* * * * * When Larry returned on the early east-bound, he found Pen on the veranda of the little inn. "Why, Pen!" he exclaimed. "Is this a stay-up late, or a get-up early?" "Both, Larry. I couldn't sleep. I am still thinking of our flight up--where I found myself." "I know," he said comprehendingly. "You have to get away from people and things to do that--to get the right line on yourself; and that is the only place you can do it. But I met a man at the hotel who knows you." "Not Hebby!" "No; I dodged Hebby for fear he'd quiz me or follow me. This other man began a cross exam., so I beat it. He said he was from the ranch where you stopped. I asked the clerk when I paid my bill who he was, and he said he was a sheriff, or had been one. Maybe Hebler got him to track you. I dodged his questions so as not to put him wise." "He isn't a colleague of Hebby's," denied Pen. "He is the foreman of the ranch where I stayed. I think he was there in town to meet the Kingdons." "He met some people who went out to the ranch, but this man stayed on at the hotel. The night clerk said he would be there until noon to-day. We had better get ready for the next train." "I am ready," said Pen quietly. CHAPTER XVI To the delight of his young passengers Kurt drove at a speed never before attempted when they were with him. At the hotel there was a rallying reunion of the Top Hill family. "Where is Pen?" Mrs. Kingdon was finally permitted to ask. "She didn't come with us," said Kurt, grimly enjoying Hebler's quick attention. The children had been previously and carefully coached to make no mention of Pen's departure. He made an excuse to leave the hotel parlor and went down to the office. "Is there an aviator registered here?" he asked the clerk. "Sure there is," replied the clerk proudly. "Larry Lamont. Some flier, too. He's going over to France soon--into the French service." Lamont! Kurt turned a little pale. "Is he here now?" "His things are here, but he's out with his aeroplane somewhere." Kurt breathed a little easier and resolved to remain at the hotel until the aviator should return. When the rest of the party came through the office on their way to the dining-room, Francis lagged behind and handed Kurt a letter which the latter abstractedly slipped into his pocket. At dinner he was seated at the end of the table farthest removed from Mrs. Kingdon, so he had no opportunity for a word with her in regard to Pen. As they were going out from dinner she called to him: "The children are clamoring for a movie. They don't get many opportunities to see one, and I haven't the heart to refuse them their first request after my long absence. So we are all going. Will you come, too?" "I can't, I fear. I have a little matter of business to attend to, but I will be here after the picture show." "I imagine we will not be back very soon. Billy always insists on seeing a picture twice at least."