ged greatly, and he looked twenty years older than
on the day he left the old home ranch.

His trend of thought was interrupted by the entrance of Jack on the
porch from the house.

"My name's Payson," Jack began hurriedly, casting a hasty glance
backward into the hallway, for the ceremony was about to begin. "You
want to see me?"

"Jack!" cried Dick, holding out his hand eagerly. "Jack, old man,
don't you know me?" he continued falteringly, seeing no sign of
recognition in his friend's eyes.

Payson gasped, shocked and startled. The man before him was a stranger
in looks, but the voice--the voice was that of Dick Lane, the last man
in the world he wanted to see at that moment. Frightened, almost
betraying himself, he glanced at the half-open door. If Dick entered
he knew Echo would be lost to him. She might love him truly, and her
love for Dick might have passed away, but he knew that Echo would never
forgive him for the deception that he had practised upon her.

Grasping his friend's hand weakly, he faltered, "Dick! Dick Lane!"

Jack realized he must act quickly. Some way or somehow Dick must be
kept out of the house until after the marriage. Then he, Jack, must
take the consequences. Dick saw his hesitation. It was not what he
had expected. But something dreadful might have happened while he was
away, there had been so many changes.

"Why, what's the matter?" he asked anxiously. "You got my letter? You
knew I was coming?"

"Yes, yes, I know," lamely answered Jack. "But I expected notice--you
know you said--"

"I couldn't wait. Jack, I'm a rich man, thanks to you--"

"Yes, yes, that's all right," said Payson, disclaiming the praise of
the man he had so grievously wronged with a hurried acknowledgment of
his gratitude.

"And I hurried back for fear Echo--"

"Oh, yes. I'll tell her about it, when she's ready to hear it."

"What is the matter, Jack? Are you keeping something from me? Where is
she?"

"In there," said Payson feebly, pointing to the door.

Dick eagerly started toward the house, but Jack halted him, saying:
"No--you mustn't go in now. There's a party-you see, she hasn't been
well, doesn't expect you to-night. The shock might be too much for
her."

Jack grasped at the lame excuse. It was the first to come to his mind.
He must think quickly. This experience was tearing the heart out of
him. He could not save himself from betrayal much longer.

"You're right," acquiesced