The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-10-27
CHAPTER w.


 Lsncelot Selfe found his wife in 8 state of eager expectation as to the re- suits of his interview with her father and she sprang up and kissed him as ii he had returned from the jaws oi death. He told her all that had passed between them, of the arrival of Aunt Julia's letter, and its effect upon the colonel, and said if he did not feel too tired, they would leave by the bullion train at half past four in the morning, and that during the journey he would declare himself to the colonel.
 "But, Lancy," said Pansie, "papa is sure to discover me on the same train with him. Remember, our cars here are not like yours, there is no hiding away in snug little compartment to one's self"
 "That's all right, my darling" said her husband. "Your father is now going to turn into his car, which forms part of the mail car, to sleep, and he told me that we should not meet until tomorrow. So now do you run up- stairs, tell Susan to tum- ble in for few hours sleep, and do the same yourself. Pm going out for 8 stroll, as it's such 8 lovely night, and Pll have & good old think over mat ters."
 So Pansie left the room, and Lance- lot went out into the moonlit street. Not caring for the hustle and crowd of the town, he turned off near the railway station along @ path which led away into the country, and soon he was in solitary region, of which the silence was only broken by the plaintive cry of the whip -poor-will and the hum of nocturnal insects.
 He had not proceeded very far be- fore he became aware that 8 cloaked individual, who had already passed him once, had repassed him, and seemed to be generally interested in him. Although Lancelot knew that the old days of mining camp orgies and "free shoots'' had passed, he had been warned not to go abroad un- armed, especially after dark, as there were always loafers and rowdies prowling about ready for mischief, and not at all particular in the choice of their victims. So, when the mys- terious individual faced about and approached him, he quietly slipped his six shooter out of his pocket and advanced ready for any emergency.
 The man evidently saw the precau- tionary movement, for he held his two hands in the air-a familiar symbol of peaceful intentions in these parts-and said in an undertone:
 A s,.l knfr to see you. Just word to say that the bullion train starts at 4:3O, and has on board &40,0OO for the First Ma tional bank at Frisco. Me and the boys will be at the lone hut between Cottonwood and Cisco. The express is there at five after five. Old Wy mans in charge, and, as we've let him sleep so long, there won't be much shooting. Good night, sir!"
 And he disappeared in the darkness before Lancelot could recover his as- tenishment or frame any sort of reply.
 Of course, he gYasped the situation at once. and saw that the man had mistaken him for some one else, and he turned back rapidly towards the station. At first he thought he would go at once and inform the colonel oi the occurrence; but happier thought struck him that if matters could b< arranged without the knowledge o1 that official, 90 much the better.
 So he called on the station inspector and informed him of all that had taken place, impressing upon him absolute secrecy 60 far as the colonel was con- cerned. The man expressed the great. est surprise, shook hands heartily with Lancelot, and told him that every. thing should be in readiness, and thai if he vas going to travel by the train he would see some fun.
 Then he returned to the hotel, lef' word with the porter to call him II time, and dipped quietly into bet without disturbing Pansie, who va fist asleep. At four o'clock they wer. up, and by the half-hour Pansie ana Susan were comfortably installed Il the sleeping-csr; and Laneelot, whe was wide awake from excitement anf delight, interested himself in the pre- parstions for departure and defense and the bullion clerk, who was in tn secret. introduced LaDcelOt to sQm' score of active, muscular young Tel lows. armed with Remington m Winchester rifles and rcvolvers, whl were being allotted their positions o' the train.
 An this accomplished silently ani