eet.

We had a consultation over what was best to be done, but didn't
reach any definite conclusion till the station-agent brought me a
telegram from the Postmaster-General. Breaking it open, I read
aloud,--

"Do not allow service of writ, and retain possession of letters
according to prior instructions. At the request of this
department, the Secretary of War has directed the commanding
officer at Fort Whipple to furnish you with military protection,
and you will call upon him at once, if in your judgment it is
necessary. On no account surrender United States property to
Territorial authorities. Keep Department notified."

"Oh, splendid!" cried Madge, clapping her hands.

"Mr. Camp will find that other people can give surprise parties
as well as himself," I said cheerfully.

"You'll telegraph at once?" asked Mr. Cullen.

"Instantly," I said, rising, and added, "Don't you want to see
what I say, Miss Cullen?"

"Of course I do," she cried, jumping up eagerly.

Lord Ralles scowled as he said, "Yes; let's see what Mr.
Superintendent has to say."

"You needn't trouble yourself," I remarked, but he followed us
into the station. I was disgusted, but at the same time it seemed
to me that he had come because he was jealous; and that wasn't an
unpleasant thought. Whatever his motive, he was a third party in
the writing of that telegram, and had to stand by while Miss
Cullen and I discussed and draughted it. I didn't try to make it
any too brief, not merely asking for a guard and when I might
expect it, but giving as well a pretty full history of the case,
which was hardly necessary.

"You'll bankrupt yourself," laughed Madge. "You must let us pay."

"I'll let you pay, Miss Cullen, if you want," I offered. "How
much is it, Welply?" I asked, shoving the blanks in to the
operator.

"Nothin' for a lady," said Welply, grinning.

"There, Miss Cullen," I asked, "does the East come up to that in
gallantry?"

"Do you really mean that there is no charge?" demanded Madge,
incredulously, with her purse in her hand.

"That's the size of it," said the operator.

"I'm not going to believe that!" cried Madge. "I know you are
only deceiving me, and I really want to pay."

I laughed as I said, "Sometimes railroad superintendents can send
messages free, Miss Cullen."

"How silly of me!" exclaimed Madge. Then she remarked, "How nice
it is to be a railroad superintendent, Mr. Gordon! I should like
to be one myself."

That