nd was broken by a few low sandy ridges sprinkled with small
birches and poplars, and Flett pointed to the mark of hoofs in a strip
of almost bare, light soil.

"This is where he was hit," he said. "You can see how he started off,
going as hard as he could. Next, we've got to find the spot the man
fired from."

It proved difficult. The dry grass revealed nothing, and they vainly
searched several of the neighboring hillocks, where it grew less
thickly. Scorching sunshine beat down on them and a strong breeze blew
the sand about. At length Flett pointed to a few half-obliterated
footprints on the bare summit of a small rise.

"The fellow stopped here with his feet well apart. He'd stand like
that while he put up his gun. Sit down and smoke while I copy these
marks."

He proceeded to do so carefully, having brought some paper from the
homestead.

"Have you any reason for thinking it was a standing shot he took?"
George asked.

"I haven't; I wish I had. Quite a lot depends upon his position."

George nodded.

"So it struck me. We'll look round for some more conclusive signs when
you have finished."

Before this happened. Flora Grant rode up.

"I was going back from Forster's when I noticed you moving about the
hills," she explained. "I made this round to find out what you were
doing."

George told her, and her sympathy was obvious.

"I'm very sorry; but my father warned you," she said. "I'm afraid
you're finding this an expensive campaign."

"I can put up with it, so long as I have my friends' support."

"I think you can count on that," she smiled. "But what is Flett's
theory?"

"If he has one, he's clever at hiding it," Edgar broke in; "but I'm
doubtful. In my opinion, he knows the value of the professional air of
mystery."

"When I see any use in it, I can talk," retorted Flett. "What's your
notion, Mr. Lansing? You don't agree that the fellow shot your beast
from here?"

"No," answered George. "Of course, there are only two explanations of
the thing, and the first is that it was an accident. In that case, the
fellow must have been out after antelope or cranes."

"There's an objection: it's close season; though I wouldn't count too
much on that. You farmers aren't particular when there's nobody
around. Now, it's possible that a man who'd been creeping up on an
antelope would work in behind this rise and take a quick shot,
standing, when he reached the top of it. If so, I gues