Horrocks shrugged.
"When Breeds are drunk they are not responsible."
"That settles it," the girl's uncle said, with a forced laugh. He did not like Jacky's tone. Knowing her, he feared she intended to be there to see the arrest.
Her uncle's laugh nettled the girl a little, and with a slight elevation of her head, she said,—
"I don't know."
Further talk now became impossible, for, at that moment the troopers arrived. Horrocks discovered that it was nearly ten o'clock. The moment for the start had come, and, with one accord, everybody rose from the table. In the bustle and handshaking of departure Jacky slipped away. When, she returned the doctor and Mrs. Abbot were in the hall alone with "Lord" Bill. The latter was just leaving. "Poker" John was on the veranda seeing Horrocks off.
As Jacky came downstairs Aunt Margaret's eyes fell upon the ominous holster and cartridge belt which circled the girl's hips. She was dressed for riding. There could be no mistaking the determined set of her face.
"Jacky, my dear," said the old lady in dismay. "What are you doing? Where are you going?"
"Guess I'm going to see the fun—I've a notion there'll be some."
"But—"