"That's Miss Van Arsdale," said Banneker.
CHAPTER VI
Seated in her saddle the newcomer hailed Banneker.
"What news, Ban? Is the wreck cleared up?"
"Yes. But the track is out twenty miles east. Every arroyo and barranca
is bank-high and over."
He had crossed the platform to her. Now she raised her deep-set, quiet
eyes and rested them on the girl. That the station should harbor a
visitor at that hour was not surprising. But the beauty of the stranger
caught Miss Van Arsdale's regard, and her bearing held it.
"A passenger, Ban?" she asked, lowering her voice.
"Yes, Miss Camilla."
"Left over from the wreck?"
He nodded. "You came in the nick of time. I don't quite know what to do
with her."
"Why didn't she go on the relief train?"
"She didn't show up until last night."
"Where did she stay the night?"
"Here."
"In your office?"
"In my room. I worked in the office."
"You should have brought her to me."
"She was hurt. Queer in the head. I'm not sure that she isn't so yet."
Miss Van Arsdale swung her tall form easily out of the saddle. The girl
came forward at once, not waiting for Banneker's introduction, with a
formal gravity.
"How do you do? I am Irene Welland."
The older woman took the extended hand.
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