“Montana,” said the trooper.  “The big bunch of cattle seems to fix it.”

“Then you think Flett is over there?” asked George.  “I’m interested, so is Miss Grant, and you needn’t be afraid of either of us spreading what you say.”

“It’s my notion that Flett has spotted his men, but I guess he’s now watching out near the boundary in Canada.  These rustler fellows can’t do all their business on one side; they’ll have to cross now and then.  Flett’s in touch with some of the American sheriffs, who’ll give him the tip, and the first time the fellows slip over the frontier he’ll get them.  That would suit everybody better and save a blamed lot of formalities.”

Flora nodded.

“It strikes me as very likely; and Flett’s perhaps the best man you could have sent.  But have you shown the photograph to my father?”

“I did that before I left the homestead.  There’s nobody in the picture like the fellow who drove with Mr. Grant, and he tells me he saw nobody else.  Now I must be getting on.”

He rode away, and Flora reverted to the topic she and George had been discussing.

“So you believe Mr. West is thinking of living here altogether!  I suppose he would be able to take a farm of moderate size?”

“It wouldn’t be very large; he can’t have much money, but his people would help him to make a start if they were satisfied.  That means they would consult me.”

Flora smiled.

“And you feel you would be in a difficult position, if you were asked whether it would be wise to let him marry a prairie girl?  Have you formed any decision about the matter?”

She spoke in an indifferent tone, but George imagined that she was interested.

“I can’t see why he shouldn’t do so.”

“Think a little.  West has been what you call well brought up, he’s fastidious, and I haven’t found English people free from social prejudices.  Could you, as his friend, contemplate his marrying the daughter of a storekeeper in a rather primitive western town?  Taunton, of course, is not a polished man.”

“I don’t think that counts; he’s a very good type in spite of it.  The girl’s pretty, she has excellent manners, and she strikes me as having sense—­and in some respects Edgar has very little.  I’ll admit that at one time I might not have approved of the idea, but I believe I’ve got rid of one or two foolish opinions that I brought out with me.  If Miss Taunton is what she appears to be, he’s lucky in getting her.  Don’t you think so?”

He had spoken with a little warmth, though, as Flora knew, he was seldom emphatic; and a rather curious expression crept into her face.  He did not quite understand it, but he thought she was pleased for some reason or other!

“Oh,” she said lightly, “I have told you my opinion.”

Nothing further was said about the subject, but George walked beside his team in a state of calm content.  His companion was unusually gracious; she made a picture that was pleasant to watch as she sat, finely poised, on the big horse, with the strong sunlight on her face.  Her voice was attractive, too; it reached him, clear and musical, through the thud of hoofs and the creak of slowly-turning wheels, for he made no attempt to hurry his team.