arting at a gallop.

CHAPTER XXIX

FLORA'S ENLIGHTENMENT

It was nearly midnight when Edgar returned from the settlement and saw,
to his surprise, lights still burning in the homestead. Entering the
living-room, he found Grierson sitting there with Jake, and it struck
him that they looked uneasy.

"What's keeping you up?" he asked.

"I thought I'd wait for the boss," said the Canadian. "He went over to
Grant's after supper, and he's not come back."

"That's curious. He said nothing about going."

"A note came by the mail. It's lying yonder."

Edgar picked it up and brought it near the lamp. The paper was good
and printed with Grant's postal address, which was lengthy.

"I figured I'd go and meet him," Jake resumed, "Took the shot-gun and
rode through the bluff. Didn't see anything of him, and it struck me
Grant might have kept him all night, as it was getting late. He's
stayed there before."

Edgar examined the note, for he was far from satisfied. George had
only twice spent a night at Grant's, once when he was driving cattle,
and again when it would have been risky to face the weather. The paper
was undoubtedly Grant's, but Edgar could not identify the farmer's
hand; the notes that had come over had been written by Flora. Then he
remembered that George had bought some implements from Grant, and had
filed the rancher's receipt. Edgar hurriedly found it and compared it
with the letter. Then his face grew troubled, for the writing was not
the same.

"I'm afraid Mr. Lansing never got to Grant's," he said. "I'll ride
over at once."

"Then I'm coming," Jake said shortly. "I'll bring the gun along."

Grierson lifted a clenched brown hand.

"So am I! If Mr. Lansing's hurt, somebody's got to pay!"

Edgar was stirred by something in their looks and voices; George had
gained a hold on these men's loyalty which the regular payment of wages
could never have given him. He merely signified assent, and, running
out, sprang into the saddle. The others had evidently had their horses
ready, for he heard them riding after him in a minute or two, though he
was galloping recklessly through the bluff when they came up. The
homestead was dark when they reached it, and they shouted once or twice
before Grant came down.

"Is George here?" Edgar asked.

"No," said Grant, "we didn't expect him."

"Then get on your clothes quick! There's work on hand!"

Grant brought him in and struck a light, then