"I was shot in the leg by a drunken Indian."
"While on duty?"
"Yes." Unconsciously he was forgetting to add "Miss", which was the patent of his servility. And I do not think that just then she noticed this subtraction from the respect due her.
It was eleven o'clock when they arrived at the gates. She dismounted alone. Warburton was visibly done up.
"Any orders for this afternoon, Miss?"
"I shall want the victoria at three. I have some shopping to do and a call to make. Send William after Pirate. I am very grateful for what you have done."
He made no reply, for he saw her father coming down the steps.
"Betty," said the colonel, pale and worried, "have you been riding Pirate? Where is he, and what in the world has happened?"—noting the dust on her habit and her tangled hair.
She explained: she told the story rather coolly, Warburton thought, but she left out no detail.
"You have James to thank for my safety, father. He was very calm and clear-headed."