"He was by himself and bleeding from the shoulder.

Thought I'd better bring him home, though he walked very lame." "Ah!" exclaimed George sharply.

"I'll come and look at him." The others followed and on reaching the wire-fenced corral they found the animal lying down, with its forequarter stained with blood.

George sent for some water, and he soon found the wound, which was very small and round.
"It's a curious mark," Hardie commented.
"Yes," said George; "it's a bullet hole." The surprise of the others was obvious.
"I think it's a hint," George explained.

"We'll try to get him on his feet." They succeeded, and when the beast had been led into a stall, George turned to Hardie.
"As you said you wouldn't stay the night, would you mind starting for the settlement now?
The livery stable fellow is said to be clever at veterinary work; you might send him out, and mail a note I'll give you to the police." Hardie professed his willingness to be of service, and on getting into his buggy said, with some hesitation: "I'm afraid you're right in your suspicions, and I'm particularly sorry.