Bostwick broke in vehemently.

“I refuse to abandon these ladies!  Your conduct is not only that of a coward, it is——­”

Van looked him over in mock astonishment.

“Say, Searle,” he said, “don’t you savvy you’ve lost your vote in this convention?  I told you to do these ladies the kindness to sweeten the atmosphere with your absence.  Now you hit the trail—­and hit it quick!”

Bostwick looked helplessly at the girl.

“I am entirely unarmed,” he said as before, though she knew there was a pistol in the car.  “This ruffian——­”

The horseman cut him short.

“So long, Searle.  I trust you’ll meet congenial company on the road, but I advise you even now to return the way you came.”

Bostwick glared at him vindictively, but impotently.  His jaw was set and hard.  A cold fire glittered in his eyes.  How selfishly eager he was to be started on his way not even the girl could have known.  Moreover, some sort of plan for the horseman’s speedy punishment had taken possession of his mind.

“Have courage, Beth,” he said to the girl.  “Have courage.”

He speeded up his motor, dropped in his clutch, and the car slowly started on its way.

CHAPTER II

INTO THE MOUNTAINS

Beth stood perfectly still beside the road, watching the auto round the hill where it presently disappeared from view.  The station owner picked up a sliver of wood and began to whittle industriously.  The horseman remained with his bridle reins in hand, amusedly looking at his captive.  The maid sat down upon the suitcase, dropped her skirt in a modest little manner, and cast her gaze upon the ground.

Beth was the first to speak.

“Well, Elsa, I hope you are comfortable.”

“Yes, Miss, thank you,” said the maid.

Thereupon Miss Kent turned to the horseman and laughed.  Someway she could not feel alarmed, in the presence of this man of the hills, in whose eyes merry devils were dancing.

“Isn’t this absurd?” she said.

“Searle must have been born absurd,” replied the horseman, once more removing his hat.  He waved it towards the station host imperiously.  “Dave, present me to the lady.”  And as Dave floundered, hopelessly puzzled, he added:  “Give me a knock-down, man, don’t you savvy?”

Dave dropped his sliver, snatched off his hat, and rid himself of a quid of something strong—­all in one convulsion of activity.

“’Scuse me,” he apologized, approaching nearer.  “Miss—­Miss—­Miss Laffin’ Water, this is Van.  His whole name’s——­”

“That’s enough,” Van interrupted.  “I’m gratified to meet you, Senorita, I’m sure.”

He extended his hand.  Beth knew not what to do, wherefore she gave him her own.