poral Flett
can't come; his bosses wouldn't approve of it; but I'll see it put in
the Sentinel that he was asked, and we won't mind if that has some
effect on them. There's another thing--out of deference to Mr. Hardie
and the change in opinion he has ably led--you'll only get tea and
coffee at this entertainment. Those who haven't signed his book, must
hold out until it's over."

An excellent meal had been finished when he got up again, with three
illuminated strips of parchment in his hand.

"I'll be brief, but there's something to be said. Our guests have set
us an example which won't be lost. They saw the danger of letting
things drift; one of them warned us plainly, although to do so needed
grit, and some of us rounded on him, and if the others didn't talk, it
was because that wasn't their end of the job. They knew their duty to
the country and they did it, though it cost them something. We owe it
to them that the police have smashed the rustler gang, and that from
now on no small homesteader can be bluffed or tempted into doing what's
sure to bring him into trouble, and no man with a big farm need fear to
let his cattle run. What's more, instead of a haunt of toughs and
hobos, we're going to have a quiet and prosperous town. I'm now proud
that it's my duty to hand our guests the assurance of our grateful
appreciation. Corporal Flett's will be sent on to him."

He handed them the parchments, and George felt inclined to blush as he
glanced at the decorated words of eulogy; while a half-ironical twinkle
crept into Grant's eyes. Then Hardie rose to reply, and faltered once
or twice with a sob of emotion in his voice, for the testimonial had a
deeper significance to him than it had to the others. His audience,
however, encouraged him, and there was a roar of applause when he sat
down. Soon after that the gathering broke up.

George went to the parlor, which served as writing-room, and found
Flora there. She smiled as she noticed the end of the parchment
sticking out of his pocket.

"I dare say you're relieved that the ceremony's over," she said.

"It was a little trying," George confessed. "I was badly afraid I'd
have to make a speech, but luckily we had Hardie, who was equal to the
task."

"After all, you needn't be ashamed of the testimonial. I really think
you deserved it, and I suppose I must congratulate you on the fortunate
end of your dramatic adventures."

George stood looking at her.