The two men nodded and Lablache conveyed the necessary order to the man, who then withdrew.

As soon as Bowley had left the room three pairs of eyes were turned inquiringly upon the officer.

“Well?” questioned Lablache, with some show of eagerness.

Horrocks shrugged a pair of expressive shoulders.

“From his point of view the man speaks the truth,” he replied decisively.  “And,” he went on, more to himself than to the others, “we never had any clear proof that the scoundrel, Retief, came to grief.  From what I remember things were very hot for him at the time of his disappearance.  Maybe the man’s right.  However,” turning to the others, “I should not be surprised if Mr. Retief has overreached himself this time.  A thousand head of cattle cannot easily be hidden, or, for that matter, disposed of.  Neither can they travel fast; and as for tracking, well,” with a shrug, “in this case it should be child’s play.”

“I hope it will prove as you anticipate,” put in John Allandale, concisely.  “What you suggest has been experienced by us before.  However, the matter, I feel sure, is in capable hands.”

The officer acknowledged the compliment mechanically.  He was thinking deeply.  Lablache struggled to his feet, and, supporting his bulk with one hand resting upon the desk, gasped out his final words upon the matter.

“I want you to remember, sergeant, this matter not only affects me personally but also in my capacity as a justice of the peace.  To whatever reward I am able to make in the name of H.M.  Government I shall add the sum of one thousand dollars for the recovery of the cattle, and the additional sum of one thousand dollars for the capture of the miscreant himself.  I have determined to spare no expense in the matter of hunting this devil,” with vindictive intensity, “down, therefore you can draw on me for all outlay your work may entail.  All I say is, capture him.”

“I shall do my best, Mr. Lablache,” Horrocks replied simply.  “And now, if you will permit me, I will go down to the settlement to give a few orders to my men.  Good-morning—­er—­Miss Allandale; good day, gentlemen.  You will hear from me to-night.”

The officer left in all the pride of his official capacity.  And possibly his pride was not without reason, for many and smart were the captures of evil-doers he had made during his career as a keeper of the peace.  But we have been told that “pride goeth before a fall.”  His estimation of a “hustler” was not an exalted one.  He was accustomed to dealing with men who shoot quick and straight—­“bad men” in fact—­and he was equally quick with the gun, and a dead shot himself.  Possibly he was a shade quicker and a trifle more deadly than the smartest “bad man” known, but now he was dealing with a man of all these necessary attainments and whose resourcefulness and cleverness were far greater than his own.  Sergeant Horrocks had a harder road to travel than he anticipated.