As he rode slowly up the street in the bright sunlight his mind reverted to Stella Donovan.

The stern adventures of the night had temporarily driven the girl from his thoughts, but now the memory returned, and her bright, womanly face arose before him, full of allurement.

He seemed to look once more into the wonderful depths of her eyes and to feel the fascination of her smile.

Eager for the greeting, which he felt assured awaited him, he strode through the open door into the office.

The room was vacant, but as he crossed the floor toward the desk the proprietor entered through the opening leading into the barroom beyond.