ut reserve--there's no ground for uneasiness
on West's account; he might fall into much worse hands. If Helen
Taunton has any influence over him, it will be wisely used. Besides,
she has been well educated; she spent a few years in Montreal."

"She has a nice face; in fact, she's decidedly pretty."

"And that would cover a multitude of shortcomings?"

"Well," said George, thoughtfully, "mere physical beauty is something
to be thankful for; though I'm not sure that beauty can be, so to
speak, altogether physical. When I said the girl had a nice face, I
meant that its expression suggested a wholesome character."

"You seem to have been cultivating your powers of observation," Flora
told him. "But I'm more disposed to consider the matter from Helen's
point of view. As it happens, she's a friend of mine and I've reasons
for believing that your partner's readily susceptible and inclined to
be fickle. Of course, I'm not jealous."

George laughed.

"He's too venturesome now and then, but he has been a little spoiled.
I've an idea that this affair is likely to be permanent. He has shown
a keen interest in the price of land and the finances of farming, which
struck me as having its meaning."

They had now nearly reached the bluff and a horseman in khaki uniform
rode out of it to meet them.

"I've been over to your place," he said to George, when he had
dismounted. "I was sent to show you a photograph and ask if you can
recognize anybody in it?"

He untied a packet and George studied the picture handed him. It
showed the rutted main street of a little western town, with the
sunlight on a row of wooden buildings. In the distance a band of
cattle were being driven forward by two mounted men; nearer at hand a
few wagons stood outside a livery stable; and in the foreground three
or four figures occupied the veranda of a frame hotel. The ease of
their attitudes suggested that they did not know they were being
photographed, and their faces were distinct. George looked
triumphantly excited and unhesitatingly laid a finger on one face.

"This is the man that drove off Mr. Grant's Percheron and stabbed my
horse."

The trooper produced a thin piece of card and a small reading-glass.

"Take another look through this; it came along with the photograph.
Now, would you be willing to swear to him?"

"I'll be glad to do so, if I have the chance. Shall I put a mark
against the fellow?"

"Not on that!" The trooper h