"Oh, yes, it is," laughing. "There will be no dressing. All I need do
is appear neat."

We sat there and talked it over, deciding exactly our course of action.
At nine o'clock I left her, hunted up the nearest bank and got change
for my bill. Then I gave her the amount asked, and we separated, to
meet again late that afternoon at the depot. I felt no doubt as to her
being there on time. My day was a busy one, as I had to visit my
boarding house, buy needful clothing, and arrange for transportation.
At the moment specified I called up Vail on the phone, and he responded
instantly, the very tone of his voice evidencing the relief he felt at
hearing from me.

"Began to think I had skipped with the thousand?" I asked. "Well, I
have n't, for the other nine looks too good."

"You are going, then?"

"Sure; all packed, and transportation bought. Best of it is I 've
found the right woman to go along with me.

"Good; I didn't know what to do about that--the one I had in mind is
out of town. Who is she?"

"Oh, never mind her name; she is all right, a friend of mine."

"Not likely anyone I know. Where are you?"

I told him, and he agreed to send over certain papers to me by