Beats hell, don't it, what money will do fer a damn fool." Hamlin stood a moment silent, half inclined to ask another question, but crushing back the inclination.

Then he walked down the hall to the quarters assigned "M" Troop, and across to his own bed in the far corner.

There were only a few of the men present, most of whom were busily engaged at a game of cards, and he sat down where he could gaze out the window and think.

Here was a new complication, a fresh puzzle to be unravelled.

He had never expected this woman to come into his life again; she had become a blurred, unpleasant memory, a bit of his past which he had supposed was blotted out forever.