the
step above. As their eyes met both smiled as if they understood each
other. Except for being somewhat pale, the result of long, inactive
weeks passed indoors, Mr. Hampton's appearance was that of perfect
health, while the expression of his face evidenced the joy of living.

"There is nothing quite equal to feeling well, little girl," he said,
genially, patting her hand where it rested on the railing, "and I
really believe I am in as fine fettle now as I ever have been. Do you
know, I believe I 'm perfectly fit to undertake that little detective
operation casually mentioned to you a few days ago. It 's got to be
done, and the sooner I get at it the easier I'll feel. Fact is, I put
in a large portion of the night thinking out my plans."

"I wish you would give it up all together, Bob," she said, anxiously.
"I shall be so dull and lonely here while you are gone."

"I reckon you will, for a fact, as it's my private impression that
lovely Miss Spencer does n't exert herself over much to be entertaining
unless there happens to be a man in sight. Great guns! how she did
fling language the last time she blew in to see me! But, Naida, it
isn't likely this little affair will require very long, and things are
lots happier between us since my late shooting scrape. For one thing,
you and I understand each other better; then Mrs. Herndon has been
quite decently civil. When Fall comes I mean to take you East and put
you in some good finishing school. Don't care quite as much about it
as you did, do you?"

"Yes, I think I do, Bob." She strove bravely to express enthusiasm.
"The trouble is, I am so worried over your going off alone hunting
after that man."

He laughed, his eyes searching her face for the truth. "Well, little
girl, he won't exactly be the first I 've had call to go after.
Besides, this is a particular case, and appeals to me in a sort of
personal way. It you only knew it, you're about as deeply concerned in
the result as I am, and as for me, I can never rest easy again until
the matter is over with."

"It's that awful Murphy, is n't it?"

"He's the one I'm starting after first, and one sight at his right hand
will decide whether he is to be the last as well."

"I never supposed you would seek revenge, like a savage," she remarked,
quietly. "You never used to be that way."

"Good Lord, Naida, do you think I 'm low down enough to go out hunting
that poor cuss merely to get even with him for try