e had given no thought to the tri-weekly stage. She dismissed it
now, with a wave of gratitude towards Van for the horse--gratitude, or
something, surging warmly in her veins. She almost wished he could
ride at her side, but checked that lawlessness sternly. She would ride
to Glen alone!

CHAPTER XXIV

A BLIZZARD OF DUST

At daylight Beth was dressed as a man and surveying herself in the
mirror. She had passed a sleepless night. She was fevered, excited,
and nervous.

Her work had been admirably done. She looked no more rawly new or
youthful than scores of young tenderfeet, daily in the streets of the
camp. The stain on her face had furnished an astonishing disguise,
supported as it was by male attire. Her hair was all up in the crown
of her hat, which was set on the back of her head. It was fastened,
moreover, with pins concealed beneath the leather band. Altogether the
disguise was most successful. Beth had disappeared: a handsome young
man had been conjured in her place.

Her mare, which Billy had ordered, came promptly to the door. She
heard her arrive--and her heart stroked more madly than before.
Trembling in every limb, and treading as softly as a thief, she made
her way downstairs.

On the dining-room table was the package of lunch that Mrs. Dick had
agreed to prepare. Beth had told her she meant to take an early
morning ride and might not be back in time for breakfast. With this
bundle in hand she went out at the door, her courage all but failing at
thought of the man with the horse at the threshold. She shrank from
being seen in such an outfit.

It was too late now to retreat, however, she told herself bravely, and
out she went.

"Say, git a move, young feller," said the hostler with her pony. "I
ain't got time to play horse-post here all day."

"Thank you for being so prompt," said Beth, in a voice that was faint,
despite her efforts to be masculine, and she gave him a coin.

"I'll tie that there bundle on behind," he volunteered, less gruffly,
and Beth was glad of his assistance.

A moment later she took a gasp of breath and mounted to the seat.
Collapse of all the project had seemed imminent, but an actual feeling
of relief and security ensued when she was settled in the saddle.

"So long," said the hostler, and Beth responded manfully, "So long."

She rode out slowly, towards the one main road. A feeling of the
morning's chill assailed her, making her shiver. The no