Another time, in the early ’90’s, John and I were strolling down the main street of Rossland when we came across two tramps who were engaged in a violent vocabulary duel. After listening a moment to their unparliamentary language, boisterously addressed to each other, John interfered: “Hear, you fellows, follow me.” He led them to a quiet vacant lot, a block or so away. “Now, strip off your coats and go to it, and be mighty quick about it, too.” They did, and it was one of the finest bits of hit, bite and kick and catch-as-catch-can that I ever beheld. When they were nearly exhausted, John tapped them on the soles of their boots, and pulled them apart. “Now,” he said, “hit the trail, both of you, and if I catch you again, I’ll—” But they didn’t wait to hear what John would do. They were off for the great United States and they stood not upon the order of their going. John Kirkup was one of the outstanding figures in the early days of British Columbia, and while he was rewarded for his admirable services by the appointment to a gold commissionership, his great reward for the good he had done on earth awaited him in the Great Beyond. A Lethbridge Pirate. Strange to relate, a man at Lethbridge stole a row-boat which was tied up to the shore of the lake which is just south of that enterprising town. He was arrested, and brought before a local justice of the peace, who decided that according to high authority, as set forth in the legal tomes dealing with such cases, it was a case of piracy—and naturally so, to feloniously steal a vessel off the high seas. There was nothing to do, according to the code, but to sentence the offender to death. The J.P. was a tender-hearted man, and deferred sentence until he had consulted with higher legal authority, which he did, and the culprit fortunately escaped the gallows. The Mounted Police To-Day. The force to-day is 1,800 strong, six times its original strength, and its operations are extended all over the Dominion. Amongst the newly-recruited force, like the first command, are a large number of the brightest and bravest of young Britishers, many of whom are sons of distinguished families, and they are maintaining the enviable high prestige that the force has gained since its organization nearly half a century ago. CHAPTER XIV In the Hospital—Averting a Shock—A Substantial Breakfast—A Gloomy Afternoon—Down in Washington—The Gridiron Dinners—A Spanish-American War Panic—A Few Stories—Canadian Club.