If I was perplexed, I wasn’t going to give Lord Ralles the right of way, and as soon as I had made certain that the telegram was safely started I joined the walkers.  I don’t think any of us enjoyed the hour that followed, but I didn’t care how miserable I was myself, so long as I was certain that I was blocking Lord Ralles; and his grumpiness showed very clearly that my presence did that.  As for Madge, I couldn’t make her out.  I had always thought I understood women a little, but her conduct was beyond understanding.

Apparently Miss Cullen didn’t altogether relish her position, for presently she said she was going to the car.  “I’m sure you and Lord Ralles will be company enough for each other,” she predicted, giving me a flash of her eyes which showed them full of suppressed merriment, even while her face was grave.

In spite of her prediction, the moment she was gone Lord Ralles and I pulled apart about as quickly as a yard-engine can split a couple of cars.

I moped around for an hour, too unsettled mentally to do anything but smoke, and only waiting for an invitation or for some excuse to go into 218.  About eleven o’clock I obtained the latter in another telegram, and went into the car at once.

“Telegram received,” I read triumphantly.  “A detail of two companies of the Twelfth Cavalry, under the command of Captain Singer, is ordered to Ash Fork, and will start within an hour, arriving at five o’clock.  C.D.  OLMSTEAD, Adjutant.”

“That won’t do, Gordon,” cried Mr. Cullen.  “The mandamus will be here before that.”

“Oh, don’t say there is something more wrong!” sighed Madge.

“Won’t it be safer to run while there is still time?” suggested Albert, anxiously.

“I was born lazy about running away,” I said.

“Oh, but please, just for once,” Madge begged.  “We know already how brave you are.”

I thought for a moment, not so much objecting, in truth, to the running away as to the running away from Madge.

“I’d do it for you,” I said, looking at Miss Cullen so that she understood this time what I meant, without my using any emphasis, “but I don’t see any need of making myself uncomfortable, when I can make the other side so.  Come along and see if my method isn’t quite as good.”

We went to the station, and I told the operator to call Rock Butte; then I dictated: 

“Direct conductor of Phoenix No. 3 on its arrival at Rock Butte to hold it there till further orders.  RICHARD GORDON, Superintendent.”

“That will save my running and their chasing,” I laughed; “though I’m afraid a long wait in Rock Butte won’t improve their tempers.”