And so the time drew near.

Horrocks, since his difference of opinion with Lablache, had made the ranch his headquarters, leaving the money-lender as much as possible out of his consultations.  He had been heartily welcomed by old John and his niece, the latter in particular being very gracious to him.  Horrocks was not a lady’s man, but he appreciated comfort when he could get it, and Jacky spared no trouble to make him comfortable now.  Had he known the smiling thought behind her beautiful face his appreciation might have lessened.

As the summer day drew to a close signs of coming events began to show themselves.  First of all Aunt Margaret made her appearance at the Allandales’ house.  She was hot and excited.  She had come up for a gossip, she said, and promptly sat down with no intention of moving until she had heard all she wanted to know.  Then came “Lord” Bill, cheerily monosyllabic.  He always considered that long speeches were a disgusting waste of time.  Following closely upon his heels came the doctor and Pat Nabob, with another rancher from an outlying ranch.  Quite why they had come up they would have hesitated to say.  Possibly it was curiosity—­possibly natural interest in affairs which nearly affected them.  Horrocks, they knew, was at the ranch.  Perhaps the magnetism which surrounds persons about to embark on hazardous undertakings had attracted them thither.

As the hour for supper drew near the gathering in the sitting-room became considerable, and as each newcomer presented himself, Jacky, with thoughtful hospitality, caused another place to be set at her bountiful table.  No one was ever allowed to pass a meal hour at the ranch without partaking of refreshment.  It was one of the principal items provided for in the prairie creed, and the greatest insult to be offered at such time would have been to leave the house before the repast.

At eight o’clock the girl announced the meal with characteristic heartiness.

“Come right along and feed,” she said.  “Who knows what to-night may bring forth?  I guess we can’t do better than drink success to our friend, Sergeant Horrocks.  Whatever the result of his work to-night we all allow his nerve’s right.  Say, good people, there’s liquor on the table—­and glasses; a bumper to Sergeant Horrocks.”

The wording of the girl’s remarks was significant.  Truly Horrocks might have been the leader of a forlorn hope.  Many of those present certainly considered him to be such.  However, they were none the less hearty in their toast, and Jacky and Bill were the two first to raise their glasses on high.

The toast drunk, tongues were let loose and the supper began.  Ten o’clock was the time at which Horrocks was to set out.  Therefore there were two hours in which to make merry.  Never was a merrier meal taken at the ranch.  Spirits were at bursting point, due no doubt to the current of excitement which actuated each member of the gathering.