the lenses were
centered on the face and form of the woman in the buckboard.

For the first time in his life Red McVey had dodged a direct issue when
Carter had asked him why Douglass had not met them in person. In
response to that question he had equivocally replied that Douglass had
gone away on his vacation and had delegated the duty to him. He was
devoutly glad that he was not forced into particulars and avoided any
embarrassing questions by devoting himself assiduously to the baggage.

When he opened the envelope which Abbie handed to him after supper,
Carter's irritation passed all bounds. With a forced politeness he
excused himself to his guest and went into the office, where he was
shortly joined by his sister, who intuitively surmised that something
was wrong. He almost thrust the letter into her hand, asking angrily:

"What the devil is the meaning of all this?"

She scanned the page hurriedly, her face paling as she read. It was very
short, but concise:

"DEAR MR. CARTER:--

"In leaving your service I desire to thank you for the many
courtesies enjoyed at your hands, and for the flattering confidence
you have ever reposed in me. Enclosed please find a full statement
of assets and liabilities which I ask you will confirm at your
earliest convenience. I have done my best and I trust that my
services have been satisfactory.

"Mr. McVey is perfectly competent to assume full management of the
outfit and I sincerely hope that you will consider him favorably in
that connection; he is absolutely honest and dependable, and is,
besides, by far the best cowman of my acquaintance. I am
recommending him without either his knowledge or consent.

"I have paid myself out of the funds in hand; please find voucher
inclosed.

"Wishing the C-- unbounded prosperity, and yourself the happiness
and good fortune you deserve,

Yours very respectfully,

"KENNETH M. DOUGLASS."

Never a word as to his underlying reasons; not an intimation of his
future plans and purposes, not even a conventional word of farewell to
her. She laid the letter quietly on the table.

"Really, Robert, your question is astonishing," she said in cold
asperity to his reiterated demand. "How could I possibly know of the
reasons actuating Mr. Douglass? He has never taken me into his
confidence and so I am more in the dark than you, his professed best
friend,