When he saw the fellow his
anger flared up, for he had felt his responsibility and wondered with
keen disturbance what he ought to do. Although Lance was on the sands
the night Carrie was nearly drowned and knew much about the matter,
Dick had grounds for believing Shanks moved the punt. He had meant to
be cautious and wait until he saw his way, but something in the
fellow's furtive, sullen look, banished his control.

He stopped Shanks and found it a relief to let himself go. The other
was cool and hinted darkly that Dick had better leave things alone. He
said Dick had nothing to go upon; he had not seen Shanks near the punt,
and if he went to the police about it, might get somebody else into
trouble. Shanks knew what he knew, and if he were forced would tell.
Dick then used tact, scoffing at the other's hints until Shanks
abandoned some of his reserve, and when the stormy interview was over
Dick went home moodily. The plan he had made of the marks by the punt
was accurate, but the line he ought to take not yet plain. Lance was
his relation.

In the evening he drove Mrs. Halliday to Dryholm, where Jim and his
friends had been asked to dine. They had not arrived, and while
Bernard talked to Mrs. Halliday, Dick went to the library to look at a
book about sport. When he opened the door Mordaunt was writing and
there was a letter, to which he seemed to be replying, on the table.
He nodded and went on writing, and Dick was glad he did not want to
talk. After a few minutes a car rolled up the drive and when Mordaunt
fastened the envelope they heard Jim's party in the hall.

Mordaunt went down stairs and Dick, coming after, saw an envelope on
the floor. Imagining Mordaunt had dropped it, he picked it up and
frowned as he recognized Evelyn's hand. Mordaunt was talking to Mrs.
Winter and Dick did not want to disturb them; besides, he would sooner
give Lance the letter when they were alone. Then Bernard beckoned him
and before long dinner was served.

Dick did not enjoy the meal. He could hardly rouse himself to talk to
Carrie and when she turned to Mordaunt, the latter's careless smile as
he began to joke moved him to almost uncontrollable rage. Dick was in
a black mood, for the secret he carried had worn his nerves, and he did
not like Evelyn's writing to Lance. He was resolved that his sister
should have nothing to do with the fellow. When dinner was over he
said to Mordaunt, "I'd like to see the gun yo