of the officer beside her. "Possibly you were aware of his
departure?"

"Yes," more deliberately; "he told me of his orders, and bade me
good-bye later. So far as Connors is concerned, he was to have the
carriage here for us at two o'clock. Is that all, Mr. Sergeant
Hamlin?"'

"You better make it all," threatened the Captain belligerently, "before
I lose my temper at this infernal impertinence."

Hamlin surveyed the two calmly, confident that the woman knew more than
she would tell, and utterly indifferent as to the other.

"Very well," he said quietly, "I will learn what I desire elsewhere. I
shall find Miss McDonald, and discover what has actually occurred."

"My best wishes, I am sure," and the lady patted the Captain's arm
gently. "We are losing this waltz."

There was but one course for Hamlin to pursue. He had no trail to
follow, only a vague suspicion that these plotters were in some way
concerned in the mysterious disappearance. Thus far, however, they had
left behind no clue to their participation. Moreover he was seriously
handicapped by ignorance of any motive. Why should they desire to gain
possession of the girl? It could not be money, or the hope of ransom.
What then? Was it some accident which had involved her in the toils
prepared for another? If so, were those unexpected orders for Major
McDonald a part of the conspiracy, or had their receipt complicated the
affair? The Sergeant was a soldier, not a detective, and could only
follow a straight road in his investigation. He must circle widely
until he found some trail to follow as patiently as an Indian. There
would be tracks left somewhere, if he could only discover them. If
this was a hasty occurrence, in any way an accident, something was sure
to be left uncovered, some slip reveal the method. He would trace the
movements of the father first, and then search the saloons and gambling
dens for the two men. Though unsuccessful with Mrs. Dupont, he knew
how to deal with such as they.

The stage agent was routed out of bed and came to the door, revolver in
hand, startled and angry.

"Who?" he repeated. "Major McDonald? How the hell should I know?
Some officer went out--yes; heavy set man with a mustache. I did n't
pay any attention to him; had government transportation. There were
two other passengers, both men, ranchers, I reckon; none in the station
at all. What's that, Jane?"

A woman's voice spoke from out the darkness