have to deal with a gang of clever criminals. You'll note that
Lawrence saw the only man who knows the truth about Fred Hulton's
death."

Mrs. Stephen made a sign of understanding. Lucy shivered, then her
eyes sparkled angrily, but Lawrence looked obstinate.

"Jake," he said rather dryly, "you ought to have been a barrister! You
have made a clever use of the evidence, but it has some weak points and
leaves room for doubt. What are you going to do about it?"

"I'm going to start again to-morrow to look for Daly," Foster replied.

Lucy gave him a grateful glance, and Mrs. Stephen began to talk about
something else. By and by she turned to Lawrence, who looked tired,
and reminded him that it was past the time at which he ought to go to
bed. He grumbled a little but went, and soon afterwards Mrs. Stephen
left the others. Foster thought the girl wished this, but had not
noticed that she gave her mother a hint. He felt rather awkward, but
there was something to be said.

"I suppose you are going to marry my partner," he remarked.

"Yes," she replied, with a pretty flush. "Are you surprised?"

"I'm not surprised that he should wish it. But somehow I hadn't
contemplated Lawrence's marrying."

The girl's color deepened. "Are you very frank, or only tactless?"

"I was stupid," said Foster with some confusion. "But I didn't mean
what you think. Far from it! My partner has made good, I'm glad you
had the wisdom and pluck to see this."

"He is a very dear fellow," she answered with a soft gleam in her eyes
that moved Foster. Then she smiled. "You are forgiven--and I must
confess that at first my mother took the view I thought you hinted at.
She said Lawrence ought to wait until all risk of the past's being
brought to light was gone. But I suppose when you guessed the truth it
was something of a shock?"

"No," said Foster. "Although I haven't known you long, I feel that I
won't lose my partner when he marries you. I was grateful when you
said you hoped I would always be his friend."

Lucy nodded. "I saw you understood. Before we met I was rather
jealous of you--and curious. I think Lawrence sometimes makes mistakes
about people."

"Walters, for example? Well, I like you to be careful about Lawrence,
but hope you don't feel anxious now you have seen me."

"He needs a man friend and there's something about you that makes one
feel you can be trusted," said Lucy, who gave him a level glance. "You