e opened the packages. That very hour might
bring her freedom. She was surprised to find a complete outfit of
woman's apparel, well made and of fine material. Benton, then, had
stores and women. Hurriedly she made the change, which was very welcome.
The dress did not fit her as well as it might have done, but the bonnet
and cloak were satisfactory, as were also the little boots. She found a
long, dark veil and wondered if she was expected to put that on.

A knocking at the door preceded a call, "Allie, are you ready?"

"Yes," she replied.

The door opened. Durade entered. He appeared thinner than she had ever
seen him, with more white in or beneath his olive complexion, and there
were marks of strain and of passion on his face. Allie knew he labored
under some strong, suppressed excitement. More and more he seemed to
lose something of his old character--of the stately Spanish manner.

"Put that veil on," he said. "I'm not ready for Benton to see you."

"Are you--taking me away?" she asked.

"Only down the street. I've a new place," he replied. "Come. Stitt will
bring your things."

Allie could not see very well through the heavy veil and she stumbled
over the rude threshold. Durade took hold of her arm and presently led
her out into the light. The air was hot, windy, dusty. The street was
full of hurrying and lounging men. Allie heard different snatches of
speech as she and Durade went on. Some stared and leered at her, at
which times Durade's hold tightened on her arm and his step quickened.
She was certain no one looked at Durade. Some man jostled her, another
pinched her arm. Her ears tingled with unfamiliar coarse speech.

They walked through heavy sand and dust, then along a board walk, to
turn aside before what was apparently a new brick structure, but a
closer view proved it to be only painted wood. The place rang hollow
with a sound of hammers. It looked well, but did not feel stable
underfoot. Durade led her through two large hall-like rooms into a small
one, light and newly furnished.

"The best Benton afforded," said Durade, waving his hand. "You'll be
comfortable. There are books--newspapers. Here's a door opening into
a little room. It's dark, but there's water, towel, soap. And you've a
mirror.... Allie, this is luxury to what you've had to put up with."

"It is, indeed," she replied, removing her veil, and then the cloak and
bonnet. "But--am I to be shut up here?"

"Yes. Sometimes at night ear