, in this whole
country. And that is saying a good deal, too, Miss Moira. You see, this
country breeds good horses." And the Inspector went on to discourse in
full detail and with elaborate illustration upon the various breeds of
horses the country could produce, and to classify the wonderful black
stallion ridden by Raven, and all with such diligence and enthusiasm
that no other of the party had an opportunity to take part in the
conversation till Raven, in the convoy of Jerry, was seen approaching
the house. Then the Superintendent rose.

"Well, Mrs. Cameron, I fear we must take our departure. These are rather
crowded days with us."

"What?" exclaimed Mandy. "Within an hour of dinner? We can hardly allow
that, you know. Besides, Mr. Cameron wants to have a great deal more
talk with you."

The Superintendent attempted to set forth various other reasons for a
hasty departure, but they all seemed to lack sincerity, and after a few
more ineffective trials he surrendered and sat down again in silence.

The next moment the door opened and Raven, followed by Jerry, stepped
into the room. As his eye fell upon the Superintendent, instinctively he
dropped his hands to his hips and made an involuntary movement backward,
but only for an instant. Immediately he came forward and greeted Mandy
with fine, old-fashioned courtesy.

"So delighted to meet you again, Mrs. Cameron, and also to meet your
charming sister." He shook hands with both the ladies very warmly.
"Ah, Superintendent," he continued, "delighted to see you. And you,
Inspector," he said, giving them a nod as he laid off his outer leather
riding coat. "Hope I see you flourishing," he continued. His debonair
manner had in it a quizzical touch of humor. "Ah, Cameron, home again I
see. I came across your tracks the other day."

The men, who had risen to their feet upon his entrance, stood regarding
him stiffly and made no other sign of recognition than a curt nod and a
single word of greeting.

"You have had quite a trip," he continued, addressing himself to
Cameron, and taking the chair offered by Mandy. "I followed you part
way, but you travel too fast for me. Much too strenuous work I found
it. Why," he continued, looking narrowly at Cameron, "you are badly
punished. When did you get in?"

"Two hours ago, Mr. Raven," said Mandy quickly, for her husband sat
gazing stupidly into the fire. "And he is quite done up."

"Two hours ago?" exclaimed Raven in utter surpr