Then he surreptitiously and triumphantly glanced through the window, the scene outside pleasing him audibly.

'Rast was standing at the front gate talking to Anderson Crow.

Miss Banks noticed as they passed the confused twain at the gate that Anderson carried his dark lantern.
"Any trace of the heiress, Mr.Crow ?" she asked merrily.
"Doggone it," muttered Anderson, "she'll give the whole snap away!" "What's that ?" asked 'Rast.
"Nothin' much," said Anderson, repairing the damage.

"Ed's got your time beat to-night, 'Rast, that's all!" "I could 'a' took her out ridin' to-night if I'd wanted to," lied 'Rast promptly.

"I'm goin' to take her to the spellin'-bee to-morrow night out to the schoolhouse." "Did she say she'd go with you ?" "Not yet.