ooking at
his captive. The maid sat down upon the suitcase, dropped her skirt in
a modest little manner, and cast her gaze upon the ground.

Beth was the first to speak.

"Well, Elsa, I hope you are comfortable."

"Yes, Miss, thank you," said the maid.

Thereupon Miss Kent turned to the horseman and laughed. Someway she
could not feel alarmed, in the presence of this man of the hills, in
whose eyes merry devils were dancing.

"Isn't this absurd?" she said.

"Searle must have been born absurd," replied the horseman, once more
removing his hat. He waved it towards the station host imperiously.
"Dave, present me to the lady." And as Dave floundered, hopelessly
puzzled, he added: "Give me a knock-down, man, don't you savvy?"

Dave dropped his sliver, snatched off his hat, and rid himself of a
quid of something strong--all in one convulsion of activity.

"'Scuse me," he apologized, approaching nearer. "Miss--Miss--Miss
Laffin' Water, this is Van. His whole name's----"

"That's enough," Van interrupted. "I'm gratified to meet you,
Senorita, I'm sure."

He extended his hand. Beth knew not what to do, wherefore she gave him
her own.

"How do you do, Mr. Van?" she answered tremulously, and she drew her
fingers back again at once. "If you don't mind," she added, "we really
must continue on to Goldite as soon as possible." A fleeting look of
doubt and alarm had swept all the mirth from her eyes. After all, even
with this "introduction" what were these men's intentions? It was a
grave affair to be halted thus--to be practically abducted--to be left
with no protection, in the hands of roadside strangers, one, at least,
of whom was certainly inclined to be lawless and outrageously bold.

The horseman regarded her seriously, as if with a certain divination of
her worry. Someway, from the look in his eyes her confidence returned,
she knew not why.

"Do you ride?" he asked her, "--you and your maid?"

"Why, yes--that is----" she addressed the maid on the suitcase. "Elsa,
can you ride--on a horse?"

Elsa said: "Yes, Miss, if it is part of my duty."

Beth's composure increased. After all, it was a glorious day, the
horseman was handsome, and she had wished for a little adventure--but
not too much!

"What does it mean?" she asked of Van more boldly. "We were perfectly
comfortable, riding in the car. If you really intend to permit us to
go, why couldn't we have gone on as we were?"

Dave started to a