"Which he wished to pay without the knowledge of Mr. Briggs, who would
not have consented to it."

The official opened his eyes. "Yes, miss."

"Well, as Mr. Mayfield is NOT here, I am here to pay it for him. You can
take a check on Wells, Fargo & Co., I suppose?"

"Certainly, miss."

She took a check-book and pen and ink from her reticule, and filled up a
check. She handed it to him, and the pen and ink. "You are to give me a
receipt."

The deputy looked at the matter-of-fact little figure, and signed and
handed over the receipted bill.

"My father said Mr. Briggs was not to know this."

"Certainly not, miss."

"It was Mr. Briggs's intention to let the judgment take its course, and
give up the house. You are a man of business, Mr. Dodd, and know that
this is ridiculous!"

The deputy laughed. "In course, miss."

"And whatever Mr. Briggs may have proposed to you to do, when you go
back to the Forks, you are to write him a letter, and say that you will