ryly. "Otherwise I should not have mentioned it
to her. The storekeeper having been victimized lately, however,
requires a deposit of one hundred dollars."

Alton took out his wallet. "He can have two hundred if he likes. Now
I want you to fix it up without telling Miss Townshead or anybody."

"You are a relation of hers?" said the man.

"No," said Alton, "I am a friend."

"Then I'm afraid I can't assist you," said the other man. "It is
necessary to avoid any probability of complications in my business."

Again a glint crept into Alton's eyes, but it vanished, and he spoke
quietly. "I think you're straight," he said. "Well, I'm direct too,
and I'm going right back to my ranch to-morrow. Anybody from that
district will tell you all about Alton of Somasco. Now you'll take the
dollars, and if you hear of me hanging round this city you can send
them back to me."

The man appeared dubious, but finally nodded. "I'll make an exception
in your case," he said. "The fact is, I'm sorry for Miss Townshead,
because I fancy it is desirable that she should secure an appointment
of any kind as soon as possible."

Alton went out contented, having, so he fancied, somewhat skilfully
obtained Townshead's address, and found Seaforth awaiting him.

"They could, if I am an apt pupil, turn me out proficient for anything
in three months," he said.

Alton laughed. "They'll have to do it in less, and we'll find a use
for all they've taught you by and by," he said. "Now I came across
Miss Townshead, and she wasn't looking well or happy. We'll call upon
her father when we get through what we have to do."

Seaforth, who appeared disturbed, would have gone sooner, but it was
afternoon when they strolled round the outskirts of the city, and his
face was somewhat grim as they entered the Alsatia, which is the usual
adjunct of such places. It would, however, have impressed the
unsophisticated Eastern observer as being well painted, respectable,
and especially prosperous, for virtue is not the only thing which is
rewarded and recognized in a Western city. Finally, after traversing
it, they found Townshead in a little wooden house which was apparently
occupied by two other families. The remnants of a very meagre meal lay
before him, and he sat wearing the red velvet jacket, which looked
older and more faded than ever, in a canvas chair. He greeted the two
men coldly and somewhat condescendingly.

"We have not been especially