The Furnace of Gold | Page 5

but impotently. His jaw was set
and hard. A cold fire glittered in his eyes. How selfishly eager he was
to be started on his way not even the girl could have known. Moreover,
some sort of plan for the horseman's speedy punishment had taken
possession of his mind.
"Have courage, Beth," he said to the girl. "Have courage."
He speeded up his motor, dropped in his clutch, and the car slowly
started on its way.
CHAPTER II
INTO THE MOUNTAINS
Beth stood perfectly still beside the road, watching the auto round the
hill where it presently disappeared from view. The station owner picked
up a sliver of wood and began to whittle industriously. The horseman
remained with his bridle reins in hand, amusedly looking at his captive.
The maid sat down upon the suitcase, dropped her skirt in a modest
little manner, and cast her gaze upon the ground.
Beth was the first to speak.
"Well, Elsa, I hope you are comfortable."
"Yes, Miss, thank you," said the maid.
Thereupon Miss Kent turned to the horseman and laughed. Someway

she could not feel alarmed, in the presence of this man of the hills, in
whose eyes merry devils were dancing.
"Isn't this absurd?" she said.
"Searle must have been born absurd," replied the horseman, once more
removing his hat. He waved it towards the station host imperiously.
"Dave, present me to the lady." And as Dave floundered, hopelessly
puzzled, he added: "Give me a knock-down, man, don't you savvy?"
Dave dropped his sliver, snatched off his hat, and rid himself of a quid
of something strong--all in one convulsion of activity.
"'Scuse me," he apologized, approaching nearer. "Miss--Miss--Miss
Laffin' Water, this is Van. His whole name's----"
"That's enough," Van interrupted. "I'm gratified to meet you, Señorita,
I'm sure."
He extended his hand. Beth knew not what to do, wherefore she gave
him her own.
"How do you do, Mr. Van?" she answered tremulously, and she drew
her fingers back again at once. "If you don't mind," she added, "we
really must continue on to Goldite as soon as possible." A fleeting look
of doubt and alarm had swept all the mirth from her eyes. After all,
even with this "introduction" what were these men's intentions? It was a
grave affair to be halted thus--to be practically abducted--to be left with
no protection, in the hands of roadside strangers, one, at least, of whom
was certainly inclined to be lawless and outrageously bold.
The horseman regarded her seriously, as if with a certain divination of
her worry. Someway, from the look in his eyes her confidence returned,
she knew not why.
"Do you ride?" he asked her, "--you and your maid?"
"Why, yes--that is----" she addressed the maid on the suitcase. "Elsa,

can you ride--on a horse?"
Elsa said: "Yes, Miss, if it is part of my duty."
Beth's composure increased. After all, it was a glorious day, the
horseman was handsome, and she had wished for a little adventure--but
not too much!
"What does it mean?" she asked of Van more boldly. "We were
perfectly comfortable, riding in the car. If you really intend to permit us
to go, why couldn't we have gone on as we were?"
Dave started to answer.
"You see, Miss----"
Van cut in abruptly.
"Never mind, Dave; this isn't your pie." To Beth he added: "If you've
brought any particularly appropriate garments for riding, suppose you
retire for preparations. Dave will tote the bags inside the house."
"You bet I will!" said Dave, who, as Elsa rose, took suitcase and all in
one load.
Beth hesitated. The horseman had started already for the stable at the
rear. How superbly straight was his figure! What a confident, impudent
grace beset him as he moved! How could it be possible for such a man
to be other than a gentleman--no matter where he was found? Some
strange little thrill of excitement and love of adventure stirred in the
girl's full veins. Resistance was useless. Come what might, she was
helpless in the hands of this man--and he seemed a person to be trusted.
"Come, Elsa," she said, bravely deciding to face whatsoever might arise.
"You may wear the second of my skirts."
Fifteen minutes later, therefore, she and her maid emerged from the
shack attired in brown cloth, and kahki, respectively, her own skirt long
and graceful, while Elsa's was shorter and divided. Aside or

cross-saddle Beth was equally at home upon a horse--or always had
been, in the parks.
Van and Dave now returned, leading two extra ponies from the stable.
One was a bay, accoutered with a man's deep Mexican saddle, whereon
was secured a coiled lasso; the other was a wiry little roan mare, with a
somewhat decrepit but otherwise sound side-saddle tightly cinched
upon her