"So do I, now that I understand," earnestly. "Although I confess your
intimacy was a shock to me this noon. Well, I am going to busy myself
also and take a scouting trip to La Rosita."

"Is that Lacy's mine?"

"Yes; up the gulch here about two miles. I may pick up some information
worth having. I am to see you again--alone?"

"We must have some means of communication; have you any suggestion?"

"Yes, but we'll take for our motto, 'Safety first.' We mustn't be seen
together, or suspected in any way of being friends. The livery-stable
keeper has a boy about twelve, who is quite devoted to me; a bright,
trustworthy little fellow. He is about the hotel a good deal, and will
bring me word from you any time. You need have no fear that I shall fail
to respond to any message you send."

"I shall not doubt." She held out her hand frankly. "You believe in me
now, Mr. Westcott?"

"Absolutely; indeed I think I always have. That other thing hurt, yet I
kept saying to myself, 'She had some good reason.'"

"Always think so, please, no matter what happens. I was nearly wild
until I got the note to you; I was so afraid you would leave the hotel.
We must trust each other."

He stood before her, his hat in hand, a strong, robust figure, his
bronzed face clearly revealed; the sunlight making manifest the grey hair