in preparation for the return East in the morning.
Evidently she knew her boy. Whereupon
Stephen, after explaining further, though no
more fully than before, left her, descending to
the office.

Miguel was standing awkwardly near the doorway,
and with Stephen's appearance touched his
hat and led the way outside. Pat was facing
three boys, the center of their interest, but when
Stephen approached him, and talked to him, he
turned and responded with a soft whinny, seeming
to understand. Miguel remained at a respectful
distance, awaiting orders. Then telling him to wait
for a note to be taken to Miss Richards, Stephen
re-entered the hotel.

The boys swirled off in play. Miguel stood
alone with the horse. There were but few persons
on the streets, since it was early evening and
people were at supper. Miguel's wandering eyes
at length rested upon the swing-doors of a saloon
opposite -- rested there a long time. Finally, unable
longer to resist their spell, he glanced at
Pat's bridle, noted that the reins were securely
tied, and then yielded to the attention of the
saloon. In a moment the swing -- doors closed
upon him.

They had barely ceased swinging when out of
a doorway just down the street stole the figure of
a man. He was young, smooth of face, garbed
in blue shirt and overalls, with eyes well concealed
under a black sombrero low-drawn. He moved
out of the shadow cautiously, with many furtive

[[151]]

p150 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p151w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p152

v?