noon
There was a key and several papers closely written upon . Rosmore 's eyes brightened as he read , and the papers trembled in his hand with excitement . All his thoughts were thrust into one channel , one idea and purpose took possession of him . Soon after noon he painfully mounted a horse which the landlord had procured for him and rode slowly away . He was in no fit condition to take a long journey , so it was fortunate that he had time to spare and could go quietly . He thought no more of Barbara Lanison or Gilbert Crosby , he might follow them to-morrow ; but to-day , to-night , he had other work to do , and he laughed softly to himself as he felt the leather case secure in his pocket . Some tricks in the game he had lost , but the winning trick was his .