nston stood up and set his back to the door. "You heard my terms,
but if you mention that lady again in connection with me, it would suit
me equally well to make good all I owe you very differently."

Courthorne did not appear in any way disconcerted, but, before he could
answer, a man outside opened the door.

"Here's Sergeant Stimson and one of his troopers wanting you," he said.

Winston looked at Courthorne, but the latter smiled. "The visit has
nothing to do with me. It is probably accidental, but I fancy Stimson
knows me, and it wouldn't be advisable for him to see us both together.
Now, I wonder whether you could make it fifteen hundred dollars."

"No," said Winston. "Stay if it pleases you."

Courthorne shook his head. "I don't know that it would. You don't do
it badly, Winston."

He went out by another door, almost as the grizzled sergeant came in
and stood still, looking at the master of the homestead.

"I haven't seen you since I came here, Mr. Courthorne, and now you
remind me of another man I once had dealings with," he said.

Winston laughed a little. "I scarcely fancy that is very civil,
Sergeant."

"Well," said the prairie-rider, "there is a difference, when I look at
you more closely. Let me see, I met you once or twice back there in
Alberta?"

He appeared to be reflecting, but Winston was on his guard. "More
frequently, I fancy, but you had nothing definite against me, and the
times have changed. I would like to point that out to you civilly.
Your chiefs are also on good terms with us at Silverdale, you see."

The sergeant laughed. "Well, sir, I meant no offense, and called round
to requisition a horse. One of the Whitesod boys has been deciding a
quarrel with a neighbor with an ax, and while I fancy they want me at
once, my beast got his foot in a badger-hole."

"Tell Tom in the stables to let you have your choice," said Winston.
"If you like them, there's no reason you shouldn't take some of these
cigars along."

The sergeant went out, and when the beat of hoofs sank into the silence
of the prairie, Winston called Courthorne in. "I have offered you no
refreshment, but the best in the house is at your service," he said.

Courthorne looked at him curiously, and for the first time Winston
noticed that the life he had led was telling upon his companion.

"As your guest?" he asked.

"Yes," said Winston. "I am tenant here, and, that I may owe you
nothing, purpose paying yo