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 you a second thousand dollars when the crop is
in, as well as bank-rate interest on the value of the stock and
machines and the money I have used, as shown in the documents handed me
by Colonel Barrington.
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