Then, when he had succeeded, he walked out of the front door of the saloon and made his way down the street to the Willets Hotel.

He told Keller, the proprietor, about Miss Wharton's disappearance, and he succeeded in simulating an excellent counterfeit of astonishment when Keller informed him that Miss Wharton was at that moment up stairs in her room--that she had been at the hotel since the storm broke.

He pretended not to see the flush on Keller's face as he told the lie; and his greeting to Della was distinguished by calm casualness.
Later, when Warden told her that the Two Diamond had been lonely without her, and that the trail was in condition for travel, she readily agreed to accompany him.

And, shortly after noon they rode out of town together, Warden apparently in the best of humor over finding her safe; Della elated over the success of the deception.
It was late when they reached the Two Diamond.

Several of the men cheered delightedly when they rode into the ranch yard; and Aunt Hannah was tearfully grateful.
However, twice during the evening meal, as they sat opposite each other, Della noted a look of sullen preoccupation in Warden's eyes.