attorney go into the matter at once and who appeared very grave at the
news. Then they returned to the hotel to await their train.

Here Lee was surprised to encounter Ruth in company of Gretzinger,
Charlie Menocal, and a Kennard girl with whom he was not acquainted.
Ruth and Imogene, he learned, had come down the day before with the
New Yorker and were staying at the McDonnell home.

"We're just roaming around and amusing ourselves," Ruth said, slipping
her arm within Lee's. "Come on and join us."

Lee smilingly shook his head.

"Can't possibly do it," said he. "I'm leaving for the capital soon."

Ruth drew him aside.

"But give me ten minutes of your time before you go, will you, dear?"
she asked. "Come, we can go into one of the parlours where we'll be
alone." And when they were seated there, she continued, "I know why
you're going to Santa Fé. Charlie said he understood you were involved
in some new legal trouble and that you might lose your whole project.
Mr. Gretzinger laughed at him and so did I, for we knew it couldn't be
true. But it's bothering you, I see; your face is anxious. I hope
you'll clear up the horrid matter, whatever it is, while you're gone."
Then after a pause, she remarked, "Perhaps Mr. Gretzinger could be of
assistance to you."

"Not in this matter," said Lee.