“I want to see the man who runs this place,” he said.

He was shown into an office, where a man, whose face he was pleased with, greeted him.  “You taught Miss Townshead here?” he said.

“Yes,” said the other.  “She is a lady of considerable ability, and I could recommend her with confidence.”

Alton stared at him a moment out of half-closed eyes.  “Of course you would,” he said.  “Well now, she has been applying for some place where they want security.  Is it fit for a lady?”

“Yes,” said the man dryly.  “Otherwise I should not have mentioned it to her.  The storekeeper having been victimized lately, however, requires a deposit of one hundred dollars.”

Alton took out his wallet.  “He can have two hundred if he likes.  Now I want you to fix it up without telling Miss Townshead or anybody.”

“You are a relation of hers?” said the man.

“No,” said Alton, “I am a friend.”

“Then I’m afraid I can’t assist you,” said the other man.  “It is necessary to avoid any probability of complications in my business.”

Again a glint crept into Alton’s eyes, but it vanished, and he spoke quietly.  “I think you’re straight,” he said.  “Well, I’m direct too, and I’m going right back to my ranch to-morrow.  Anybody from that district will tell you all about Alton of Somasco.  Now you’ll take the dollars, and if you hear of me hanging round this city you can send them back to me.”

The man appeared dubious, but finally nodded.  “I’ll make an exception in your case,” he said.  “The fact is, I’m sorry for Miss Townshead, because I fancy it is desirable that she should secure an appointment of any kind as soon as possible.”

Alton went out contented, having, so he fancied, somewhat skilfully obtained Townshead’s address, and found Seaforth awaiting him.

“They could, if I am an apt pupil, turn me out proficient for anything in three months,” he said.

Alton laughed.  “They’ll have to do it in less, and we’ll find a use for all they’ve taught you by and by,” he said.  “Now I came across Miss Townshead, and she wasn’t looking well or happy.  We’ll call upon her father when we get through what we have to do.”

Seaforth, who appeared disturbed, would have gone sooner, but it was afternoon when they strolled round the outskirts of the city, and his face was somewhat grim as they entered the Alsatia, which is the usual adjunct of such places.  It would, however, have impressed the unsophisticated Eastern observer as being well painted, respectable, and especially prosperous, for virtue is not the only thing which is rewarded and recognized in a Western city.  Finally, after traversing it, they found Townshead in a little wooden house which was apparently occupied by two other families.  The remnants of a very meagre meal lay before him, and he sat wearing the red velvet jacket, which looked older and more faded than ever, in a canvas chair.  He greeted the two men coldly and somewhat condescendingly.