She had undoubtedly gained information that Chauvenet had gone forth to seek; she had--and the thing was funny--served Chauvenet well in explaining away his presence in the mountains and getting him out of the clutches of the mountaineer, while at the same time she was learning for herself the fact of Armitage's whereabouts and keeping it from Chauvenet.

It was a curious adventure, and she gave her hand smilingly to the mystified and still doubting mountaineer.
"I give you my word of honor that neither man is a government officer and neither one has the slightest interest in you--will you believe me ?" "I reckon I got to, Miss." "Good; and now, Mr.Selfridge, it is growing dark and I want you to walk down this trail with me until we come to the Storm Springs road." "I'll do it gladly, Miss." "Thank you; now let us be off." She made him turn back when they reached a point from which they could look upon the electric lights of the Springs colony, and where the big hotel and its piazzas shone like a steamship at night.

A moment later Chauvenet, who had waited impatiently, joined her, and they rode down together.

She referred at once to the affair with the mountaineer in her most frivolous key.
"They are an odd and suspicious people, but they're as loyal as the stars.

And please let us never mention the matter again--not to any one, if you please, Monsieur!".