But it was of no use. Whoever her pursuer might be, he was even then at
her side.

"I beg your pardon," breathlessly he began again, "but I've been chasing
you all the way down from the hotel. I want you to come right back there
with me. I have a proposal to make to you."

Even in the darkness he could see how the girl's eyes blazed.

"I never listen - " she began hotly, "to proposals from people I don't
know," she had meant to add, but he gave her no time.

"It will mean the biggest chance for your pictures you've ever had," he
broke in. "Now, listen!"

And, to her complete surprise, Miss Hastings suddenly found herself
doing that very thing.

"There are a lot of things I've got to find out right away," continued
the astonishing stranger, "and the clerk up there tells me you're
painting a series of Indian portraits."

The little art teacher gazed at him fascinated. What manner of man could
this be, she wondered.

"I don't see the connection - " Coldness struggled with curiosity in her
voice.

"Listen!" With uplifted, peremptory hand again he stopped her. Nor is it