e was going to get a nap
for an hour or so. "I shall need the rest, if I am any prophet," he
concluded.

It was shortly after this that I lay down on the couch. I had determined
not to close my eyes, but I was utterly worn out, I suppose, and
exhaustion got the better of me. The next thing I knew the gray light of
dawn was streaming in at the library windows and Johnson was spreading a
tempting-looking breakfast on the table.

I sprang up.

"What time is it?" I demanded.

"About half-past five, sir, or thereabouts," was the answer, in a tone
of mingled weariness and resentment. Plainly Mr. Johnson had been up all
night and considered himself imposed upon.

I was thankful that my lapse from duty had been of no longer duration.
It had been much too long as it was.

"How is Mr. Colton?" I asked.

"Better, sir, I believe. He is resting more quiet at present."

"Where is Cahoon?"

"Here I be," this from Phineas in the next room. "Have a good snooze,
did you, Ros?"

"Too good." I walked in and found him still sitting by the telegraph
instrument. "Has anything happened?" I asked.

"Nary thing. All quiet as the tomb since that last message, the one you
heard. Pretty nigh fell asleep myself, I did. Guess I should have, only
Miss Colton she came in and kept me comp'ny for a spell."

"Miss Colton--has she been here? Why didn't you call me, Ros?"

"I was goin' to, but she wouldn't let me. Said you was all wore out,
poor feller, and that you wan't to be disturbed unless 'twas necessary.
She's an awful nice young woman, ain't she. Nothin' stuck up about her,
at all. Set here and talked with me just as sociable and folksy as if
she wan't wuth a cent. Asked more questions than a few, she did."

"Did she?" I was not paying much attention to his remarks. My mind was
busy with more important things. I was wondering what Davis was doing
just then. Phin went on.

"Yup. I happened to remember that you wan't at the bank to-day and
I asked her if she knew the reason why. 'How did you know he wasn't
there?' says she. 'Alvin Baker told me fust,' I says, 'and Sam Wheeler
told him. Everybody knew it and was wonderin' about it. They cal'lated
Ros was sick,' I told her, 'but that couldn't be or he wouldn't be round
here settin' up all night.' What WAS the reason you wan't there, Ros?"

I thought it strange that he, and everyone else in town, did not know
the reason before this. Was it possible that Captain Dean alone knew
of my