argument did not seem unfair or his
conclusion impossible. Her newspaper experience had made her aware that
there is nothing in this world so strange as truth, and nothing so
unusual as to be beyond the domain of crime.

"What do you think?" he asked quietly.

"Oh, I do not know; it all grows less comprehensible every moment. But
whatever is true I cannot see that anything remains for us to do, but
wait and watch the actions of these people; they are certain to betray
themselves. We have been here together now longer than we should, and I
must return to the hotel."

"You expect Beaton to seek you?"

She smiled.

"He appeared very devoted, quite deeply interested; I hope it continues."

"So do I, now that I understand," earnestly. "Although I confess your
intimacy was a shock to me this noon. Well, I am going to busy myself
also and take a scouting trip to La Rosita."

"Is that Lacy's mine?"

"Yes; up the gulch here about two miles. I may pick up some information
worth having. I am to see you again--alone?"

"We must have some means of communication; have you any suggestion?"

"Yes, but we'll take for our motto, 'Safety first.' We mustn't be seen
together, or suspected in any way of being friends. The livery-stable
keeper has a boy about twelve, who is quite devoted to me; a bright,
trustworthy little fellow. He is about the hotel a good deal, and will
bring me word from you any time. You need have no fear that I shall fail
to respond to any message you send."

"I shall not doubt." She held out her hand frankly. "You believe in me
now, Mr. Westcott?"

"Absolutely; indeed I think I always have. That other thing hurt, yet I
kept saying to myself, 'She had some good reason.'"

"Always think so, please, no matter what happens. I was nearly wild
until I got the note to you; I was so afraid you would leave the hotel.
We must trust each other."

He stood before her, his hat in hand, a strong, robust figure, his
bronzed face clearly revealed; the sunlight making manifest the grey hair
about his temples. To Miss Donovan he seemed all man, instinct with
character and purpose, a virile type of the out-of-doors.

"To the death," and his lips and eyes smiled. "I believe in you utterly."

"Thank you. Good-bye."

He watched her climb the bank and emerge upon the bridge. He still stood
there, bare-headed, when she turned and smiled back at him, waving her
hand. Then the slender figure vanished,