"I told her.

"'We allowed it was that--the boys and I. We allowed he wouldn't
last out the fall. Did you meet any of the boys?'

"'I've been having a short drink and a long talk with Captain Bill.'

"She nodded her head, breaking off to clap both palms to her temples.

"'My! It does ache! I'm powerful glad you seen Bill. Now you know
the worst o' me and we can start fair. I allowed, first along, that
I play this hand alone; but now you've got to help. Now and then I
catch myself weakening. It's dreadful choky, sitting by the hour and
filling up that poor innocent with lies. And the eyes of him!'
(she stamped her foot): 'I could whip his father and mother for
having no more sense than to let him start. Doctor, you'll have to
help.'"


"I rode down to Eucalyptus again next morning and found the Bishop
seated and talking with Miss Montmorency in the gaudy little parlour.

"'We were just going out for a walk together,' he explained, as we
shook hands.

"'And now you'll just have to walk out with the Doctor instead; and
serve you right for talking foolishness.' She moved towards the
door.