noon
But was he not returning to her , a fortunate man , with one thousand dollars in his pocket ! Why should he remember he was handicapped by a pretty woman and a pathetic episode ? It did not make the proximity less pleasant as he helped her into the coach that evening , nor did the recollection of another ride with another woman obtrude itself upon those consolations which he felt it his duty , from time to time , to offer . It was arranged that he should leave her at the `` Red Chief '' Hotel , while he continued on to Blazing Star , returning at noon to bring her with him when he could do it without exposing her to recognition . The gray dawn came soon enough , and the coach drew up at `` Red Chief '' while the lights in the bar-room and dining-room of the hotel were still struggling with the far flushing east . Cass alighted , placed Miss Mortimer in the hands of the landlady , and returned to the vehicle . It was still musty , close , and frowzy , with half awakened passengers .