come away, for the love of God. By -Gosh! but I could have sworn that place was locked. Petersen must have -forgot to snap the padlock. I've got a duplicate key here. Guess I'd -better lock everything up tight, eh? and give you the key." - -"Yes," said Ellis. "And give Petersen strict orders not to open it up -again till I say so. Nothing's got to be touched till the coroner gives -the word. Old Corbett acts in this district. Wonder whether he's at his -place?" - -"Oh, he's there, all right," said Carey. "But he's sick--all crippled up -with rheumatism. His daughter--you know, the one that rides--she was in -today and I was talking to her." - -"That settles it," said Benton. "I'm goin' to wire the O.C. now, an' -I'll get him to send a coroner down by the mornin' train. Let's have -that key for a bit. I want the doctor to have a look at this body." - -Some twenty minutes later he returned to the cottage. Musgrave and old -Wardle met him on the threshold, and the former, with a significant -gesture enjoining silence, softly closed the door. With the light of a -strange exultation showing in his haggard face and bloodshot eyes, he -proceeded to acquaint them with all that had happened. They listened -with eager curiosity. - -"Whew!--some shave, all right," remarked the doctor. "Here, Ellis! Let's -fix up that ear of yours. You're bleeding like the deuce, and that tunic -of yours is soaked." And, as Benton removed the handkerchief. "Why, man, -it's clipped the lobe clean away! Come on in, then, but be as quiet as -you can--I've put her on the bed in the other room. I've given her a -strong morphine injection to ease the pain. It'll keep her quiet for a -time." - -He turned, with his hand on the doorknob, but Ellis caught him by the -arm. - -"Charley," he said, with a catch in his voice. "That girl saved me. Is -she--is there any--" - -"No," answered the doctor quietly. "That slug's gone slap through the -right lung and out under the shoulder. She's done for, though she may -live for a few hours. Must have been an awful high-pressure gun that he -used." - -"It sure was," said the Sergeant. "It was one of those German 'Lugers.' -You'll see it still clutched in his fist when you go down there." - -"Eh, laad!" said the kindly old postmaster, who originally hailed from -Yorkshire. "But she's rare an' weak ... an' th' doctor don't think as -'er'll last th' night out. It's nobbut o' a deposition she were able to -gie us, th' poor lass, for 'er could scarcelins speak, an' I had'na th' -heart to worrit 'er. She says as 'ow 'er name's Elsie Baxter, an' that -yon man o' 'ers as she calls 'Arry--shot at yo' but 'it 'er, instead, -accidental, when she got betune ye. She wouldn't tell me where 'er coom -fra', tho', or what _'is_ other name be. Fair frightened, 'er is, 'bout -'im bein' ketched, an' 'er keeps on a-cryin' out 'is name real -pitiful-like, an' sayin' as 'e did'na _mean_ to shoot 'er. I 'ad 'Arry -Langley, from th' 'otel, in there, an' 'im an' th' doctor's witnessed -it. Did yo' say yo' gaffled 'un, laad?" - -The Sergeant, with his brooding mind still obsessed with the memory of -his recent conflict, regarded his questioner absently, with a livid, -scowling face. - -"Eyah!" he snarled darkly, with an ugly oath, and with grimly -unconscious humor imitating the other's dialect: "A gaffled 'un, all -right, Dad!--nobbled 'un proper. A knaws 'un's name, too, an' all 'bout -'un!" - -Quickly and deftly, the doctor dressed the Sergeant's torn ear, -bandaging the wound with an antiseptic pad against it. Whilst this was -in progress, they conversed in low tones. - -"Why, come to think of it," said Musgrave, "I remember now seeing an -account of that business in the paper, at the time. Lord! I was -slow--not to have tumbled before. I wouldn't make much of a sleuth, I'm -afraid." He carefully replaced his surgical apparatus in his bag. -"Didn't you see it?" he inquired. - -Ellis shrugged indifferently. "Lord, no!" he said. "Why, I go from a -month on end and never _see_ a paper--out there at the 'Creek.' Besides, -we don't go by the _papers_. I was officially notified in this case. -'Course, I'm not forgettin' if it hadn't been for you tellin' me what -you did, I'd never been able to connect up." - -He was silent for a moment or two. "How about the other chap, Charley? -Walters--Wilks--or whatever his name is," he asked, a trifle anxiously. -"I suppose it'll be safe enough to leave _him_ till tomorrow?" - -"Oh, sure," said the doctor reassuringly. "I don't think he's exactly -able to 'take up his bed and walk' _just_ yet. I'll keep an eye on -_him_. There! that'll do for the time. I'll fix it up again tomorrow for -you." - -With a weary yawn, Benton arose from the chair on which he had been -sitting during the ear-dressing process. - -"Here's the key of that section house, Charley," he said, handing the -other over that article. "Take a run on down there, will you? an' have a -look at that body. I'll stay an' watch this poor kid. An' say! I can't -very well wear _this_!"--he indicated his ensanguined -stable-jacket--"you might bring me back my serge, old man! It's lying on -the bed in the detachment." - -"All right. I'll go now," said Musgrave. "Remember," he added, "the -kindest thing you can do is to keep her as quiet as possible. I've done -all that I'm medically able to do, but it's a parson _she_ needs--more -than a doctor. Aren't there any here?" - -"Yes," said Ellis listlessly, "on Sundays. There's denominations galore -represented _then_. This is a sanctimonious little '_dorp_.' The Church -of England man is the only one resident here, though. He's away in -town--attending the Church Convention. I was talking to him this morning -when I was going to court, an' he said he didn't expect to come back -till the day after tomorrow." - -"Well, she's sleeping now," said the doctor. "I've stopped the external -bleeding and given her a strong morphine injection, as I think I told -you. Give her all the water she wants to drink, if she wakes up, but -beyond getting the necessary particulars regarding her, I wouldn't -encourage her to talk. Come on, Wardle! We'll go on down to this place." - -The two men tip-toed out softly and closed the door, whilst the -Sergeant, carefully stripping off his blood-stained stable-jacket, -entered the bedroom noiselessly, and seated himself at the side of the -suffering girl. Still under the influence of the powerful drug, she was -dozing peacefully and, but for an occasional gurgle of blood in her -throat, her breathing was considerably less labored. - -Long and earnestly he gazed at the face of the girl who had, -undoubtedly, saved his life, though at the forfeit of her own. The -features were already pinched and drawn, and the rich color of the -cheeks had faded to a dull, ashen gray, save where two hectic spots -indicated her rising temperature. For, upon that countenance, the Angel -of Death had set his dread seal, and passed upon his way. - -Oppressed by deep pity and many troubled thoughts, Ellis sank into a -gloomy reverie from which he was aroused by Musgrave returning--alone. -Arising quietly, he obeyed the other's silent motion and followed him -outside. - -"Well," he said listlessly, slipping on the red serge which his -companion handed to him, "did you see him, Charley?" - -Musgrave glanced curiously at the powerful, still profile of the man -before him. - -"Yes," he said slowly. And even _his_ trained nerves could not suppress -a slight shudder at the remembrance. "Poor old Wardle's gone home -feeling pretty sick, I can tell you ... an' I don't wonder. You're some -bad man with a gun, Ellis." - -The Sergeant, with mind sunk in a fit of abstraction, eyed him absently. - -"Eyah," he said. "I guess I put the sign on him, all right." - -The doctor scrutinized the drawn, blood-stained face closely. - -"Look here," he said kindly. "You look a bit strapped, old man. You go -on home to bed now. _I'll_ stop with the girl!" - -The considerate words seemed to arouse the other strangely. - -"No, by ----!" he said vehemently, with a sobbing oath. "I'm goin' to -stay till--till--" - -His voice broke. Recovering himself, he continued, with an effort: - -"It's the least I can do. You can sleep on that couch in the front room. -I'll call you if she's in bad pain." - -"All right--all right!" answered Musgrave gently and, gripping the -Sergeant's shoulder with a sympathetic pressure, "we won't fight over -it, old man. I understand. Call me if I'm needed. I don't think your -'guard' will be very long now, though." - - - - -CHAPTER XII - - - On those poor frail sisters who've fallen low, - And who suffer and die through the sins of men-- - More sinned against, than sinning, I trow-- - Shew Thy Mercy--Thy Pity--Lord Christ, Amen. - - --_Court of Common Pleas_ - -Wearily, and with a throbbing pain in his torn ear, Ellis resumed his -vigil. An hour slowly passed. Two hours. Suddenly a restless movement -from the bed aroused him from the dreamy lethargy into which he had -sunk, and he gazed into the wide-open, bewildered eyes of the awakened -girl that were regarding him wonderingly through their long lashes. - -"How did I come here?" she articulated painfully. - -"I carried you in," he said. "You've been in here for nearly three hours -now." - -Her lips moved soundlessly, and she remained with puckered forehead, as -if striving to collect her thoughts. - -"Then who were those other men?" she said in a hoarse whisper. - -"Well, one was the postmaster, and there was the man that owns the -hotel. The other man was the doctor. It was he who fixed you up." - -Then, for the first time, she seemed to notice his bandaged head. With a -little cry, she struggled feebly to raise herself, eyeing him fearfully -the while. - -"Where's Harry?" she gasped tensely. "You've been hurt, like me. Did you -an' him get shootin' at each other again? Oh, tell me. Where is he?" - -He strove to soothe her and allay her agitation, but without avail. - -"Please! oh, please, Policeman!" she sobbed. "Don't arrest him. Let him -go! He didn't _mean_ to hurt me." - -Her continued piteous pleading moved him greatly. Puzzled at this -attitude towards the man who had ruined and maltreated her, Ellis -inquired gently: - -"Why?" - -The great imploring dark eyes became like two twin stars, seeming to -search his very soul, as a wave of ineffable forgiving pity and devotion -glorified the face of the dying girl. - -"Because--I--I--" she faltered. - -The simplicity of her implied admission struck him dumb with surprise -for a moment, and he stared at her in stupefied amazement. - -"What?" he almost shouted. "You still love that chap after--after--" - -Speech failed him and he could only continue to look at her in awed -wonder. - -Hard as they may find it to observe other precepts of the Great Master, -this one, at least, most women have practised easily and naturally for -over nineteen hundred years--"Forgive, until seventy times seven." - -The acts of some of these--how they warred with their husbands and -paramours and were worsted; how they provoked the presiding magistrate -and stultified the attesting policeman by obstinately ignoring their -injuries written legibly in red, and black, and blue; how they -interceded with many sobs for the aggressor--are they not written in the -book of the chronicles of every police court in the world? - -This propensity leads them into scrapes, it is true, for our world in -its wisdom will always take advantage of such weaknesses. Perhaps the -next will make them some amends. - -The bright, fever-lit eyes never left Benton's face, and two tears -rolled down her sunken cheeks as she nodded silently in answer to his -incredulous query. Such an expression, indeed, might the Covenanter's -widow have worn, as she looked into the ruthless countenance of Graham -of Claverhouse and begged for the life of her only son. And such it is, -also, that makes Guido's famous picture of Beatrice Cenci one of the -saddest paintings on earth. - -_That_ look was almost more than the Sergeant could endure, and he -hastily turned his head away to hide the hot, blinding tears that sprang -to his eyes. There seemed something very terrible, just then, in the -pathetic working of his stern face, as the strong man strove to hide his -emotion. - -"Diamonds and pearls," he whispered brokenly to himself; "diamonds and -pearls." - -And _this_--love such as _this_, had the dead man gained, then spurned -brutally from him, and cast away. - -The Soul--to the last, could still triumph over the poor broken Body, -and _Love_--glorious, all-forgiving Love--arise, victorious and -conquering; through life--through death--aye--beyond the grave -itself--to the very Resurrection Morn. - -The sands of the poor sufferer's existence were running out fast now. -Benton shuddered when he thought of the horror that would surely come -into those shining, steadfast eyes if she were told whose blood was upon -his hands. Why disturb the brief space that was allotted to her by -revealing the awful truth? It would be a crime, he reflected. He lied, -bravely and whole-heartedly. - -"No," he said. "I haven't arrested him, my girl. I was chasin' after -him, an' scratched one of my ears pretty bad climbin' through that -barbed-wire fence alongside the track. A way-freight goin' East pulled -through just about five minutes after, an' I guess he must have made his -get-away on that." - -She drank in his words with an eagerness that tortured his conscience -sorely, but a quick, joyful light dawned on her face as his reward, and -she sank back on the pillows again with a little weary, gratified sigh -of relief. The strain had been too much for her, however, and she began -to choke pitifully, as a fresh gush of blood bubbled up from her lips -and stained her white breast. He slipped an arm under her head and, -tenderly as a woman might have done, he soothed and ministered to her -paroxysm. - -For some few minutes she lay in a sort of stupor, and he watched her -anxiously, undecided whether or not to awaken Musgrave; but presently -she revived a little and her breathing became easier. The flow of blood -from her mouth had abated and, as she looked up and saw him supporting -her, the pale lips relaxed into a faint semblance of their old roguish -smile; when her face and bosom had been gently sponged, and she had -drunk a glass of water, she spoke--almost in a whisper, but quite calmly -and clearly: - -"You ca-can't--arrest me--now!" - -The unutterable pathos of her pitiful little jest nearly broke him down -then but, with a struggle, he raised his eyes and, with a twisted mouth, -smiled valiantly back at her. - -"What did--that--doctor--say?" she asked slowly. "Does -he--think--I'll--die? I feel so--very--weak--and--tired ... and -my--chest--hurts me--terrible.... I think I--must be--dying.... Am I?... -Look--at me--Policeman!... tell me.... Did he--say--I'm not--afraid...." - -"Elsie, girl," he said unsteadily. "Elsie, you're--" He stopped and, -choking a little, reached out a slightly shaking hand to smooth back the -dark curly hair from her white forehead. "You're going home, -girl--you're going home!" - -She gazed at him searchingly for a few seconds, then turned her head -away listlessly, with a sharp intake of her breath. There was a long -silence which was broken by Ellis. - -"Elsie Baxter _is_ your name, all right, isn't it?" he asked gently. - -She nodded, watching his face closely meanwhile. - -"How old are you?" - -"Twenty-two," she whispered. - -"What nationality?" - -"American." - -"What part of the States do you come from, my girl?" he continued. -"Where are your parents--if you have any--or your friends?" - -But his inquiries failed to elicit any response, and all he got was the -same passive look of mute entreaty which she had exhibited to all his -queries on the occasion of their first meeting. - -"Come," he whispered coaxingly. "Why won't you tell me? You ought to." - -She sighed as if she were exhausted. "What's the--use?" she murmured. -"My real mother--is--dead--an'--an'--my father--an' my step-mother--were -unkind--to me--so I ran--away...." - -She met his perplexed look with a faint, weary smile, and cuddled his -hand beseechingly. "That's all," she said. "There.... I can't--tell you -any--more--now.... Best--thing--if they never--hear.... I'm--going -soon--where--I don't--know." She ceased, panting for breath. - -He desisted then, for the doctor's final injunctions came to his -remembrance with a pang of regret. He had encouraged her to talk too -much already. - -Aye--what _was_ the use, he reflected. There was a world of meaning in -her answer--too great to be misunderstood. Time, it is true, had wrought -curious changes in his wandering life and ways, and both memory and -conscience had, to a certain extent, become oblivious to many things; -but, in the former faculty, assuredly one period in his history was not -included. With a bitter hatred which not even the lapse of over twenty -years could quench, he recalled only too well, the pale, sneering face -of the virago who had usurped the place of his own gentle mother, and -whose animosity had eventually been the means of driving _him_ from -home, also. - -"Yes," he mused. This poor dying waif and he probably had much in -common. - -The girl lay quiet for a long while, and a cheap American alarm clock -ticked sharply in the stillness. Presently she turned her face to him -again and regarded him earnestly. - -"Will--you please--say a--prayer?" she articulated painfully. And, as he -hesitated and looked at her in dumb misery: "Won't you?... -even--even--for--such as me?" - -A terrible revulsion of feeling shook his strong frame. Who was he, that -he should dare to presume to pray for the dying? Fallen sinner though -she might be--what was _he_?... And a vision of his own reckless and -irresponsible past seemed to rise up before him accusingly. - -"Please," the weak voice pleaded. - -With bowed head and bursting heart he falteringly repeated the only -prayer that he remembered--"The Lord's"--and, with its "Amen," a solemn, -awesome quiet descended upon the little room. - -And then--the end came very quickly. She turned her head and looked at -him kindly. Her eyes were alight with a great, dreamy happiness, and in -their depths he beheld the radiant glory that, passing all human -understanding, heralds the near approach of death. - -"Kiss me," she whispered faintly. - -All his manhood sorely shaken, he stooped to bestow the caress. Only -once in that last quiet minute of life--for death-struggle there was -none--the white lips moved; and the Sergeant, bending down his ear, -caught what may have been an appeal to the Father's mercy, but Ellis -always believed it was a man's name. - -She sighed once or twice wearily, gasped a little and, leaning her head -back with a slight shiver, the poor girl's spirit went forth into the -Night. - - -For a long time Benton never stirred. A sense of utter desolation, he -knew not why, seemed to gather all around him. Inheriting from his -mother a strongly impressionable nature, he was always chivalrously -predisposed towards women and, somehow, complete stranger to him though -the unfortunate waif was, the inexpressible pathos of her lonely, tragic -death stirred all his being with a great, compassionate pity. - -Suddenly he broke down and burst out sobbing, with the deep, convulsive -emotion terrible to witness in a strong man; then, throwing his arms -about the dead girl, he fell to his knees and, gazing imploringly into -her quiet face, held her tightly, as if that firm clasp would hold her -back one step on the road along which the messengers of God had beckoned -her. - -Would those with whom he was a byword for hard sternness of character -have known him _then_? - -The light of the lamp sank lower, flickered a little, and was gone. Worn -out, mentally and bodily, the bowed head of the tired, kneeling watcher -gradually drooped forward until it rested upon the bosom of the -motionless form. The still face had settled into the serene, peaceful -grandeur of the death-calm. Beautiful she had been in life, aye, but -never so beautiful as now. - -Then, to the exhausted, sleeping man, there came a wondrous dream, and -in it, behold! she appeared unto him again in all the glory of her -youth, innocence, and beauty, clad in white and glistening raiment, with -her arms outstretched to him from afar on High. - -And, in her great, dark eyes, he seemed to see shining the love and pity -of Mary Magdalene--she whom He denied not, but said: "_Her sins which -are many are forgiven, for she loved much; but to whom little is -forgiven, the same loveth little._" - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - - - So--peacefully, slept the un-shrouded dead, - Beyond caring whether they stoned or kissed her; - Till a Ministering Angel came instead, - In the guise of a Salvation Army Sister. - - _Poor "Skagway Kate"_ - -Brightly, ah, so brightly, the rays of the early morning sun flooded -that sad room with their golden radiance, lighting up with a veritable -halo of glory the still, peaceful face of one for whom the weary -troubles and pain of this world had ceased. - -The door opened softly and Musgrave, standing in its aperture, surveyed -a scene that awed and shook even _his_ cynical nature to its very -depths. For some minutes he remained with bowed head, perfectly -motionless, a picture of silent sympathy then, tip-toeing noiselessly -forward, he shook the still sleeping Benton gently, and a haggard, drawn -face was slowly upturned to his. - -"Come, old man," he said quietly. "Rouse yourself. You can do no more -good here now." - -And, stiff and cold, the Sergeant arose and followed him out like a -child. - - -Wearily he returned to the detachment and, with mechanical instinct, -tidied up the place. Then, duly attending scrupulously to his personal -toilet, he went down to the hotel, where he forced himself to swallow a -few mouthfuls of food and a cup of coffee. Later he repaired to the room -of Musgrave's patient and, after subjecting that unfortunate individual -to a somewhat lengthy examination, he formally placed him under arrest. -These duties despatched, he departed with a heavy heart to the station -to await the incoming west-bound train, which was over an hour late. - -Gradually, under the influence of his surroundings and the fresh morning -air, mind and body, from constant habit, returned, naturally, to their -normal state of soldierly alertness. To all outward appearance he became -once more the composed, practical guardian of the Law, resourceful and -ready for any duty that claimed him. Presently he was joined by the -station agent, who greeted him with a sort of miserable heartiness. - -"Well, Sergeant," he began, "and how are we this morning? Some doings -last night, eh? What about that ear of yours? You look as if you'd sure -come through a rough house, with that bandage on. What's the other -feller look like?" - -Ellis did not answer for a moment, but a faint grin overspread his -haggard face as he regarded the other's tell-tale countenance -attentively. - -"_We_!" he echoed, with quiet derision. "I'm afraid _we_ doesn't feel -very well this nice mornin', Carey. Ear stings like the devil. As for -the other fellow--you know what _he_ looks like, all right. You look as -if you were just doin' a 'walk-march' to your _own_ funeral. You'd -better keep a flask on your hip for emergencies, as you an' me'll be the -star witnesses when this inquest comes off. I'm expectin' the coroner -an' one of our inspectors on this train." - -"Oh, I don't think I'll fall off the perch just yet," said the agent, -with a sheepish smile. "I've got the other key off Petersen," he -continued significantly. "One or two of the curious ones came nosing -around, but I warned 'em off the course, quick. Hello! here she comes. -Well, I'll see you later, Sergeant." And he hurried away about his -duties. - -Inspector Purvis, a dark, heavy-set, middle-aged man, wearing the South -African and Riel Rebellion campaign ribbons, acknowledged Benton's -salute punctiliously and, turning, introduced his companion. - -"This is Dr. Sampson, the coroner, Sergeant Benton," he said. - -And Ellis shook hands with a tall, gray-mustached, pleasant-faced man, -whom he knew very well by sight. The latter glanced sharply at the -policeman's bandaged head. - -"Looks as if you'd been in the wars, Sergeant," he said. "What's -happened you?" - -Ellis drew them on one side and briefly related his story, to which they -listened with lively interest. - -"Well, well," said the Inspector at its conclusion. "We'll wait till -this train pulls out, and let these people get away, and then we'll go -on down to this section hut and view this body." - -Ten minutes later they stood in front of the shed, and Ellis unlocked -the door and flung it open. An angry buzz greeted them, as their -presence disturbed a hideous swarm of blue-bottle flies. Sharp -exclamations of loathing and disgust escaped the two newcomers who, -after gazing for a few seconds at the _thing_ that had once been a man, -proceeded to note all details carefully, with the callous precision of -men hardened to such sights. - -Once the Inspector's glance traveled curiously, from the shattered head -of the corpse, to the stern, bandaged face of the man beside him, who -had caused this terrible transformation. - -"Some shootin'!" he observed, in a low voice, to the coroner. - -It seemed to be rather a doubtful compliment, though, under the -circumstances, so the latter only nodded nonchalantly, and refrained -from comment himself. - -"There's absolutely no doubt about this being Shapiro, the man that's -wanted, sir," said Ellis. "I saw the other man, Wilks, who's lying sick -up at the hotel, this morning. He confirms this man's identity, and -admits everything. I'll take you up to see him later." - -Presently the coroner straightened himself up. - -"All right!" he said. "I guess I'm through here, if you are, Inspector. -Let's go and view the other body at the house the Sergeant speaks of." - -They turned to go, and Ellis locked the door again. - -"Oh, Benton!" said the Inspector, in a low tone, beckoning him aside. -"Just a minute." - -With a slightly uncomfortable presentiment of what was coming, the -former obeyed. - -There was a moment's silence, while the Inspector eyed him keenly, but -not unkindly. - -"I understand this isn't the first man you've shot and killed in the -execution of your duty, Sergeant, since you've been in this Division," -he said. - -Ellis bowed his head in assent. - -"Well, in that case," continued the Inspector briskly, "your previous -experience has no doubt enlightened you, then, in regard to the -customary procedure in such cases. You are, of course, aware that the -finding of a coroner's jury, while it may acquit you of all blame in -causing a person's death, doesn't necessarily preclude any subsequent -inquiry that the _Crown_ may see fit to institute later, although it -would naturally carry considerable weight with it in such an -eventuality...." - -He paused for a moment, and then went on in the slightly sententious -tones of one who knows he has an unpleasant duty to perform: - -"I've the O.C.'s orders to place you under 'open' arrest, and take you -back to the Post with me. There will be a formal charge laid against -you, and you will have to face an inquiry in regard to this man's death. -Of course, I shall remain here until these inquests, etc., are over. -That is all, Sergeant. Now we'll go on down to this other place." - -With a strange, indefinable feeling of reluctance, he conducted them -thither. Awed, and filled with compassion at what they beheld, they -halted irresolutely, a moment, on the threshold, and bared their heads -reverently in the presence of the dead. Then, entering the chamber, they -made a brief examination which, to Benton, standing idly there in his -dumb misery, seemed almost in the light of a sacrilege. - -A whispered colloquy ensued between them for a few minutes, and then -they gently withdrew and closed the door, Ellis following them out to -receive his instructions. - -"Inspector," began the coroner, "I would have liked, if possible, to -have had this double inquest held here; but there's not enough room, I'm -afraid. Could you--" - -Ellis, with ready tact, broke in quietly: "I think I can arrange that, -all right, doctor. I know the man who rents this cottage next door. He's -the day operator at the station. His wife's away just now, so he's -staying with Mr. Carey, the station agent. There wouldn't be any -difficulty about obtaining the use of _his_ premises to hold the inquiry -in, and I could have the other body removed down here, so as to utilize -this place as the morgue." - -"Ah, very well," said the coroner, with evident relief; "that will be -entirely satisfactory. There's just one other thing I would like you to -see to, Sergeant. Kindly get some woman to attend to the necessary -arrangements in this last case--lay her out decently, and so on--you -understand?" - -"And afterwards," supplemented the Inspector, "of course give Dr. -Sampson all the assistance you can in empanelling a jury. Why, hello, -doctor!" he exclaimed, turning to Musgrave, who had just joined them. -"_You_ seem to have been getting yourself mixed up in stirring events -around here, according to what Sergeant Benton tells me. Whatever brings -you so far away from home? I guess we'll need your evidence at these -inquests." - -The three men chatted awhile, then presently, the coroner and the -Inspector departed for the hotel, leaving Musgrave and Benton together. - -An indefinable constraint seemed to have fallen upon them, for the -gloomy memory of the past night was still vivid in their minds and -oppressed them greatly. The doctor was the first to break the silence. - -"By gum!" he said; "I'd clean forgotten about your ear, Ellis. My bag's -still here. Let's dress it again for you. Come inside again for a bit." - -With deft hands he soon performed the operation and Benton, studiously -avoiding the elder man's eyes, thanked him and, with a slightly overdone -yawn, prepared to leave and carry out the orders that he had previously -received. Throughout Musgrave had talked incessantly on irrelevant -subjects. It seemed as if he were maundering with design, beating about -the bush of some communication he feared to make, and just talking -against time. - -"Well! have you seen that patient of mine up at the hotel yet?" he -inquired. - -The Sergeant, with a curious, apprehensive glance at the closed bedroom -door, beckoned the other outside. As if, almost, he feared that the dead -might hear. - -"Yes," he said. "Saw him when I went up for breakfast He's the man, all -right--Herbert Wilks--admits everything. Seemed glad to get it off his -chest. Told me the whole business. Sounds just like a dime novel yarn. -Well, truth's stranger than fiction, so they say. Appears he's been a -dissipated young beggar, and he got fired from the Trust Company for -inattention to his work. The very day he got let out he happened to pick -up a paper in the manager's private office, which turned out to be -nothing more or less than the combination of the safe. Suppose the -manager--or whoever _had_ the combination--was scared to commit it to -memory alone. Well, being, as I said before, a dissipated young scamp, -he'd somehow got mixed up with this Shapiro chap in one or two dirty -deals--women, I guess--an' what not. Of course, he was pretty sore about -gettin' the push--went on a bust that night, an' while he was 'lit' told -Shapiro all about this paper he'd found. You just bet Mister 'Harry the -Mack' wasn't goin' to let a chance like that go by, an' soon got Wilks -goin' ... telling him what a good opportunity it was to get back at -them, an' all that. Well, they fixed everything up for two nights after, -and brought in Lipinski along with them. Shapiro'd got a set of -burglar's tools and soon effected an entrance. He an' Wilks crawled in, -leaving Lipinski as a 'look-out.' Wilks messed with the combination for -a bit an' tried to open her up, but couldn't work it. Might have been an -old one that'd been changed two or three times since the scale'd been -written on this paper. Anyway, there seemed nothing doin' an' 'Harry,' -being a yegg, got tired, an' suggested blowin' it. He went out to get -the 'soup' ... from a pal of his who lived a short distance away, -leaving Wilks still there. While he was waiting, our friend had -_another_ go at it, an' this _time_ managed, somehow, to turn the trick. - -"He cleaned up everything, as _he_ thought, and beat it in a hurry, -leaving the safe open. Told Lipinski he'd be back in a minute--an' -skinned out. 'Honor among thieves'--what? Well, naturally, the first -idea that came into his head was to go back to his home -town--Hamilton--and swank around there for a bit with this money, -thinking, of course, though, that suspicion might fall on him right -away, bein' fired two days before, and the safe, not blown, but opened -by the combination, he was cute enough not to attempt to get aboard the -East-bound _there_. Mr. Man gets some crooked pal of his--a -chauffeur--to drive him in his automobile as far as Garstang. He laid up -there till the ten-fifteen came along next morning. Then he got a -bloomin' fright. He was sitting in the first-class coach, all tickled up -the back at makin' his get-away so easy when, who should come an' plank -himself down on the seat alongside him but Mister '_Harry the Mack_.' -This chauffeur pal of his had double-crossed him after he'd driven -back--told Shapiro everything who, you bet, wasn't goin' to get left -like that. - -"All this is, of course, what Harry told him. He'd managed to get on the -train all right, without bein' spotted--taking--" He lowered his voice, -and indicated the drawn blinds with a significant gesture--"with him. -Partly to divert suspicion, I suppose ... look like respectable -couple--man an' wife. Well, naturally, Harry talked pretty ugly ... what -he'd do to him, an' all that, if he didn't whack up; but Wilks wouldn't -'come across'--kept bluffin' that he'd divvy up later on, an' so -on--knowing that he was safe enough as long as he was amongst a crowd of -people. Of course Harry never breathed a word about shootin' the -night-watchman. The first intimation Wilks had about _that_ was in a -paper at the hotel, here. It appears about ten minutes after he'd -vamoosed with the money Harry came back with the 'soup,' to do the -blowin' act. Lipinski told him that Wilks would be back in a few -minutes, so they waited a bit. As he showed no signs of returning, they -decided to go ahead without him--Lipinski goin' in with Harry this time, -to give him a hand. It didn't take 'em long to see what'd happened, you -bet. Everything all strewn around and turned upside down. They found a -hundred an' fifty in a small drawer I guess he'd overlooked in his hurry -an', according to Lipinski's statement, they'd just split this up when -the poor, bloomin' watchman happened along an' Shapiro fixed him. Then -they bolted an' the patrolman on the beat shot at them an' one skinned -one way an' one the other. Lipinski didn't see Harry again after -that--beat it on his own to Seattle later, an' got nailed. - -"Well, it seems they kept up this chewin' the rag an' watching each -other till the train got down as far as here. It was gettin' dark, then. -Harry'd got a bottle of whiskey in his grip when he'd come on the train. -He started in to get primed up on this, an' Wilks got scared, for Harry -began to raise his voice an' look at him pretty nasty, with his hand in -his hip-pocket. They managed to kick up such a row between 'em that the -con' came along--gave 'em a callin' down an' threatened to chuck 'em off -the train if they didn't shut up. Harry started to give the con' a whole -lot of lip, an' while these two were squabblin' together, Mister Wilks -slipped off--_here_--just as the train was on the move. - -"Of course Harry, as soon as he missed him, promptly got off at the next -stop--Glenmore--fifteen miles east of here--an' caught the West-bound -back again in the morning. Went straight to the hotel an' soon located -his man. Didn't speak to him, though. Didn't register at the place, -either--but that may have been because of the expense--hadn't any too -much 'dough' left, an' p'r'aps figured he'd most likely have a long -wait. He rented this furnished cottage instead, for a few days. It -belongs to a chap named George Ricks, over at Beaver Dam. He comes into -town an' lives in it himself all the winter, but leaves it in charge of -some chap here to rent to anybody who comes along during the summer. I -guess Harry felt pretty safe, knowing that Wilks wasn't exactly in the -position to give him away. There's absolutely no doubt what his -intention was--" - -The Sergeant paused a moment and eyed his listener grimly. The latter, -with an equally grim comprehensive gesture, nodded silently. - -"Well," he went on, "here they camped, watchin' each other's every -little movement. Shapiro never got much of a show to do anything, -though, for Wilks took darned good care to keep inside the hotel most of -the time. He admits he was scared to death, especially after reading -about Harry shootin' the watchman. Just dawdled around--couldn't make up -his mind _what_ to do, knowing that he couldn't shake Harry a _second_ -time. He was feeling pretty sick, too.... I guess this thing's been -comin' on him some time, hasn't it, Charley?" - -The doctor, nodding again, replied: "Yes, about a month, most probably." - -"An' that's how the case stands," concluded Ellis wearily. "If you -hadn't gone into his room that time when you did, Harry'd most likely -put the kibosh on him right there. Choked him, p'r'aps. I got the money -off him, O. K. About a hundred short--what he'd paid for his ticket -through to Hamilton, a bribe to that chauffeur, Kelly, his hotel bill -here, an' odds an' ends. The New Axminster men'll get their hooks on -that chauffeur quick, I'll bet, when the O.C. forwards them my crime -report. Don't know whether they'll be able to make a charge stick or -not--may do. I turned the money into the bank for safe keeping. -Inspector Purvis'll take it down with him when we go back to the Post." - -There was a long pause. "Well, what'll happen to this fellow now?" -inquired Musgrave. - -"Guess Churchill'll have to keep an eye on him," said Ellis -indifferently. "Take him in to the Post soon as he's able to travel. -He'll be held there till a New Axminster man comes for him. Feel sorry, -in a way, for the poor sick devil, but that's all that can be done with -_him_, now. Well, I must be getting--lots o' work to do. See you later, -Charley." - -The elder man laid a detaining hand on the Sergeant's shoulder, and his -voice shook ever so little as he said slowly: - -"Wait a bit. There's something I want to tell you before you go." He -swallowed and hesitated slightly in his agitation. "It's about -that--that--that poor girl," he continued, in strained, unnatural tones. -"Ellis, old man, you don't know how sorry I am that I sneered at you -last night.... About being a moral reformer, and all that.... I hardly -meant it at the time. And I've been feeling pretty bad since--since--" - -His voice broke, and he left the sentence unfinished. This was a great -concession from Musgrave, and his hearer thought so, as he grasped the -other's arm with a sympathetic pressure. - -"Charley," he said gently, "Charley.... Don't think of that again.... -See here; look! I don't take you in earnest, every time. You're the best -friend I've got ... an' the very first man I'd think of comin' to, if I -was in trouble. Maybe you don't know it, but I tell you that same -sarcastic tongue o' yours has cured me of lots o' dam'-fool -notions--time an' again." - -They remained silent awhile, after this, then Musgrave went on, in a -stronger voice: - -"This is what I wanted to say. Seems very apparent, -they--this--unfortunate couple, have little or no money--" - -The Sergeant nodded, and cleared his throat. "Very little," he said. -"Man's got a few dollars left--seven-fifty, or something like that." - -"Well, now; look!" said the doctor. "These two will have a decent burial -in the cemetery here, at my expense. It's my wish." And, as Ellis raised -a protesting hand, "No, no, my boy--let be! _You're_ not immaculate, God -knows, but, by the Lord Harry! you're a better man than I am, and I -respect you for many things.... 'As ye sow, so shall ye reap.'... It's -thirty years since I heard that text; I forgot it the same day, and -never thought of it again till now. There may be truth in it. I say, for -the peace of my soul, let me do this thing; and little though it is--may -the Recording Angel--if there is one--remember it as something in my -favor when my time comes." - -Ellis never forgot those words, nor the weary, bitter, hopeless look -that accompanied them; and, long years afterwards, their remembrance -rushed back to his mind with vivid distinctness, as he held poor -Musgrave's dying head. - -Drearily he wended his way up the main street, his mind preoccupied with -the problem of fulfilling the coroner's final request. He knew -comparatively few of the male--let alone, the female, community, of the -little town and, somehow, he instinctively shrank at the thought of -having to approach strange women anent such a delicate duty. In his -perplexity he went to Carey, and besought the latter's advice. - -The agent mused a space. "Let's see," he said. "There's Mrs. -Steele--she's head of the Women's Church Guild here, and there's Mrs. -Parsons, and Mrs. Macleod. You go and see them. They ought to be able to -help you out. I'll tell you where they live." - -With a vague feeling of uneasiness, Ellis departed, and presently found -himself at Mrs. Steele's abode. A gray-haired, elderly woman, with a -high-featured, severe face, answered his summons and, with some -trepidation, he broached the subject of his visit. She listened -impatiently, her hard eyes narrowing and her thin lips compressing -themselves into a straight line. - -"No!" she snapped coldly, as he ended. "I _don't_--an' what's more ... I -wouldn't think of asking--or expecting--any decent woman to go getting -herself mixed up in such a scandalous business as this." - -And she began to slowly thrust the door to. "Such shockin' goin's on in -a decent, God-fearing neighborhood!" she shrilled. "Wicked hussies -walkin' the street, an'--an' men being shot--an' all, an' all.... God -help the town that has to depend on the likes of you policemen to keep -such bad characters away!" - -The virulence with which she uttered this last somewhat unjust, remark, -stung him sharply. - -"Aye, madam," he echoed bitterly. "An' God help all poor, unfortunate -souls that are dependent upon the likes of you for Christian mercy, -too!" - -But his words only greeted empty air, for the door was slammed violently -to in his face. - -Feeling sick at heart, he wandered away, only meeting with more or less -indifference at the other addresses that Carey had given him. By this -time a strange nervousness, entirely foreign to his nature, began to -assail him. Men he understood and could deal with. But women--ah, that -was a very different matter. - -He was just on the point of abandoning his quest in despair when he -beheld a woman coming out of a store opposite to where he stood. The -light of a great relief immediately lit up his troubled eyes for, in the -plain, homely, blue-serge uniform that she wore, with its red-barred -bonnet, he recognized at a glance the all-familiar badge of the -Salvation Army--that long-suffering and too frequently disparaged -organization which, nevertheless, spreads its gospel of humility and -help to the ends of the earth; whose followers, whilst always remaining -nobly indifferent to the shafts of misguided ridicule leveled against -them from time to time by members of many far less charitable sects, -never shrink from entering the lowly dwellings of the poorest of the -poor--aye--and the foulest dens of iniquity--in the _practical_ -fulfilment of their creed of genuine Christian mercy and succor. - -Ellis looked eagerly at the slight figure for a moment. Why not try her? -he reflected. Surely she wouldn't turn him down, like the rest? Didn't -the Salvationists always hold a service for the prisoners in the -guardroom every Sunday morning? And didn't they help out all the poor -devils who were down and out when their sentences were expired--giving -them shelter, food, and clothes, and finding them jobs? Yes, he would -ask _her_! - -He crossed over and, with a few quick strides, overtook the little -woman, who stopped at his salutation and turned a worn, patient face to -his, regarding him with astonishment meanwhile, out of a pair of kindly -brown eyes. - -Why did he stammer and hesitate like that? she wondered. Surely he could -not be afraid of _her_? For the Sergeant's voice and manner betrayed a -curious timidity just then, that was strangely out of keeping with his -bronzed, hard-bitten face and athletic figure. His recent experiences -had rendered him decidedly nervous in approaching women. She listened to -his request with passive interest, and nodded her acquiescence, gazing -intently, all the time, at his bandaged head. - -"I'm afraid you must have got hurt bad," she said sympathetically. "It -was all in this morning's paper, an' everybody's full of it. I came up -on the early train to nurse a sick woman here. I remember seeing you -once before, a long time ago, at the Barracks. I was in the Female Gaol, -talking to Mrs. Stratford, the matron, an' you came over from the -guardroom." - -"Would to God you'd been here last night!" he blurted out passionately. - -"Aye, would to God I had!" she echoed, with a wistful sadness. "Give me -the key, then, Sergeant. I'll go right on down there now." - -Silently he handed it over, and tried to thank her, but somehow--the -words would not come. He only looked at her, with a dumb gratitude -showing in his tired eyes, swallowed a little, and turned quickly away. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - - - "Mother and daughter, father and son, - Come to my solitude one by one; - But come they stranger, or come they kin, - I gather--gather--I gather them in." - - --_The Old Sexton_ - -Two days later the little funeral cortege slowly wound its way up to the -diminutive cemetery, situated on a rising plateau at the back of the -little town. - -It was a still, fine afternoon, and the bright sunshine flooded -everything around that peaceful spot with its sleepy, golden haze. Far -away in the distance arose the purple peaks of the Rockies, white-capped -with their eternal snows against the pure, turquoise-blue sky. It was a -day to gladden the hearts of all living creatures, but somehow its -tranquillity awoke no response in the breasts of the two men who -followed the dead to their last resting place. - -Arriving at the grave-side they reverently bared their heads, and the -clergyman, a kindly, earnest-faced young man with a deep, resonant -voice, began the service. - -Ellis felt unaccountably oppressed with many conflicting emotions. -Though never a downright unbeliever, religion was to him more or less of -a sealed book, and the reckless, irresponsible wandering life that had -been his since boyhood had not been conducive to much serious thought on -that sacred subject. The solemn, beautiful, tremendous words that stand -at the head of the burial service, with their glorious, all-powerful -promise of Eternal Life affected him strangely now, with their -awe-inspiring significance. - -_"I am the Resurrection and the Life," saith the Lord: "He that -believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever -liveth and believeth in me shall never die."_ - -Often--ah, how often--with the callous indifference bred of active -service and its cruel, sordid realities, had he listened to them before, -out there on the far-away South African veldt, blaspheming, as like as -not, under his breath at the heat, and the dust, and the maddening flies -as, "Resting upon Arms Reversed," he stood beside the freshly dug grave -of some dead comrade. - -"_The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away._" - -And the vision of his dream rose up in his brooding mind once more; and -again he seemed to behold that poor girl before him, arisen from the -dead, and the glory in her eyes as, with bowed head and outstretched -arms like the Angel of Pity, she gazed sweetly, but sadly, down upon him -from amidst that great, shining, billowy cloud of light. - -And then--his brain sank into a deep oblivion of dreamy, chaotic -thought, through which the curate's sonorous intonation, sounding far -off and indistinct, penetrated at intervals. - -"_We therefore commit her body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to -ashes, dust to dust._" - -At the well-remembered words mechanically, from long practise, he -stooped and cast a handful of earth into the grave. And, the dull thud -of its fall upon her coffin, was on his very heart. - -The service ended, but still the scarlet-coated figure remained there -motionless, with bowed head, as of one in a dream. He was aroused from -his reverie by Musgrave touching him on the arm. - -"Come, old man!" said the doctor gently, "it's all over now; let's go. -Are you going to wait for the--other?..." - -"Yes," responded Ellis in a strained, unnatural voice, without raising -his eyes. - - -Drearily, without another word being uttered on either side the whole -way back, they returned to the detachment and, sitting down in the -little office, filled their pipes and smoked moodily awhile, amidst an -embarrassing silence, which was finally broken by Musgrave. - -"Well, Ellis, old man," he said quietly, "seems we've come through -rather a sad passage." - - -Benton raised his troubled eyes and, for the first time that day, looked -the other squarely in the face, with a certain sense of relief as he did -so. - -"Yes," he answered listlessly. "I know I have. Charley," he continued, -"I don't know exactly why it is, but that girl's death's shaken me up -rather bad ... kid was an utter stranger to me, but somehow--somehow--it -seems as if I'd known her always. Must have been her eyes." His voice -shook a little, and trailed off into a murmur. "Yes ... they were very -like poor Eileen Regan's--way back there in Jo'burg--very like hers, -weren't they?" - -He paused, and the doctor nodded sympathetically. Before the war he had -known the Sergeant's dead love well--had attended her in her last -illness. There was a long silence. - -"Don't worry, Ellis," said Musgrave softly. "She's in a better place -now, I think, for she was more sinned against than sinning, poor girl." - -Benton got up and, leaning out of the open window, looked dreamily away -over the sun-scorched prairie. - -"Aye," he muttered slowly, half to himself; "I don't think--I know. I -saw the look on her face the night she died ... an' I saw her -again--afterwards. That should stop me from worrying. See here; look, -Charley," he went on, in a steadier voice, turning to his companion: -"You must have seen many deaths in your time--lots more than I have, I -guess ... an' God knows I've seen enough, one way an' another. I tell -you--people in their last stages see something that _we_ can't. It's -beyond _our_ ken--but it's there. Probably you as a doctor, with all -your scientific medical theories, analyze it differently, but you know -what I mean, for all that." - -Musgrave did not answer at once, but smoked thoughtfully on for a space. - -"Yes," he agreed, with a curious, dry intonation in his voice, "I know -what you mean, all right. No doubt they _do_ possess some strange -prescience ... but I don't think we'll start a discussion on that, old -man. Circumstances have reduced both of us to a certain frame of mind -just now, wherein we might be persuaded into believing anything." - -Ellis cogitated awhile over this last utterance. - -"M'm--yes," he admitted reluctantly. "Only temporarily at that, too. -Begad!... I'm the one that knows it.... Guess I'm the most impulsive, -changeable beggar that ever was.... Always have been more or less of an -impressionable fool--where women are concerned, anyway. S'pose it's my -nature. Here are we two--we've both had our troubles at various periods -of our sinful lives. Some were of our own making--some were not. Mind! -I'm not meanin' this lightly, remember ... far from it at such a time as -this ... but just the plain, absolute facts--coming from a man who knows -himself too well to trust his passing emotions." He struck a match and -lit his pipe again, continuing with some irritation in his voice. "All -that bunkum that religious extremists and temperance cranks would have -you believe ... about sudden conversions an' all that.... Fellows _can_ -alter their ways a bit--chuck a brace, an' climb out of the pit they've -dug for themselves, no doubt. But it's a _gradual_ process, an' doesn't -come quick by any means, like these fanatics try to make out. There's -one of 'em, in particular, who makes a specialty of writing--what he, in -his limited knowledge of actual facts--conceives to be true Western -yarns. Most of 'em, I guess, pass as such with the general public who -read 'em. Oh, he's great on this conversion business. One was a fool -book about _our_ Force, I remember, where he makes the bucks go pallin' -around arm in arm with their superior officers--doin' the 'Percy, old -chap,' stunt, 'When we were at college together, you know!' Sounds all -hunkadory--like a happy family, an' all that but, unfortunately, it -ain't true. Can't imagine it happening with any of the powers that be in -_our_ Division, anyway. Take 'Father,' for instance--what? Then, -again--all that stuff--what 'Tork abaht Tompkins' our regimental -teamster calls ''Igh falutin' Bull-Durham,' and 'Father'--'Poppycock' -that's written about the Force. An' oh--_always_ in a bloomin' red -serge, of course, no matter what dirty job they're on ... never a -stable-jacket--they don't wear such things. All the pictures you see of -Mounted Policemen, too, chasin' cattle rustlers, arresting bootleggers, -an' nitchies, in which we're depicted as such 'eroes'--red serge, -again--so's the noble Mounted cop can be seen comin' a long ways off. -That reminds me, though--I'll have to ride back to the Creek in one -myself," he added ruefully. "My stable-jacket's ruined with all that -blood on it." - -He paused, and knocked the ashes out of his pipe. - -"No, _sir_," he continued emphatically. "_I_ know what becomes of the -large percentage of your sudden converts. Most of 'em land up as -hopeless booze artists in the last stages of D.T.--or else go -_completely_ bug-house. Lord knows, we get all kinds of 'em in that -guardroom at the Post. Many's the screechin', prayin' strait-jacketed -nuisance I've had to escort up to Ponoka. After all's said an' done, the -only philosophy a man can practise to make life worth living at all, is -just to peg along quietly, doing the best he can under the circumstances -in which he finds himself placed day by day. I know it is for a Mounted -man, anyway for, begad! he get's everybody else's bloomin' troubles -dinned into his ears in addition to his own. - -"As you said just now, we've both come through a sad passage. We have. -But this feeling won't stay with us. We'll be genuinely an' sincerely -sorry an' repentant for the time being, but by degrees we'll fall back -into our old ways again. It may be smug, complacent reasoning, but it's -a fact. Now, isn't that right, Charley?" - -The elder man smiled wearily. "Guess you're pretty near it," he -admitted. "Don't know whether you're able to put all _your_ troubles -behind you as effectively as you intimate. I know I can't lots of mine. -There's some I can't forget--even after all these years. They're with me -night and day. Remember me telling you ... that day when we were up at -Cecil Rhodes' tomb, 'way back there up in the Matoppos?" - -He gazed at Benton anxiously, almost timidly. Ellis bowed his head in -assent, but he could not find words to answer just then. For there was -something in the haggard, deeply lined face of his old friend that -forbade conventional condolence. - -A long silence ensued, and presently Musgrave rose to go. - - "The Devil was sick-- - The Devil a monk would be;" - -he quoted, with a wry, whimsical smile. "I guess I'll go on over to the -hotel and see 'Wilks,' as you call him. He was much better this morning. -Believe he'll pull through without an operation now. Churchill should be -able to take him down in three or four days' time if he keeps improving -like this. By the way! Churchill's making a pretty long stay at the -Post, isn't he?" - -"Oh, I don't know," yawned the Sergeant. "P'r'aps he's not through with -that case of his yet. It was right at the end of the docket. Maybe he's -got mighty good reason for not hurrying back, too," he added ominously. - -"I never noticed till the other day he'd got the South African ribbon -up--whatever outfit was _he_ in?" inquired the doctor. - -"Search me," said Ellis contemptuously. "The 'Can I Venture,' 'Jam -Wallahs,'--'Sacca Bona's Horse,' or some irresponsible bunch o' -Bashi-Bazouks, I guess. I've never asked him. I think I told you before, -Charley, there's five hundred dollars' reward for Wilks. If it comes -through, so much the better for both of us. I'll see you sure get your -fee an' expenses in full. In all fairness you're entitled to half of it, -anyway, in consideration of the whisper you gave me in the beginning." - -"Didn't think you fellows were allowed to accept rewards," said the -doctor. - -"Well, we're not, as a rule," Ellis admitted. "But now an' again they -make exceptions when the crime has been committed outside our usual -jurisdiction. Take that hold-up of the C.P.R. passenger train near Ducks -in B.C. that time, by those three chaps--Bill Miner, Shorty Dunn, an' -Lewis Colquhoun. Five of our men got rewarded for nailing _them_. Let's -see! there was Wilson, Shoebotham, Peters, Stewart, an' Browning. They -got thirteen hundred an' fifty apiece for that job. But we never receive -it direct. It has to come through the Commissioner. Generally it's -turned into the Fine Fund at Headquarters, an' the grant is made from -there." - -"All right," said Musgrave indifferently, as he opened the door. "If it -does come through--why, all well and good, though I'm sorry, in a way, -for the poor devil." - -With his hand on the knob, he turned, the ghost of a smile flitting -across his strong intellectual face. - -"Guess you weren't far out in your remarks just now," he said. "Seems -the transformation's begun already. Afraid we've come down to Mother -Earth again with a vengeance. Remember Sir Noel Paton's great -picture--'The Man with the Muckrake,' Ellis? So long!" - -"So long," the other answered mechanically, without turning his head. - -And the door closed softly. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - - - O Memory, ope thy mystic door! - O dream of youth, return! - And let the lights that gleamed of yore - Beside this altar burn! - - --_Gray_ - -The subtle irony conveyed in the doctor's last words had not been lost -on their hearer. - -"Aye! 'The Man with the Muckrake,'" he soliloquized. "That was just it. -Also, it was characteristic of Charley that he should have interpreted -the impression in such fashion, too." - -It was Sunday, and the sound of the church bells tolling for evening -service, interspersed with the merry voices of children in their play, -fell unheeded on the ears of the man who, with mind sunk in far-away -thought, still remained in the same attitude, with his arms resting on -the window ledge, gazing out over the unbroken vista of rolling prairie. - -That stern, bandaged face, framed in the open casement, its brooding -eyes fixed, seemingly, on the beyond, with the whole setting bathed in -the blood-red flame of the sunset's afterglow, might have impressed one -as vividly suggestive of that striking example of the late Sir John -Tenniel's art, in his depiction of that scene enacted in far-off -Khartoum twenty-three years before--of _one_--who, wounded and -desperate, gazed day by day from a window in the citadel out across the -sun-scorched desert towards Metemmah, his despairing eyes forever vainly -seeking that help which came not. - -The evening shadows began to fall, but still Ellis remained in that deep -reverie while, as if in a dream, visions of his past life rose up in his -mind with strange reality. - -As if it were only yesterday he recalled that last stormy scene which -clinched his determination to leave home. The scornful, accusing face of -his step-mother, and his father's angry, worried countenance, as he -(Ellis) gazed steadily and defiantly back at the woman whose continual -petty spite had contrived to make his life at home unbearable. - -Both of them were still alive and well, old Major Carlton had mentioned -in his last letter. No--they never spoke of him. He was an outcast from -his family of his own accord. Yes, that might be, but never a prodigal, -or a remittance man, despite his birth and early breeding. - -No, he could never be classed with such as they, thank God. Ever since -he had shaken the dust of England off his feet he had earned his living -honestly with the toil of his brain and body, as a man amongst men. He -had done nothing to shame his manhood, and his life was his own to live -out as he saw fit; so, come what might, unless by their express behest, -his people should never behold his face again, whether in life or death. - -Then, tripping fast over one another, came flashes of the wild, free -life on the range that had followed his emigration. That evening he -arrived at the Circle H--only a boy in his teens, hungry, foot-sore, and -moneyless, after tramping all the way from Billings. The rough, morose -face of "Big Jim Parsons," as he sneeringly asked him his nationality, -and finally flung him a job, as a bone to a dog. That worthy's kindness -to him afterwards, in recognition of his proven courage and -adaptability, and the unspeakable language the foreman was wont to use -in his clumsy attempts to gloss over any generous deed. Poor old Jim. -_His_ had been the kind of friendship that counts. Too bad that horse -had killed him like it did, after all his years of riding. The fun they -had when they blew into town after the round-ups. The trivial arguments -that so often ended in death, and the blind, unquestioning sincerity -with which they espoused their bosses' and friends' feuds over the -sheep-grazing infringements and other grievances of cattle men. The -smell of scorched hide and the bawling of cattle in the corrals on -branding days. The riding and steer roping at Cheyenne and Red Butte on -gala occasions. Aye, that was the life. Why hadn't he stuck to it -instead of becoming by turns, prize-fighter, soldier and, finally, -Mounted Policeman? getting, in the latter vocation, as he had previously -remarked, a taste of everybody else's worries in addition to his own. - -Then followed brief memories of his pugilistic career. That scrap on the -open street in Butte that night, which had been the thin edge of the -wedge of his subsequent entry into professional fighting, when he put -away "Bull Blatzsky" for chasing that girl. The piteous appeal in her -frightened, pretty face as she sought his protection, and the -contemptuous sarcasm of the formidable prize-fighter, telling him to -"beat it back to th' farm." The tingling in his veins, and the -exultation that he had felt surging through him as he beheld his -opponent weakening, and the yelling plaudits of the crowd as he fought -himself out of that last clinch and landed the final punch that ended -matters. He had knocked out men enough since then, Lord knows, at one -time and another, and perhaps might do the same for many more, but that -hot, proud flush he would never feel again. That fight in which he had -defeated Gus Ahrens at Madison Square Gardens in New York, and received -a thousand dollars as his long end of the purse. The terrible month's -spree that followed. And then--the low-down, insidious propositions that -various promoters and managers kept putting up to him from time to time -which, finally, decided him to forsake the ring. Yes, begad! the average -standard of prize-fighting morality was rotten to the core. He could -vouch for it from personal experience. It was a good job he'd quit it in -time before the crooks got him; but, at any rate, he could always look -back to those days with the clear conscience of one who had never "put -anything over" on the public. Fought on the square at all times, and -given the best that was in him for the spectators and those that had -backed him. Whatever they might have said or thought, it surely was not -flagging endurance or courage that caused his departure for South -Africa. - -And, with that reflection, the memory of his first glimpse of that later -unquiet land came back to him, and again he seemed to see the huge, -black, up-flung wall of Table Mountain clean-cut against the blue-black, -star-studded sky, and the twinkling lights of Capetown beneath its -shadow, with the great, yellow African moon above all, as he beheld it -from the deck of the _Braemar Castle_ the night she made Table Bay. - -What a curious old and new-world town Capetown was, with its civilized -and uncivilized mixture of races, creeds, and dress that you could stand -and watch jostling each other in front of the windows of those splendid -up-to-date stores in Plein Street. English, Dutch, Portuguese, -Hottentot, Malay, Zulu, Kaffir, Hindoo, and Chinese, with the ubiquitous -Jew bidding fair to outnumber them all. What a pleasant, lazy time he -had had, wandering around there before he went up-country. Out -Greenpoint way to the sea's edge, where one could look clear across past -the lighthouse to Simon's-Town, and Lion's Head Mountain. And those -occasional trips to the outlying suburbs, Wynberg, Paarl, Woodstock, -where all the magnates' luxurious bungalows were, lying half-hidden -amidst huge, clustering masses of magnificent tropical foliage; and -Rondebosch, where "Groot Schuurr," the palatial home of Cecil Rhodes, -the great Dictator of Cape Colony and Rhodesia, was situated. - -He was dead now--that strong, skilful protagonist to whom Africa owed so -much, and buried in accordance with his last wish--in a tomb cut out of -the solid rock on the summit of the highest peak in the Matoppos, -appropriately termed "The View of the World." - - It is his will that he look forth - Across the world he won-- - The granite of the ancient North-- - Great spaces washed with sun. - -Aye--Kipling's immortal lines were a fitting requiem to the memory of -the great dead. Cecil Rhodes was gone, but-- - - Living he was the land, and dead, - His soul shall be her soul! - -How well he recalled that memorable pilgrimage thither, as if to a -shrine, that he and Musgrave had made together after the war. - -Then those two years spent in the Chartered Company's service, before -the war came, and the godforsaken places he was stationed in previous to -his transfer to Johannesburg--Umtali, Nhaukoe, Mumbatua Falls, and -Inyongo, up in the Mungamba Mountains, with mostly only natives for -company. The bright, cool days, and the long, sweet, silent nights -afterwards, up in the Magaliesberg Range, where it was so still that it -seemed uncanny. The glorious sunrises--the air heavy with the scent of -wattle bloom and mimosa flower, as you came out from your tent in the -morning, feeling full of the joy of life, healthy and strong, unrecking -of the morrow, and amused yourself throwing stones at the baboons that -barked "Boom ba! boom ba!" at you from their perches away up on the -ledges in the _krantzes_. - -And then--"Jo'burg," with its conglomeration of cosmopolitan -adventurers. Hard-drinking, busy, grasping men, all struggling gamely in -the same great vortex of speculation in the gold and diamond mines of -the Rand, and all breathing the same hatred towards the South African -Republic, and the tyranny and injustice of "Oom Paul Kruger" and his -ministers, whose grasping avarice and total disregard of even the common -rights of citizenship were gradually making the _Uitlander's_ lot -unbearable. - -Yes, but old Oom got _his_ afterwards, when the war he had provoked -finally overwhelmed him and forced him and Steyn to flee from the -country and people that they had ruined. A faint, reflective smile -relaxed his somber face as he absently hummed a few lines of a doggerel -ditty that had been sung around every camp fire from Pretoria to -Capetown in the later stages of the war: - - "Oom Paul Kruger" seems every one's pal - In this wide world, wide world. - For he is such a cleanly, sweet-smelling old chap; - Handkerchiefs, he disdains--gives his fingers a snap; - Oh! ain't it a shame that he's wiped off the map - Of this awfully wide, wide world? - -Aye, that war.... He'd sure done some hard slugging there, one way and -another. That two months on the Karroo Desert ... whew! rotten -water--what little there was of it--and fellows going under every day -with "enteric." Those cursed night marches, after a long day's _trek_, -where your horse kept coming down with you amongst the _meerkat_ holes -in the dark. Lord! but they were hard, bitter men in that Irregular -Horse--had had enough to make 'em--mostly refugees from the Rand. They -sure could fight, and were up to all the Boer's tricks, too. That was -some scrap at Wepener, under that burning sun all day. What a smack that -bullet gave him. Slap through his body. Felt just like being hit with a -hammer. They'd got him at last, but at a price--for had he not -deliberately picked off six "_Doppers_" before it came, as he lay cached -behind that broken-down Cape cart?... Flopped 'em out, one after the -other ... and lots more before that, too, at Elandslaagte, Waggon Hill, -and in various small skirmishes. - -That chase after De Wet and Kritzinger, long afterwards, during the -guerilla warfare that followed, when they and Honeycroft's column -converged on Pampoon Poort and nearly nailed the whole bunch. He'd -killed five horses in that two weeks' drive. Those Argentines hadn't got -much bottom in them, though. Basuto ponies were the stuff--if you were -lucky enough to get hold of one--for they mostly got snapped up by the -officers. Tough!... the cayuses in this country were pretty hard--some -of 'em--but they weren't a patch on those little Basutos. - -Ah, well, it was all over now; but what misery and fun they had had, -mixed. Either a feast or a famine. Starving one day, gorged the next. -Things had got pretty slim, though, towards the end, with all the -countless columns ravaging the country. Couldn't even get a bit of -firewood to boil your coffee, let alone a pig or a chicken. Nothing left -except a few thin sheep, and those stringy, pink-eyed Angora -goats--worse provender than "bully" or "Macconnochie Ration." The night -he, Barney Ebbsworth, and Billy Gardiner "feloniously, and with intent," -stole that keg of rum at Norval's Pont, and the glorious drunk that they -and the guardians of the neighboring blockhouse had on it. - -Yes, they were pretty tough specimens, all right, in that regiment, for -the surroundings and conditions they lived under in those haphazard days -were not particularly conducive to much close observance of the higher -ethics of refinement or morality. "Sufficient unto the day thereof" had -been the only maxim that went there, for the span of life was of too -doubtful duration, between sun-up and sun-down, to speculate overmuch on -what the morrow might bring forth. - -He'd done _his_ bit, anyway, and had come out of it safely, with three -medals and completely restored health. Luckier than lots of the poor -devils in his regiment, so many of whom were lying in their lonely -graves back there, on which the _aasvogel_ perched by day and the hyena -prowled around by night--or those that were living, crippled up for -life, perhaps, scores of them. No! South Africa was all right in some -ways, but he wouldn't care to live there again, for many things. The -American continent was a better country for a poor man, after all, and -he hadn't done so badly. He'd not saved a fortune, it was true; he'd -given more away to others than he'd ever spent on himself, for he was -always an easy mark for any poor devil with a hard-luck story. But he'd -generally kept a moderate stake in the bank for a rainy day, so there -was no particular cause for him to take such pessimistic views of life -as he was prone to do at times. He'd much to be thankful for. His police -record was good, and he had risen very quickly during his five odd -years' service. For, without being exactly over-zealous, his list of -convictions--long-term ones at that--was probably higher than any other -man's in the Division, and some of them had caused him to be the -recipient of favorable recognition from the Commissioner on more than -one occasion. - -Yes, without being unduly "stuck on himself," he _did_ possess a good -many of the natural qualifications requisite for police duty. For stock -cases, anyway, and the position he occupied in the province as a -Sergeant in the R.N.W.M.P., undoubtedly gave him a certain standing in -any community. Grouse and worry as he might, there _was_ a good deal of -fascination about the life, which was exemplified by the unconsciously -keen interest that, entirely apart from the fact of mere duty, he felt -in the various crooked problems that he was called upon from time to -time to solve. - -If only it wasn't such a cursed _lonely_ life. Lonely, in the sense of -his self-imposed isolation that he felt was incumbent on him, more or -less, in the interests of duty. That's what gave _him_ the pip, and -caused those rotten fits of depression that came over him at times. Yes, -there was no doubt about it--he was getting crankier and crankier every -year. He was conscious of it. What was coming over him? He didn't use to -be like that. Fellows were starting to call him "Old" Ben, too, already. -He didn't deserve _that_, surely--even if his hair _was_ turning -slightly gray. He could still show some of those young men, ten years -his junior, a thing or two yet, in any test of physical endurance or -skill. - -Yes, it was lonely, all right. But, then, it didn't do for a man -situated in a crooked district like he was to get going around with the -glad hand, either. That was apt to make a policeman's duty highly -disagreeable on occasion, as he knew from past experience. No, the only -way was to keep aloof from people as much as possible in a place like -this; then they had nothing on you, obligation or anything else, and you -could soak it to 'em without compunction whenever occasion arose. They -weren't all like Barney Gallagher or Lake. Thank goodness, he could -always trust _them_, and could talk freely in their company without -having to be continually on his guard. - -Thus he continued to muse, his mind reverting in turns to many curious -problems, till suddenly rousing himself with a start, he drew back from -the window and, stretching and yawning, looked at his watch. - -"Lord, what a time I've been dreaming there!" he muttered. "It's too -late for grub at the hotel. I guess I'll have to go on down to the -Chink's an' get something there." - -He lit the lamp and, after hunting around for some cleaning kit, began -mechanically to clean his dusty riding boots, preparatory to going out. -Whilst thus engaged, the door opened, admitting Sergeant Churchill. - -"Hello, Ben," greeted that individual, with an assumption of geniality. -"You still here?" - -Ellis turned and, straightening himself up, regarded the other with -languid interest. - -"Hello," he returned. "Train in? Was beginning to think you'd deserted." - -Churchill did not answer immediately but, divesting himself of his -side-arms and serge, sat down and proceeded to smoke. - -"Had a trip up to the 'Pen' with a bunch o' prisoners," he volunteered -presently. "Yours amongst 'em. That Fisk started in to give us a lot o' -trouble on th' way, but we put th' kibosh on _him_ properly, before we -got there." - -"M'm, m'm," said Benton absently. "He's a bad actor, 'Big George.' How -d'you make out with that perjury case of yours?" - -"Nine months," answered Churchill laconically. - -A long silence ensued, during which Ellis continued his polishing, -Churchill eyeing him furtively meanwhile. - -"Must have got a bad smash?" he ventured, indicating the other's -bandaged head. "Heard all about it at th' Post." - -"Oh," replied Ellis indifferently, "did you?" - -His tone was anything but encouraging. Churchill licked his lips and -essayed another attempt. - -"What verdicts did the coroner's jury bring in on those cases?" he -inquired, with a forced carelessness in his tone that did not deceive -Benton in the least. "I haven't seen th' paper." - -Ellis, with his foot on a chair, paused and turned, brush in hand. - -"Eh?" he returned irritably. - -Churchill, avoiding the other's eyes and fumbling with his pipe, -repeated the question. - -Benton reached for a memorandum form that lay on the desk, and tossed it -over unceremoniously. - -"There's a copy of the wording of the findings," he said shortly. -"Condensed, it practically amounts to 'death, caused by an act of -justifiable homicide,' in the one case, 'manslaughter,' in the -other...." - -He finished his cleaning operations and proceeded to pull on his serge. -Churchill fidgeted uneasily. - -"Was there--what kind of evidence was adduced?" he began. "Did--?" - -"Here!" interrupted Ellis harshly. "What the devil are _you_ beating -'round the bush for? Why don't you come across with it plain? What d'you -want to know?" - -The local Sergeant flushed angrily, stung to the quick by the rough -incivility of his companion's speech and the cold, contemptuous stare -that accompanied it, but sheer bodily fear of the ex-pugilist silenced -the retort that sprang to his lips, and he sank back in the chair from -which he had half arisen. - -"Oh--nothing," he mumbled thickly. "I thought p'r'aps--" - -"Yes," broke in Benton savagely. "I know what you _thought_, and I'll -tell you this much, Mr. 'B----' Churchill.... If I hadn't given my -evidence mighty darned careful, _you'd_ have been on the flypaper, -properly, both feet. _Your_ name cropped up during the inquests--one of -the jury-men gently inquiring 'why _you_ weren't present, as p'r'aps -_you_ might have been able to throw some light on one or two obscure -points in the inquiry.' But, luckily for you, none of the others took -his suggestion up." He paused and, emitting a short, ugly laugh, -continued: "I'm under 'open' arrest, an' I've got to go back with -Inspector Purvis an' face a formal charge of manslaughter--same as in -that Cashell business. We should worry, anyway. What gets _my_ goat is -you thinkin' you were smart enough to cover up your trail in a little, -one-horse '_dorp_' like this. D'you figure you could pull off anything -like that, with all these old geezers of women around? What? I don't -think. It's a good job for you none o' _them_ happened to be called as -witnesses. All those who gave evidence were men, an' most of 'em friends -o' yours, at that. See here; look! I couldn't exactly say how much you -_did_ know, but I can make a pretty good guess. There was a lot you -couldn't _help_ but tumble to, which puts this case entirely outside the -ordinary. Anyway, it doesn't look as if you'd had much regard for your -own nest." - -He remained silent for a space then, his voice shaking ever so little: - -"I've got no use for you, Churchill. I'm not stuck on you one little bit -... an' I guess that feeling is reciprocated, for I can see the mark of -my fist on your blooming dial right to this very minute. Mind you, -though, I'm not blaming you in any way for _all_ that's happened. That's -out of the question--an' it wouldn't be logical, or fair. I'm not -moralizing, either, for I reckon there's too many 'glass-with-care' -labels on both of us to start slingin' rocks at each other--but all the -same ... there's _something_ about this business I can't forget ... an' -you know d--n well what that _something_ is!" - -And, opening the door, he strode out heavily, and banged it behind him. - -Ellis, duly tried on the formal charge that had been laid against him, -was honorably acquitted of all blame, and returned to duty. Later -receiving the grant for his well-earned reward--half of which he, with -the utmost difficulty, prevailed upon Musgrave to accept--he obtained -ten days' leave and, dragging the latter from his all-absorbing practise -for that period, the two departed away up to the Kananaskis Falls on a -fishing trip. The doctor insisted on paying all expenses in connection -with this outing, and presented his companion with a magnificent English -green-heart fly rod, which Ellis had often eyed longingly. - -Both men, possessing in a great degree the same morose, taciturn -characteristics, they derived a certain grim pleasure in each other's -company and, loving and understanding the sport as only good fishermen -can, it is needless to say that they had extraordinarily heavy catches -and, in their silent, undemonstrative way, enjoyed themselves hugely. - -Their time seemed all too short, however, and it was with a feeling of -real regret that they finally struck camp and returned once more to the -routine of their respective duties, vowing fervently to come again the -following season. The Indian summer--that most beautiful and reliable -period of the year in the Canadian West--gradually passed. November saw -the first fall of snow, and from then onward the weather grew steadily -colder as the icy grasp of winter began to grip the West. - -Gradually the stock depredations in the Sergeant's district grew more -and more infrequent, until they practically ceased altogether for, by -this time, men who had hitherto been inclined to step aside from the -straight trail grew afraid of him. Afraid of that sneering, merciless -tongue that stung them to the quick with its bitter venom--of the heavy -hand that struck by night as well as day--and, of that scheming, cunning -brain which, outclassing theirs in its superior knowledge of ways that -are dark on the range, seemed to anticipate and forestall every crooked -move that they made. - -But, what dumbfounded them more than anything else, was the strange -apparition of a great, brutal _heart_ at the bottom of it all. There was -Mrs. Laycock, they reflected, who had been burnt out in that last bad -prairie fire, and whose husband he had been the means of sending to the -penitentiary a short time before as an incorrigible horse thief. Had not -Benton gone into her stable and, single-handed, taken out and hitched up -that maddened team to the democrat, getting badly kicked in doing so? -And, after driving the woman and her family safely out of the fire zone, -returned and routed out every able-bodied man within its radius? and -then, not sparing himself, worked them like galley slaves, trailing wet -hides and flogging with gunny-sacks until they had got it under? - -True, he had come around later with a subscription list in her aid, and -a look on his face that seemed to work wonders with those parsimoniously -inclined. But did not his own contribution on that occasion exceed by -fourfold any one of _theirs_? even if the Government did not pay -inordinately high salaries to members of the Force. - -And Jim McCloud, too. Had not the Sergeant, at the imminent risk of his -own life, pulled Jim out of that muskeg at Willow Mere one night? Jim -was "full," without a doubt; otherwise an old hand like him would never -have got himself into such a jack-pot; but, all the same, he well-nigh -followed his horse. Had not the Sergeant packed him across his saddle to -the nearest ranch--worked over him until he came around and was all -right--and then afterwards, cut short Jim's surly thanks with the remark -that "he had only saved him that he might have the satisfaction later of -getting him where he wanted him"? - -_Jim McCloud_, of all men. Jim, who had been ahead of them all in his -bitter vilification of the new policeman and, avowedly, the latter's -worst enemy on the range. Only the _two_ of them there at the muskeg ... -evening, at that ... not another soul within sight or hearing. All the -Sergeant needed to have done--if he had liked--was to sit in his saddle -and just--_watch_. - -Of what earthly use were all the many opportunities to rustle that -showed up so invitingly at times while such a ruthlessly clever anomaly -as he was stationed in the district? A man who seemed to possess endless -disguises and hiding places and never to sleep; whose disquieting -presence, supremely indifferent to weather conditions or darkness, was -apt to upset all their calculations as to his whereabouts in a most -sudden and undesirable fashion? - -No--so long as _he_ was around, it was not worth the while risking "a -stretch in the 'Pen,'" even if owners _were_ a little lethargic and -careless, at times, about getting their colts and calves branded. There -must be "snitches" in their midst, "double-crossing" them, they argued -darkly. _Must_ be--otherwise whence had he obtained the knowledge that -had led to the undoing of so many? And, as this disturbing possibility -continued to gain credence, the seeds of mutual distrust and -apprehension were sown broadcast amongst them which, needless to say, -was greatly beneficial to the rest of the law-abiding community. - -If this altered state of affairs was highly satisfactory to Benton's -commanding officer it was even more so to the Stock Association, and the -Sergeant was the recipient of many tributes of esteem and gratitude from -that sterling body for the good work that he had done. - - PART II - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - - - "I was a stranger, and ye took me in:" - - --_St. Matt_. XXV, 35 - -The long, bright May day had drawn to a close, and darkness was setting -in, through which a few faint stars had begun to twinkle. Ah, here was a -light at last; and a welcome sight it was to the tired girl, leading an -equally tired, fat, old gray horse as, topping a rise in the trail, she -beheld the visible signs of a habitation gleaming in the distance. - -"Come on, Sam," she coaxed cheerily, with a slightly impatient tug at -the reins and quickening her pace. "We'll soon be there, now, old boy, -and you'll get a good long drink and a feed!" - -Plodding wearily on, they stumbled over the ruts of a well-worn trail -diverging at right angles from the one they were traversing, and which -the girl instinctively took, guessing that it led to the dwelling whose -beacon shone brighter and brighter with every nearing step. - -Suddenly she pulled up short for, through a lull in the brisk night -breeze--like an AEolian harp--there came to her astonished ears the -unmistakable sounds of a piano. A fresh gust of wind carried it away -next minute, though, and she moved forward again. Soon the shadowy -outlines of a building became visible amid the surrounding gloom, and -the music became distinct and real. Dropping the horse's reins, the girl -stepped slowly and carefully towards the light, thrusting out her hands -with experienced caution as she did so, fearful of encountering the -customary strands of a barbed-wire fence. Meeting with no such obstacle, -she drew nearer to the open window, absently humming a bar of "The -Bridal Chorus" from "Lohengrin," which air the invisible pianist had, -with masterly improvisations, just drawn to a close. - -Then she halted, paralyzed for the moment with astonishment--all her own -musical instincts fully aroused--as a man's deep, rich baritone voice -floated forth on the night air, singing a well-remembered song, but as -_she_ had never heard it sung before. And, though not of a particularly -sentimental temperament, she found it impossible to listen to the -beautiful words on this occasion unmoved: - - If I were hanged on the highest hill, - Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine! - I know whose love would follow me still, - Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine! - -Entranced, she stood motionless. Whoever could this unknown vocalist -with the magnificent voice be, singing "Mother o' mine, O mother o' -mine" in the wilderness? The slow, deep, ineffable pathos of its last -verse thrilled and touched her strangely: - - If I were damned of body and soul, - I know whose prayers would make me whole, - Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine! - -As the song ended, she roused herself out of the dreamy reverie into -which she had fallen and, moving forward again, peered through the -window. But the light was between her and the singer and she could not -see plainly. Retracing her steps, she approached the front entrance and -knocked gently on the door. There came a crash of chords, a moment's -silence, then a firm, decided step sounded inside and the door was -opened. She caught only the vague impression of a man's form in the -gloom, for the light was hidden from view in the back room; then a -pleasant--unmistakably, a gentleman's voice--with a slightly imperious -ring in it said: - -"Good night, madam. Is anything the matter? Did you wish to see me?" - -"I'm--I'm afraid I've lost my way," she answered. "I'm trying to get -back to Mr. Trainor's ranch. I've not been in this district very long -and I'm--I suppose I'm what you call 'a bit green' as yet at finding my -way about on the prairie," she added merrily. - -He laughed at her last words. "So," he said. "Seems a bit like it. Dave -Trainor's lies about seven miles nor'east of here. You're riding, of -course?" - -"Oh, yes," she said plaintively. "But all the _decent_ horses are away -on the spring round-up, and the only one I could get was old Sam, and -he's _so_ fat and lazy and slow. It's too much like 'working your -passage' with him. That's the principal reason I'm out so late. I'd been -to see Mrs. Goddard, at the Bow View ranch, and her husband told me of a -trail which he said would be shorter than the one I came by. He wanted -to ride back with me, but I was full of self-confidence and thought I -could make it alone all right. Consequence is--here I am, 'lost on the -bald-headed,' as they say. Poor old Sam's pretty nearly played out for a -drink and a feed--an'--an' so am I," she continued frankly. "I've walked -an awful long way to ease him, for I'm not exactly what you'd call a -feather-weight." - -Her humor was irresistible and infectious. "All right," he said gaily. -"You'll find this a pretty rough roadhouse, I'm afraid, though. It's the -Mounted Police detachment, and I'm the Sergeant in charge. But--we'll do -what we can. You go on in, please, and make yourself at home. I'll fix -up your horse now, and get you some supper afterwards." - -Ten minutes or so later, he returned from the stable to find his guest -sitting on the music stool in the inner room awaiting him. Exclamations -of surprised mutual recognition escaped them as they saw each other for -the first time in the light. - -He beheld the same winsome face and the tall, athletic, majestically -proportioned figure of the girl who had spoken to him and admired -Johnny, his horse, one day the previous summer, as he was waiting -outside Sabbano station while she, for her part, saw the stern, bronzed, -scarred face and uniformed figure of the rider with whom she had -conversed, and for which lapse she had, incidentally, been so severely -censured by her aunt. - -Now that he was at leisure to observe her closely he remarked her small, -superbly carried head, surmounted with its thick masses of silky, -shining, naturally curly, almost blue-black hair, and her face--which, -though pleasing, healthy, and happy--could scarcely be called beautiful -at first sight, since the cleft chin was too determined, and the mouth, -with its humorous upward curl at the corners of the lips, too large and -strong. Her brow was broad, low, and white, with thick, level eyebrows -that matched the color of her hair. But it was her speaking, eloquent -eyes which attracted him the most. They were of the very darkest hazel; -one moment sleeping lazily under their long lashes, the next sparkling -and snapping like the sunlight on a rippling stream as they reflected -the constant lively and changeful play of their owner's irrepressible -emotions. A short Grecian nose, perfect teeth, and a pink-brown -complexion that bespoke a love of a fresh air life completed the -altogether charming personality of this interesting brunette. - -She was attired in a well-worn khaki divided riding-skirt and a plain, -white linen blouse, with a red silk scarf loosely knotted around her -splendid columnar throat. Her feet--absurdly small for a woman of her -generous build--were encased in high-heeled, spurred riding-boots; and -as she sat there with an easy, self-possessed grace, a cow-girl's -Stetson hat tilted rakishly on her raven-hued, glossy hair, nonchalantly -swinging a quirt in one of her fringed gauntlets, she presented a very -alluring and delightful picture indeed. Plain, and almost coarse though -her dress was, its simplicity only served to enhance the rounded -outlines of her abnormally tall, classical, magnificent figure. - -"Well, well," said the Sergeant. "This sure is a pleasure. Why, I might -have known you again if only from your voice." - -She laughed with a deep, musical, mischievous chuckle, like a boy whose -voice is breaking. - -"Same here," she said, with emphasis. "Though I've never had the -pleasure of hearing yours in song before. Why, you must be the Mounted -Policeman I often hear Mr. Trainer speaking of? I never thought to -connect you with the same man on the black horse that time last year." - -"Sure," he answered, grinning. "Only I hope Dave doesn't libel me as -badly as some of 'em do, for I'm very sensitive. My name's -Benton--Sergeant Benton." - -Her dark eyes flashed roguishly and, drawing off a gauntlet, she held -out her hand with a frank, impulsive camaraderie and grasped his with a -warm, strong clasp. - -"My Good Samaritan," she said simply. "I'm very glad to know you and, -since introductions are going, suffice it to say _my_ name's -O'Malley--Mary O'Malley--and I originally hail from New York. At present -I'm companion to Mrs. Trainer, governess to her children--what you -will." - -He nodded. "Well," he said, "since you've been kind enough to confer the -title of 'Good Samaritan' on me, I must make good on the best this poor -house can offer you." - -And he bustled through into the kitchen. "No, no," he protested -laughingly, as she arose with an offer of help and made as if to follow -him. "You be good, now, and stay right where you are. You may run things -at Dave Trainer's, but I won't have you butting around _my_ kitchen. Oh, -I'm quite a competent cook, I can assure you." - -She gave a little comical grimace of despair. "Oh, very well, then," she -said. "I'll just stay here and sulk instead." - -And she began to wander around the room, examining all his military -accouterments, pictures, and curios, with a lively, almost childlike, -interest, calling out from time to time "What this was for?" and "What -that was?" etc. Then, suddenly seating herself at the piano, she lifted -up a great, rollicking voice and, in an amusing, exaggerated Hibernian -brogue, commenced to sing "Th' Waking of Pat Malone": - - Thin--Pat Malone forgot that he wot dead-- - He raised his head and shouldthers from th' bed; - -Which ditty tickled her host beyond measure as he continued his cooking -operations. - -Presently, tiring of the piano, she got up and, leaning in the doorway, -regarded him with serious, appraising eyes. - -"Man," she said solemnly, "'tis th' grand voice that ye have--singin' -away all on your lonesome." - -And, dropping the brogue, she quoted, to his intense amusement and -surprise, a well-worn verse from "Omar Khayyam." - -"So," said Ellis, with a delighted chuckle, as the daring and utter -absurdity of the quotation, under the circumstances, struck him, "it's -kind of you to suggest it. All the ingredients are at hand, too, except -the 'Flask of Wine,' 'Wilderness enow,' particularly.... Sorry about the -Wine, though, after that compliment. Unfortunately, we're strictly 'on -the tack,' as we call it, just now. Oh, 'Barkis is willin',' all right." - -He cleared the books and papers off the table in the living-room and, -spreading out the simple repast that he had prepared for her, drew up a -chair. - -"Grub pi-i-ile!" she shrilled, in droll imitation of a camp cookee; and, -seating herself, she attacked the frugal meal with a healthy appetite -that fully demonstrated her previous admission that she was hungry. - -"Sorry I forgot to ask whether you'd have tea or coffee," he said -apologetically. "I've made you coffee." - -"Oh, that's all right," she said carelessly. "I much prefer coffee. -Thanks. My! but I'm hungry!" - -He sat down in one of the easy chairs opposite and, leaning his head -back against the leopard skin, watched her with a lively and -all-absorbing interest. Her complete self-possession and confidence, and -the unconventional manner in which she proceeded to make herself -entirely at home in the detachment, amused and astounded him. He -remembered the impulsive, winning way that she had come over and spoken -to him on the occasion of their first meeting. She was a new type to him -and he realized that she was quite out of the ordinary. - -She was not "mannish," but there seemed to be a good deal of the -irresponsible boy, as it were, left in her. She couldn't be a strolling -ex-actress, he reflected. The utter absence of coquetry, the fresh, -healthy, open-air look of her, and the mention that she had made of the -position she occupied at the Trainors' immediately dispelled that idea. -And besides, Dave Trainor's wife was a lady-like, nice woman -and--particular. He was a frequent and welcome caller at their -ranch--knew them intimately. - -No, she was all right. Just a big, simple, jolly girl, well bred and -educated; brought up, perhaps, amongst a host of brothers and their -friends so, therefore, accustomed to masculine society, and most likely -preferring it to her own sex. Mixing with them in their out-door -sports--clean minded, healthy specimens like herself--daring, high -spirited and impulsive, without being brazen and bold--funny, without -being vulgar. Her manner, and clear, frank, honest eyes showed him that. -Used to being teased and welcomed everywhere--clever, mirth loving, -independent, self-reliant, kind and brave. - -It was thus that he mentally diagnosed the character of his fair guest. -He was no vain, smirking Lothario, but he instinctively guessed how that -strong mouth of hers could set, and those hazel eyes blaze and -scintillate with dangerous anger at times; and that the man who was -ill-advised and--ignorant enough--to ever make the foolish break of -misconstruing her careless geniality for anything else _but_ that, was -only inviting disaster of the most ignominious and humiliating kind. - -Her gaze flitted around the room continually as she appeased her -appetite, and he was subjected to an exacting and minute inquisition -anent the duties and life of a Mounted Policeman. - -"And do they supply your detachments with pianos, too?" she inquired -ingenuously. "Now, you needn't laugh. I believe you've only been telling -me a lot of nonsense. 'I was a stranger, so you took me in.' It's too -bad of you." - -"Honor bright, I haven't," he protested, with a grin. "I've told you the -truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Pianos! Oh, my -long-suffering Force. No, we get a pretty good outfit, but the -Government don't extend their generosity quite _that_ far. This musical -box belongs to the Honorable Percy Lake. He's a rich Englishman who -plays at 'rawnching' here--a 'jolly boy,' as we call 'em. His place is -about five miles due west from here; it's fitted up like a Fifth Avenue -mansion. Oh, he's no end of a swell. But it's caddish of me to make fun -of him, for he's an awfully decent chap at heart, in spite of his lazy, -fastidious ways, and a man--every bit of him. He's away in California -just now. He and his wife always flit South with the geese before the -winter sets in, but they should be back any old time now. He was scared -the punchers would ruin this piano if it was left to their tender -mercies. It's a pretty good one, I believe--a Broadwood. Had it shipped -out from the Old Country and, as he knows I'm fond of music, he insisted -on carting it over here. Kind enough, but whatever I'd do with it if I -was transferred suddenly anywhere else, I don't know. It'll be a relief, -in a way, when he redeems it." - -He got up and poured her some more coffee, remarking a little anxiously: - -"I suppose the Trainors will be having a search party out for you, -thinking something's happened. Shouldn't wonder but what Dave's on his -way down here right now to notify me." - -"Oh, no; don't you worry," she said reassuringly. "I told them I _might_ -stay at the Goddard's place for the night. I would have done so, only I -found little Willy Goddard was sickening for measles and I didn't want -to take chances in my capacity of governess of probably passing it on to -the Trainors' children--Bert and Gwyn. Not that I'm scared for -myself--I've had it, years and years ago. Oh, the Trainors know I'm -jolly well able to take care of my little self," she added, with a -slight suggestion of defiant challenge in her tones and look which -stirred the fiery Benton blood in his veins strangely. - -"Yes, you just bet you are!" he ejaculated admiringly, as he appraised -her strong, splendid figure. "You're away taller than I am, and I -shouldn't wonder if you don't _weigh_ heavier, too. Riding keeps my -weight down, though. I don't suppose I go more'n a hundred and -seventy-five; but that's plenty heavy enough for a horse." - -She nodded carelessly. "Went one hundred and seventy-eight last week -when I weighed myself on the grain scales--and I'm five feet ten and a -half. Oh, Finnegan, that's me! - -"I had quite an adventure coming along," she continued, with reflective -gravity. "After I'd left the Goddards' I came through a place away back -on the trail there--I think it's called 'Fish Creek.' I was passing by a -bit of an old homestead--you couldn't dignify it with the title of -'ranch.' There was a tumble-down old shack there, anyway, and as I came -round the front of it--the trail bends there--I saw a funny little old -man standing, or rather, leaning, in the doorway. He'd got a bottle in -his hand and, oh! he _was_ so tipsy--singing away like anything. - -"Well, as soon as he caught sight of me, he raised his bottle and -shouted ''_Urroo!_' I didn't know what he was rejoicing about, but of -course I shouted 'Urroo! back. And then I suppose he intended to come -over and speak to me, but the steps of his shack were broken and, oh, -dear! he came such an awful tumble off his perch and smashed the bottle -all to pieces." - -Ellis gave a shout of laughter. "Why, that must be old Bob Tucker," he -said. "He's always getting 'lit up.' Did he scare you?" - -The great, smiling girl arose and, dusting some crumbs off her lap, drew -herself up to her full regal height and looked down upon him with -pitying toleration. - -"Huh!" she ejaculated. But words cannot express the world of scornful -amusement, derision, and incredulity that she put into the exclamation. -"Scare nothing! the poor little, dirty old tipsy thing. I got off Sam -and picked him up, and then I saw he'd cut one of his hands on the -broken bottle. It was bleeding ever so badly, and a piece of the glass -was still sticking in the cut. When he saw he'd lost all his whiskey he -started to swear something awful--leastways I _think_ it was -swearing.... It sounded like it, but it was in a funny language I -couldn't understand. And then he began to cry. Oh, I _was_ so sorry for -him. I helped him up the steps into the shack, and got some water and -washed his cut hand--then I tied it up with my handkerchief. All the -time he kept whimpering: 'Oh, gorblimey, it 'urts! it 'urts!' And he -kept calling me '_intombi_.' What's that mean?" - -"It's Zulu," said Ellis. "It means 'young woman.' I guess he was -swearing in Kaffir or the _Taal_. He's an old Cockney, but he's lived -the best part of his life in South Africa." - -"Well," she continued, "after I'd fixed up his hand he stopped crying -and commenced to shout: ''Urroo! 'Urroo!' again. And then he pulled a -dirty old letter out of his pocket and began to tell me it was from -'Jack 'Arper,' who, he explained, was a friend of his son's, somewhere -down in Eastern Ontario. ''E tells me my b'y 'Arry's _vrouw's -doed_!--gorn to 'eving!' he says, in a screech you could pretty nearly -hear to Sabbano. And it was awful the way he chuckled and grinned over -it. Just as if it was some great joke. 'An' Jack, 'e says as 'ow 'Arry's -bin _dronk_ ever since, but wevver it's becos 'e's sorry, or becos 'e's -glad, w'y 'e don't know.... An' 'e says as 'ow 'Arry wants me to come -back Heast an' live wiv 'im on th' farm. An' I'm a-goin', too!' he says. -'I've sold aht this old plice--an' me stock--to Walter 'Umphries, an' -I'm a-goin' to _trek_ next week. 'Urroo! 'Urroo! 'ere goes nuthin'!'" - -Ellis, at this point, was convulsed with mirth; for her exact mimicry of -old Tucker's Cockney speech was startlingly natural and funny in the -extreme. - -The girl laughed with him, continuing: "He was stumbling about and -waving his arms all the while he was telling me this joyful news, and he -wanted to get me some supper but, ugh!... I simply couldn't. The place -and everything was so dirty--like a pigstye. I was glad to get away, and -I left him standing on the broken steps waving his bandaged hand to me. -The poor old thing! does he live there all alone?" - -Ellis nodded. "Yes," he said. "I've been trying to get him to sell out -and go and live with his son down East for a long time now. I'm glad to -hear he's going at last. He's too old to live alone like that. His -daughter-in-law was the obstacle. The reason I asked you if you were -scared was because he's got a playful way of flourishing a loaded rifle -around sometimes when he gets on these toots. He put the fear into me -properly one time, I remember." - -A photograph, slightly yellow with age, in a splendid silver frame on -the piano attracted her attention and, with an "Excuse me," she crossed -over and scrutinized it long and earnestly. It was the sweet, proud, -regally beautiful face of a woman attired in an evening dress of the -style worn in the early 'seventies. Ah! no need to tell her who _that_ -was! For, in spite of his mutilated ear and scarred, bronzed face, she -recognized in the portrait the same regular, clean-cut features and -steady eyes of the man who sat there silently watching her, with his -head thrown out into strong relief against the leopard-skin kaross. - -She glanced at him in mute inquiry, and back to the photograph again, -instinctively guessing _now_ whence the inspiration of that moving song -had come which had been the means of arousing in her a greater interest -in her host than she would perhaps have cared to admit. - -"It's my mother," he said simply, interpreting her look. "She died when -I was just a kid at school. A little over a year before I came out to -the States." - -There was silence for awhile and presently he sprang up briskly. - -"Well, now, I don't want to hurry you, Miss O'Malley," he said, "but -we've got seven miles to go and it's a quarter to eleven now. They'll -all have gone to roost at the Trainors' long ago, I expect. I'm going to -give you a _good_ horse to ride ... the black fellow you liked so much." -(She gave a little exclamation of delight.) "The work began to pile -up--there's some awful long patrols to do here. It was too much for one -horse, so I kicked for another and got it. I ride 'em turn about. -There's a good pasture at the back, with water, so when I go away for a -few days I can always turn the spare one out. I'll shove your saddle -onto Johnny--he's quiet--and I'll ride Billy and trail old Sam -alongside." - -She thanked him prettily and gratefully for the hospitable entertainment -accorded her and his kind offer of guidance. - -"Oh, not at all; not at all," he replied cheerily. "It's the other way -about, I'm thinking. You've quite livened things up around here. I'm a -kind of a lonely beggar. You can't think how I've enjoyed your company. -Well, I'll go and get those horses and we'll hit the trail." - -To the lonely man that night ride to the Trainors' ranch with such an -interesting companion seemed all too short, and but for the late hour -and the fact of her being by now very tired, he could have wished the -distance longer. - -Everything was dark and still as they neared the ranch, until two huge -coyote hounds hearing their approach ran out barking, and overwhelmed -them with a boisterous welcome when they dismounted. Hitching the horses -to the fence, Ellis swung open the hanging gate of the square, railed-in -enclosure within which the ranch dwelling stood, and they walked slowly -up the path. Aroused by the dogs, Trainor himself came out to meet them -with a lighted lantern in his hand. - -"Hello, people!" was his hearty greeting. "What's abroad? That you, -Mary? Why, Sergeant, it's you, eh? What's this young lady been up to -now? Is she under arrest?" - -"Sure thing," said Ellis, laughing. "I'm thinking of charging her with -'vagrancy'--found her wandering around the prairie 'riding the grub -line.'" - -Explanations followed, and Trainor led the way into the house. It was a -comfortable, home-like, roomy dwelling, simply, but well and -substantially furnished, with many splendid bear, deer, and other skins -scattered around the painted hardwood floor in lieu of carpets, for -Trainor had traveled considerably, and been a mighty hunter in former -years. The well-stocked book shelves, the piano, and a few, but good, -oil paintings and engravings that adorned the walls, seemed to imply -that the owners were people of substance and refinement. Trainor was a -tall, strongly-built man of fifty or thereabouts, with a heavy, fair -mustache and a humorous, weather-beaten face. His speech, although -slightly nasal, was that of an educated American, and his genial, -kind-hearted personality created an instinctive liking with all who met -him. - -He was roughly dressed in a waistcoat, gray-flannel shirt, with blue -overalls tucked into high riding-boots; for, apart from the fact that he -was well-to-do, and one of the largest stock owners in the district, he -was a worker himself, and liked to superintend the running of his ranch -personally. - -"The wife's gone to bed long ago," he said. "I was sitting up, reading, -when I heard the dogs start in to yap. Why, Mary, my girl! I thought you -said you were going to stay the night at the Goddards'? They've got the -measles there, eh? Well, all's well that ends well, thanks to Sergeant -Benton, here. Trust you not to get left, anyway. You look pretty well -played out, though. You'd better go to roost or you'll be losing your -good looks. Won't she?" - -"Impossible!" exclaimed the sergeant, with such fervent emphasis that a -faint blush arose on the girl's rather tired face, as she thanked him -again and bid him "Good-night." - -He chatted awhile with Trainor, who had hospitably produced a bottle of -whiskey, and presently got up and prepared to depart, refusing the -latter's invitation for him to stay the night. - -"Can't chance it tonight, Dave," he said. "I'm anticipating the arrival -of one of our officers--Inspector Purvis. He's about due here, visiting -detachments, and I don't want to be away when he comes. Thanks, all the -same! No, you needn't come out. I'll off-saddle and fix up old Sam. So -long." - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - - - Of lovers she had a full score, - Or more, - And fortunes they all had galore, - In store; - From the minister down - To the clerk of the Crown, - All were courting the Widow Malone, - Ohone! - All were courting the Widow Malone. - - --_Charles Lever_ - -In spite of his morose and surely somewhat fantastic constancy, which -obsession, be it remarked, he was rather prone to exaggerate than -minimize, and the bitter, hopeless philosophy with which he had come to -regard his single and seemingly inevitable lot, it must be admitted that -Ellis found his mind subconsciously reverting on many occasions during -the next few weeks to the girl who had so unconventionally invaded his -bachelor quarters. - -"Yes, begad! there _was_ a strong fascination about her," he -soliloquized. She was so totally different to any other woman who had -come into his lonely life. Several times, too, he found this same -compelling influence answerable for his change of direction as he found -himself absently swinging off the main trail north into the one that -diverged east and led to the Trainors' ranch where, by now, he had come -to be regarded as a regular and welcome visitor. - -The girl, on her part naturally enough, was by no means oblivious to the -reason of his frequent calls, though she always greeted him with her -customary careless, wide-eyed geniality, their acquaintance by now -having ripened into the intimacy of teasing, playful badinage, at which -pastime, needless to say, both of them excelled. - -With an innate delicacy that was only natural and instinctive in one -come of his gentle birth and early breeding, he had forborne from ever -asking her the reason that she was occupying the comparatively humble -position of governess, lady companion, or--as she herself had put -it--"what you will," on a ranch. It puzzled him. When he had first met -her the year previous she was then apparently traveling in state, -plainly, although richly, dressed, with an elderly aunt, who--her -disagreeable and snobbish manner notwithstanding--distinctly radiated -every indication of imposing worldly affluence. - -Anyway, those were the impressions that he had formed in the brief -glimpse afforded him of the two ladies on that occasion. On this head he -one day casually sounded Dave Trainor, as the two of them lounged in the -stable talking cattle and horse, preparatory to the Chinese cook's -shrill summons of "Glub pl-i-i-ile!" heralded with the customary knuckle -tattoo on an inverted dishpan. Trainor, with a slight touch of -reminiscent garrulity--a mannerism of his--and with his usual preface: - -"Now, see here; look! I'll tell you how that is, Sergeant," proceeded to -enlighten him. "I've known that girl," he began, "and all her family for -many years back--ever since she was a little slip of a kid, in fact. I -started out in life as a mining engineer. That's my real profession, -though I've been in the ranching business now for twenty years or more. -It must have been in 'seventy-four, or thereabouts, when I first met her -father--Terence O'Malley--in New York. He was a mining stockbroker then, -and being more or less mixed up in the same class of business, we -drifted together and became pretty chummy. He was a typical harum-scarum -Irishman out of Ireland. One of those lovable, brilliant kind of -ducks--the life and soul of whatever company he was in. A regular -'Mickey Free.' Of good birth and education, clever and shrewd in his -business, but a proper gambler at heart, and impulsive and changeable as -the wind. She's very like him in many ways--got all his impulsiveness, -witty humor and brogue, but without his selfishness and improvidence. -Oh, he was sure some high flier, O'Malley. Made fortunes in one -day--lost 'em the next. You know the way they run amuck on the Stock -Exchange? He married a New York girl--think her name was Egan. Anyway, -_she_ was of Irish extraction, too. This girl--Mary--is the eldest of -the family. She's got four brothers, but they all came some years -later--there's quite a space in between her and them. Somehow another -they were all brought up and received pretty fair educations. The boys -have got decent enough positions in various parts of the States--able to -keep themselves now, at all events. They're good kids enough, but -inclined to be a bit wild--possess a lot of the characteristics of their -old man. He died about three years ago--of disappointment and shock, -when the final crash came in his fortunes. I guess his heart was weak. - -"It was a queer household, theirs, as you can imagine, with the -fluctuating nature of the father's income--and he was one of those who -never dreamt of laying by for a rainy day. Yes, _sir_! I tell you there -were hard struggles at times in that family. One week--on 'Easy Street.' -The next--'broke to the wide'--unable to pay the rent. O'Malley's wife -had died in giving birth to the last boy and afterwards, all through -their ups and downs, that girl kept things as straight as she could. She -was a regular mother to the boys in those days--has been all along. -They'd have all gone to the devil long enough ago if it hadn't been for -her. She's twenty-eight now, though she don't look it. After her father -died, she went to live with an aunt of hers--a Mrs. Gorman, of -Philadelphia. She's sure got the 'rocks,' all right, but I guess she's -about as disagreeable an old party as you could find. You've seen her, -you say?" (Ellis nodded grimly.) "Well, her acquaintance doesn't belie -her face. I don't know how on earth Mary stuck to her for so long. It -was a case of 'nowhere else to go,' I guess, poor girl, and she's very -patient. Must have had a hard time of it, from what little she's told -us. She isn't the bewailing sort that cry their troubles abroad to all -and sundry they meet, but I suppose it got too thick for even her to -stand any longer, so she decided to cut loose from 'Aunty.' She wrote to -the wife, asking her if she knew of any position that she could earn her -own living at over on this side. So that's how it is she's here, looking -after Bert and Gwyn. Those kids just worship her. Seems she prefers this -fresh air life to an office job. You might know that, anyway, by the -look of her. I tell you, I respect and admire that girl, Benton. Hello! -was that 'Grub pile!' just went? Come on in, or we'll be getting a -scolding for being late." - - -Slowly but, nevertheless surely, as the weeks, and gradually months, -went by, and their intimacy increased, the inevitable happened to Ellis -and Mary; for mere platonic friendship between two individuals of their -warm-blooded natures was impossible amidst such surroundings, and by -imperceptible degrees their mutual interest and liking for each other -had developed into a stronger feeling. - -But still Ellis wavered. For the pessimistic ideas that he held -regarding a Mounted Policeman's general life, insufficient pay, and -hazardous occupation--in the non-commissioned ranks, anyway--rendering -him unfit for marriage ties, continued to obsess him and slightly warp -his ordinarily generous, impulsive nature. The habits of years are not -easily broken, and long companionship with Musgrave had not tended to -mitigate his views. Since the death of his first love he had, in a great -degree, held aloof from women's society, keeping a tight curb on himself -and rigidly repressing all his emotions. In whatever few convictions he -possessed regarding the grand passion he was an idealist, and wedded -bliss in the form of the average smug, thrifty marriage of -convenience--contracted usually by the man of meager or moderate -means--did not appeal to him at all. - -Whether or not the girl reciprocated his affection a characteristic lack -of vanity precluded his knowing, for as yet there had been no love -passages between them to warrant his believing so. He thought she liked, -and was not altogether indifferent to him, and that was all. - -It is not to be supposed that he was entirely alone in his attentions to -that debonair young woman. Her sex were not over numerous in the -neighborhood, and she was therefore distinctly attractive to the various -bachelors--young, middle-aged, and old--who resided within a twenty-mile -radius of the Trainors' establishment. Thus it may be inferred that she -did not lack suitors, many of them admittedly eligible as regards their -possession of worldly goods--a fact which Ellis forcibly realized at -times, when the bitter consciousness of his own limited means and -prospects would come home to him with cruel intensity. - -But the strong, sane, logical mind of the man predominated, and he kept -himself well in hand. They had the prior right, he argued; for, plain -and homely though most of them might be, they didn't hang fire like him, -anyway. They were in the position to give the girl a better home than he -could ever hope to offer her. He would therefore be no -"dog-in-the-manger" to stand in their way, he decided. So, whenever he -chanced to find one of these would-be suitors ahead of him in the field, -he always promptly excused himself and withdrew; which policy of -self-effacement, be it remarked, piqued poor Mary not a little. - -He was not exactly made of the stuff that calculating, luke-warm, -cautious lovers are prone to be composed of, but the fires of jealousy -had once scorched him pretty severely and the memory of the lively -torment that he had endured in those miserable days was still too vivid -in his recollection to risk a possible repetition of that dread disease. - -He need have had no fear. One and all--irrespective of age, wealth, or -appearance, she treated them with the same laughing impartiality, -rendering to each the same answer. In kindly fashion at that, too, for -she realized only as a dowerless spinster can, that the well-meaning, -earnest love of an honest man is not a thing to be contemptuously cast -aside or scoffed at. As often as not Ellis, nearing the Trainors' ranch, -with the intention of paying a visit, would chance to observe one of -these rejected, love-lorn swains galloping or driving away in eccentric -haste; and, hopelessly in love though he himself was, that fact did not, -however, totally eclipse his sense of humor. - -He was only human, and the sight of a discomfitted rival beating an -ignominious retreat--or as he (Ellis) put it--"chasing himself over the -bald-headed," was too irresistibly funny a spectacle to prevent a surly -chuckle escaping him. And, postponing his intended visit just then, from -motives of delicacy, he would ride on his way, in all probability, -rejoicing. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - - - She'd come again, and with a greedy ear - Devour up my discourse: - - --_Othello: Act_ I, _Sc_. 3 - -One glorious September afternoon, appreciating the girl's fondness for -riding Johnny, Ellis rode over to the Trainors', leading his favorite -mount. Entering the house, he received the usual kindly welcome from the -rancher and his wife; the latter a stoutish, jolly-looking woman with a -great mass of fair, fluffy hair--some years her husband's junior. - -"Well, well," she said, looking up at him with playful amusement. "And -where, _sir_, have _you_ been hiding yourself lately? We'd begun to -think you must have fallen down a gopher hole or something." - -He walked through into the kitchen and drank a dipperful of water -thirstily, before he answered. Returning, he grinned significantly at -his hostess. - -"All right, let it go at that, Mrs. Trainor," he replied. "Here, Gwyn!" -he continued, slewing around and catching hold of that little blonde -seven-year-old fairy, "where's Miss O'Malley?" - -"Shan't tell you!" came the mutinous giggle. - -"Oh, yes, you will," he said, tickling her. "Come on, now; you tell, or -I'll--I'll take you out and put you right on top of the barn for that -big sparrow-hawk to come and get! He likes little girls like you. One! -Two!--are you going to tell me--?" - -"Yes, yes!" came the smothered squawk. "Pu-put me down, though. -She--she's drying her hair in the sun back of the house," she whispered -gravely. - -"Is she? Well, you go and tell her I want her," he whispered back. "Run -like anything." - -"Oh, she'll come quick enough when she knows you've got Johnny for her -to ride," remarked Trainor, smiling. "She won't look at that Pedro horse -of mine so long as _he's_ around. Say!" he broke off. "Bert's sure -getting to be some marksman, ain't he? He'll be running you pretty close -when he gets older, Sergeant. Look at that, now!" - -These remarks were occasioned by the entrance of a sturdy youngster of -nine, who was proudly dangling the carcasses of half a dozen fat -gophers. - -"No, no, Bert! You mustn't bring them in here!" cried his mother -sharply. "Take them outside and give them to Tom and Jerry!" - -Hugging a small "twenty-two" rifle and his dead gophers, the boy gave a -roguish grin at Ellis and departed, followed by two huge mewing tomcats. - -"Little brutes were just ruining the garden," said Trainor, "so I put -Bert onto them. He's just having the time of his life with that new gun -I bought him." - -Ellis, seating himself at the piano with an assurance that bespoke long -familiarity in that kindly, homelike household, began to idly strum. -"Come, Lasses and Lads," with a whistling accompaniment. Suddenly a -shadow darkened the open door, and a mischievous voice greeted him with: - -"Hello, 'Mancatcher'! What brings you here this late along? We'd begun -to think something had happened to you." - -With her great, shimmering, glorious mass of glossy black hair rippling -and tumbling about her teasing, slightly sunburnt face, Mary looked like -a girl of eighteen. And as she stood there, with her superb figure drawn -up to its full height, she made a picture that aroused the Sergeant's -slumbering passion anew with increased fervor. - -But his well-trained visage and voice evinced nothing of his feelings as -he returned her pleasantry with, an answering careless: - -"Why, hello, 'Mousetrap'! Comin' for a ride?" - -Mrs. Trainor exploded with bubbling mirth. - -"Why, why! whatever new nicknames are these? You two'll be forgetting -what your real names are altogether soon. I never heard such nonsense." - -"It isn't, Mrs. Trainor," said Ellis aggrievedly. "It's just -_that_--mice! I found her busy catching 'em in one of the oat bins in -the stable the other day. She just catches and plays with 'em--lets 'em -run, then grabs 'em again." - -"Huh!" said the girl contemptuously. "That's nothing! I'm not afraid of -mice. Poor little things. Besides, I had gauntlets on." - -"No," said Ellis slowly, with a mocking chuckle, "it'd take more than a -mouse to scare _you_--we know that! Come! I'll trade you aliases. _I_ -haven't caught a man for over two months now." - -His mischievous meaning was only too obvious, and the girl colored to -her laughing eyes, grabbing, next instant, a ball of wool from Mrs. -Trainor's lap, which she shied at him. - -Benton, dodging this missile, gazed piercingly at her for several -seconds without moving a muscle of his face; then, suddenly swinging -around on the music-stool, he brought down his hands with a crash of -chords and, in a great rollicking voice and a broad Somersetshire -dialect, commenced to sing a bucolic love ditty. Something that went: - - "Vor if yeou conzents vor tu marry I now, - Whoy--Vather 'e'll gie uns 'is old vat zow! - With a rum dum--dum dum--dubble dum day!" - -"Boo-o-oo! La, la, la!" shrilled poor Mary, covering her ears. "Oh, -_please_, Mrs. Trainor, _do_ make him stop!" - -"What's the use, my dear?" cried that merry dame, in great amusement. -"He wouldn't listen to me. He's too impudent for anything." - -While Trainor slapped his thigh and guffawed uproariously. - -"Oh, oh!" screamed the girl, stamping and pirouetting about the room, -"he's starting _another_ verse! Oh, quit, quit, quit! or _I'll_ start in -opposition! I'll make such a noise they won't be able to hear you!" - -And at the top of her voice she started to declaim lustily: - - "Arrah, go on! You're only tazin! - Arrah, go on! You're somethin' awful! - Arrah, go on! You're mighty plazin! - Oh, arrah go way! go wid yer! go way! go on!" - -"That settles it," shouted Ellis, jumping up. "I'll sure give in to -_that_. Peccavi! I'll chuck up the sponge. But you be good after this -now, or I'll sing you some _more_ 'Zummerzet.' Don't bother about -getting your hair done up again, Miss O'Malley. It looks 'Jake' like -that. Just tie a bit of red ribbon round. Come on; go and get your -riding things on. Johnny's feeling pretty good--hasn't been out for -three days now." - - -"Oh, my, but that's great!" gasped Mary ecstatically, half an hour -later, as they pulled their excited, eager horses up to a walk, after a -perilous neck-and-neck gallop, supremely careless of whatever -badger-holes lay in their course on the long, flat stretch. "Aha, -Johnny, old boy! you sure do like to be let out for a run, don't you?" -she continued caressingly, as she patted the arched, swelling neck of -the great springy beast under her who, with a network of quivering, -hard, grain-fed muscles rippling beneath his smooth, black-satiny coat, -sidled and paced with daintily uplifted forefeet. The powerful animal -carried his substantially-built rider as if she were only a child, -flattening his ears and biting with equine playfulness meanwhile at -Billy, the big, upstanding, well-coupled-up bay that Ellis was riding. - -"Well, whither away?" he inquired. "Where shall we go? Gosh, but it's -hot!" - -"Let's go up on the top of that big hill over to the west there--where -that flat stone is," she said, indicating a high, conical hill, -something like a South African _kopje_ that loomed up in the distance. -"I always call it 'Lone Butte' because it's all by itself. It's cooler -up there, and we can lazy around and look at the mountains." - -Half an hour's ride over steadily rising ground brought them to their -destination and, arriving at the foot of the aforesaid butte, they -dismounted and, leaving their horses to graze, with dropped lines, -slowly made the ascent. There, on the extreme top, a relic of some vast -upheaval in the past, was a huge, long, low-lying flat stone, upon which -Mary seated herself and, removing her Stetson hat, let the cool breeze -play on her forehead and blow the shining tendrils of hair about her -face. Ellis flung himself out at full length on the short turf at her -feet and together they silently gazed in huge contentment at the -panorama that lay unfolded before them. - -Below, looking east, shimmering with the little heat waves, the long -rolling vistas of greenish-brown prairie lay stretched out to the -horizon, through which, like a gleaming silver thread, wound the Bow -River; while to the west, above the pine-dotted foothills of a great -Indian Reserve, rose the upflung, snow-capped violet peaks of the mighty -"Rockies," the hot afternoon's sun enveloping all in its sleepy golden -haze. - -The Sergeant, with his chin resting in his hands, looked long and -lovingly at the peaceful beauty of the scene. - -"Begad, just look at _that_ now!" he murmured. "No wonder a fellow loves -an open-air life in the West ... there's a picture for some poor beggar -that's p'r'aps cooped up in an office all day, what? ... just the kind -of background Charley Russell always manages to get into his pictures, -isn't it? To my mind he and Remington are the only artists who can -depict the prairie and its life properly--_they_ don't slur over detail -like some of 'em. No matter whether it's landscape, Indians, -cow-punchers, horses, cattle, hunting scenes, gun-scraps, or what not, -they give you the real thing--correct in every item. _That's_ what hits -us who live _in_ such backgrounds. They not only make you _see_ it on, -canvas, they positively make you _feel_ it.... Well, Charley Russell -ought to know, if any man!... he punched cattle and wrangled horses for -a living--long before he ever thought of painting!" - -A gopher popped up its head out of a hole a few feet away from Benton -and, after blinking inquisitively awhile with its beady brown eyes at -the two human beings who remained so still, it apparently decided that -there was nothing to fear from them and emerged fully from its retreat. -With tucked-in paws, it sat bolt upright and regarded them with grave -interest. - -Ellis eyed the rodent indolently for a space; then, reaching cautiously -to his hip, he half drew a deadly-looking "Luger" pistol from its -holster--to which previously mentioned confiscated weapon sinister -memories were attached. The girl saw his movement and involuntarily -thrust out a protesting hand. - -"No, no!" she said, in a loud eager whisper. "Don't shoot the poor -little chap--it isn't as if he was in the garden. 'Live, and let live,' -you know. Oh, you _nasty_ thing!" - -As the Sergeant, laughing quietly, in lazy acquiescence, jerked his gun -home again and, instead, spat with unerring aim on the gopher's fat -back, which insult caused it to dive instantly into its hole again. For -a long time they remained silent, drinking in the fresh air; then the -girl who, with elbows-in-lap, was leaning forward absently swinging her -quirt, flicked her abstracted companion playfully. - -"Come! don't go to sleep," she said. "A dime for your thoughts, O man of -many moods! You look like Hamlet watching the play--lying gazing away -there.... Wake up and talk to me, sir!" - -Ellis, who lay stretched out with his back, turned to her, rolled over -and looked up into the long-lashed, half mocking, half serious hazel -eyes. - -"'Hamlet'!" he echoed, with an amused chuckle. "And pray what have _I_ -done to deserve the honor of being likened unto 'the melancholy Dane,' -kind lady? 'Wot shall I tork abaht?' as old Bob Tucker would say. 'Bid -me discourse--I will enchant thine ear!'--a la 'Baron Munchausen.'" - -"No, don't be foolish," she said beseechingly. "Can't you be serious for -once in a while, please? I don't feel in the mood for any 'Munchausen' -nonsense _just_ now. Confine yourself strictly to the truth on this -occasion. Just tell me _who_ you are--where you came from--and what -you've done for your living ever since you can remember! There, now, -you've got your orders in full ... fire away!" - -Ellis gave a dismal whistle. "Pretty big order on short notice," he -said. "If you expect me to fill all that, extempore, I'll have to limit -it to a synopsis." - -There was, undoubtedly, a strong fascination about Benton, and few there -were of either sex who came into contact with him that did not fall -under the spell of his personal magnetism. The dry humor he emitted at -times, and the utter absence of self-consciousness or vanity in his -quiet, forceful personality, may have accounted for this in a great -measure. Also, in a simple, direct fashion, he could "talk well"; and -when he chose to exert himself, or was in the mood, could be a most -interesting companion as a raconteur, drawing upon a vast reserve of -experiences accumulated during his stirring, eventful, wandering life. - -The quiet peace of his surroundings were conducive to such a mood just -now and, as the girl adroitly drew him on, he responded, and talked of -his past life as perhaps he had never done to man or woman before. Those -who love make good listeners and, as Mary, sitting there, heard with an -all-absorbing interest of his strange ups and downs, trials, hopes, and -adventures, she gained a vivid and lasting impression of the career of a -strong man who, early in life, had cut himself adrift from kith and kin; -glimpsing something of the real, deep, complex nature of this careless -soldier of fortune who, all unconsciously, had won her heart long ago. - -His story began with his early schoolboy recollections. The unhappy -period following his mother's death, and his final emigration to the -United States; then passed on, fantastically, through innumerable chops -and changes of life. It told of a wild, haphazard existence in camps, -and on the range in Montana and Wyoming, the lure of the gaming table, -and the companionship with men of nearly every nationality under the -sun. Desperate ventures in bubble speculations that either broke or made -the investors, of chances missed by the merest margin of time and -travel. It touched on all the phases of his pugilistic career, his later -adventures on the South African veldt and memories of the great war. He -described his return from that unquiet land, how he had eventually -joined the Mounted Police, the years that had followed in that Force, -and some of the various cases that had brought him his third stripe. -Sometimes on foot, more often on horseback, now fairly prosperous, now -poor, in and out, back and forth, chore boy, cookee, bronco-buster, -pugilist, Chartered Company's servant, Irregular soldier, and finally -Mounted Policeman, moved Ellis Benton, taking his chance honestly and -bravely in the great game of Life. - -All this he related without bravado, deprecating false modesty or -extravagant gesture, and the simple, earnest manner in which he told his -life's story caused the great, generous heart of the listening girl to -go out to him in a wave of love and sympathy--the outward expression of -which she had difficulty in controlling. - -Gradually, however, his mood changed, and the trend of his experiences -veering from the hard-bitten facts of ordinary police duty to the more -humorous occurrences that from time to time vary its red-tape-bound -monotony, he recounted several laughable episodes in which he had been -involved at different periods. The relation of these tickled the girl's -imagination greatly. - -"Yes," he said musingly. "We do get up against some funny propositions -at times, that any one who's blessed in the least degree with the saving -sense of humor can't help but appreciate. If it wasn't for these -occasional little happenings our life would be pretty dull. I remember -one time"--he checked himself, with a laugh. "Bah! I'm yarning away like -an old washerwoman full of gin and trouble." - -"Will you go on?" Mary said, leaning towards him with dancing eyes. - -The thrill in her voice--strangely contagious it was--told how much she -was interested. It was not to be wondered at. There was only one man on -earth for whom she really cared--he lay stretched before her then, and -probably what attracted her most in him was his manly simplicity and the -sincerity of his tones and expression which, somehow, always had the -knack of carrying absolute conviction with them in the narration of even -the most trivial story. - -"Well," Ellis went on, "I was on Number Thirteen--south-bound--one day, -about eighteen months back, I guess, returning to my line detachment at -Elbow Vale. As we pulled away from Little Bend--the first stop--the Con' -came into the car I was in with a wire in his hand. 'Benton,' he said. -'Anybody here by that name?' I was in mufti--had been on a plain-clothes -job. 'Right here!' I said, and opened it up. It was from the O.C., and -as far as I can remember, ran something like this: 'Definite information -just to hand. Arthur Forbes escaped Badminton Penitentiary; is on No. -13; forty-five; weight, one hundred and ninety; five feet ten; thick -black eyebrows; hook nose; triangular scar top bald head; dress unknown; -search train thoroughly; arrest without fail, signed R. B. Bargrave.' - -"It wasn't much of a description to work on, but I realized it was a -hurry call and was very likely all the O.C. had been able to get. It was -up to me to make good somehow. So I started in to investigate that train -with a fine-tooth comb, and I put the Con' wise, too. It's only a short -train--the Southbound--and I thought I'd have an easy job locating my -man if he was on it. I sauntered casually through, from end to end, and -sized all the passengers up. There was only one who came anything near -the description I'd had given me. Beggar was a parson at that, too. I -passed him up for the time being, and when we stopped at Frampton, I and -the Con' made a pretty thorough search of the tender, baggage, and mail -coaches--also the rods underneath the whole length of the train. Nothing -doing, though, so we got aboard again. Then we ransacked every cubby -hole we could think of. Nothing doing again there, either. I began to -figure I was up against a hard proposition, or that p'r'aps he wasn't -_on_ the train at all. But the wire read so positive, and our O.C. isn't -the man to send you on a wild goose chase. Besides, I hated to think -this gink might slip it over on me after all, and make his get-away. - -"Consequence was--I only had this parson to fall back on. I was only two -seats back from him, so I could watch him good. He was a big, stout, -broad-shouldered chap about the height and weight of the description, -all right; clean-shaved and very pale, with a hook nose and thick black -eyebrows, too. Didn't fancy, somehow, that his expression and the cut of -his jaw was exactly in keeping with his clerical dress--and his -hair--what little I could see of it under his shovel hat--was pretty -short. But there! you can't always judge a man by his personal -appearance. It isn't wise or fair. Though honestly--I tell you, Miss -O'Malley, I _have_ seen parsons before now with faces tough enough to -get them six months--without the option of a fine--just on sight. I -casually moved up to the seat alongside his, on the other side of the -aisle, where I could keep good tab on him. He'd got some magazines and -two or three clerical papers--_The Pulpit_, _The Clerical Review_, etc., -that he seemed very interested in, and I began to think what ridiculous -nonsense it was for me ever for an instant to associate _him_ in my mind -with an escaped convict on the mere coincidence of his answering a vague -description. While all this was running in my head something happened -which caused me to change my mind a bit and feel kind of uneasy and -suspicious of my Reverend 'Nibs.' - -"All the way from Frampton, the whole bunch of us in the car--with the -exception, of course, of the divine--had been in turn amused and annoyed -at the antics of a bleary-eyed-looking bohunk who'd come aboard there -with a bottle of 'Seagram's' rye sticking out of his pocket. He'd got a -proper singin' jag on, and every now and again he'd pull out his bottle -and whet his whistle. Might have been anything from a camp cookee to a -section hand out on a 'toot.' _I_ don't know what the beggar was. -Anyhow, getting tired of sitting still and singing on his lonesome, he -comes zig-zagging up the aisle, pitching cheerfully into some one's lap -at every lurch of the train. The last lap he hit happened to be this -parson's, who shoved him off disgustedly, and drew in the hem of his -garments, so to speak, all same Pharisee and Publican. The way he did it -got that drunk goin' properly--made him pretty nasty. So he gets back at -the parson by pulling out his bottle and offering him a drink right then -and there. Of course that fetched a great big ignorant laugh out of the -whole lot of us, watching this Punch and Judy show. Parson never let on, -though--kept his face on one side, staring out of the window. Well, the -drunk, seeing his offer of a nip was turned down, takes one himself and, -swaying all over the place, puts his hand on the parson's knee and looks -up into his face. - -"'Sh-shay, Mister!' he says, as solemn as an owl. '_I_ don't believe in -Heaven!' - -"Of course we all started in to grin again, and the parson looked like a -proper goat. But still he took no notice--kept as mum as you please, -though; I guess if it'd been _me_, that drunk'd have got a back hander -across the mouth and kicked off the train by the Con' at the next -station. - -"Beggar got tickled with the fun he was causing, and he kept on -repeating this conviction of his over and over again like a parrot; but, -as the parson took not a bit of notice, he shut up for a bit and dozed -off to sleep--much to our relief. We were getting a bit fed up with him. -Then it was 'Mister' Parson made a darned bad break. He began fumbling -in his pockets for something--a penknife, if I remember--to cut the -leaves of a magazine. Well, his gloves seemed to hamper him, so he took -them off and I got a good look at his hands. They--like his mug--didn't -fit in with his dress at all. Pretty rough-looking mitts, that it was -very evident had recently done heavy manual work--all grimed up, with -black broken nails and hard callosities on the palms. - -"Still I hung fire--for _his_ cloth always demands a certain amount of -respect. He _might_ have been working in his garden, I argued to myself. -I didn't want to make any fool break by humiliating a, p'r'aps, -perfectly innocent man and a gentleman on mere suspicion, and without -any positive proof. While I was twisting things over in my mind, the -brakeman came through, calling: 'Baker's Lake! Baker's Lake!' And -presently the train began to slow down. Parson began to gather all his -belongings together as if he was going to get off there. I was 'between -the devil and the deep sea'--properly. For it was a case of 'Going! -going!' and the next minute it'd be 'Gone!' with me, p'r'aps, for the -goat instead of him. - -"But just then Providence, in the shape of the drunk, settled all my -doubts for me at the eleventh hour. The brakeman calling out the name of -the station, and the parson rustling around with his traps, had combined -to wake this beggar up, and he started in to sing again. He quite -brightened up at the sound of his own music--takes another swig at his -bottle and, squinting at our reverend friend, starts in again with his -old parrot squawk: - -"'_I_ don't believe in Heaven, mister! _I_ don't believe in Heaven!' - -"Parson stands up and reaches for his bag off the rack. - -"'Don't you?' he says, showing his teeth in a nasty sort of grin. 'Don't -you? Well, then--you can go to H--l!' - -"That fixed it--absolutely. I jumped up and followed my 'wolf in sheep's -clothing' down the aisle and out onto the platform. - -"'Just a minute, please,' I said. 'I'm a sergeant of the Mounted Police. -I don't think there's any doubt about _you_.' And I collared him. - -"For answer, he dropped his bag on the instant and closed with -me--desperate--tried to trip me up. Oh, I tell you, he sure _was_ some -handful. Well, he wouldn't give in, quiet, and I began to get mad at the -way he was scuffling with me, so I let go of him and broke away for a -second. Then I came in on him quick and flopped him out with an uppercut -and a back-heel--and as he keeled over his hat flew off and I saw the -scar on the top of his bald block. Regular entertainment for the people -on the train and the platform. They were wondering what the deuce was up -when they saw us scrapping and rolling around there. I shoved the steels -on him and took him back next train." - -Mary laughed heartily at the conclusion of this episode. - -"Wherever had he got the parson's clothes from?" she queried. - -"Oh," said Ellis, with a grin, "when I landed back to the Post with him -I heard the city police'd received a report from the Reverend -Seccombe--the Baptist minister--to the effect that his house had been -broken into the night before and some of his clothes pinched. We got him -to come down to the guardroom right away, and he immediately identified -the clothes the prisoner was wearing as his--and the bag, too. He and -the other gink were just about the same build and height. Oh, his -understudy pleaded guilty to burgling this house then and there, when he -saw a bluff wouldn't go. Made a statement and told us the whole -business. - -"It appears he'd broken into a shack when he first made his get-away -from the 'pen,' and stolen some workman's clothes. He was kind enough to -leave these behind him when he exchanged with Seccombe. Oh, he sure was -some 'Holy Roller,' this Mr. Arthur Forbes. _Just_ such another -flim-flammer as that Jabez Balfour, who put that smooth 'Liberator gold -brick come-on' over a lot of the smug Nonconformist fraternity in the -Old Country many years back, and then skipped out to Buenos Ayres. This -beauty was doing eight years for a somewhat similar fake--a big oil well -'salting' swindle. He'd defrauded the public out of something like four -hundred thousand dollars." - -He rolled and lit a cigarette and, after carefully extinguishing the -match, gazed dreamily awhile across at the mountains, behind which the -sun was gradually disappearing. Presently, looking up at his companion -with a faint, whimsical smile playing over his stern features, he said -quietly: - -"Now it's _your_ turn to be Scherazerade. So far, I've been in the role -of Sinbad--completely monopolizing this 'Arabian Nights' entertainment -in a very one-sided manner. Won't you tell me something of _your_ -life--in return?" - -She shrugged her broad, gracefully rounded shoulders with a queer little -hopeless gesture, all the life seeming to have gone suddenly out of her -mobile face as she regarded him now with grave introspection. - -"I'll tell you a little," she said slowly. "But I'm afraid you won't -find it very interesting." - -What she related was a very fair corroboration of the facts previously -told him by Trainor; and though in their narration she strove to appear -indifferent to the changing fortunes of her family, and to gloss over -her father's improvidence and selfishness, reading between the lines it -was very apparent to Ellis what sacrifices she had made willingly for -those same young brothers of whom she spoke with such loving solicitude. - -"So ye see, me frind," she wound up with a kind of forced gaiety: - - Fwat ups an' down an' changes there be - E'en in the lives av th' loikes av me. - -Four years ago the fortunes av the House of O'Malley were in the -ascendant; today they are shtrictly on th' wane." - -She threw up her head and smiled gamely in a forlorn sort of way; but -the quivering lips belied the careless, inconsequent tones, and he, -guessing that the tears were not far from the surface, dimly sensed -something of the bitter struggle that that brave heart must have been -forced to make at times to keep up appearances in past periods of -adversity. With this in his mind, he impulsively held up his hand to the -girl, and she, choking back a little sob in her throat, reached out and -clasped it warmly in hers. - -"Eyah!" he said; "I guess we've both had our ups and downs, all right, -but there's one consolation about our respective lots--they might have -fallen in worse places, though there's little _real_ peace in the lives -of us who are comparatively poor and have to earn our own livings -forever dependent on the whims and fancies of the powers that be, set in -authority above us. - -"Take the life of the average non-com, or 'buck,' in this Force, for -instance. It may seem rot to get harping on grievances at such a time -and place as this, I know," (he made a sweeping gesture to the landscape -with outflung arm) "but there's no lasting peace of mind or future in -it. People see us patrolling around in a smart uniform, and riding the -pick of the country in horseflesh, thinking, I suppose, what a fine time -we have of it. They little guess it's one continual round of worry and -trouble. All the way from murder and robbery to settling neighbors' -trivial squabbles over dogging each other's cattle, paying the cost of -divisional fences, and all those kind of petty disturbances. Either -that, or being chased around from one detachment to another, though in -that respect I must say this Division isn't as bad as some of 'em. -Couldn't have a better O.C. or Inspectors'n we've got in L. As long as -you're onto your job and do your work right, they let you pretty well -alone. But it's the confounded office work that we have to do in -addition to our ordinary police duty that _we_ get fed up on. Talk about -red tape! This outfit's sure the home of it! Every report, every little -voucher for p'r'aps fifty cents' expenditure--four, and sometimes five, -copies of each. Statistics for this, and statistics for that; monthly -returns, mileage reports, and the copy of your daily diary. Oh, Lord! -you should just see what we have to get through. Most of us use -typewriters, of course, or we'd _never_ make the grade at all. It's much -easier and handier. Guess you saw that one of mine in the detachment. - -"Office work or not, though, this job's away ahead of being stuck in the -Post. The daily round of a 'straight duty buck' doing prisoners' escort -about Barracks is, without doubt, _the_ most demoralizing existence -goin'. The monotony's something fierce. And a non-com's isn't much -better, either. Sent out on every little rotten job that turns up, -hanging around stables and the orderly-room, always expected to be on -hand and within call. Taking charge of grousing fatigue parties, etc. -Thank goodness! I never had much of it to do. I was only in the Post a -month when I first took on. Been on detachment ever since, barring six -weeks I once put in as Acting Provo' in charge of the guardroom, while -Hopgood was sick." - -He rolled another cigarette and, inhaling and expelling a whiff of -smoke, continued reflectively: "This is a good outfit--this Force--no -doubt about it. I guess as regards its system, discipline, and results, -it's out and away the best Military Police Force in the world--with the -exception, p'r'aps, of the Royal Irish Constabulary. Good men take on -and serve their time. Some reengage, and some quit. But just as good men -take their place and the work goes on. But, as I said before, there's no -rest, or future in it for the average non-com, or buck. You never know -when your day's work's done. - -"No, it's just one continual round of listening to, and settling other -people's troubles. Seems nonsense, I know, to get talking like this for, -after all, it's only what we're paid for. Somebody's got to do it. But -there it is--trouble, trouble, trouble, the whole time. All my life, -with the exception of the time I deliberately struck into the fighting -game, I've wanted to live peaceably; but it seems to have been my luck, -somehow, to always get the reverse. Especially on this job. No matter -how quiet and easy-going you try to rub along there are always some -nasty, bullying, ignorant, cunning beggars who, just because you're a -bit decent to them, take it for granted you're easy and try to impose on -you. Anyway, that was _my_ experience on the first two or three -detachments I struck. Not on _this_ one, though! Didn't give 'em a -chance. Fellow that was before me, corporal named Williamson--decent -head, all right--but he tried that 'live, and let live' stunt and it -didn't work a bit. No, _sir_! They just took advantage of him every turn -and corner. Oh, I tell you, Miss O'Malley, it sure was some tough -district--this--when I took it over." - -His brows contracted loweringly, and a menacing light gleamed in his -deep-set eyes. - -"I soaked it to 'em, though, the dirty dogs!" he muttered, with a savage -snap of his strong white teeth. "They wanted to be _shown_.... I've sure -_shown_ some of 'em, all right. The inside of a 'Pen',' at that. Kept -'em on the high jump ever since. It's the only way _to_ deal with that -class. Treat 'em like the scum they are, and they'll be good then and -eat out of your hand. They're too ignorant and cunning to appreciate any -civility or kindness." - -He smoked thoughtfully on awhile after this slight outburst of -bitterness, amidst a silence that was presently broken by Mary. - -"You're fond of reading, aren't you?" she inquired. "And music?" - -His moody face cleared instantly, like the sun coming from behind a -cloud. - -"Aye! you just bet I am!" he said fervently. "I've read, and played, and -sung every chance I've got--wherever I've been. Fond!--well, I should -say I am. I fancy if it hadn't been for _that_, I'd have gone to the -devil long ago." - -He was sitting up on the grass, with his elbows on his knees and his -face buried in his hands. Neither of them spoke for a time and he, still -gazing across at the distant "Rockies," muttered, half unconsciously, to -himself: - -"No, just _peace_--that's all I feel I want now. To have some steady job -to work at, with a future, and a home ahead of it. Neither molesting, or -being molested by any one." - -The girl leaned forward, listening wonderingly, as she watched the hard, -clean-cut profile of his faraway, moody face, surprised to hear him -ramble on so. He appeared to be entirely oblivious of her presence. He -made a very long pause and then, when she thought he was thinking of -something quite different, he suddenly said: - -"I'm getting older now, and I've got more patience than I used to have -but, all the same--I'll take no abuse, back-lip, or stand for being -imposed upon by any man. It's been a word and a blow with me all my -life, and I guess that's the reason why I'm only a poor man today. For -many's the jackpot it's landed me into. Aye! and many's the good job -I've had to quit through the same thing. - -"Just _peace_!" he repeated again, dreamily. "You realize it in some of -George Eliot's tales of old-fashioned English country life, in Gray's -'Elegy,' in Marie Corelli's song of 'The Lotus Lily.' Ah, yes! she felt -it when she wrote that beautiful thing in her Egyptian tale of 'Ziska': - - "'Oh, for the passionless peace of the Lotus-Lily! - It floats in a waking dream on the waters chilly, - With its leaves unfurled - To the wondering world, - Knowing naught of the sorrow and restless pain - That burns and tortures the human brain; - Oh, for the passionless peace of the Lotus-Lily!'" - -He ceased, and sunk his face in his hands again. The breeze stirred the -grizzled-brown hair on his temples, and he remained still for so long -that she thought he had fallen asleep; but presently he seemed to rouse -himself a little, and said idly, in a low voice: - -"Men like me don't _have_ to care what people say, or think, about us. -Ever since Mother died, I've been practically alone in the world, and -steered my course as I saw fit--just gone ahead and done what I thought -was right. Am I the worse man for being poor, I wonder? I've never -crawled to hold a job--or for money, anyway! Badly though I've always -wanted it. For it makes all the difference in the world--money. I've -kept my self-respect as far as _that_ goes--poor consolation though it -may be now--just when I need it most." - -The girl flicked him with her quirt. - -"Don't you think we'd better be going?" she said gently. "It's getting -late. The sun's gone down a long time now." - -At the touch, and the sound of her voice, he roused himself with a start -and regarded her absently. - -"By George!" he muttered. "I must have been dreaming. Sorry, Miss -O'Malley." He pulled out his watch. "Sure _is_ late," he said. "Why -didn't you give me a good slap and wake me up before? Letting me go to -sleep like that. Well, I guess we'll toddle on down to the horses." - -"You _haven't_ been asleep," she said, with a faint smile. "But you've -been sitting there talking away to yourself like a man in a dream." - -He flushed, and laughed a little, shamefacedly. - -"Have I?" he answered. "I sure must be getting as 'nutty' as a sheep -herder! What was I talking about?" - -"Oh, all sorts of things," she said evasively. "I'll tell you sometime." - -He laughed again and, after eyeing her incredulously for an instant, -turned and strode down the declivity to where the patient horses still -waited. The girl gazed wistfully for a moment or two after his -retreating form, with its slim waist and square, splendidly-drilled -shoulders; then, with a little weary sigh, she arose and, mechanically -putting on her hat and dusting her dress, followed him. - -Catching up Johnny, who nickered at her approach and picked up his -forefoot for sugar, she mounted with the lithe agility of the expert -horsewoman. Ellis swung up on Billy, and in silence they set out at a -brisk lope for home. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - - - For, immune from scoff of bachelor chum, - Into his kingdom he had come; - A rose-strewn path he would henceforth tread - Through the generous will of the kindly dead. - - --_The Legatee_ - -"Go on! you're only fooling! Is that straight now, Hop? What -pipe-dream's all this?" - -Dr. Musgrave's incredulous remarks were addressed to Provost-Sergeant -Hopgood, the non-com. in charge of the guardroom, who, reclining in an -easy chair in the former's combined study and consulting-room on this -September evening, was regarding his host somewhat lugubriously through -a blue haze of cigar smoke. - -"No pipe-dream at all ... kind of wish it was," he answered, with a -slight trace of bitterness in his tones. "'Twas Churchill wised _me_ up. -He was in from Sabbano today. Appears Ben's been rushing this girl--or -woman, I should say--she's near thirty, I understand--for quite a time, -now." - -Musgrave's air of surprise was slowly succeeded by one of unwilling -conviction. - -"Well, I'll be----!" he muttered. "I might have tumbled, too!" - -"Why, what's up?" said Hopgood eagerly, staring at him now with -wide-eyed wonder. "You knew about it all the time, eh? Did Ben tell you? -Have you seen her? What's she like?" - -Musgrave knocked the ash off his cigar and gazed reflectively out of the -open window. - -"Think I have," he said. "I was walking down Eighth Avenue with him--day -he was in town, last month. 'Hello!' he says, pulling up suddenly. -'Here's somebody I know from my district!' And, in that happy, casual, -easy way he's got, he introduced me to a female acquaintance of his, -who'd just come out of Black's jewelry store. She was a great big tall -dark girl--finest figure of a woman I think I've ever seen. Regular -whopper--not fat with it, either. Made you think of Boadicea, or -Brittania, somehow, to look at her. She didn't strike me as being a -beauty, exactly, but she'd got a nice kind face. Lots of fun in her, -too, and a lady, unmistakably. I rather liked her. We stood there -chatting a few minutes, and I remember she told me she was in town for a -day or two, shopping. Never a peep from that old fox, Ben, though. You'd -never have dreamt there was anything doing from the way he acted then. -Everything was as casual as you please. Begad! I'll soak it to him for -putting it over on me like this! That's if it _is_ right," he added, -with a dubious smile. "Somehow, I can't credit it, though. Why, he's the -very last man I'd have expected to go dangling after a woman!" - -"Bet he don't do much dangling," remarked the Provost sagely. "Not if I -know him. He ain't that kind. More'n likely it's the other way round. -I've known quite a few women get struck on him. Queer beggar! he's never -aloof, rude, or cold, but somehow--he just doesn't seem to _notice_ 'em -at all. P'r'aps that's what gets 'em. Besides, he's a proper man to look -at, and when he's penned in a corner with a woman with no chance of -escape, he talks in that kind, simple way of his--you know his way, -Charley." - -Musgrave nodded. - -There was a long silence, the two men puffing thoughtfully at their -cigars and gazing with owlish abstraction at each other. - -"Didn't you tell me once that he was engaged to some girl in Jo'burg? -When he was with the Chartered Company?" pursued Hopgood. - -"Yes," answered Musgrave moodily, "he was." He paused, and an -unfathomable, far-away look crept into his eyes as he gazed absently -across at a window in the opposite block that the last rays of the dying -sun transformed into a flaming shield of fire. "Beautiful Irish girl -named Eileen Regan. She'd a face like a Madonna, I remember. She was a -Roman Catholic, and a very devout one at that. They _might_ have been -happy together.... I don't know. It's hard to predict how these mixed -religions'll turn out. Poor things never got the chance to see, anyway. -For she died--died of enteric, just before the war started." - -Hopgood eyed the other tentatively for a second or two. "_This_ one's -Irish, too, I understand?" he remarked. "Irish-American, anyway.... He -seems mighty partial to the Irish. Her name's O'Malley. They'll be able -to keep a pig and 'live pretty,' what?" - -And, overcome by the thought, he made a comical grimace of despair and -sank back into the depths of his luxurious chair, while the roar of the -busy street below floated up to their ears. - -Musgrave cleared his throat. "Mother was an Irishwoman," he said -presently. "Probably that accounts for it. She was a Miss Fitzgerald, of -Dublin--sister of that brave, splendid chap, Captain Fitzgerald, who was -killed along with poor Fred Burnaby and many others of Stewart's column, -when the square was broken in the fight near the wells at Abou Klea, in -the Soudan War of 'eighty-four and five." - -He smoked on silently for a space. "Oh, h--l!" he burst out, with a -sudden incredulous bitterness that startled even the cynical Hopgood. -"Why, that beggar's _always_ come to me before with his troubles. Guess -I'm the only one he ever _does_ confide in. Many's the time I've acted -as Father-confessor and mentor to him. Surely he'd never have passed me -up in such a momentous business as this? What saith the poet: - - "You may carve it on his tombstone, - You may cut it on his card - That a young man married is a young man marred." - -The Provost emitted a noisy, snorting laugh. - -"Yes," he remarked, with the jeering familiarity of old acquaintance, -"and I must say you're a nice blooming old Gamaliel to act as mentor to -anybody, Charley, especially if you expect him to embrace _your_ -self-constituted creed of morality and philosophy. Oh, you're some -Father-confessor, all right, what? Besides, he _ain't_ young. That is, -unless you call thirty-nine unsophisticated youth. 'Bout time he _was_ -making the break. There's no fun in getting married when you're old, all -same Pope's 'January and May.' He happened to mention it was his -birthday to a bunch of us down town when he came in last month. I -remember him saying it was his thirty-ninth, because I and Berkley, Mac, -and Port stuck him for the drinks on the strength of it. We rushed him -into the Alberta bar right away and--" - -"How about the way he used to hand it out about non-coms and bucks -getting married in your Force, too?" interrupted Musgrave, grinning. -"'Look at Beckstall,' he would say. 'Look at Corbett,' and lots of -others. 'Big families--always broke--dragging out their miserable lives -in rotten little line detachments--can never afford to send their poor -wives away for a change anywhere--they don't _live_--they just _exist_, -from one year's end to another. That's all there's to it! D'you think -I'd let myself in for a purgatory like _that_?' and so on. You've heard -him, Hop, too--lots of times, what?" - -Hopgood held up his hands appealingly. - -"Don't shoot, Colonel!" he said. "I'll come down! _I'm_ not holding any -particular brief for him. Guess he's pretty well able to conduct his own -defense. _Ish ga bibble!_--it ain't _our_ funeral." - -It was worse than useless to argue with Musgrave. All his opponent's -best hits were turned aside by the target of his cynicism and unbelief, -while his repartee and sarcasms often came home. - -"Funny chap!" he resumed musingly. "I think he is just about _the_ most -interesting and complex character I've ever come across. He's very much -of a man, but at the same time--he's as simple as a kid in some things. -Beggar reads a lot, and he's as rum in his tastes in that as he is in -everything else. Fond of all this old-fashioned stuff. The heighth of -his imagination in humor he finds in Balzac's and Rabelais' yarns, or -Boccaccio's 'Decameron,' and his ideals of pathos in George Eliot's or -Dickens's tales. Whatever can you do with a man like that?" - -"Oh, what's the use of talking?" broke out Hopgood testily: - - "A fool there was, and he made his prayer--" - -he quoted, with a low, bitter laugh. "And by gum! it's me that knows -it." - -The doctor silently eyed him in cynical abstraction awhile after this -outburst, then his grim mouth relaxed into a faint sympathetic grin, and -he held out his hand. - -"Aye!... 'Even as you and I,'" he finished softly. "Shake!... Is _that_ -why you chucked up your commission in India?... I and Ben always thought -so," he continued, as the Provost nodded wearily to his query. "None of -our business to get making inquisitions, though.... Well! this sad news -has been quite a shock to our nervous systems. Kind of breaks up us -'Three Musketeers,' eh?... Looks very much as if we're going to lose our -D'Artagnan. The old chum of your bachelor days is, somehow, never the -same again to you after he gets married. S'pose an all-wise Providence -has ordained things so for some unfathomable reason. Think we need a -little drink to console us." - -And he got up with a dreary sighing yawn and, unlocking a small mahogany -liquor cellaret, produced a splendid silver and cut-glass "Tantalus." - -"What's yours, Hop?" he inquired. "Brandy, or 'Scotch'?" - - -Leaving these two well-meaning, if cynical, worthies to console each -other with the bitter philosophy which retrospection of past irremedial -misfortunes has caused many better, and worse, men than them to revert -to, let us return to the detachment at Cherry Creek, where at this -particular moment the object of their commiseration is leaning back in -his favorite chair, with his head resting in its customary position -against the leopard-skin kaross. Tired out by a long and uneventful four -days' patrol, Ellis lit a pipe and gazed wearily out through the open -door into the gathering dusk. Gradually, his mind, still obsessed with -the vague memories of brands of missing cattle and horses and the usual -round of more or less petty complaints, strayed back to the Trainors' -establishment. - -He found himself wondering how Mary was, and what had caused her to be -so strangely silent and abstracted during that last homeward ride -together from Lone Butte. At supper time, too, he mused, she had been in -the same mood ... had hardly spoken to him at all? Could it be that--? - -And, not unmixed with an unfamiliar, slightly self-conscious, feeling of -shame, came the sudden thought that she _might_ have grown to regard his -attentions in a more serious light than mere frank camaraderie. And, if -that was so--well--she sure _must_ be thinking him a proper "laggard in -love." Not much of the "Young Lochinvar" about him, he reflected -bitterly. Anyway, it certainly didn't seem very gentlemanly behavior on -his part, or the right thing, exactly, to run around after a girl--like -he undoubtedly had, to a certain extent--with Mary, and then keep her -"hanging on the fence" indefinitely, as it were, like that. Surely the -Trainors must be wondering not a little, too. How the deuce was it that -he had never thought of his conduct in that light before? What a simple -fool he had been not to have "tumbled" to all this earlier? Should he -chance it? She could but "turn him down" like she had the rest--some of -whose very palpable discomfiture he had been a casual and not altogether -disinterested witness on more than one occasion. - -And then, on the other hand, was he _justified_ in asking _any_ woman to -share the lot that he had so often bitterly inveighed against as being -utterly insufficient, unsuitable, and contrary to all his ideals of -conjugal happiness? - -His somewhat gloomy reflections were suddenly disturbed by the sounds of -an approaching rider, who presently drew up outside the open door. - -"Oh, Sargint!" came the gruff bark of Gallagher; "yu're back, eh? Bin -down for me mail, so I brung yores along." - -"Good man! much obliged. Come on in, Barney!" Ellis called out. - -And the rancher, swinging down from the saddle, dropped his lines and -slouched in with a packet of letters in his hand. - -"Nothin' doin', an' nobody around for yu' while yu' was away," he -remarked, dropping into a chair and lighting his pipe. "Gosh, but it's a -warm night for this time o' year!" - -The Sergeant reached out for, and began leisurely to open up his mail. -Most of it bore the regimental stamp of L Division. Returned crime -reports, with caustic, blue-pencilled marginal comments in the O.C.'s -caligraphy, requesting certain omitted particulars therein. Circulars -respecting stolen stock, descriptions of persons "wanted" for various -crimes, drastic orders emanating, primarily, from Headquarters at -Regina, regarding new innovations to be observed in certain phases of -detachment duty, etc., the monthly "General Orders," and so on. But -presently a somewhat large envelope, addressed in a clerk's hand and -bearing an English stamp and the London postmark, attracted his -attention. Whoever could be writing _him_ from the Old Country? he -wondered. The only letters he ever received from _there_ were mostly -from Major Carlton, and this wasn't _his_ handwriting. - -With a vague feeling of uneasiness, he turned it over in his hand -irresolutely for a moment, then opened it. It contained a closed -envelope and a letter which bore the heading of a London legal firm. -Mechanically he smoothed this latter communication out and began to read -the epoch-making document that was destined later to create for him a -new world and to transform his desert into a paradise. - - _Dear Sir_,--We are charged with the melancholy duty of breaking - to you the news of the death of your old friend, Major Gilbert - Carlton, on the 20th ult. Our late respected client, although - possessing all the outward appearances of being a hale, robust - old soldier, had for many years suffered from what physicians - term an "aortic aneurism," the origin of which was probably the - result of the privations and exposure endured by him in the - various campaigns that he had gone through. The final bursting - of this "aneurism" was the cause of his sudden death. - - Suffering from such an ailment, it is therefore not surprising - that he apparently realized of late that his end might come upon - him unexpectedly at any moment of his advanced age. This - presentiment he recently confided to us, during one of his last - business visits. The enclosed letter he left in our care, - charging us--in case of his decease--to forward it immediately - to you. - - For many years he frequently spoke of you to us with great - regard and feeling; referring to you always, as "The boy, - Ellis," or "_His_ boy," in tones which moved us not a little, - evincing as he did, such a kindly love and esteem for you. He - was seventy-five years of age, and, as you are of course aware, - a bachelor all his life, possessing only distant relatives. - Although not by any means a recluse, and enjoying life to its - full in his old-fashioned, cheery way at his estate--Biddlecombe - Hall, in Devonshire, surrounded by many of his old soldier - friends--he was not an extravagant man and the revenues of the - said estate have been steadily accumulating for many years. This - magnificent property, with all revenues thereof had been left to - him under the will of his cousin, the late Lord Baring, his - nearest relative. - - We enclose a copy of the testament, by which you will see that - (with the exception of the estate, which, re a stipulated clause - in Lord Baring's will, has reverted at the death of the last - incumbent to the Morley Institute, to be used as a sanatorium - for tuberculosis patients, and a few bequests to old servants) - he has bequeathed to you the great bulk of his money. We hold at - your disposal, a sum (discounting probate dues) approximately - nearly ninety thousand pounds. - - We beg to congratulate you on the acquisition of this - considerable fortune. Thinking that you might desire to - relinquish your present occupation at once, and not knowing how - you are financially situated, we enclose a credit for five - hundred pounds, for which please sign the accompanying receipt. - Kindly communicate with us at your earliest convenience. - - We are, dear sir, yours truly, - _Eaton and Smith_. - -Dazedly Ellis glanced through the attached copy of the will and reread -the letter through. Gallagher, who had been intently watching his face -throughout, vaguely aware from the Sergeant's unconcealed agitation that -some tidings of an unusual character had been received, inquired -casually: - -"Why, what's up, Sargint? Hope yu' ain't bin a-gettin' bad news?" - -Ellis regarded his interlocutor absently a moment or two, and then his -preoccupied gaze flickered away again through the open door into the -darkness of the night. - -"It's both good _and_ bad, Barney," he answered slowly. "I'll tell -yu'--later." - -Choking back many conflicting emotions, he now picked up the previously -mentioned closed letter which, he perceived, was addressed to him in his -old friend's handwriting. With a feeling almost of awed reverence, he -broke the heavy wax seal, stamped with the Major's own signet ring and, -drawing out the letter, began to read a communication that was to remain -indelibly in his memory forever: - - _My Dear Lad_,--I take up my pen to write this--the last letter - you will ever receive from me--while I am still of clear mind, - and in possession of all my faculties. Life is very uncertain at - all times, and especially so in the case of an old fellow like - me. I have got what the doctors call an "aneurism," Ellis, and - have had it for many years now. A man cannot expect to come - through the hardships of such campaigns as the Afghan and - Soudan, unscathed. I was at Charasiah, Kabul, Maiwand, and - Tel-el-Kebir, my boy, and I tell you I have worked, bled, - starved and suffered above a bit in my time. My incubus has been - troubling me greatly of late and I cannot mistake its meaning. - Dr. Forsyth has warned me that it may burst at any time now. - Many thanks for granting my wish in sending me that photograph - of yourself in your Mounted Police uniform. I look at it often. - For though externally it depicts one whom I believe to be a - soldier, and a man in word, deed, and appearance, in it I seem - to see again the face of a boy that I once loved, because--he - had his mother's dear, dear eyes. - - Yes, Ellis, my lad!... Now that I know my end is not far off, I - feel that I cannot die peaceably without telling you what has - been to me a sacred secret since I was in my thirties. - - It must have been in 'sixty-two, or thereabouts, when I first - met your mother, in Dublin. The regiment that I and your father - were in lay at Athlone, then. I grew to love her. Loved her with - a passion that I fancy comes to few men, and my supreme desire - was to be able to call her my wife. I suppose the Almighty - willed it otherwise, though, and it was not to be.... For John - Benton, your father, came along, my boy, and he was a big man, - and a strong man, and a handsome man, with a bold masterful, - loving way with him that took her by storm, as it were, and I--I - faded into insignificance beside such a splendid personality as - his. He won her from me, but that fact could not kill my love; - all outward exhibition of which, though, I have guarded well. My - Dear Lad I have worn the willow decently, I hope, as an honest - English gentleman should, and have borne my cross patiently - through the long, weary years that have passed since then. - - With the recollection of _such_ a woman as your mother lingering - still in my remembrance,--whose dear face--God grant, I may - behold again, shortly--can you wonder that none other has come - into my life to take her place, and that I have been true to the - memory of my first, and only love. You alone of your family have - _her_ eyes, and impulsive, loving ways, and for those reasons - were always my favorite--headstrong lad, though you were. - - On the subject of your estrangement from your family, I have - nothing to say, beyond that I consider that it is a matter which - lies entirely between your own conscience--and God. You were - sorely tried, I know. - - I am leaving to you the greater portion of my money. It is my - desire, as through it, I hope, your future path in life will be - smoothed considerably. May it ultimately bring you the happiness - of enabling you to marry a good, true, loving woman, and of - living henceforth, in that station of life to which you properly - belong. - - Do not grieve for me my lad!... Best think of me just as a - kindly old soldier, at the end of his service, who was ready and - willing to go to his rest--only awaiting "The Last Post" to be - sounded. I have not lived altogether unhappily. I have drunk - deeply of the joys of life in my time, and I possess many good - and true friends. My days, thank God, have been, for the most - part, passed cleanly as a _man_--in the open, breathing His - fresh air. Through it I have had ever your dear mother's memory - to keep my conscience clear, and have striven steadfastly to - adhere and live up to, most all, I trust, of the precepts that - are embodied in the formula, "An officer, and a gentleman." As - in the sunset of my life I sit alone in my chair in the - twilight, dreaming of bygone days, it seems to me that I can see - the shining welcome of many long-lost and well-remembered faces. - They come and go, and I love them well enough, but - _one_--especially beloved above the rest is with me always. - - But why speak of _her_?... Now that she is again so near to - me--now that I go, I hope, where _she_ has gone!... The - guiding-light of the soul of her true womanhood is shining - brighter and brighter in the gloom ahead of me still, and of - _her_ will my last thoughts be on this side of Eternity. - - And now! ... Ellis, my boy! my boy! ... One last "Good-by!" ... - God bless you, and may your life be a long and happy one. - - I am, believe me, to the last. - - _Your old friend_, - _Gilbert Carlton_. - -A smothered sob burst from Ellis, and the letter fluttered from his -grasp to the floor. Gallagher, still watching him curiously, repeated -his former query: - -"What's up, Sargint? Hope nothin's--" - -Ellis interrupted him huskily, but not unkindly. - -"Get out, Barney!" he said. "Don't talk to me just now! I'll tell -yu'--sometime! Beat it! there's a good chap. I just wanta be alone." - -And, with one last lingering look of silent, wondering sympathy, the -rancher arose and departed slowly into the night. - -Overcome with his thoughts, Ellis sat for a long time motionless; then, -mechanically groping for the letter again, he reread it. Its simple -pathos touched him strangely as the awe-inspiring significance of the -long, patient struggle of that faithful old heart--stilled now, alas, -forever--began to creep into his dazed brain. He raised his swimming -eyes to the portrait of the gentle woman, the memory of whose beauty and -kind, sweet personality had been the good angel alike to poor old Major -Carlton and himself throughout both their strenuous and sin-tempted -lives. - -Not in vain had been her early teachings and loving, self-sacrificing -patience and forbearance, while he was yet a wilful, headstrong -youngster. As, gently, and with a mother's tact, she strove to curb his -faults and instil into him--through love, and love alone--truth, -honesty, and the main principles of right and wrong. - -Not in vain had she entered into her rest and, as an angel in the stead -of a beautiful, pure, true-hearted woman, interceded for the souls of -both men in their tempestuous journey through life. - -Long and wistfully the Sergeant gazed into the grave, sweet eyes and -proud, clean-cut features--so like his own--and his stern bronzed face -became softened and glorified with a wave of ineffable filial devotion -too sacred for words. - -"Mother!" he whispered brokenly. "Mother! Oh, Mother!" and dropped his -head upon his outstretched arms across the table. - - -But grief--no matter however sincere and true--to the average healthy -man is but a transient emotion. Ellis was no dissembler, and sadly -though he mourned the loss of his old friend, as the first transports of -his sorrow subsided and he became calmer, a slow, dim realization of the -tremendous possibilities of his good fortune began to flood his mind. - -For to him it meant--freedom, at last, from all the unavoidable, petty, -sordid worries connected with the calling that he followed. No more -gloomy outlooks upon life in general, or pessimistic forebodings arising -from the consciousness of straightened means. Free at last to wander -around the earth at will and visit all its beauty spots that he had read -or heard about. Free to enjoy all the pleasures of the world that money -can command. He was still only a comparatively young man, strong and -active far beyond the average. - -And, above all, it meant--and the very thought of his presumption -stirred him strangely and caused a mighty wave of long-pent-up love to -surge through his heart--perhaps also it meant--Mary. - -So the joy of life filled him and transfigured his scarred, somber face -with a dreamy expression of happiness that lies beyond the power of mere -words to adequately describe. No more was the ideal life that he had so -often--ah! how often?--pictured longingly to himself in his fits of -morbid, spiritless depression, only a monotonous repetition of hopeless -empty dreams. It actually lay now within his power to gratify his -heart's desires to their fullest extent. - -And then--to the weary man in that humble abode, which was, -nevertheless, all that he could call "Home," there appeared a wondrous -fantasy which, in its awe-inspiring, majestic grandeur, might have been -likened, almost, unto some allegory, or a scene in the Revelation. With -mind absolutely, utterly detached from all things material, he sat there -motionless, as if in a dream, and it began to float before his far-away -eyes like a filmy roseate mirage. - -For, in his exalted imagination, it seemed to him that he was standing -upon the shores of a great sparkling crystal sea, as it were, in the -first faint flush of a radiant dawn. Purple, crimson, saffron-yellow and -turquoise, the morning lights stole in succession across the sleeping -world, and slowly--slowly, in the mystic East--the flashing rays of a -magnificent sunrise began to creep over the rim of the horizon, -transforming the gleaming waste of waters into a vast expanse of golden -flame. - -And, as he gazed entranced at this gorgeous spectacle, suddenly he grew -conscious that he was not alone. Turning, he became aware of the figure -of a woman kneeling on the ground hard by, with her head bowed in an -attitude suggestive of sorrowful abandon. Her form, though the face was -turned from him and partly shrouded by her huge masses of dark, -disordered hair, seemed vaguely familiar; and he found himself engaged -in idle speculation as to her identity. Something in her posture of -dejection instinctively stirred in him a fleeting memory of Thomas -Moore's beautiful poem. "Paradise and the Peri," the poor Peri humbly, -yet vainly, craving admission into Paradise. Vaguely and disconnectedly, -some of the lines wandered into his mind: - - One morn a Peri at the gate - Of Eden stood, disconsolate; - - The glorious Angel who was keeping - The Gates of Light beheld her weeping; - -Awhile he contemplated the woman with a great pity in his heart, and was -about to draw nigh and comfort her when all at once his impulse was -checked and he remained spellbound in mute amazement. - -For, seemingly from _nowhere_, a transcendentally glorious voice--_that -sounded not of this earth_--suddenly arose in the stillness around them. -Pure, peaceful, unutterably sweet, far beyond this world and its works, -the golden notes floated forth into the hush of the opal dawn, uplifting -the hearts of the listeners on the wings of sound--verily to Heaven's -gate: - - "O Rest in the Lord! wait patiently for Him! - And He shall give thee--He shall give thee-- - O He shall give thee thy heart's desire!" - -The eternal solace of the weary and heavy-laden, the Divine appeal to -all poor struggling souls rose and fell, finally melting away into -nothingness, save where the deep, cloister-like silence flung back a -faint far echo. Beside the bowed female figure there became visible a -vague shimmering _something_ which, almost imperceptibly, began to -assume the outlines of a human form. Disturbed strangely at what he knew -not, the wayward, reckless soul of Ellis Benton became filled with a -great and reverential awe. - -He sank to his knees and bowed his head. When, fearfully, he dared to -raise it again, his eyes beheld _one_ clad in shining raiment, about -whom there clung a halo of radiance. Slowly the glistening form turned -and a cry of wonderment and adoration burst from his lips. For, lo!--it -seemed to him that _once more_ he looked upon the face of his long-dead -love--Eileen Regan. - -Motionless, she gazed down upon him long and earnestly, with gravely -sweet, kind eyes; then, stooping low, she embraced the sorrowing woman -tenderly, and kissed her on the brow, bidding her be of good cheer and -calling her "Sister." Presently, drawing herself erect, she uplifted her -heavenly voice again, and there rang forth--as he well remembered her -singing it in _life_, one never-to-be-forgotten Christmas morn, in that -little Catholic Church in far-off Johannesburg--"In Excelsis Gloria": - - "Glory to God in the Highest! - And on earth peace, goodwill towards men!" - -She bent and kissed the woman a last farewell. Then, raising her arms in -holy benediction, she slowly became a _shade_, as before, unfolding her -wings and floating away diaphonously into the silvery mists of the early -morn. - -The kneeling woman then arose and, turning, came towards him swiftly. A -tall, stately figure of a woman, with a kind, strong, sweet face; the -tumbled masses of her glossy, raven-hued hair all floating and rippling -about her regal shoulders and white columnar throat. - -Near she drew to him--nearer. She stretched out her bare rounded arms to -him with a little happy loving cry as she smiled into his eyes, and he -saw the splendor and glory of the world in hers. - -While, far away in his ears, rang the echo of his own voice calling upon -a woman's name--wonderingly, passionately--"Mary!... Mary!... Mary!..." - - The wild hawk to the wind-swept sky, - The deer to the wholesome wold, - And the heart of a man to the heart of a maid - As it was in the days of old. - The heart of a man to the heart of a maid-- - Light of my tents, be fleet! - Morning waits at the end of the world; - And the world is all at our feet. - - --_Kipling_ - -"Wake up, Johnny, yu' old fool!... don't yu' start in to lazy on me or -I'll--" - -Here Ellis shrewdly pinched his mount's withers, causing that animal to -flatten his ears and nip playfully at his rider's knee. - -"Look out, doggone it! If _I_ happen to get a bit absent-minded at -times, yu' needn't follow suit!" he exclaimed sharply, as he jerked his -horse away from the edge of a small, but wicked muskeg, around which the -trail that led to the Trainors' ranch circled. "I sure don't want to be -getting in the soup like Jim McCloud did that time, on _this_ day of all -days. I'll hand yu' over to Mary, begad!... she'll teach yu' to -'soldier,' yu' old sucker!" - -It was a glorious sunshiny afternoon, and the light cool breeze sent the -occasional little tufts of fleecy-white clouds scudding across the -turquoise-blue sky, and waved and brushed the surface of the long -prairie grass as if with an invisible hand. To the gait of his horse -Ellis whistled to himself--happily--half dreamily, as if he voiced some -inner thought--an old, long-forgotten air, presently breaking into its -words: - - "Sae kind, kind and gentle it she, - Kind is my Mary; - The tender blossom on the tree, - Cannot compare wi' Mary." - -Duly arriving at the ranch, he dropped his lines, and leisurely -sauntering up to the familiar dwelling where he perceived the owner and -his wife sitting in the shade of the veranda, he hailed them cheerily. - -Trainor looked up at the other's approach and, lowering the paper that -he was reading, nodded to him nonchalantly; his spouse gave no -salutation whatever, and appeared engrossed in her sewing. - -Ellis halted irresolutely, sensing something strange and apathetic in -the manner in which he was received--something _distant_, as it -were--and he became slowly conscious of a presentiment that his -forebodings had not been without reason, and that all was not well as -heretofore, when their usual welcome had been so genuine and -unrestrained. With a feeling of vague uneasiness at his heart, he -regarded them blankly a moment or two, glancing from one to the other -inquiringly; then he said: - -"Is anything the matter? What's wrong?" - -Trainor fidgeted nervously in his chair awhile, and then raising his -self-conscious eyes to the level of his questioner's breast, blurted -out: - -"Well, you see, Benton, it's like this ... er--" - -But words seemed to fail him, and he left the sentence unfinished, -relapsing into silence and gazing miserably at his wife, as if seeking -her assistance in his explanation. The latter, now for the first time, -raised her head and, gravely contemplating the troubled, anxious face of -the Sergeant, addressed her husband. - -"Best tell him, Dave," she said, with an inflection of slightly frigid -hostility in her tones. "If you won't, _I will_!" - -Thus adjured, Trainor coughed awkwardly and began afresh: - -"Well, now, see here; look! I'll tell you, Sergeant. It's about that -girl, Mary--Miss O'Malley, I mean. You know how I and Mrs. Trainor love -and regard that girl? ... known her since she was a little kiddie, and -think as much of her as we do of our own children--" - -He stopped, and Ellis nodded silently. - -"For over a week now," continued the rancher, "that girl's been acting -queerly--seems worried--won't talk, and she's not looking at all well. -This afternoon we simply couldn't stand it any longer--she was looking -miserable, and it made _us_ miserable, too, seeing her like that. We -were right here on the veranda, and she came out of the door to go -riding. I caught hold of her by the shoulders--half joshingly--'Mary, my -dear!' I said; 'what's wrong? You're not looking yourself. There's -something the matter--won't you tell us? You're not afraid to tell _us_, -are you, my girl?' She struggled a bit when I had her cornered like -that, and tried to get away from me--then she raised those beautiful -honest eyes of hers and looked me squarely in the face. She tried to -speak, but somehow the words wouldn't seem to come, and--" - -"And _then_," broke in Mrs. Trainor, taking up the tale, "she flung away -from him and threw her arms around my neck and hid her face against my -shoulder. You know, Mr. Benton, she's the very soul of honesty ... -candid and unafraid to a degree--she doesn't know what evasion or -subterfuge means--she's like a brave, simple child in that respect. She -clung to me for a bit, and then she breaks out into that quaint Irish -brogue of hers--like she often does when she's agitated or excited: - -"'Och! 'tis waithin I am for a man to speak!' she wails out. 'And, oh, -my dear! ... weary waithin 'tis, ochone!' And then she burst out crying, -with great shaking sobs--oh! _how_ that girl _did_ cry--as if her heart -was breaking. I talked to her and soothed her the best I could, and by -and by she became quieter, dried her eyes, kissed me, and went away to -her horse. She didn't say any more than that and I didn't ask -her--didn't need to ... for there! ... isn't that admission enough? -D'you think _we_ looking on at this play all this time don't know _who_ -she meant?" Mrs. Trainor continued, eyeing Benton severely. "Haven't you -been coming here regularly, paying her marked attention, taking her out -for rides, and all that? D'you think it's possible to deceive _us_. If -you've only been amusing yourself at her expense all these months with -no serious intentions, I tell you plainly, Mr. Benton ... I don't think -you're acting in a proper manner at all. That girl is one in a thousand. -Besides--she has refused many good offers of marriage--and all for your -sake, too--from men who were in the position to give her a downright -good home and all the comforts of life. You may think it's not our -business, but I tell you it _is_!" she ended, with sparkling eyes. "And -we've made up our minds this sort of thing shan't go on any longer--that -is, unless you can give us your positive assurance that your intentions -are really sincere.... No! you needn't look at me in that idiotic way!" -she cried, arising and stamping her foot angrily. "I mean what I say, -and I--" - -Benton, with a flash of white teeth, and a broad and rather foolish grin -on his--now happy--face, suddenly stepped forward and gripped the -indignant lady gently by the shoulders. - -"_Mrs._ Trainor!" he said, with a daring earnestness that almost took -the breath away from that scandalized dame as she struggled to free -herself. "If you open your mouth to say one word more, I'll--as sure as -you're the wife of your husband--I'll kiss you bang in front of him!" -And, releasing her, he continued: "What you've just told me's made me -the happiest man alive.... I know where I get off at, now ... and I'll -proceed to tell _you_ something!" - -And rapidly he acquainted the astonished pair with the news of his -unexpected good fortune, apologizing for his seemingly callous conduct -with a deep, sincere contrition that impressed them in no little degree -and dispelled all their lingering doubts. - -Trainor reached out a massive hand. "Sergeant," he said, with great -feeling. "Shake! I'm in wrong! I take it all back how I've misjudged -you! I might have known you weren't _that_ kind!" - -Ellis, swallowing a little, grasped the offered hand warmly. - -"Dave!" he blurted out, "it's _me_ that's to blame, all right. It's -mighty good of you and Mrs. Trainor to condone that sure questionable -simplicity of mine in the way you have. I should have put myself right -with both of you at the start." - -But Mrs. Trainor outdid her husband in impulsive warmth. - -"You threatened to kiss me," she began archly. "Now, I'm going to do -more than threaten. There, sir!" - -And, suiting the action to the word, she kissed him heartily. Then, -womanlike, as the reaction to her happiness--she began to cry. At which -Trainor guffawed and caught hold of her teasingly. But, dragging herself -away from him, she pushed Ellis towards the path. - -"Now you go!" she sobbed, "after her--straightway. And don't you dare -bring her back here until you've kissed her tears away and she's her own -happy self again. That is, if you can find her," she added, with wet, -smiling eyes. "I don't know exactly which way she went." - -"Oh, I'll find her, all right," said Ellis cheerfully. "I think I know -where she'll be." - -And, turning, he strode off to the waiting Johnny, mounted, and set off -at a brisk lope towards "Lone Butte," that reared its head in the hazy -distance. For it was _there_ that he guessed instinctively she had -betaken herself. - -Purposely making a wide detour to escape her possible observation, -thirty minutes' brisk riding brought him into a small coulee, dotted -with a young growth of Balm o' Gilead trees and alder bushes, which lay -to the rear of the butte and exactly opposite to the side where the -regular path to the summit began. Here he dismounted and, leading -Johnny, to save a later descent for that animal, commenced to slowly -make the ascent. - -Pausing to take breath within a few yards of the top, the breeze brought -to his ears the unmistakable sounds of somebody whistling carelessly to -herself. Yes, that was her whistle, all right, he reflected; so she -couldn't be so _very_ unhappy. Intending to steal up to her unobserved, -and calculating from his memory of the position of the big stone, that -she would have her back turned towards him, he crept warily to the -summit. - -Soon, not thirty feet distant on the small plateau, he beheld her seated -on the stone and, as he had surmised, facing the West. But her attitude -of dejected abandon sobered him somewhat, and the low, monotonous -whistle sounded doleful in the extreme. Noiselessly the Sergeant -decreased the distance between them, and when within a few feet halted, -not wishing to startle her too badly. On account of her wide-brimmed -Stetson hat tipped back on the nape of her neck, and the breeze blowing -in her ears, she had not thus far been aware of his close approach, the -thick, "old-bottom" prairie grass effectually deadening the ring of -Johnny's steel-shod hoofs. - -Long and earnestly, with a great love not unmixed with a pang of remorse -in his heart, Ellis gazed on the still unconscious girl. Then all at -once he gave a violent start, which almost betrayed his presence to her. - -For, suddenly, and with the clarity that the great king saw the writing -on the wall, again he seemed to behold, and comprehend fully now, the -significance of the strange fantasy which had appeared to him in the -detachment the previous night. - -The dreary whistle ceased, and with her chin resting in her hands she -began to idly croon to herself an old-fashioned time-worn ballad, which -he vaguely recognized as Whittier's "Maud Muller." Lord! what a time it -seemed since he'd heard _that!_ he reflected. It took him right back to -the scenes of his boyhood again at Shrewsbury--peaceful, gray-spired -old-world Shrewsbury. Verse by verse, came the monotonous refrain of the -antiquated poem to his ears--just as a little girl will sometimes drone -to herself as she sits plaiting her hair in the sun: - - Maud Muller looked and sighed. "Ah me! - That I the Judge's bride might be! - He would dress me up in silks so fine, - And praise and toast me at his wine." - -How the air of a long-forgotten song, a chance phrase in a book, the -scent of new-mown hay and of certain flowers, the splendor of a tropical -sunrise, the glory of a flaming crimson and gold sunset, or the calm -beauty of a moonlight night will ofttimes awaken in us strange old -longing memories of other--and, perchance--happier days. Harking back -now through all the years came to him, dimly, the recollection that the -_very last_ time he had heard _that_ was at a gathering of young hearts -held in his old school town, when he was a bright-eyed young sinner of -thirteen or thereabouts--"soirees," as they were called then. Yes, it -was at Dr. Pennington's, and saucy, yet tender-eyed, little Darthea -Pennington had recited it. She had cried, too, at its conclusion, he -remembered; which spectacle of girlish emotion had prompted him to start -in tormenting her with some youthful nonsense, in a well-meant effort to -revive her natural gaiety. True, she'd slapped his face as the reward -for his impudence, but didn't she relent later to the extent of allowing -him to kiss "friends," and afterwards take her in to supper? - - "And I'd feed the hungry and clothe the poor, - And all should bless me who left our door." - - The Judge looked back at he climbed the hill, - And saw Maud Muller standing still. - -With bowed head the listener stood there motionless, whilst a wave of -emotion surged through his heart, awakening all the sentiment which, -through long years of iron self-repression, had lain dormant in his deep -nature. - -Whatever had possessed her to hark back to this memory of her girlhood? -he mused. Under ordinary circumstances he would no doubt have resorted -as heretofore, to his customary badinage--chaffed her about "grinding -out Whittier by the yard," or mimicked her in a mincing falsetto. But -now--as he heard it _now_--the element of absurdity was distinctly -lacking ... nay! it was pitiful--almost tragic ... how like a simple -child again she seemed, in her unhappiness? - -With pathetic, monotonous regularity--as if she were seeking to distract -her thoughts from her trouble by repeating some orison--the interminable -stanzas rose and fell, with a quavering cadence: - - Then she took up her burden of life again, - Saying only. "It might have been." - -Choking back a lump in his throat, Ellis now dropped his horse's lines -and stepped forward. - -"Mary!" he called softly. - -And, at the sound of his voice the girl, with a slight start and -exclamation, turned and looked up at him. With a feeling of deep -contrition he remarked her pale, tear-stained face, and the dark shadows -under her splendid eyes, denoting mental worry and sleepless nights. Her -first surprise over, she settled listlessly back again to her old -dejected attitude, but never taking her great weary eyes off his face. -Never a word had she uttered yet, but continued to gaze silently on the -man before her with a forlorn, wistful expression that cut him to the -very heart. Suddenly she began to speak, but her voice seemed to ring -strangely lifeless and far away in his ears. - -"Oh! ... and are you back again?" came the toneless accents, "to mock me -with that handsome, cold face of yours? I was happy enough till _you_ -came into my life ... you who've laid yourself out to make me love -you--for nothing, p'r'aps, except your own amusement ... 'tis through I -am with happiness now, I guess ... would to God we'd never known each -other.... Oh, go! ... go away, please!... I--I just can't bear it...." - -Before the infinite pathos of her hopeless look and bitter words the -strong man shook with his emotion until speech seemed beyond him. For, -remorse-stricken though he was, beneath her reproach he glimpsed the -evidence of so great a love that he could only stand and regard her with -awed amazement. Aye!--well he knew now, that come what would or could, -all that love was his, and would be his forever. Suddenly he leaned -forward with outstretched arms and struggling, heart-wrung words burst -from his lips; a golden gleam from the sinking sun, just then, lighting -up and intensifying the manly beauty of his strong, clean-cut features. - -"Mary!" he cried hoarsely. "Oh, Mary, my girl. I've been thoughtless--I -didn't know!... forget--forgive!..." - -Dazedly the girl stared for a moment at the imploring face of the man -she loved, her misery-benumbed brain failing at first to grasp the -significance of his impassioned appeal. Then a quick, joyful light of -comprehension dilated her great weary eyes, and with an unsteady -movement she arose from her seat on the stone and swayed towards him, -sobbing in her throat. The next minute her round arms were about his -neck, her eager lips sought his--and they were quite alone. - - -Long he held the overstrung girl in his arms, kissing and soothing her -with every endearment that a man's love can command in such ecstasies; -smoothing her glorious hair and pressing his cheek to hers with -whispered, broken words of affection until she became calmer, and her -happy tears ceased. - -Then, gently, he told her the news of his changed fortunes and, drawing -forth the lawyer's letter, bade the astonished girl read its contents. - -"And now, my dear, I want you to read this, too," he said. "You have the -right to." - -And reverently he handed her the letter of his old dead benefactor, -silently watching her face as she perused its contents. He saw the light -gradually fade from her eyes, which commenced to fill with tears. Her -lips quivered and she began to sob again softly, as she read on, rocking -herself to and fro and making no attempt to hide her emotion. Presently -she ended the missive and looked across at her lover with glistening -eyes. - -"Oh! ... the poor old fellow ... that poor old soldier ... oh! this is -_too_ pitiful for anything!... How he must have suffered when he lost -her--waiting patiently all those years!..." - -She continued to gaze silently at him awhile. Then suddenly, with her -wet eyes blazing with her great love, she leaned forward and flung her -arms around his neck again with passionate abandon, still clutching the -letters. - -"Fwas ut for money ye waithed, ye foolish man?" she cried, relapsing -into her soft Hibernian brogue as she patted his shoulder caressingly. -"Och, glory be! but 'tis glad I am ye didn't tell me--or show me thim -letthers till--till afther!... 'Tis little ye must know av th' heart av -a woman loike me!... Och, me bhoy! me bhoy! ... a pauper I'd have -married ye ... an' loved ye still ... for yersilf alane!" - -For answer, Ellis tipped her head back on his arm and kissed her fondly. - -"Aye!... I guess you would!" he returned, with a grim chuckle. "And then -p'r'aps both of us 'ud have been sorry forever after!... No, my dear! -... when Poverty knocks on the door, Love 'beats it' out of the -window!... I've seen too many of these 'Love in a shack' businesses ... -everything's all hunkadory at first ... but it don't last.... You and -I've worked long enough for the powers that be.... Now that's all -changed.... You shall never know sorrow or worry again--if I can help -it, Mary, my girl!" - -Cheek to cheek, they were silent awhile, gazing dreamily across at the -distant "Rockies." Then he continued quietly. "First thing I must get my -discharge from the Force. I'll forward an application to 'purchase' -tomorrow! Special case ... under the circumstances, I think the O.C.'ll -recommend it all right, though as a rule he's dead against this -'purchasing' business ... don't know but what he isn't about right, too -... anyway, 'Isch ga bibble!'... I'll work it somehow within a month. -Then we'll hit for Europe, Mary. A downright good long easy-going trip -... taking our time and lazying around in all the beautiful old places -we've read or heard about, and never seen.... Rome, Venice, and some of -those old Moorish places in Spain. Then when we're tired of them and -want some amusement and change of scene we'll go to Paris, or -London--see all the best plays and hear all the best singers. Later -we'll go on down through the Mediterranean to the north coast of Africa, -and see Tunis and Algiers and Cairo. By and by, when we're tired of -running around, we'll 'beat it' for this country again and settle down -on a place of our own. It won't be a 'rawnch,' like the Honorable -Percy's, either.... Guess I know how to run one as it _should_ be run. I -know of a peach of a place--sou'west of here--right on the Elbow ... -pretty place, too--bush all round it and all kinds of good feed range -and shelter. It's an ideal place for either horses or cattle--horses -especially. Belongs to old J. G. Robinson. He's getting on in years now -and wants to quit the game. I know he'd sell out to me--I know him well. -It's the open range and the foothills of 'Sunny Alberta' for me and you, -Mary dear--somewhere in the West, anyway ... where we can look across at -the 'Rockies'--like we're doing now. We'd never be happy anywhere else. -Of course ... you won't be cooped up on this precious -ranch-in-perspective _all_ the year round ... neither of us, for that -matter. It won't be necessary, for I'm going to try and get Barney -Gallagher to come to me as my manager. I fancy I can fix things with -him." - -The girl, smiling at his enthusiasm with a little happy ejaculation, -shook him impulsively. - -"Oh, let's wake up!" she cried. "Are we only dreaming? ... are you -_sure_ this isn't only just a beautiful dream, from which we'll wake up -presently? I can't realize it's all true, yet!" - -He tilted her chin up and gazed into the glorious hazel eyes lovingly. - -"No, my dear," he murmured, the hard lines of his somber face softened -into an expression of dreamy, quiet peace. "It's no dream this time. I'm -done with my hopeless, empty dreams now! I'm a poor man no longer! Oh, -Mary, my girl! My great big splendid-looking wife-to-be! ... how I -surely do love you! Promise me you're going to be very, very happy now, -and give me another kiss! We'll have to be getting back. I don't want to -be getting into Mrs. T's bad books again," he added, grinning. "She gave -me orders ... very peremptory orders ... but I think I can report that -I've carried 'em out! Now give that kiss!" - -What a wonderful change--spiritually and physically--a little love can -effect! Gone were all poor Mary's dark shadows, pallor, and weary -despondency. Once again her laughing long-lashed hazel eyes shone with -the happy lights of yore. Locked in each other's arms, for the time -being, in a rose-tinted world of their own and completely oblivious to -their surroundings, they happened to sway up against Johnny who, turning -his head, with a mildly inquiring eye, tucked up his nigh fetlock and -nibbled at them for sugar, nickering softly the while. - -And Mary's horse, down on the flat below, whinnied back a responsive -"All's Well." - - -Footnote: - - - - -GLOSSARY - -_Aasvogel_--(_Dutch Taal_) A species of South African vulture. -(_Carrion._) - -_Allemachtig_--(_Dutch Taal_) Almighty! - -_Adios_--(_Spanish_) Good-by! - -_Dekho_--(_Hindustani_) Look. - -_Disselboom_--(_Dutch Taal_) Wagon-tongue. - -_Dopper_--(_Dutch Taal_) A term generally applied to the Boers in S. A. - -_Doed_--(_Dutch Taal_) Dead. - -_Dorp_--(_Dutch Taal_) A small town. - -_Drink hael_--(_Dutch Taal_) Signifying "Drink hearty!" - -_Dronk_--(_Dutch Taal_) Drunk. - -_Eyck! Eyck! Azi-wan-n! Ari-tsemah! Hamba-ke!_--(_Kaffir expressions, -urging on horse, oxen, or mule_) Literally--"Get up there! Go on!" - -_Inspanning_--(_Dutch Taal_) Harnessing up horse, oxen, or mule teams. - -_Indaba_--(_Zulu_) Talk, language. - -_I Korner_--(_Dutch Taal_) An expression of incredulity, "understand!" - -_Intombi_--(_Zulu_) Young woman. - -_Isch Ga Bibble!_--(_Yiddish_) "I should worry!" - -_Ja_--(_Dutch Taal_) Yes! - -_Kinders_--(_Dutch Taal_) Children. - -_Kopje_--(_Dutch Taal_) Small hill, or butte. - -_Krantzes_--(_Dutch Taal_) Rocky precipices. - -_Laager_--(_Dutch Taal_) Camp, abode. - -_Leugenaar_--(_Dutch Taal_) Liar. - -_Meerkat_--(_Dutch Taal_) A species of animal like a gigantic gopher -which burrows on the veldt. - -_Myjnheer_--(_Dutch_) Mr. - -_N'dipe Manzi_--(_Kaffir_) "Give me some water!" - -_Nee-moyee_--(_Cree_) "No!" (Pronounced "Naz-mo-yer.") - -_Outspan_--(_Dutch Taal_) Unharnessing horse, oxen, or mule teams. - -_Paseur_--(_Spanish_) Walk. - -_Pronto!_--(_Spanish_) "Quick! Look sharp!" - -_Salue!_--(_Signifying_) "Here's luck!" - -_Saku Bona N'kos!_--(_Kaffir_) "Good day, Chief." - -_Saku Bona, Umlungu_--(_Kaffir_) "Good day, White Man!" - -_Sjambok_--(_Dutch Taal_) Rawhide whip. - -"_Skiet die Verdoe Schepsel!_"--(_Dutch Taal_) "Shoot the damned -rascal!" - -_Soor_--(_Hindustani_) Swine. - -_Taal_--South African Dutch language. - -_Trek_--(_Dutch Taal_) March, travel. - -_Tronk_--(_Dutch Taal_) Gaol. - -_Uitlander_--(_Dutch Taal_) Outlander. Unfranchised by the S. A. -Republic. - -"_Umbagi!_"--(_Kaffir_) Signifying "Move on there!" "Get along!" - -_Umfundusi_--(_Kaffir_) Preacher. - -_Umlungu_--(_Kaffir_) "White man!" - -_Vierkleur_--(_Dutch Taal_) The flag of the late South African -Republics. - -"_Voertsek, Du Verdomde Schelm!_"--(_Dutch Taal_) "Get out, you damned -rascal!" - -_Vrouw_--(_Dutch Taal_) Wife. - -"_Wacht-een-bietje!_"--(_Dutch Taal_) "Wait a bit!" - -"_Wana!_"--(_Kaffir_) "Stop!" "Halt there!" - - - - -RALPH CONNOR'S STORIES OF THE NORTHWEST - -May be had wherever books are sold. Ask for Grosset & Dunlap's list - -_THE SKY PILOT IN NO MAN'S LAND_ - -The clean-hearted, strong-limbed man of the West leaves his hills and -forests to fight the battle for freedom in the old world. - -_BLACK ROCK_ - -A story of strong men in the mountains of the West. - -_THE SKY PILOT_ - -A story of cowboy life, abounding in the freshest humor, the truest -tenderness and the finest courage. - -_THE PROSPECTOR_ - -A tale of the foothills and of the man who came to them to lend a hand -to the lonely men and women who needed a protector. - -_THE MAN FROM GLENGARRY_ - -This narrative brings us into contact with elemental and volcanic human -nature and with a hero whose power breathes from every word. - -_GLENGARRY SCHOOL DAYS_ - -In this rough country of Glengarry, Ralph Connor has found human nature -in the rough. - -_THE DOCTOR_ - -The story of a "preacher-doctor" whom big men and reckless men loved for -his unselfish life among them. - -_THE FOREIGNER_ - -A tale of the Saskatchewan and of a "foreigner" who made a brave and -winning fight for manhood and love. - -_CORPORAL CAMERON_ - -This splendid type of the upright, out-of-door man about which Ralph -Connor builds all his stories, appears again in this book. - -Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York - - - - -NOVELS OF FRONTIER LIFE BY - -WILLIAM MacLEOD RAINE - -May be had wherever books are sold. Ask for Grosset & Dunlap's list. - -_MAVERICKS_ - -A tale of the western frontier, where the "rustler" abounds. One of the -sweetest love stories ever told. - -_A TEXAS RANGER_ - -How a member of the border police saved the life of an innocent man, -followed a fugitive to Wyoming, and then passed through deadly peril to -ultimate happiness. - -_WYOMING_ - -In this vivid story the author brings out the turbid life of the -frontier with all its engaging dash and vigor. - -_RIDGWAY OF MONTANA_ - -The scene is laid in the mining centers of Montana, where politics and -mining industries are the religion of the country. - -_BUCKY O'CONNOR_ - -Every chapter teems with wholesome, stirring adventures, replete with -the dashing spirit of the border. - -_CROOKED TRAILS AND STRAIGHT_ - -A story of Arizona; of swift-riding men and daring outlaws; of a bitter -feud between cattle-men and sheep-herders. - -_BRAND BLOTTERS_ - -A story of the turbid life of the frontier with a charming love interest -running through its pages. - -_STEVE YEAGER_ - -A story brimful of excitement, with enough gun-play and adventure to -suit anyone. - -_A DAUGHTER OF THE DONS_ - -A Western story of romance and adventure, comprising a vivacious and -stirring tale. - -_THE HIGHGRADER_ - -A breezy, pleasant and amusing love Story of Western mining life. - -_THE PIRATE OF PANAMA_ - -A tale of old-time pirates and of modern love, hate and adventure. - -_THE YUKON TRAIL_ - -A crisply entertaining love story in the land where might makes right. - -_THE VISION SPLENDID_ - -In which two cousins are contestants for the same prizes; political -honors and the hand of a girl. - -_THE SHERIFF'S SON_ - -The hero finally conquers both himself and his enemies and wins the love -of a wonderful girl. - -Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York - - - - - - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BENTON OF THE ROYAL MOUNTED *** - - - - -A Word from Project Gutenberg - - -We will update this book if we find any errors. - -This book can be found under: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/41889 - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one -owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and -you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission -and without paying copyright royalties. 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