ard in duty done.

"Permit me also to say that we recognize and appreciate the spirit
of devotion showed by Mrs. Cameron during these trying months in so
cheerfully and loyally giving you up to this service.

"May I add that in this rebellion to my mind the most critical factor
was the attitude of the great Blackfeet Confederacy. Every possible
effort was made by the half-breeds and Northern Indians to seduce
Crowfoot and his people from their loyalty, and their most able and
unscrupulous agent in this attempt was the Sioux Indian known among
us as The Copperhead. That he failed utterly in his schemes and that
Crowfoot remained loyal I believe is due to the splendid work of the
officers and members of our Force in the South West district, but
especially to your splendid services as the Patrol of the Sun Dance
Trail."

"And signed by the big Chief himself, the Commissioner," cried Dr.
Martin. "What do you think of that, Baby?" he continued, catching the
baby from its mother's arms. "What do you think of your daddy?" The
doctor pirouetted round the room with the baby in his arms, that
young person regarding the whole performance apparently with grave and
profound satisfaction.

"Your horse is ready," said Smith, coming in at the door.

"Your horse?" cried Cameron.

"Oh--I forgot," said the doctor. "Ah--I don't think I want him to-night,
Smith."

"You are not going to-night, then?" inquired Mandy in delighted
surprise.

"No--I--in fact, I believe I have changed my mind about that. I have,
been--ah--persuaded to remain."

"Oh, I see," cried Mandy in supreme delight. Then turning swiftly upon
her sister-in-law who stood beside the doctor, her face in a radiant
glow, she added, "Then what did you mean by--by--what we saw this
afternoon?"

A deeper red dyed the girl's cheeks.

"What are you talking about?" cried Dr. Martin. "Oh, that kissing Smith
business."

"I couldn't just help it!" burst out Moira. "He was so happy."

"Going to be married, you know," interjected the doctor.

"And so--so--"

"Just so," cried the doctor. "Oh, pshaw! that's all right! I'd kiss
Smith myself. I feel like doing it this blessed minute. Where is he?
Smith! Where are you?" But Smith had escaped. "Smith's all right, I say,
and so are we, eh, Moira?" He slipped his arm round the blushing girl.

"Oh, I am so glad," cried Mandy, beaming upon them. "And you are not
going East after all?"

"East? Not I! The West for me. I am goi