Witham said nothing, but shook the reins, and when the wagon lurched forward Dane looked at him.
“I didn’t know that before,” he said.
“Well,” said Witham dryly, “if I hadn’t lost my temper with the lad you wouldn’t have done now.”
Dane smiled. “You miss the point of it. Our engaging friend made himself the laughing-stock of the colony by favouring Maud Barrington with his attentions when he came out. In fact, I fancy the lady, in desperation, had to turn her uncle loose on him before he could be made to understand that they were not appreciated. I’d keep your eye on him, Courthorne, for the little beast has shown himself abominably vindictive occasionally, though I have a notion he’s scarcely to be held accountable. It’s a case of too pure a strain and consanguinity. Two branches of the family—marriage between land and money, you see.”
“It will be my heel if he gets in my way,” said Witham grimly.
It was late when they reached his homestead where Dane was to stay the night, and when they went in a youthful figure in uniform rose up in the big log-walled hall. For a moment Witham’s heart almost stood still, and then, holding himself in hand by a strenuous effort, he moved forward and stood where the light of a lamp did not shine quite fully upon him. He knew that uniform, and he had also seen the lad who wore it once or twice before, at an outpost six hundred miles away across the prairie. He knew the risk he took was great, but it was evident to him that if his identity escaped detection at first sight, use would do the rest, and while he had worn a short pointed beard on the Western prairie, he was cleanly-shaven now.
The lad stood quite still a moment staring at him, and Witham returning his gaze steadily felt his pulses throb.
“Well, trooper, what has brought you here?” he said.
“Homestead visitation, sir,” said the lad, who had a pleasant English voice. “Mr. Courthorne, I presume—accept my regrets if I stared too hard at you—but for a moment you reminded me of a man I knew. They’ve changed us round lately, and I’m from the Alberta Squadron just sent in to this district. It was late when I rode in, and your people were kind enough to put me up.”
Witham laughed. “I have been taken for another man before. Would you like anything to drink, or a smoke before you turn in, trooper?”