ly startled, but his face betrayed no satisfaction.
It's most visible expression was more akin to annoyance.

"Could she not have waited?" he asked impatiently, adding somewhat
awkwardly, "Did Mrs. Leslie explain why she wanted to see me so
particularly?"

"Yes," was the quick answer. "She has reason to believe that while you
journeyed to Vancouver to visit her, an attempt would be made to wreck
these workings. She bade me warn you that there is a traitor in your
camp."

"Ah," replied Geoffrey, a flush showing through the bronze on his
forehead. He thought hastily of all his men and came back to the
consciousness of Helen's presence with a start. "It was very good of
you to face the rough cold journey, but you cannot return without rest
and refreshment," he said with a look that spoke of something more than
gratitude. "I will warn my foremen, and when it seems safe will ride
back with you."

If Helen had been gifted with a wider knowledge of life she might
perhaps have noticed several circumstances that proved Thurston
blameless. As it was she had a quick temper, and at first glance facts
spoke eloquently against him.

"You cannot," was the cold answer. "The warning was very plain, and
considering all that is at stake you must not leave the workings a
moment. Neither are any thanks due to me. I am an interested party,
and the person who has earned your gratitude is Mrs. Leslie. The day
is clear and fine, and I can dispense with an escort."

"You shall not go alone," declared Thurston, doggedly. "You can choose
between my company and that of my assistant. And you shall not go
until you rest. Further, I must ask you a favor. Will you receive
Mrs. Leslie until I have seen her and arranged for her return? There
is no married rancher within some distance, and I cannot well bring her
here."

"You cannot," agreed Helen averting her eyes. "If only on account of
the service she has rendered, Mrs. Leslie is entitled to such shelter
as we can offer her, as long as it appears necessary."

"Thanks!" said Thurston, gravely. "You relieve me of a difficulty."
Then, stung by the girl's ill-concealed disdain into one of his former
outbreaks, he gripped the horse's bridle, and backed the beast so that
he and its rider were more fully face to face.

"Am I not harassed sufficiently? Good Lord! do you think----" he began.

"I have neither the right nor desire to inquire into your motives,"
responded Helen dista