she preferred what was said between them should not reach the ears of the
negro, yet somehow, for the moment, they made no adequate impression on
him. Like a famished wolf he began on the coarse fare, and for ten minutes
hardly lifted his head. Then his eyes chanced to meet hers across the
narrow table, and instantly the gentleman within him reawoke to life.

"I have been a perfect brute," he acknowledged frankly, "with no thought
except for myself. Hunger was my master, and I ask your forgiveness, Miss
Maclaire."

Her eyes smiled.

"I am so very glad to have any one here--any one--in whom I feel even a
little confidence--that nothing else greatly matters. Can you both eat,
and listen?"

Keith nodded, his eyes full of interest, searching her face.

"Whoever I may be, Mr. Keith, and really that seems only of small
importance, I came to Fort Larned seeking some trace of my only brother,
whom we last heard from there, where he had fallen into evil
companionship. On the stage trip I was fortunate enough to form an
acquaintance with a man who told me he knew where I could meet Fred, but
that the boy was hiding because of some trouble he had lately gotten into,
and that I should have to proceed very carefully so as not to lead the
officers to discover his whereabouts. This gentleman was engaged in some
business at Carson City, but he employed a man to bring me to this place,
and promised to get Fred, and meet me here the following day. There must
have been some failure in the plans, for I have been here entirely alone
now for three days. It has been very lonesome, and--and I've been a little