expression.

"You mean--all that, Doc?" he said almost incredulously at last.

The other raised his broad loose shoulders expressively.

"I wish it was more."

Steve breathed a deep sigh. He shook his head. Then, with an impulsive
movement, he thrust out one powerful hand.

Just for one moment the two men gripped in silence.

"I'll fix it with Nita," Steve said, as their hands fell apart.

"Yep. And Millie and the gals will go along over. She can't refuse
them."

Steve flashed a sharply enquiring look into the other's eyes.

"Why should she want to?" he demanded.

The doctor suddenly realized the doubt he had implied. His own train of
thought had found unconscious expression.

"There isn't a reason in the world," he protested, "except--she's a
woman."

But his reply, for all its promptness, entirely missed its purpose. It
failed completely to banish the trouble which had displaced the smile in
Steve's eyes.

When Steve spoke his voice was low, and he seemed to be speaking to
himself rather than to his companion.

"That's so," he said at last. And Ian Ross knew there was more in
Steve's mind than the fear of the common dangers to which his wife and
child would be exposed in his absence. How much he did not know. Perhaps
he had no desire to know. Anyway, being a man of some wisdom, being
possessed of a home, and a wife, and family of his own, he applied
himself assiduously to the pipe which never failed to soothe his
feelings, however much they might be disturbed.

* * * * *

It was exactly a week from the time he had received his instructions
that Steve's preparations were completed and the hour of his departure
came round.

The afternoon was well advanced. Already the brilliant sun was drooping
towards the misty range of lofty hills which cut the western skyline in
the region of the Peace River country. Steve's horse was saddled and
bridled, and tethered to the post outside the office door, where
Corporal Munday was seated upon the sill awaiting the departure.

The "outfit" was already on the trail. That had left at sunrise. Its
preparations had been simple, and even spare. But it was adequate. Steve
and his Indians knew to the last fraction the requirements of a journey
such as lay before them. Year in, year out, they were accustomed to
preparations for the long trail. This was longer than usual. That was
all.

The officer's plans were considered to the last det