erfectly secure and at home, and
to have neither suspicion nor fear of the speedy ejection which was
being planned for them. No doubt it was very absurd, but even the serene
sleepy eyes of the cow seemed to have aggravation in them, and the
Doctor turned his horse round to return home, in the worst possible
humour.

The country roads were so bad, however, that though it always appears
natural for a man in a passion to ride fast, he was obliged to check his
horse and pick his way among the deep ruts and holes. Going on in this
way and having some little trouble with the animal, which was young and
spirited, he saw a man coming along the road before him, and as they
drew nearer recognized Clarkson.

The squatter was not a pleasant man to look at. He was of middle height,
very broadly and strongly built, but with a slouching gait which
corresponded perfectly with the expression of his coarse features, half
brutal, half sly. He wore an old fur cap, drawn so low upon his forehead
as to shade his eyes, and conceal the frown with which he perceived his
enemy. His usual audacity of manner, however, did not desert him. He
stood still as the other approached, and called out,

"Good morning, Doctor. Been looking at your property?"

"Yes," was the answer. "And I have one thing to say to you, the sooner
you are off it the better."

"Now, that ain't reasonable," Clarkson said, coming nearer. "I've built
a bit of a house there, and took a world of trouble, and you expect me
to give it up for nothing."

"Decidedly I do. Good morning."

He was moving on, when Clarkson caught his rein.

"Look here, Doctor Morton," he said, "I found the land wild as land
could be. I took possession of it, and kept it. Mr. Latour was not hard
upon me, nor Miss Latour neither; and I can't see why you as has had
nothing to do with it, neither buying it, nor building on it, should be
so much keener after it than them."

"I don't mean to argue the matter," the Doctor answered. "You've had
warning enough; and I mean you to go. Loose my horse."

Clarkson's face was growing darker every moment. He held the bridle more
firmly, and began to speak again.

Doctor Morton suddenly raised his riding-whip, and let the handle fall
sharply on the hand that detained him; at the same moment he spurred his
horse, and the animal, springing forward, struck Clarkson with its
shoulder and sent him staggering back across the road. He recovered
himself in a moment, an