The Story of the Foss River Ranch

Excerpt from The Story of the Foss River Ranch: A Tale of the Northwest

The hall was a great effort of the decorator's art; the people were faultlessly dressed; those present represented the wealth and fashion of the Western Canadian ranching world.

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, 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. His companions words had brought home to him a partial realisation of a responsibility which was his.

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