Houston had been called away to the office at Silver City, a telegram coming one afternoon for him to come down by the next train. Rutherford was at that time expecting to leave in a few days, to continue his pleasure trip to the coast, having already prolonged his stay among the mountains far beyond his first intentions; but at Houston's request, he agreed to remain over until the latter's return, which he expected would be in about ten days. A few days after Houston's departure, Lyle started out one afternoon for the little cabin, at an hour a little later than she went to pursue her studies, or for reading. She knew that at this time, Jack usually came off his shift, as he and Mike were expert miners, and always completed their task some time in advance of the others. She had not seen Jack since the visit of the party from the east, although she was at the cabin but a few evenings preceding that event, and had explained her long absence. Now she had special reasons for wishing to meet him, and she hastened on, hoping to find him alone. When she reached the cabin, Jack had just come from the mine, and Mike, fortunately, had gone down to the Y for needed supplies, and would not return for some hours. After talking a little while, Lyle skillfully brought the conversation around to Mr. Houston, and stated that he was in Silver City. "What is he doing there?" asked Jack, in a tone of surprise, "Is he going to remain there?" "No, he has gone over temporarily to assist the company in that office, as he said they needed extra help; he thought he would be back in about ten days." "He seems to make a very efficient clerk for the mining company," said Jack, with a peculiar emphasis which Lyle did not understand, but in which she detected a flavor of sarcasm. "He seems efficient in whatever he undertakes," she replied with a light laugh, "clerking, fighting or love-making, he is successful in all." "How has he succeeded in love-making?" asked Jack quickly. "Ask Miss Gladden," was Lyle's smiling rejoinder. "Is he really in love with her, do you think?" "Judging by indications, it is a case of genuine love on both sides, which, contrary to the old proverb, does run smoothly so far. I think they are engaged." "And you are left out in the cold?" asked Jack kindly, but watching her keenly. "You would not think so, if you could know how kind they are to me," Lyle answered, "you and they are the only friends I have ever known." "How about Mr. Rutherford? Isn't he a friend of yours, too?" "Mr. Rutherford is a gentleman," she replied slowly, "he always treats me with respect, and we have very pleasant times together, but he never forgets that I belong to one station in life, and he to another. He is altogether unlike Mr. Houston and Miss Gladden; I wish you could know them, Jack, and that they could know you."