He bowed his head.
"But—I—I don't even know you," she laughed delightfully. "You're a complete stranger."
Hector echoed her laugh. Then, becoming serious again, "I can soon put that right. Name, Adair, Hector. Rank, Sergeant-Major. Regiment, the North-West——"
"Oh, I know that," she exclaimed. "North-West Mounted Police, aren't you?" There was a good deal of pride in her voice, as of one who parades his knowledge. "Why, of course—you're staying with the Tweedys—down——"
She stopped, ashamed of her enthusiasm.
"You'll think I know too much," she said. "But news travels very quickly in a quiet little village like this. And anything is news. Oh, I didn't mean——"
Hector smiled.
"I know," he said. "I understand. So I needn't really go on with my explanations now. You have my name and credentials. In turn——"
"Yes?"
"To complete the introduction, you must of course tell me yours."