thoughtful still grew Sanchia, biting her lips, frowning, hiding
her eyes under her wide hat. Once she looked up quickly and studied
his eager face, her eyes keen and searching. Then, still watching him
for the slightest change of expression, she said:

'Maybe I can be of assistance to you. You will be busy enough getting
your crew and implements. I know everybody in San Ramon; George
Harkness, at the court-house, is the man to arrange your papers and he
is an old friend of mine. I am going to see him anyway to-day, and if
you like I can have him do everything for you and send you your papers
next week. It requires several days, you know,' and by now her intent
regard had assured her that he knew absolutely nothing in the world
about it.

Longstreet demurred. He wasn't certain that it could be done this way,
nor did he like the idea of imposing upon her. But, she told him
quickly, it _could_ be done; she had acted for another gentleman in
this capacity, Mr. Nate Kemble of the Quigley mines. She knew all
about it. As for imposition, she broke into a timid little laugh.

'I am a rather helpless and, I am afraid, stupid sort of a little
woman,' she confessed. 'I have to make my own way in the world, and
this is one of the ways I do it. If, when everything is properly
concluded, you feel that I have really been of assistance and care to
send me a small cheque, just for services rendered, you understand,
why----'

He saw the matter immediately in the desired light.

'Then,' he told her heartily, 'I shall be delighted to have you see Mr.
Harkness for me. You are very kind, Mrs. Murray. And, as you say, I
can give my attention exclusively to the other end of the business. As
to the location of the spot so that the papers----'

'Oh, that part is all right! I know just where the Dry Gulch is and so
will George when he looks it up on his maps. You won't have to worry
about that in the least.'

Again Sanchia grew silent and thoughtful. Before them, side by side,
went Helen and Howard. She watched them and held her horse back so
that she and Longstreet would not come any closer to them. Finally she
made her second suggestion, watching as before the play of Longstreet's
expression.

'You have told Mr. Howard?'

'Yes. No one else.'

'He understands that you wish to keep your secret from Helen?'

'Yes.'

'Then, suppose we do this: As we come into town I must leave you a
moment to ride by the milli