"I was a trifle too fast in appearing as I did, and not thinking of this little game before.
"Now it may be too late, she may have told the colonel about me, as she has not appeared, and he may simply back her up in getting a divorce from me, which she can do.
"Well, here I am, and there he is.
"Now I must put a bold face upon the matter and survey the fort to see if I can take it."
He had dressed himself up in his best style, and Colonel Ivey, seeing a well-dressed stranger approaching, arose to meet him.
The colonel had that noon returned from the city, where he could find no clue to the where abouts of Ruby and her children; but he had set the best detectives on the track and was hopeful of soon discovering them.
Bowing to the visitor, the colonel advanced to meet him.
Schuyler Cluett bowed politely and asked:
"Is this the home of Colonel Ivey?"
"It is, sir, and I am Richard Ivey, at your service.