第95章

WHY THE DOCTOR STAYED

The Big Horn River, fed by July suns burning upon glaciers high up between the mountain-peaks, was running full to its lips and gleaming like a broad ribbon of silver, where, after rushing hurriedly out of the rock-ribbed foothills, it settled down into a deep steady flow through the wide valley of its own name.On the tawny undulating hillsides, glorious in the splendid July sun, herds of cattle and horses were feeding, making with the tawny hillsides and the silver river a picture of luxurious ease and quiet security that fitted well with the mood of the two men sitting upon the shady side of the Big Horn Ranch House.

Inspector Dickson was enjoying to the full his after-dinner pipe, and with him Dr.Martin, who was engaged in judiciously pumping the Inspector in regard to the happenings of the recent campaign--successfully, too, except where he touched those events in which the Inspector himself had played a part.

The war was over.Batoche had practically settled the Rebellion.

Riel was in his cell at Regina awaiting trial and execution.

Pound-maker, Little Pine, Big Bear and some of their other Chiefs were similarly disposed of.Copperhead at Macleod was fretting his life out like an eagle in a cage.The various regiments of citizen soldiers had gone back to their homes to be received with vociferous welcome, except such of them as were received in reverent silence, to be laid away among the immortals with quiet falling tears.The Police were busily engaged in wiping up the debris of the Rebellion.

The Commissioner, intent upon his duty, was riding the marches, bearing in grim silence the criticism of empty-headed and omniscient scribblers, because, forsooth, he had obeyed his Chief's orders, and, resisting the greatest provocation to do otherwise, had held steadfastly to his post, guarding with resolute courage what was committed to his trust.The Superintendents and Inspectors were back at their various posts, settling upon the reserves wandering bands of Indians, some of whom were just awakening to the fact that they had missed a great opportunity and were grudgingly surrendering to the inevitable, and, under the wise, firm, judicious handling of the Police, were slowly returning to their pre-rebellion status.

The Western ranches were rejoicing in a sense of vast relief from the terrible pall that like a death-cloud had been hanging over them for six months and all Western Canada was thrilling with the expectation of a new era of prosperity consequent upon its being discovered by the big world outside.

Upon the two men thus discussing, Mrs.Cameron, carrying in her arms her babe, bore down in magnificent and modest pride, wearing with matronly grace her new glory of a great achievement, the greatest open to womankind.

"He has just waked up from a very fine sleep," she exclaimed, "to make your acquaintance, Inspector.I hope you duly appreciate the honor done you."The Inspector rose to his feet and saluted the new arrival with becoming respect.

"Now," said Mrs.Cameron, settling herself down with an air of determined resolve, "I want to hear all about it.""Meaning?" said the Inspector.

"Meaning, to begin with, that famous march of yours from Calgary to the far North land where you did so many heroic things."But the Inspector's talk had a trick of fading away at the end of the third sentence and it was with difficulty that they could get him started again.

"You are most provoking!" finally exclaimed Mrs.Cameron, giving up the struggle."Isn't he, baby?"The latter turned upon the Inspector two steady blue eyes beaming with the intelligence of a two months' experience of men and things, and announced his grave disapproval of the Inspector's conduct in a distinct "goo!""There!" exclaimed his mother triumphantly."I told you so.What have you now to say for yourself?"The Inspector regarded the blue-eyed atom with reverent wonder.

"Most remarkable young person I ever saw in my life, Mrs.Cameron,"he asserted positively.

The proud mother beamed upon him.

"Well, baby, he IS provoking, but we will forgive him since he is so clever at discovering your remarkable qualities.""Pshaw!" said Dr.Martin."That's nothing.Any one could see them.They stick right out of that baby.""DEAR Dr.Martin," explained the mother with affectionate emphasis, "what a way you have of putting things.But I wonder what keeps Allan?" continued Mrs.Cameron."He promised faithfully to be home before dinner." She rose, and, going to the side of the house, looked long and anxiously up toward the foothills.Dr.Martin followed her and stood at her side gazing in the same direction.

"What a glorious view it is!" she said."I never tire of looking over the hills and up to the great mountains.""What the deuce is the fellow doing?" exclaimed the doctor, disgust and rage mingling in his tone."Great Heavens! She is kissing him!""Who? What?" exclaimed Mandy."Oh!" she cried, her eyes following the doctor's and lighting upon two figures that stood at the side of the poplar bluff in an attitude sufficiently compromising to justify the doctor's exclamation.