sufficient to testify to the man's earnestness of purpose. From that day
he had been heart and soul on Fletcher's side.

He wished he could have given him a hint that evening as he looked up to
see the girl standing in the doorway; for Dot was so cold, so aloof in
her welcome. He did not see what Hill saw at the first glance--that she
was quivering from head to foot with nervous agitation.

She set down her tray and gave her hand to the visitor. "Doesn't Rupert
want a drink?" she said.

Rupert was his horse, and his most dearly prized possession. Hill's rare
smile showed for a moment at the question.

"Let him cool down a bit first," he said. "I am afraid I've ridden him
rather hard."

She gave him a fleeting glance. "You have come from Trelevan?"

"Yes. I got there this afternoon. We left Wallacetown early this
morning."

"Rode all the way?" questioned Jack.

"Yes, every inch. I wanted to see the Fortescue Gold Mine."

"Ah! There's a rough crowd there," said Jack. "They say all the uncaught
criminals find their way to the Fortescue Gold Mine."

"Yes," said Hill.