the sheriff had at last set up a
station at Forks. Why should he not carry his story to him? Why should
he not take this man into his confidence, and so work out the trapping
of the gang? And, if Jake were----

He had no time to proceed further. His thoughts were interrupted by
the sound of wheels, followed, a moment later, by the splash of a
horse crossing the ford. He turned in the direction whence the sound
came, and beheld Bessie hauling a buckboard up the bank of the river;
at the same instant he recognized the only occupant of the vehicle. It
was Diane returning from her errand of mercy.

Tresler sprang to his feet. He doffed his prairie hat as the
buckboard drew abreast of him. Nor was he unmindful of the sudden
flush that surged to the girl's cheeks as she recognized him. Without
any intention Diane checked the mare, and, a moment later, realizing
what she had done, she urged her on with unnecessary energy. But
Tresler had no desire that she should pass him in that casual fashion,
and, with a disarming smile, hailed her.

"Don't change a good mind, Miss Marbolt," he cried.

Whereat the blush returned to the girl's cheek intensified, for she
knew that he had seen her intention. This time, however, she pulled up
decidedly, and turned a smiling face to him.

"This is better than I bargained for," he went on. "I came here to
think the afternoon's events out, and--I meet you. I had no idea you
were out."

"I felt that Bess wanted exercise," the girl answered evasively.

Without asking herself why, Diane felt pleased at meeting this man.
Their first encounter had been no ordinary one. From the beginning he
seemed to link himself with her life. For her their hours of
acquaintance might have been years; years of mutual help and
confidence. However, she gathered her reins up as though to drive on.
Tresler promptly stayed her.

"No, don't go yet, Miss Marbolt, please. Pleasures that come
unexpectedly are pleasures indeed. I feel sure you will not cast me
back upon my gloomy thoughts."

Diane let the reins fall into her lap.

"So your thoughts were gloomy; well, I don't wonder at it. There are
gloomy things happening. I was out driving, and thought I would look
in at Mosquito Reach. It has been razed to the ground."

"You have been to see--and help--young Orr's mother and sister? I know
it. It was like you, Miss Marbolt," Tresler said, with a genuine look
of admiration at the dark little face so overshadowed