sergeant who thinks he owns the universe—with all the 'h's' left out of it." Once there was mention of a corporal's love affair which came to an untimely end; and then, through dissertations on love and girls, Slicker ended: "I'm glad you're the kind of girl you are, honey. I'd have had to disown you if you were like some that a fellow runs across. By the way, what is that Miss Barrymore like, really? You might remember me to her when you see her, and ask her if she'd like some Indian moccasins. She admired mine."
Jennifer put down the letter and laughed with her eyes full.
"Oh, Slicker, Slicker," she said. "You're not going to meet girls like Angela Barrymore for years to come, dear. It will be the Mackenzie district and the Esquimaux for you, perhaps; or a little selection full of third-grade people. Or a place like Grey Wolf among the breeds and Indians. For that's the way you've chosen for your life-work, dear old Slicker."
When Christmas was past he wrote again; blotted sheets full of delight. "Just think, honey; the C. O. told me the other day that I'd probably be sent out before my time was up. Patted me on the back mota—(can't spell the beast)—and said I was a good boy, and I went and tumbled over myself in the Gym for a solid hour to work off my bloated pride. Hope my boss will be more Tempest's shape than Heriot's. And I hope it won't be too civilised. I don't want to do the goose-step along the pavement of a nasty proper little town. Guess I could keep down a better job than that. And—honey—perhaps I'll come across Ducane for myself. I won't shy off any in letting him know what I think of him, I promise."
Jennifer folded that letter with tight lips. Slicker never dared speak of Ducane to her face. And not to anyone did she dare speak of him herself. He had made life too hard; too cruelly bitter. And for his sake it must be bitter all her days.
It was long since Dick had written to her; longer still since she had written to him. The news which Slicker had brought tormented her night and day, and Dick's utter silence put the seal of truth to it.
