nning, and I am afraid of Crowfoot. I saw the old Chief. He was very
cordial and is apparently loyal enough as yet, but you know, sir, how
much that may mean. I think that is all," said Cameron, putting his hand
up to his head. "I have a great deal more to tell you, but it will not
come back to me now. Little Pine must be attended to, and for a day or
two I am sorry I am hardly fit--awfully sorry." His voice sank into a
kind of undertone.

"Sorry?" cried the Superintendent, deeply stirred at the sight of
his obvious collapse. "Sorry? Don't you use that word again. You have
nothing to be sorry for, but everything to be proud of. You have done a
great service to your country, and we will not forget it. In a few days
you will be fit and we shall show our gratitude by calling upon you to
do something more. Hello, who's that?" A horseman had ridden past the
window toward the stables. Moira ran to look out.

"Oh!" she cried, "it is that Mr. Raven. I would know his splendid horse
anywhere."

"Raven!" said Cameron sharply and wide awake.

"Raven, by Jove!" muttered the Inspector.

"Raven! Well, I call that cool!" said the Superintendent, a hard look
upon his face.

But the laws of hospitality are nowhere so imperative as on the western
plains. Cameron rose from his chair muttering, "Must look after his
horse."

"You sit down," said Mandy firmly. "You are not going out."

"Well, hardly," said the Inspector. "Here, Jerry, go and show him where
to get things, and--" He hesitated.

"Bring him in," cried Mandy heartily. The men stood silent, looking at
Cameron.

"Certainly, bring him in," he said firmly, "a day like this," he added,
as if in apology.

"Why, of course," cried Mandy, looking from one to the other in
surprise. "Why not? He is a perfectly splendid man."

"Oh, he is really splendid!" replied Moira, her cheeks burning and her
eyes flashing. "You remember," she cried, addressing the Inspector, "how
he saved my life the day I arrived at this ranch."

"Oh, yes," replied the Inspector briefly, "I believe I did hear that."
But there was little enthusiasm in his voice.

"Well, I think he is splendid," repeated Moira. "Do not you think so?"

The Inspector had an awkward moment.

"Eh?--well--I can't say I know him very well."

"And his horse! What a beauty it is!" continued the girl.

"Ah, yes, a most beautiful animal, quite remarkable horse, splendid
horse; in fact one of the finest, if not the very finest