"Sergeant-Major, can you spare a moment?"

"Well?"

"You know that gambler that's awaiting trial—the fellow Sergeant Cranbrook arrested at Qu'appelle?"

Hector smiled.

"Oh, yes—Perkins. What about him?"

"He's heard you're going home, S.-M., and he wants to know if you'll go and see him first."

"Eh?"

"Yes, that's right."

Hector considered a moment. What could Perkins want? It was not in him to refuse.

"All right. I'll be over in a little while."