THE SOMASCO CONSOLIDATED Alton left Vancouver by the Quebec express next day, found horses waiting at the little station, and only waiting while fresh ones were saddled at a lonely ranch, took the trail again before the first faint light crept out of the east.

He also spoke little with Seaforth during the journey, and stared at the latter, who drew rein when the weary horses plodded, steaming and bespattered all over, into the settlement.
"What are you stopping for ?" he said.
Seaforth glanced at the wisp of blue smoke which hung about the pines behind Horton's hotel.

"It's rather more than twelve hours since I've had a meal," he said.

"Don't you ever get tired or hungry, Harry ?" Alton laughed.

"Oh, yes; sometimes I do, but not usually when I'm busy.