om Flambeau.

"I went clear off my head," he heard himself saying, "at that name of
Merridy, that ring, and all. Why--why, I thought you might be the
missing girl I told you of--you remember, that day up on Lee's
Creek--so I had to see; but, dear me, I should have been more
considerate--I should have explained. The trouble is I'm a nervous man,
and I get impulsive streaks on me sometimes that I can't control. I'm
sorry I spoiled your dress, but I'll get you another--you bet I will."

This explanation of his strange behavior seemed plausible enough to
banish all personal fears from Necia's mind. Indeed, Stark had now
become so gentle and apologetic in his demeanor that her woman's
curiosity overcame her instinct to flee, and she ventured the question:

"So you really thought I was that other girl?"

"I did for a minute. The mother was a--a--friend of mine, and so--I
lost my head. But I'm all right now, and if you'll overlook my
roughness we'll go back to your troubles."

These last few moments had driven her own worries from her mind, but he
was bent on recalling them, and so continued, cautiously:

"You were saying that you thought you'd go away. I think that's a good
plan, and you'd be wise to do it for more reasons than one. It will
give you time to think it all over and know your own mind--"

"I know my mind now, and yet--I don't want to go away."

"--and it will give Burrell a chance to prove himself. He'll either
show that he has got to have you at any cost, or that you are right in
your decision. If the first should happen, you can come back to him; if
the last--why, it will be better for you, anyhow. As long as you stay
here neither one of you can see clearly."

She was touched by his interest, and realized the force of his
argument, which, strange to say, seemed to second her own thoughts; yet
she hesitated.

"I want to help you--I'm going to help you--because I've got an
interest in you like you were mine." Again he betrayed that strange,
mirthless amusement.

"There is no place for me to go," said Necia, blankly, "except the
Mission, and I have no way of getting there."

"Don't you worry. I'll furnish the means, and you'd better go
to-night"--she flinched--"yes, to-night; there's no use prolonging your
agony. I'll get a boat ready and send a trusty man with you. The
current is swift, and if he rows well you can make it by to-morrow
evening. That's only one night out, and I'll put some blankets ab