"The gambler?
No wonder, then, your meeting is clandestine." She replied indignantly, her lips trembling.

"He is not a gambler; he is a miner, over in the Black Range.

He has not touched a card in two years." "Oh, reformed has he?
And are you the instrument that has worked such a miracle ?" Her eyes fell.

"I don't know, but I hope so." Then she glanced up again, wondering at his continued silence.

"Don't you understand yet ?" "Only that you are secretly meeting a man of the worst reputation, one known the length and breadth of this border as a gambler and fighter." "Yes; but--but don't you know who I am ?" He smiled grimly, wondering what possible difference that could make.
"Certainly; you are Miss Naida Herndon." "I?
You have not known?
Lieutenant Brant, I am Naida Gillis." He stopped still, again facing her.