the boy, noticing the man start. "I
have had the villain Elliston pretty well described to me, and know
that your act just now justifies me in calling you by that name.
Shoot, coward, if you dare."

There was a cool defiance in the blue eyes of the boy, that won the
admiration of Elliston in spite of his anger.

"No, the game is too small," retorted Elliston, lowering his weapon.
"I cannot afford to tarnish an honorable reputation by shedding the
blood of a child. I shall, nevertheless, remember you, young man, and
on the proper occasion give you the thrashing you so richly deserve."

A look from Nell Darrel cut short the words that trembled on the lips
of the youth.

"I bid you good afternoon, Miss Darrel," and Elliston bowed and walked
to the door. "I will see you again and explain matters."

The door opened and closed, and the smooth villain was gone.

"Thank Heaven!" murmured Nell. "It might have been worse," said the
boy. "I did not miss my guess when I called him Elliston?"

"No."

"I thought not. You can see now that Harry Bernard had good reason for
warning you to beware of Harper Elliston!"

"I can see it plainly enough," returned the girl. "When will Harry
come to Woodburg?"

"I understand how anxious you are," said the boy, with a smile. "Harry
is assisting Dyke to ferret out the railroad express crime, and it may
be some weeks before he comes to this part of the State. I think he
will be satisfied to know that you are true to him. It was his
knowledge of Elliston's villainy that induced him to send me to see
you with a note of warning."

"I am thankful for his kindness, Mr. Ender."

"Everybody calls me Paul, Miss Darrel."

"And everybody (that is my friends), all call me Nell," returned the
girl, with a pleasant little laugh.

"Let it be Nell and Paul then," and the boy joined in her laugh, thus
aiding in banishing the shadows of the day. Harry Bernard's youthful
messenger soon after departed, promising to call again on the
following day, when he might have another message from young Bernard,
who was still supposed to be in St. Louis.

In the meantime the angry and discomfited Elliston repaired to the
hotel and made hasty preparations for departure.

He left on the first train for Chicago.

It was late in the evening that Mrs. Scarlet, in her den on Clark
street, was roused from a nap she was indulging in, with her head
against the wall, by a sharp rap at the door.

Rousing up, she we