ire new shoes and a frock today. It is
strange, but he seems to take a certain care of her. Why? I do not
know. I have wondered about his motives until I fancy things. What
motive could he have ... except that maybe he is not all evil? Maybe
be cares for the child. She is so sweet--No. I must not deceive myself.
Whatever his reason is, I know that it is not that.

"January 9th--A strange thing happened today. I found a torn envelope
bearing the name of Harry's English lawyers. I have seen the same kind
of envelope in Harry's hands more than once. They used to send him his
remittance, I think. What can this man have to do with English lawyers?
I am frightened. But for once I am more angry than afraid. I must
watch. If he has dared to write to Harry's people--"

The writing of the next entry had lost its clearness. It was almost
illegible.

"January 13th--How could he! How could he sink so low! I have seen the
lawyer's letter. He has taken money. From Harry's mother--for Desire.
And this began within a month of our marriage. It shames me so that I
cannot live. Yet I must live. I can't leave the child. But I can stop
this hateful traffic in a dead man's honor. I will write myself to
England."

This was the last fragment. Spence looked again at the almost erased
date--January 13th. He felt the sweat on his forehead for, beside that
date, the unexplained postscript of Li Ho's letter took on a ghastly
significance.

"Respected lady depart life on January 14th."

She had not lived to write to England!

CHAPTER XXXVII

It seemed to Benis Spence afterward that during that last day, while
the train plunged steadily down to sea level, he passed every boundary
ever set for the patience of man. It was a lovely, sparkling day. The
rivers leaped and danced in sunshine. Long shadows swept like beating
wings along the mountain sides. The air blew cool and sweet upon his
lips. But for once he was deaf and blind and heedless of it all. He
thought only of the night--of the night and the moon.

It came at last--a night as lovely as the day. Benis sat with his hand
upon his watch. They were running sharp on time. There could be nothing
to delay them now--barring an accident. Instantly his mind created an
accident, providing all the ghastly details. He saw himself helpless,
pinned down, while the full moon climbed and sailed across the skies....

But there was no accident. A cheery bustle soon began in the car.
Suitcases we