The Story of the Foss River Ranch A Tale of the Northwest   By: Ridgwell Cullum (1867-1943)

A Tale of the Northwest

By RIDGWELL CULLUM

Author of

"The Law Breakers," "The Way of the Strong," "The Watchers of the Plains." Etc.

A.L. BURT COMPANY Publishers New York

Published by Arrangement with THE PAGE COMPANY

Published August, 1903

TO MY WIFE

CONTENTS

CHAP. PAGE

I THE POLO CLUB BALL 1

II THE BLIZZARD: ITS CONSEQUENCES 12

III A BIG GAME OF POKER 24

IV AT THE FOSS RIVER RANCH 32

V THE "STRAY" BEYOND THE MUSKEG 45

VI "WAYS THAT ARE DARK" 56

VII ACROSS THE GREAT MUSKEG 64

VIII TOLD IN BAD MAN'S HOLLOW 76

IX LABLACHE'S "COUP" 88

X "AUNT" MARGARET REFLECTS 96

XI THE CAMPAIGN OPENS 110

XII LABLACHE FORCES THE FIGHT 120

XIII THE FIRST CHECK 128

XIV THE HUE AND CRY 138

XV AMONG THE HALF BREEDS 150

XVI GAUTIER CAUSES DISSENSION 163

XVII THE NIGHT OF THE PUSKY 176

XVIII THE PUSKY 188

XIX LABLACHE'S MIDNIGHT VISITOR 200

XX A NIGHT OF TERROR 210

XXI HORROCKS LEARNS THE SECRET OF THE MUSKEG 219

XXII THE DAY AFTER 230

XXIII THE PAW OF THE CAT 243

XXIV "POKER" JOHN ACCEPTS 253

XXV UNCLE AND NIECE 261

XXVI IN WHICH MATTERS REACH A CLIMAX 270

XXVII THE LAST GAMBLE 279

XXVIII SETTLING THE RECKONING 287

XXIX THE MAW OF THE MUSKEG 297

CHAPTER I

THE POLO CLUB BALL

It was a brilliant gathering brilliant in every sense of the word. The hall was a great effort of the decorator's art; the people were faultlessly dressed; the faces were strong, handsome fair or dark complexioned as the case might be; those present represented the wealth and fashion of the Western Canadian ranching world. Intellectually, too, there was no more fault to find here than is usual in a ballroom in the West End of London.

It was the annual ball of the Polo Club, and that was a social function of the first water in the eyes of the Calford world.

"My dear Mrs. Abbot, it is a matter which is quite out of my province," said John Allandale, in answer to a remark from his companion. He was leaning over the cushioned back of the Chesterfield upon which an old lady was seated, and gazing smilingly over at a group of young people standing at the opposite end of the room. "Jacky is one of those young ladies whose strength of character carries her beyond the control of mere man. Yes, I know what you would say," as Mrs. Abbot glanced up into his face with a look of mildly expressed wonder; "it is true I am her uncle and guardian, but, nevertheless, I should no more dream of interfering with her what shall we say? love affairs, than suggest her incapacity to 'boss' a 'round up' worked by a crowd of Mexican greasers."

"Then all I can say is that your niece is a very unfortunate girl," replied the old lady, acidly. "How old is she?"

"Twenty two."

John Allandale, or "Poker" John as he was more familiarly called by all who knew him, was still looking over at the group, but an expression had suddenly crept into his eyes which might, in a less robust looking man, have been taken for disquiet even fear. His companion's words had brought home to him a partial realization of a responsibility which was his.

"Twenty two," she repeated, "and not a relative living except a good hearted but thoroughly irresponsible uncle. That child is to be pitied, John."