Unhappily for Sergeant Crisp, however, there stood in the pathway of his fortune the awkward fact of his conscience and his oath of service.

Consequently he was forced to grub along upon the munificent bounty of the daily pay with which Her Majesty awarded the faithful service of the non-coms.
in her North West Mounted Police Force.

And indeed through all the wide reaches of that great West land during those pioneer days and among all the officers of that gallant force no record can be found of an officer who counted fortune dearer than honor.
Through this wide awake, wicked, but well-watched little town Cameron with his friend made his way westward toward the Barracks to keep his appointment with his former Chief, Superintendent Strong.

The Barracks stood upon the prairie about half a mile distant from the town.

They found Superintendent Strong fuming with impatience, which he controlled with difficulty while Cameron presented his friend.
"Well, Cameron, you've come at last," was his salutation when the introduction was completed.