"We really know one or two useful things in the old country, but you can't fetch the settlement before morning, and we'll put you up if you like." "No, sir," said the other dryly.

"I'm not fond of Englishmen, and we might get arguing, while I've had 'bout enough of you for one night." He rode away, and Winston went back into the house very thoughtfully, wondering whether he would be called upon to answer for more of Courthorne's doings.
It was two or three days later when Maud Barrington returned with her aunt from a visit to an outlying farm, where, because an account of what took place in the saloon had by some means been spread about, she heard a story brought in from the settlement.

It kept her silent during the return journey, and Miss Barrington said nothing, but when the Colonel met them in the hall, he glanced at his niece.
"I see Mrs.Carndall has been telling you both a tale," he said.

"It would have been more fitting if she had kept it to herself." "Yes," said Maud Barrington.

"Still, you do not credit it ?" Barrington smiled a trifle dryly.