ight she was here at this hotel. Well, we are getting this
straightened out a little--that is, if you believe me."

"Of course."

"Then I am going to question you. You spoke of overhearing a
conversation?"

"Yes; it was after Mrs. Dupont had left. Captain Barrett came, and
took her away. I was sitting here thinking when two men came into the
parlor."

"Who were they? Do you know?"

"One was the soldier who drives you about--Connors; the other a
black-bearded, burly fellow called 'Reb.'"

"Mr. Dupont."

"What? Is that Dupont? Lord! No wonder she 's gone bad. Why, I
thought her husband was a ranchman down South somewhere! This fellow
is a tin-horn."

"He did run cattle once, years ago. I think he was quite well off, but
drank and gambled it away. Papa told me all about it, but I found out
he was the man by accident. He--is the one I am really afraid of."

She stopped, her eyes deserting his face, and stared out into the
darkness. He waited, feeling vaguely that he had not heard all she
intended to say.

"What more do you know?" he asked. "What was it you expected of me?"

She turned again, aroused by the question.

"Yes, I must tell you as quickly as I can, before I am missed. I did
not know about Mrs. Dupont and Lieutenant Gaskins. I realized there
was something between them--a--a--slight flirtation, but scarcely gave
that a thought. What brought me here was a much more serious matter,
yet this new information helps me to comprehend the other--the motives,
I mean. Mrs. Dupont's maiden name was Vera Carson?"

"Certainly; I knew her family well."

"She came here, and was received into our family as a daughter of my
father's sister. If true, her maiden name would have been Sarah
Counts. Papa had no reason to suspect the deceit. He does not now,
and I doubt if even your word would convince him, for he seems
thoroughly under her influence. There has been such a change in him
since she came; not all at once, you know, but gradual, until now he
scarcely seems like the same man. I--I do not dislike Lieutenant
Gaskins; he has been pleasant and attentive, but I do not care for him
in any other way. Yet papa insists that I marry the man. Lately he
has been very unkind about it, and--and I am sure she is urging him on.
What can I do? It is all so unpleasant."

Hamlin shook his head, but without reply.

"You will not tell me! Then I will tell you I shall say no! no! no!
In spite of th