t be seen here. Is there no other way?"

"No; be still for a moment; step back there in the shadow, and let me
go in alone."

He stepped forward, his grasp already on the curtain, when a woman's
voice spoke within:

"Yes, that was what I meant; he does not know you--yet. But you must
keep away."

CHAPTER XXI

MOLLY DISAPPEARS

The speaker was Mrs. Dupont, but Hamlin's one thought was to prevent
any discovery of Miss McDonald. Without an instant's hesitation he
drew aside the curtain, and stepped into the room.

"Pardon me," he said quietly, as the two started back at his rather
abrupt entrance, "but I did not care to overhear your conversation. No
doubt it was intended to be private."

[Illustration: The two started back at his rather abrupt entrance.]

The woman stepped somewhat in advance of her companion, as though to
shield him from observation, instantly mastering her surprise.

"Nothing at all serious, Mr. Sergeant Hamlin," she retorted scornfully.
"Don't be melodramatic, please; it gets on the nerves. If you must
know, I was merely giving our ranch foreman a few final instructions,
as he leaves to-morrow. Have you objections?"

"Assuredly not--your ranch foreman, you say? Met him before, I think.
You are the fellow I ordered out of this room, are n't you?"

The man growled something unintelligible, but Mrs. Dupont prevented any
direct reply.

"That's all right, John," she broke in impatiently. "You understand
what I want now, and need not remain any longer. I have a word to say
myself to this man."

She waited an instant while he left the room; then her eyes defiantly
met Hamlin's.

"I was told you had driven every one out of here," she said coldly.
"What was the game?"

"This room was reserved--"

"Pish! keep that explanation for some one else. You wanted the room
for some purpose. Who have you got out there?" she pointed at the
window.

"Whether there be any one or not," he answered, leaning against the
window frame, and thus barring the passage, "I fail to see wherein you
are concerned."

She laughed.

"Which remark is equivalent to a confession. Dave," suddenly changing,
"why should we quarrel, and misjudge each other? You cannot suppose I
have forgotten the past, or am indifferent. Cannot you forgive the
mistake of a thoughtless girl? Is there any reason why we should not
be, at least, friendly?"

There was an appeal in her voice, but the man's face did not