losely for results, and, if necessary, have some one else sent out
from the home office to take up the work. But meanwhile she must
communicate with Westcott, tell him all that had occurred. She would
send him a note the first thing in the morning.

Somewhat reassured by this reasoning, she was still seated there,
staring out into the night, when Enright and Beaton returned. It must
have been late, for the street was practically deserted, the saloons
even being closed. The hotel was silent, although a lamp yet burned in
the office, the dull glow falling across the roadway in front of the
door. Stella heard the tread of horses' feet, before her eyes
distinguished the party approaching, and she drew back cautiously. In
the glow of the light she could perceive four men in saddle halted in
front of the hotel, three of whom dismounted, and entered the building,
the fourth grasping the reins of the riderless animals, and leading
them up the street. No word was spoken, except an order to the
departing horseman, and the girl could not be certain of the identity
of those below, although convinced the first two to disappear within
were Enright and Beaton. She heard the murmur of voices below and the
heavy steps of the men as they came slowly up the stairs. Then a door
opened creakingly and she caught the sound of a woman's voice.

"Is that you, Ned?"

"Sure; what are you doing up at this hour?"

"Never mind that. Who have you got with you?"

"Enright and Lacy--why?"

"I want you all to come in here a minute; don't make so much noise."

A voice or two grumbled, but feet shuffled along the bare floor, and
the door creaked again as it was carefully closed behind them. Stella
opened her own door a crack and listened; the hall, lighted only by a
single oil-lamp at the head of the stairs, was deserted and silent.
She stole cautiously forward, but the voices in Miss La Rue's room were
muffled and indistinct, not an audible word reaching her ears. The key
was in the lock, shutting out all view of the interior. Well, what was
the difference? She knew what was occurring within--the stolen
telegram was being displayed, and discussed. That would not delay them
long, and it would never do for her to be discovered in the hall.

Convinced of the uselessness of remaining, she returned to her own
room, closing and bolting the door.

This time she removed some of her clothing, and lay down on the bed,
conscious of being ex