United States or Bulgaria ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
I've lost two crops in the eight years I've been here." "Can it be eight?" Colston broke in. "If I remember right, you spent three years in Manitoba." "It's the same kind of country and the same climate," Prescott rejoined, conscious that he had nearly betrayed himself again. He felt angry with Jernyngham for giving him such a difficult part to play.
The next morning they were sitting with Jernyngham and Gertrude when a neighboring rancher came in. "I thought Leslie might be here," he explained. "Don't mean to intrude." Colston knew the man and he asked him to sit down. Jernyngham glanced up from the Winnipeg paper he was reading.
Jernyngham had made things very hard for her lover. "I dare say you're right," responded Prescott. "But the morning after he reached my place in the blizzard I had a talk with him and found him reasonable. I think he half believed in my innocence, but soon afterward he was more savage than before." "Isn't it possible that you took too much for granted?
After some discussion they agreed on a workable scheme, which was put down in writing and witnessed by the hotel-keeper. Then Jernyngham borrowed a saddle and sent for his horse. "I'll pull out for the railroad now; it's cooler riding at night and there's a good moon," he said. "As I'll pass close to your place, you may as well drive so far with me."
Two days later, he was busy in front of his homestead putting together a new binder which had just arrived from the settlement. It was the latest type of harvesting implement and designed to cut an unusually broad swath. While he was engaged, the trooper he had met when accompanying Jernyngham rode up with a corporal following. He stopped his horse and glanced at the binder with admiration.
He turned to his wife. "Don't you think it's advisable?" "I do, and it would be better if we all went. Then you will have an excuse for following Jernyngham and can watch him without making the thing too marked. It's a pity you didn't succeed in getting the pistol away from him." "I've done what I could.
"I can't understand the thing." "Nor I," replied Jernyngham. "Is this the man you wrote to us about?" "Of course!" said Colston stupidly. "I thought he was Cyril; so did we all. We had no cause to doubt it." Jernyngham turned in fury to the Leslies. "Who is the fellow?" he demanded. Prescott braced himself. "I'll answer that Jack Prescott. Mr. Colston stayed at my homestead."
His face was troubled, but he made no attempt to detain her. "I believe you saved my life," he said. "I can't thank you now. May I call to-morrow?" "We should be glad to see you," Mrs. Colston broke in hurriedly; "but, with Mr. Jernyngham at the homestead, wouldn't it be embarrassing? Muriel, we really can't wait." The girl smiled at Prescott. "Yes," she said quietly, "come when you wish."
"It's the main consideration, of course. But we'll decide on the drive to-morrow. It has been a depressing day." On the Monday morning, Jernyngham was shown into the parlor of the hotel where a commissioned officer of the police sat waiting for him. He had keen, observant eyes, but his manner was quiet, and Jernyngham endeavored to control his impatience.
I have some means, Mr. Prescott, and though I dare not speak to my father about it, you must draw on me." "We'll talk about it later. I wish I could go now, but that's impossible, and there's no use in suggesting that Mr. Jernyngham should send somebody else. Besides, I believe I'd have the best chance of picking up the right trail. You won't mind my saying that I'm very sorry for you?"
Word Of The Day