Seeing a woman there, was not what had interested Rand so much as the fact that he had immediately recognized her. It was “Rat” MacGregor’s wife!
If he had suddenly been brought face to face with her like this at any other place except here, at Frischette’s road-house, he would have thought nothing of it, would have continued about his business, untroubled by a single suspicion.
But here it was different. What was the woman doing here? Surely it was for no good purpose. Her coming had induced a perplexing train of thought in the corporal’s mind, and had made necessary a complete revision of his plans.
Shaking his head, he led his horse back into the stable and advanced to question the woman. Removing his hat, he bowed politely.
“Madam is a long way from home,” he remarked. “May I ask which way you are going?”
“Rat” MacGregor’s wife threw back her head haughtily.
“You have been released on probation,” the policeman reminded her, not unkindly. “Inspector Cameron has asked you to remain at home. What are you doing here?”
The woman sniffed again, but did not answer. She turned her back and began fumbling with the cinches of the saddle.
“You will return home at once,” Rand instructed her, endeavoring to keep his temper.
She turned her head and looked over her shoulder, her face set and determined.
“Why you say where I go?” she broke forth passionately. “What business you have tell me go home? I go, I stay where I like. First, you keel my man, then you put me in jail, then you say I no go where I wish. Police pretty big fool, eh?”
“Mrs. MacGregor,” declared the corporal patiently, “we have been more than kind to you. We released you from jail and placed you on probation. All that we have asked is that you remain at home and be good, attend to your own affairs. If you will do that, we will not put you back in jail again.”
“Bah!” snorted MacGregor’s wife, sticking out her tongue and defying him.
“You must promise to go back,” said Rand. “You must be good. You must not try to anger the police. If you will go back this afternoon, I will not mention this matter to the inspector. He shall know nothing about it and will not ask me to put you back in jail.”
For a moment the policeman believed that he had won his point. Her manner changed suddenly.