h him now.

Reaching Bristol shortly before the steamer sailed, he had no trouble
in taking a passage for himself and Pete, and arrived at Quebec about
twelve hours after the Canadian Pacific boat. Daly had got a start,
and although Foster did not mean to give up the chase, he felt
depressed as the train sped through the forests of Ontario. It was not
long since he had come that way in high spirits, looking forward with
pleasure to a holiday. Now he looked back, with a feeling of
unreality, on his wanderings among the Scottish bogs. All he had done
seemed ridiculous and fantastic. Nobody was the better for it, while
he had involved himself in a horrible tangle. The police were probably
on his track and Featherstone suspected him; he had acted like a
romantic boy and not a sober man. There was, however, one bright
gleam; Alice trusted him, and he must show that he deserved her
confidence.

Arriving at Gardner's Crossing in the evening, he sent Pete to the
hotel and went to Austin's house. He must see Carmen and resolved that
she should find him proof against her wiles; he was not going to be a
sentimental fool again. In a general way, Carmen was, of course, too
clever for him, but he had now certain advantages which he meant to use.

He was shown into her drawing-room, where he was left for some time,
and imagined with rather grim amusement that she was making
preparations to receive him. Carmen knew the power of her beauty,
which, however, owed much to her tasteful dress. In the meantime, he
looked about the room. It was pretty with a certain exotic touch that
the girl knew how to give. The color-plan of carpets, rugs, and
curtains, although rather vivid, was good; the furniture pleased the
eye. Foster had once thought it charmingly artistic, but knew better
now. Alice Featherstone had taught him the difference between
prettiness and dignified beauty. He felt that difference plainly when
Carmen came in, dressed like the fashionable women he had seen in
Edinburgh.

"You have come back soon, but it's nice to see you," she said with a
smile. "The Crossing was duller than usual after you had gone."

"Thank you! I came back sooner than I expected," Foster replied,
rather dryly.

Carmen gave him a quick look, but sat down with languid grace in an
easy chair.

"Well, I've no doubt you have much to tell me about your trip, and if
you'll talk about Edinburgh and London, I won't let anybody in."

"Are