to his cable and read--

"Blake and two others left Sweetwater settlement. Destination supposed
far North."

This implied the impossibility of learning anything from his nephew for
some time, and Challoner could not recall his son, who was then in
Japan and must shortly rejoin his Indian regiment. Besides, if Bertram
were blameless, it would be a cruel blow for him to find that his
father had suspected him of a shameful deed, while if he were guilty,
something must be done. This would probably lead to a disastrous
change in their relations and compel Bertram to leave the army. Though
the suspense was hard to bear, Challoner, as Mrs. Chudleigh had
foreseen, was beginning to feel afraid to learn the truth and inclined
to temporize.

Then he opened her note and read--

"As I hear you expect Mr. Greythorpe, shortly, I venture to believe
that now you have had time for reflection you will see that it would be
better for everybody if you did as I suggested. This would be a great
favour and you could count upon my gratitude and discretion."

Studying it carefully, Challoner saw a threat as well as a promise that
she would keep his secret if he complied, but he tore the note up and
trod the fragments into the soil. So far as the African appointment
was concerned, he was not to be influenced. He would not offer a bribe
for her silence, nor would he derive a personal advantage from a piece
of jobbery. On that point his mind was made up.

A little later Mrs. Keith opened a neighbouring gate and came towards
him.

"The fine morning tempted me out, and as Lucy Foster was passing with
the car, I thought I'd look your sister up," she said. "But I'm afraid
you're in trouble. The last time we met you had a downcast air and you
don't look much brighter to-day."

"It's unpleasant to think I'm in the habit of showing my feelings so
plainly," he answered.

"You don't, but your moody calm has its meaning. I've known you long
enough to recognize it. You can't deny that something is disturbing
you."

"No," said Challoner. "I'm not clever enough to hide it from your keen
eyes."

"They're very friendly, as you know. I'll strain a friend's privilege
far enough to guess that your perplexities began the last time you and
Mrs. Chudleigh met."

He wondered how much she knew and longed to confide in her. She was
very staunch, but his secret must be kept until he had learned the
truth.

"I'm sorry, Margaret, bu