The Ely miner., 1921-09-09
CHAPTER IV-continued.

lay IN that sinister brain replaced his
temporary indecision. Events I'D to
date had moved so quickly that he had
hardly had time to get his bearings
even now the last twenty-four hours
seemed almost a dream. And as he
looked at the broad back and massive
head Of the man at the window, and
from him to the girl idly smoking on
the sofa, he smiled a little grimly. He
had just remembered the thumbscrew
Of the preceding evening. Assuredly
the demobilized officer who found
peace dull was getting his moneys
worth; and Drummond had q shrewd
suspicion that the entertainment was
only Just beginning.
A sudden sound outside in the gar
den made him look up quickly. He
saw the white gleam of a shirt front,
and the next moment a man pushed
open the window and came unsteadily
into the room. It was Mr.. Benton, and
quite obviously he had been seeking
consolation in the bottle.
Have you got him?" he demanded
thickly, steadying himself with a hand
on Peterson's arm.
81 have not" said Peterson shortly,
eyeing the swaying figure in front of
him cOntemptuOusly. "FOr heavens
sake, sit down, man, before you fall
down" He pushed Benton roughly
into chair, and resumed his impas-
sive stare into the darkness.
The girl took not the slightest notice
of the new arrival, who gazed stupid
iy at Drummond across the table.
1--WE seem to be moving in an at
mosphere Of cross-purposes, Mr.. Ben
ton," said the soldier affably. II hope
your daughter is quite we'll"
"Er-quite, thank you," muttered
the other.
"Tel her, will you, that I propose
to call on her before returning to Lon
don tomorrow"
With his hands in his pockets, Peter
son was regarding Drummond from
the window.
"YOu propose leaving US tomorrow,
do you" he said quietly.
Drummond stood up.
'I ordered my car for ten O'clock"
ne answered. 81 am quite sure that
I shall be more useful to Mr.. Peter
son at large than 1 am cooped up
here. / might even lead him to this
hidden treasure which he thinks I've
got"
"You will do that, all right" re-
marked Peterson. But at the mo-
ment I was wondering whether a lit
tie persuasion now-might not give me
all the information / require more
quickly and with less trouble
A feeting vision Of mangled, pulp
like thumb flashed across Hugh's
mind; once again he heard that hide
Gus cry. half animal, half human,
which had echoed through the dark
ness the preceding night, and for an
instant his breath came little faster.
Then he smiled, and shook his head.
Il think you are rather too good a
judge Of human nature to try anything
so foolish" ne said thoughtfuIly. "You
see, unless you kill me, which 1 don't
think would suit your book, you might
find explanations little difficult to-
morrow"
For a while there was silence In the
room, broken at length by a short
laugh from Peterson.
"For a young man, truly your per
spicacity is great" he remarked. 'Ir-
ma, is the blue room ready? If so.
tell Luigi to show Captain Drummond
to it."
Il will show him myself" she an
swered, rising.
Hugh saw look of annoyance pass
over Peterson's face as he turned
60 follow the girl, and it struck him
that that gentleman was not best
pleased at the turn Of events. Then
the door closed, and he followed his
guide up the stairs.
The girl opened the door Of a room
and switched on the light. Then she
faced him smiling, and Hugh looked
at her steadily. "TeIl me, you ugly
man." she murmured. why you are
such fool"
Hugh smiled, and as has been said
before, Hugh's smile transformed his
face.
Il must remember that opening" he
said. 1T establishes a basis of In
timacy at once, doesn't it?"
She swayed a little toward him.
and then, before realized her in.
tention, she put a hand on his shouI.
der.