nto the hands of my uncle
until--until----"

"You are twenty-five or married," finished the swindler.

"Exactly."

"May I presume to ask you your present age?"

"Yesterday I was twenty-one."

"Then, legally, you ought to be your own mistress."

"So I thought. That is one thing which gave me the courage to run away."

There was a short spell of silence, during which Nick Smithers did some
rapid thinking. He felt that here was a chance to make a round sum of
money. If this young lady was rich, it would be a stroke of luck to get
her in his power.

So far the swindler had never married. He had once proposed to a fine
girl, but she had read him thoroughly, and rejected him. It might not be
a bad scheme to propose to the girl before him. He could see that she
was very romantic, and he was willing to do almost anything for money.

"I feel honored that you have taken me into your confidence," said he.
"Permit me to introduce myself, Lancelot Powers, from Boston. I am
traveling for my health."

"I am pleased to know you, Mr. Powers. My name is Clara Rosemead, and my
father was Colonel Rosemead, of the International Cable Company."

"I shall consider it my duty to do all I can for you," went on Nick
Smithers. "You--you--well, to tell the strict truth, you interest me
mightily. In fact, Miss Rosemead, I can't help but love you."

"Oh!"

"I trust that you are not offended?" said the swindler, hastily.

"Oh, no, Mr. Powers. But--I didn't quite expect this. But I--I well, I
like you, too." And again the girl bent her dark brilliant eyes on him.

"If you'd marry me you'd make me the happiest man in America!" went on
Nick Smithers. "It would be so romantic!" he whispered. "Think of how we
met on the cars, and fell in love at sight!"

"It would be romantic!" she clasped her hands together. "I'll do it!"

"Good! It will be a fine thing to outwit this uncle of yours."

"Yes! yes! We must outwit him by all means. If he should learn of what I
am doing----"

"He can learn the truth--after we are married, Clara." And then Nick
Smithers gave the girl's hand a tight squeeze. Had they been in a more
secluded place he would have kissed her.

"I--I--am happy!" she said, softly.

"What do you say to getting married when we reach Albany?" went on the
swindler. "Then we can return to your home and demand that your uncle
make a settlement."

"I shall do as you think best, Lancelot. I know I can trust you," she
answered.