"Well," said Miss Gladden, who saw the players beckoning to her, "I am glad you are going to meet him. I saw him the other day, and had a talk with him regarding Lyle, and I wanted to tell you about it, but have had no opportunity. I think you will find him one of the most perfect gentlemen you ever met," and with a little farewell wave of the hand, she left him to rejoin the players who were waiting for her. Half an hour later, Houston found himself in the inner room of the little cabin, alone with Jack, while at the outside door, Rex was stationed as guard. Already the twilight was beginning to gather in the little room, but even in its soft, shadowy light, Houston noted the evidences, existing on all sides, of a refined nature, a nature keenly appreciative of beauty in all its forms. "I hope," said Jack, seating himself near his guest, "that you will excuse the gathering darkness; I thought it more prudent not to have a light, as it might attract attention, I am in the habit of sitting so much in the twilight, myself." "A light is not necessary," Houston replied, "the twilight is very pleasant, and the moon will be up presently, and will afford us all the light we need." There was a moment or two of silence, while Houston waited for his companion to broach the subject of the evening. He was anxious to ascertain how much regarding himself and his errand there in the camp, Jack really knew, and more particularly, to learn, if possible, how he had become possessed of his knowledge. Jack, on his part, was wondering whether, with their brief acquaintance, he could give Houston any assurance that the latter would consider sufficient to warrant taking himself into full confidence concerning his work and plans, so that he could render the assistance he desired. "You were doubtless somewhat surprised," he began very deliberately and slowly, "by my request, last evening, for this interview." "Yes," replied the other, "I will admit that I was surprised, more especially by the reason which you gave for your request,--that you understood my position here, and desired to help me." "Did it never occur to you that, to a person with any degree of penetration, any ability at reading a man's character and habits of life, your position here, as clerk for a disreputable mining company, would, of itself, seem an anomaly, and be liable to excite the suspicion that you had some ulterior object in view?" "I think," said Houston, with a smile, "you are supposing a person with keener perceptions than are possessed by many in this locality."