comparatively strangers having deserted his mind. It seemed as if he
had already known her for years.

"Most certainly question; I had no thought of any concealment."

She smiled at the confusedness of his words, yet her own speech was not
entirely devoid of embarrassment.

"It does appear almost ridiculous, but really I do not even know your
name."

"It is Ned Winston."

"Not so bad a name, is it? Do you mind telling me where your home is?"

"I can scarcely lay claim to such a spot, but my people live in Denver."

She drew a quick, surprised breath, her eyes instantly falling, as
though she would thus conceal some half-revealed secret. For a moment
her parted lips trembled to a question she hesitated asking.

"I--I believe I have heard of a Colonel Daniel Winston in Denver, a
banker," she said finally. "I--I have seen his house."

"He is my father."

Her shadowing lashes suddenly uplifted, the color once again flooding
the clear cheeks.

"You are, indeed, becoming a man of mystery," she exclaimed, affecting