e
small but well-kept office of the priest.

"Now here," he said, with a touch of pride, "is my card-index. I keep
tab on all who come here. When they get straightened up and go out to
hunt work, I give 'em identification cards. Just as soon as I can get
funds I'm going to put a billiard table back there and fit up a little
chapel, so's the Catholic men who drift in here can attend service.
You know, a lot of 'em don't have the nerve to go to a church. Too
proud. But they'd attend Mass here."

Carmen looked at the man in admiration. Then a thought came to her.
"We haven't either of us asked the other's name," she said.

The priest's eyes twinkled. "I've been dying to know yours," he
replied. "I'm Father Magee, Daniel Magee. But the boys generally call
me Danny. What shall I call you? Oh, give any name; it doesn't matter,
just so's I'll know how to address you."

"I am Carmen Ariza. And I am from South America," said the girl
simply. "Now sit down here. I want to talk to you. I have a lot to
ask."

* * * * *

An hour later the girl rose from her chair. "I shall have to wait and
visit the Hall another time," she said. "I must catch the eight-thirty
back to the city. But--"

"I'll never see you go down this tough street to the depot alone!"
averred the priest, reaching for his hat.

Carmen laughed. But she gratefully accepted the proffered escort. Two
of Father Magee's assistants had come in meanwhile, and were caring
for the few applicants below.

"You're right, Miss Carmen," the priest said, as they started for the
train. "Mr. Ames _must_ be reached. Perhaps you can do it. I can't.
But I'll give you every assistance possible. It eats my heart out to
see the suffering of these poor people!"

At eleven o'clock that night Carmen entered the office of the city
editor of the Express. "Ned," she said, "I've been with Dante--no,
Danny--in Inferno. Now I'm going to Washington. I want expense
money--a good lot--so that I can leave to-morrow night."

Haynerd's eyes dilated as he stared at the girl. "Washington!" he
ejaculated. "Well--! But what did you find down in Avon?"

"I'll write you a detailed report of my trip to-morrow. I'm going home
now," she replied.

CHAPTER 12

It is sometimes said of the man who toils at forge or loom in this
great commonwealth that he is fast forgetting that Washington is
something more significant to him than what is embraced in t