Part 57 (1/2)

Then West touched George's arm.

”You'll have to come. They've got two other victims--Hardie and Grant--and the supper's ready.”

The reeve looked at him in stern rebuke.

”That isn't the way to speak of this function, Percy. If you feel like a victim, you can drop right out.”

George was touched by the man's intimation. He expressed his satisfaction, and the whole a.s.sembly escorted him to the hotel. There he and Grant and Hardie were seated at the top of a long table near the reeve, who made a short opening speech.

”Business first, and then the supper, boys,” he said. ”Corporal 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 a.s.surance 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. He was somewhat puzzled, for there was a hint of light mockery in her voice.

”I'll excuse you if you feel that it requires an effort,” he said.

”Oh, you have had so much applause that mine can hardly count.”

”You ought to know that it's my friends' good opinion I really value.”

Flora changed the subject.

”You will be driving out in the morning?”

”I'm starting as soon as Edgar has the team ready. There's a good moon and I must get to work the first thing to-morrow.”

The girl's face hardened.

”You seem desperately anxious about your crop.”

”I think that's natural. There's a good deal to be done and I've lost some time. I came in to write a note before I see what Edgar's doing.”

”Then I mustn't disturb you, and it's time I went over to Mrs.

Nelson's--she expects me to stay the night. I was merely waiting for a word with my father.” She stopped George, who had meant to accompany her. ”No, you needn't come--it's only a few blocks away. Get your note written.”

Seeing that she did not desire his escort, George let her go; but he frowned as he sat down and took out some paper. Soon afterward Edgar came in, and they drove off in a few more minutes.

”Did you see Miss Grant?” Edgar asked when they were jolting down the rutted trail.