I am Stella Donovan, a newspaperwoman.

Your strange disappearance about a month ago aroused considerable interest, and I chanced to be detailed on the case.

My investigations led me to visit Haskell, where unfortunately my mission became known to those who were responsible for your imprisonment here.

So, to keep me quiet, I was also abducted and brought to this place." "You--you mean it was not an accident--that I was brought here purposely ?" "Exactly; you were trailed from New York by a gang of thieves having confederates in this country.

I am unable to give you all the details; but this man Beaton, whom you met on the train, is a notorious gunman and gambler.