Winston, totally unconscious that he had thus achieved an enviable reputation in certain rather exclusive social circles of San Juan, proceeded straight to the hotel, pausing merely a moment in the wash-room to make himself a trifle more presentable, tramped up the stairs, and rapped briskly at Miss Norvell’s door.  He was still flushed with victory, while the natural confidence felt in her appreciation of his efforts yielded him a sense of exhilaration not easily concealed.  The door was promptly opened, and, with her first glance, she read the success of his mission pictured within his face.  As instantly her eyes smiled, and her hand was extended in the cordiality of welcome.

“I can perceive without a word being spoken that you discovered your man,” she exclaimed, “and I am so glad!”

“Yes,” he returned, stepping past, and emptying his pockets on the white coverlet of the bed.  “There is the money.”

She glanced at the pile doubtfully.

“What money?”

“Why, yours, of course.  The money you told me Albrecht owed you.”

She turned, somewhat embarrassed, her eyes upon his surprised face.

“Do you mean that was all you got?” she questioned finally.  “Did he send nothing for the others?  Did n’t you know he was equally in debt to every member of the company?”

With these words the entire situation dawned upon him for the first time.  He had been thinking only about Miss Norvell, and had permitted the rascally manager to escape with the greater portion of his stolen goods.  The realization of how easily he had been tricked angered him, his face darkening.  She read the truth as quickly, and, before he found speech in explanation, had swept the little pile of loose bills into her lap.

“Wait here a moment, please,” she exclaimed quickly; “I shall be right back.”

He remained as bidden, wondering dimly as to her purpose, yet her brief absence yielded but little opportunity for thought.  He met her at the door with an indignantly suspicious question: 

“What have you been doing?  Surely, you have n’t given all that money away?”

The girl smiled, a gleam of defiance visible in the uplifted eyes.

“Every cent of it.  Why, what else could I do?  They actually have nothing, and must get back to Denver or starve.”

For an instant he completely lost his self-control.

“Why did n’t you tell me first?” he asked sharply.  “Did you suppose I collected my own money, and could therefore meet your expenses?”

He never forgot the expression which swept instantly into her face—­the quick indignation that leaped from the depths of those dark eyes.

“I was not aware I had ever requested any help from Mr. Winston,” she returned clearly, her slight form held erect.  “Your following after Albrecht was entirely voluntary, but I naturally presumed the money you brought back belonged to me.  You said it did, and hence I supposed it could be disposed of at my own discretion.”