Old Broadbrim hid the packet in his bosom and bade Belle Demona good-by.
She followed him to the door and saw him vault into the saddle upon the black steed's back.
She stood on the porch and watched him out of sight.
The moment the horse and rider vanished she sent for Waters.
The young man put out his pipe and entered her presence.
Belle Demona, who reclined on the sofa when he came into the room, sprang up and cried:
"Now, sir, tell me all. Who is he?"
She stood there before the astonished Waters like an angel of destruction, and her eyes seemed to emit sparks of fire.
In one hand she gripped a silver-mounted revolver and the other covered Waters, whose face had turned livid.
"Tell me truth! You know him. He is not Roland Riggs. That is but a false name to hide his purpose. He is here for some terrible cause. You have talked with him. You have become as thick as two birds in the same nest. Not only this, but you have formed a compact. The truth, Waters."