But Hector was more serious than the men had ever seen him.
"C.O. got the hump? Just look at him!"
His mind in a turmoil, Hector obeyed the order to march off. The Broncho band, of citizens of all ages, uniform caps their only regalia, burst into semi-harmonious strains and led the way through the crowd.
And the crowd—looked at the bronzed young officer on his noble horse, remembered his record—and worshipped.
Hector heard their Hosannahs thundering to the sky, saw men, women, children, all madly excited, swirling round him, waving innumerable handkerchiefs, flags, hats—and still floated in a world of dream.
They were grouped round the platform now. The Lieutenant-Governor of the Territories and his party appeared; 'God Save The Queen'; a salute; hysterical cheering!
Colonel Stern, a wonderfully handsome figure, with his keen face, hooked nose and long moustaches, came riding up with his staff. Passing Hector, he smiled kindly; then joined the Lieutenant-Governor, who began a speech in his praise.
Bursts of cheering! The Lieutenant-Governor shifted to a new theme. Hector, still in a daze, caught snatches of these remarks.
"The dashing young leader ... officer of the gallant and well-beloved Mounted ... spearhead of the advance ... exposed himself recklessly throughout ... when the time came, swept fiercely in pursuit ... engaged them finally at ... where they were caught between the lake and ... could not escape ... though greatly outnumbered, smashed the rebels utterly ... captured not only the remnant ... but their leader ... head of the whole revolt ... himself ... thus single-handed bringing ... campaign ... swift and glorious conclusion ... yes, Inspector Adair!"
Then a wonderful thing happened. The impatient crowd broke its bonds and instantly filled all the space about the platform. It rushed round Hector. He found himself suddenly walled in by a field of exultant faces and dimly realized that they were cheering him ... cheering him....