reed staggering
under the weight of a Gladstone bag, which matched its owner. Arrived at
the stage, Nick Grylls flung a thick word of greeting to the bystanders,
and taking the bag from the boy, threw it among the mail bags as one
tosses a pillow; and climbed into the seat by the driver. The breed
sprang on the step behind; another passenger took the place opposite
Garth; old Paul cracked his whip and shouted to his horses; the dogs
leaped and barked madly; and the Royal Mail swung away to the North
with its oddly assorted company.

As they rattled through the suburbs the fat back on the front seat
shifted heavily; and the red face was turned on them.

"Hello, old Nell!" shouted Nick.

The woman simpered unhappily. "How's yourself, Mr. Grylls?" she
returned.

"Fine!" he bellowed from his deep chest.

This little manoeuvre in the front seat was merely for the purpose of
obtaining a prolonged stare at Natalie. The insolence of the little,
swimming, pig-eyes infuriated Garth. The young man opposite him too, a
sullen, scowling bravo, was staring boldly at Natalie. Garth stiffened
himself to play a difficult part.

"I feel like a rare, exotic bird," whispered Natalie in his ear.

"You are," he returned grimly. "I think it would be better if you did
not speak my name," he added. "I will not address you by yours. We must
be prepared to parry questions."

"I will be careful," she said.

To do him justice, Nick Grylls, on a close examination of Natalie, had
the grace to feel a little ashamed of his rough outburst. He altered his
features to what he thought was a genteel expression; but Garth called
it a leer.

"Bully day for our trip," he said.

They all agreed in various tones; even Garth. He knew it would not help
Natalie for him to start by inviting trouble.

"You're the New York newspaper man," said Grylls to Garth.

"That's right," said Garth quietly.

"They tell me you're going to write up the country," said Grylls;
exhibiting that curious blend of suspicion, contempt and respect his
kind has for the fellow who writes. "I can tell you quite a bit about
the country myself," he added with a braggadocio air.

Garth thanked him.

"It's an onusual trip for a lady," continued Grylls, cunningly trying to
draw Natalie into the conversation; "but nothing out of the way at this
season. The Bishop travels comfortable enough; separate tent for the
women; and an ile stove like."

His move was not successful; Nata