“Peter knows how to spend his money.  He spends it among his friends.  It is good.  How much whisky will he buy, think you?”

Another voice chipped in at this point, and Horrocks strained his ears to catch the words, for the voice was the voice of a female and her utterance was indistinct.

“He said he would pay for everything—­all we could eat and drink—­and that the pusky should be held the night after to-morrow.  He will come himself and dance the Red River jig.  Peter is a great dancer and will dance all others down.”

Then the first speaker laughed.

“Peter must have a long stocking if he would pay for all.  A barrel of rye would not go far, and as for food, he must bring several of the steers which he took from old Lablache if he would feed us.  But Peter is always as good as his word.  He said he would pay.  And he will pay.  When does he come to prepare?”

“He does not come.  He has left the money with Baptiste, who will see to everything.  Peter will not give ‘the Ferret’ a chance.”

“But how?  The dance will be a danger to him,” said the woman’s voice.  “What if ‘the Ferret’ hears?”

“He will not hear, and, besides, Peter will be prepared if the damned police come.  Have no fear for Peter.  He is bold.”

The voices ceased and Horrocks waited a little longer.  But presently, when the voices again became audible, the subject of conversation had changed, and he realized that he was not likely to hear more that would help him.  So, with great caution, he stole quickly away to where his horse was tied.  He mounted hastily and rode off, glad to be away from that reeking camp, and greatly elated with the success of the visit.

He had learned a lot.  And he was to hear more yet from Gautier.  He felt that the renowned “hustler” was already in his clutches.  His spurs went sharply into his broncho’s flanks and he raced over the prairie towards the settlement.  Possibly he should have known better than to trust to the overhearing of that conversation.  His knowledge of the Breeds should have warned him to put little faith in what he had heard.  But he was eager.  His reputation was largely at stake over this affair, and that must be the excuse for the rashness of his faith.  However, the penalty of his folly was to be his, therefore blame can well be spared.

CHAPTER XVI

GAUTIER CAUSES DISSENSION

“Sit down and let me hear the—­worst.”

Lablache’s voice rasped harshly as he delivered his mandate.  Horrocks had just arrived at the money-lender’s store after his visit to the half-breed camp.  The police-officer looked weary.  And the dejected expression on his face had drawn from his companion the hesitating superlative.

“Have you got anything to eat?” Horrocks retorted quickly, ignoring the other’s commands.  “I am famished.  Had nothing since I set out from Stormy Cloud.  I can’t talk on an empty stomach.”