"Searle must have been born absurd," replied the horseman, once more
removing his hat. He waved it towards the station host imperiously.
"Dave, present me to the lady." And as Dave floundered, hopelessly
puzzled, he added: "Give me a knock-down, man, don't you savvy?"

Dave dropped his sliver, snatched off his hat, and rid himself of a
quid of something strong--all in one convulsion of activity.

"'Scuse me," he apologized, approaching nearer. "Miss--Miss--Miss
Laffin' Water, this is Van. His whole name's----"

"That's enough," Van interrupted. "I'm gratified to meet you,
Señorita, I'm sure."

He extended his hand. Beth knew not what to do, wherefore she gave him
her own.

"How do you do, Mr. Van?" she answered tremulously, and she drew her
fingers back again at once. "If you don't mind," she added, "we really
must continue on to Goldite as soon as possible." A fleeting look of
doubt and alarm had swept all the mirth from her eyes. After all, even
with this "introduction" what were these men's intentions? It was a
grave affair to be halted thus--to be practically abducted--to be left
with no protection, in the hands of roadside strangers, one, at least,
of whom was certainly inclined to be lawless and outrageously bold.

The horseman regarded her seriously, as if with a certain divination of
her worry. Someway, from the look in his eyes her confidence returned,
she knew not why.