The daily Alaskan., 1920-07-03
CHAPTER TX.
u..,.o++ Finds Himself Alone.

westcott Finds Himself Alone. It never occurred to Westcott on his escape through the darkness that his nights adventure would in any way endanger Miss Donovan. He was on the property of La RoSlta Mining con- pany upon his own account, and not In reference to the Cavendish case at all or. at least, this last was merely in- cidental.
 From where he lay he could see across the bare, rock-strewn hillside to the distant hut, outlined by the gleam of light within, and perceive the black silhouette of the shafthouse. He could dImly distinguish figures as they passed in and out of the glare of light, and was aware that Moore had been found and carried within the hut. but remained ignorant of the fact that the leaving of knife in the window had revealed his identity. There was no attempt at pursuit, which gave him confidence that Lacy failed to compre- bend the importance of what had been overheard. yet he clung to his hiding place until all the men had re-enterei the office. Ii was late the next morning before Westcott rode into Haskell and- stabling hgS horse, which bore all the marks of hard riding. proceeded to- ward the TimmOns house. He had utilized, as best he could. the hours since that cavalcaGe had departed from La Roslta to put his own affairs ! in order so that he might tI2l free to camp on the conspratorS' trail and risk all in an effort to rescue Caven- dish. The night had been a hard one, hut Westcott was still totally uncon- scious of fatigue-his whole thought centered on his purpose. As he rode slowly up the street in the bright sun light his mind reverted to Stella Dono- van. Eager for the greeting which he felt assured awaited him, he strode through the open door into the office. The room was vacant, bat as he r l'crossed the floor toward the desk the , proprietor entered the opening leading into the barroOm beyond.
 Hello. JimI he cried at sight of the other. Thought you'd be back, but d- 1t. yer too late-she's-she's gore: almighty pretty girl, too. l told the boys 1t was blame shame fer her ter run off hathaway"
 Who has run ofT?" And WestcOtt's hand crushed down on the mans shoul- der. What are you talking about|
 Mel Let up. will yer? Yer was here hopin' ter see that New York girl, wasn't yer?'
 Miss Donovan? Yes"
 ''rd forgot her name. Well, she aln't yere-she'S left"
 "Left-gone from tOwnT "Sure; skipped out sudden in the ulght; took the late train East, I reck- on. Never sed no word to nobody just naturally packed up her duds an hiked."
 Westcott drew a deep breath.
 "Surely you do not mean she left without any explanation? She must have paid her bill"
 "Oh, she was square enough-sure. She left money an note pinned to her pillow; sed she'd just got a mes sage callln' her home-want ter see whut she wroteY
 You bet do, Timmons!
 Timmons waddled around behind the desk and ran his hand into drawer. Evidently he considered the matter huge joke. but WestcOtt snatched the paper from his fingers impatiently and eagerly read the few hastily penciled lines:
 "Have received a message calling me East at once. Shall take the night train, and inclose sufficient money to pay for my entertainment.
 as. D."
 He stared at the words, a deep crease between his eyes. It was wonfan's handwriting, and at first glance there was nothing impossible in such an action on her part. Yet 1t was strange, If she had departed so sud denly without leaving any message for him. His eyes narrowed with aroused suspicion as. he looked up from the slip of paper and confronted the amused Timmons across the desk. And that was all. was it-just this note and the cash? There was nothing addressed to meT
 The hotelkeeper shook his head.
 'When did you see her last" "'Bout nine o'clock, reckon; she came down inter tine 6inin' room fer @