“Yes!” acknowledged Jim, becoming alert. And he wasted no time beating about.

“You wish to know the name of the man who Union-Jacked your cayuse?”

“The name of the boundah who painted my mare!––you just jolly-well bet your boots I do, sir!”

“Well,––I know it.”

“Yes––yes!”

“Does your offer of a thousand dollars still hold good?”

“Till midnight, to-night;––certainly!”

“Good! Make out a cheque now and hand it over to Mr. Todd as umpire.”

249

“Doesn’t the word of DeRue Hannington bally-well suit everyone here?” exclaimed the Englishman in a hurt tone.