“Were you traveling alone?”

The girl flushed a little, but her eyes met the question without wavering. “Quite alone.”

“To the coast?”

“To join friends there.”

“If they can patch up the washed-out track,” put in Banneker, “Number Seven ought to get through to-night.”

“And Mr. Banneker in his official capacity was almost ready to put me aboard by force, when I succeeded in gaining a reprieve. Now he calls you to his rescue.”

“What do you want to do?” inquired Miss Van Arsdale with lifted brows.

“Stay here for a few days, in that funny little house.” She indicated the portable shack.

“That is Mr. Banneker’s own place.”

“I understand perfectly.”