stify that it is not true, sir. It was a matter of common
knowledge at the post that Doctor Imbrie neither received nor sent any
letters. We wondered at it. Furthermore, the only word received from him
all winter was in January."

The Major turned to the woman. "According to that you are telling an
untruth about the letter," he said sternly. "Do you wish to change your
statement?"

She sullenly shook her head.

The Major shrugged and went on. "Was Doctor Imbrie waiting for you at
Carcajou Point?"

"Yes, sir."

"Why didn't you meet at Fort Enterprise, where there was a good trail to
Swan River?"

"He didn't feel like explaining things to the white men there. He likes
to keep to himself."

"Where did you go from Carcajou Point?"

"We bought horses from the Beaver Indians and rode overland to Swan
Lake."

"Bought horses?" said the Major quickly. "How did Doctor Imbrie get to
Carcajou in the first place?"

She corrected herself. "I mean he bought extra horses for me, and for
the outfit."

"And you rode to Swan Lake on your way back to his place?"

"Yes, sir."

"Did you go to his place?"

"No, sir, I got sick at Swan Lake and he had to leave me."

"But if you were sick you needed a doctor, didn't you?"

"I wasn't very sick, I just couldn't travel, that was all."

"But why did he have to leave you?"

"He had business at his place."

"Business? There was no one there but himself."

The woman merely shrugged.

Major Egerton waved his hand in Clare's direction. "Do you know this
lady?"

"Yes, sir. It's Doctor Imbrie's wife."

"How do you know that?"

"I saw them married."

"Where was that?"

"I won't answer that at present."

The Major turned to Clare apologetically. "Please excuse me if I must
ask a painful question or two."

Clare nodded reassuringly.

"Why had Doctor Imbrie left his wife?"

The woman's eyes sparkled with resentment. "He didn't leave her. She
left him. She----"

"That will do!" ordered the Major.

But the woman raised her voice. "She threw up the fact of his having red
blood to him--though she knew it well enough when she married him. He
was all cut up about it. That was why he came up here."

The Major, slightly embarrassed, turned to Stonor. "Will you question
her?" he asked testily. "You are better informed as to the whole
circumstances."

"If I might hear the man's story first, sir?"

"Very well. Send for him. What is the charge against the woman?"

"Sho