The speaker was Mrs. Dupont, but Hamlin's one thought was to prevent any discovery of Miss McDonald. Without an instant's hesitation he drew aside the curtain, and stepped into the room.
"Pardon me," he said quietly, as the two started back at his rather abrupt entrance, "but I did not care to overhear your conversation. No doubt it was intended to be private."
The woman stepped somewhat in advance of her companion, as though to shield him from observation, instantly mastering her surprise.
"Nothing at all serious, Mr. Sergeant Hamlin," she retorted scornfully. "Don't be melodramatic, please; it gets on the nerves. If you must know, I was merely giving our ranch foreman a few final instructions, as he leaves to-morrow. Have you objections?"
"Assuredly not--your ranch foreman, you say? Met him before, I think. You are the fellow I ordered out of this room, are n't you?"
The man growled something unintelligible, but Mrs. Dupont prevented any direct reply.
"That's all right, John," she broke in impatiently. "You understand what I want now, and need not remain any longer. I have a word to say myself to this man."
She waited an instant while he left the room; then her eyes defiantly met Hamlin's.
"I was told you had driven every one out of here," she said coldly. "What was the game?"
"This room was reserved--"
"Pish! keep that explanation for some one else. You wanted the room for some purpose. Who have you got out there?" she pointed at the window.
"Whether there be any one or not," he answered, leaning against the window frame, and thus barring the passage, "I fail to see wherein you are concerned."
She laughed.
"Which remark is equivalent to a confession. Dave," suddenly changing, "why should we quarrel, and misjudge each other? You cannot suppose I have forgotten the past, or am indifferent. Cannot you forgive the mistake of a thoughtless girl? Is there any reason why we should not be, at least, friendly?"
There was an appeal in her voice, but the man's face did not respond.
"I cannot say that I feel any bitterness over the past," he answered lightly. "I am willing enough to blot that out. What I am interested in is the present. I should like to understand your purpose here at Dodge."
"Surely that is sufficiently clear. I am merely an exile from home, on account of Indian depredations. What more natural than that I should take refuge in my uncle's house."
"You mean Major McDonald?"
"Certainly--he was my mother's only brother."
"I think I have heard somewhere that the Major's only sister married a man named Counts."