re as I'm sitting here
to-night she did it out of jealousy, over you."

"Over me!" repeated Mrs. Hardesty sitting up abruptly; and then she
sank back and shook with laughter. "Why, you foolish boy," she cried,
straightening up reproachfully, "why didn't you tell me you were in
love? And we sat here for hours! Did she see us, do you suppose? She
must have! Was she waiting to speak to you, do you think?"

"My--God!" exclaimed Rimrock, rising slowly to his feet. "I had an
appointment with her--that night!" He paused and Mrs. Hardesty sat
silent, the laughter dead on her lips. "Yes, sir," he went on, "I was
going to meet her--here! By grab, I forgot all about it!" He struck
his leg a resounding whack and sank back upon the divan. "Well, now
isn't--that fierce!" he muttered and Mrs. Hardesty tittered nervously.

"Ah, well," she said, "it's soon discovered, the reason why she left
you so abruptly. But didn't she say a word about it? That doesn't
seem very lover-like, to me. What makes you think the child was
jealous? Did she mention my name at all?"

"Nope," mumbled Rimrock, "she never mentioned it. That girl is an
Injun, all through! And she'll knife me, after this! I can feel it
coming. But, by George, I plumb forgot!"

"Oh, come now!" consoled Mrs. Hardesty, giving him a gentle pat, "this
isn't so bad, after all. If I can only see her, I'll explain it
myself. Have you any idea where she's gone?"

"Bought a ticket for New York--where Old Stoddard hangs out. I can see
my finish--right now!"

"No, but listen, Mr. Jones--or may I call you Rimrock? That's such a
fine, Western name! Did it ever occur to you that the trains are still
running? You could follow, and let me explain!"

"Aw, explain to a tiger cat! Explain to an Apache! I tell you that
girl is an Injun. She'll go with you so far, and stand for quite a
little; but when she strikes fire, look out!"

"Oh, very well," murmured Mrs. Hardesty and reached for a cigarette
which she puffed delicately while Rimrock gloomed. It was painfully
clear now--the cause of Mary's going and the embittered vindictiveness
of her smile. Not only had he sat up to talk with Mrs. Hardesty, but
he had brought her to where Mary had been waiting. He had actually
talked love, without really meaning it, with this fascinating woman of
the world; and, having an appointment to meet him right there, how
could Mary help but know? He pictured her for a moment, li