can't run you in if you get drunk. All that sort of
thing, don'tcherknow."

"An excellent definition," laughed the doctor.

"I wish somebody would present me with 'freedom,'" said Nabob,
plaintively.

"It's a good thing we don't go in for that sort of thing extensively in
Canada," put in Horrocks, as the representative of the law. "The
peaceful pastime of the police would soon be taken from them. Why, the
handling of 'drunks' is our only recreation."

"That, and for some of them the process of lowering four per cent.
beer," added the doctor, quietly.

Another laugh followed the doctor's sally.

When the mirth had subsided Aunt Margaret shook her head. This levity
rather got on her nerves. This Retief business, as she understood it,
was a very serious affair, especially for Sergeant Horrocks. She was
keenly anxious to hear the details of his preparations. She knew most of
them, but she liked her information first hand. With this object in view
she suggested, rather than asked, what she wanted to know.

"But I don't quite understand. I take it you are going single-handed
into the half-breed camp, where you expect to find this Retief, Sergeant
Horrocks?"

Horrocks's face was serious as he looked over at the old lady. There was
no laughter in his black, flashing eyes. He was not a man given to
suavity. His business effectually crushed any approach to that sort of
thing. He was naturally a stern man, too.

"I am not quite mad, madam," he said curtly. "I set some value upon my
life."

This crushing rejoinder had no effect upon Aunt Margaret. She still
persisted.

"Then, of course, you take your men with you. Four, you have, and smart
they look, too. I like to see well-set-up men. I trust you will succeed.
They--I mean the Breeds--are a dangerous people."

"Not so dangerous as they're reckoned, I guess," said Horrocks,
disdainfully. "I don't anticipate much trouble."

"I hope it will turn out as you think," replied the old lady,
doubtfully.

Horrocks shrugged his shoulders; he was not to be drawn.

There was a moment's silence after this, which was at length broken by
"Poker" John.

"Of course, Horrocks," he said, "we shall carry out your instructions to
the letter. At three in the morning, failing your return or news of you,
I set out with my ranch hands to find you. And woe betide those black
devils if you have come to harm. By the way, what about your men?"

"They assemble here at ten. We leave our ho