Cassius Trent was the man whose hitherto probity and enthusiasm had
enlisted the interest of his New York friends. He represented that his
projected community would not only be an excellent investment for their
money, but a benefaction to humanity. They believed him and--well, their
money is gone, their community has not even a beginning, and the man
is dead. He seems to have been a person----"

"A white gentleman, sir!"

"Who could obtain a strong hold upon the affections and confidence of
all who knew him. I admire the qualities which gained your devotion and
I admire your loyalty to him. I am charmed with the home he created in
this wilderness--_for himself_--and I have the profoundest respect
for his afflicted family. I wish I had not undertaken this trust.
But I have so undertaken, I am sworn to my clients' interests, and I
must further them to my utmost ability. If the missing money can be
recovered I shall recover it, painful as my duty may be. And--that
is all. Good-by, little captain. It is my sincere wish that I may
find some explanation of this mystery, other than circumstantial
evidence seems to point. If I so find I shall return and tell you.
If not--good-by. Make my respectful regards to your mother, and thank you
for my entertainment."

He turned and walked to the doorway, nobody interfering; but there he
paused and asked:

"That horse you mentioned? Can I purchase him of you? If so I need
not trouble Samson for his escort, but will bid you, gentlemen,
good-morning."

A significant look ran around the circle of intent and lowering faces.
The lawyer's succinct explanation of affairs had impressed them, but it
had not altered one fact which most mattered to those hardy countrymen.

A dead man, their idolized master and friend, had been accused of black
dishonesty, and they had passed their own promise to their girlish
captain not to injure the accuser.

But they had not promised he should go scot-free. To some men shame was
worse than a bullet wound. It would have been so to them, and they did
the stranger thus much honor that they ascribed him equal manliness.

As he stepped across the threshold Mr. Hale found both Samson and John
Benton close beside him, at right hand and left; and when he was about
to mount the superannuated beast, which a grinning stable lad held for
him, he was pinioned and quietly hoisted into the saddle. Instantly,
a brace of straps secured him and Samson's crop cut viciousl