`` And Peter Crow has gone to look for them , good old fellow . When you do get a conscientious Indian there is no better guide in the world , but they are rare . Now , Philippa-girl , just pry out the sergeant 's ham and shave a few slices off it for our breakfast . Some savoury fried ham always goes well on the prairie . '' I went for the ham but could not find it . A thorough search among our effects revealed it not . `` Kate , I ca n't find the ham , '' I called out . `` It must have fallen out somewhere on the trail . '' Kate ceased wrestling with the fire and came to help in the search for the missing delicacy . `` It could n't have fallen out , '' she said incredulously . `` That is impossible . The tent was fastened securely over everything . Nothing could have jolted out . '' `` Well , then , where is the ham ? '' I said . That question was unanswerable , as Kate discovered after another thorough search . The ham was gone -- that much was certain . `` I believe Peter Crow has levanted with the ham , '' I said decidedly . `` I do n't believe Peter Crow could be so dishonest , '' said Kate rather shortly . `` His wife has worked for us for years , and she 's as honest as the sunlight . ''
`` Honesty is n't catching , '' I remarked , but I said nothing more just then , XXXXX Kate 's black eyes were snapping .
Kate among as fire for in off on over with