One day he was giving the horses a spell after some hours' work, when Joe came to say that a policeman was at the house wanting to see him.

Dad thought of the roan mare, and Smith, and turned very pale.

Joe said: "There's "Q.P." on his saddle-cloth; what's that for, Dad ?" But he did n't answer--he was thinking hard.

"And," Joe went on, "there's somethin' sticking out of his pocket--Dave thinks it'll be 'ancuffs." Dad shuddered.

On the way to the house Joe wished to speak about the policeman, but Dad seemed to have lock-jaw.