hich clothed him like
a coat of mail was more than even he could break through. But so it was
that then--just then, when the desire of his heart was actually within
his grasp, he contented himself with taking a very little. He kissed her,
indeed, though it was but a brief caress--over before her quivering lips
could make return; nor did he seek to deter her as she withdrew herself
from his arms.

She stood a moment, looking small and very forlorn. Then she turned to
retrace her steps.

"Shall we go back?" she said.

He went back with her in silence till they reached the gate that led into
the yard. Then for a second he grasped her arm, detaining her.

"It is--'Yes?'" he questioned.

She bent her head in acquiescence, not looking at him. "Yes," she said,
in a whisper.

And Fletcher let her go.

CHAPTER V

THE LOST ROMANCE

Jack looked in vain for any sign of elation on his friend's face when he
entered. He read nothing but grim determination. Dot's demeanour also
was scarcely reassuring. She seemed afraid to lift her eyes.

"Isn't it nearly bed-time?" she murmured to Adela as she passed.

Adela looked at her with frank curiosity. There were no fine shades of
feeling about Adela. She always went straight to the point--unless
restrained by Jack.

"Oh, it's quite early yet," she said, wholly missing the appeal in the
girl's low-spoken words. "What have you two been doing? Moonshining?"

Fletcher looked as contemptuous as his immobile countenance would allow,
and sat down by his untouched drink without a word.

But it took more than a look to repress Adela. She laughed aloud. "Does
that mean I am to draw my own conclusions, Mr. Hill? Would you like me to
tell you what they are?"

"Not for my amusement," said Hill, dryly. "Where did you get this whisky
from, Jack? I hope it's a legal brand."

"I hope it is," agreed Jack. "I don't know its origin. I got it through
Harley. You know him? The manager of the Fortescue Gold Mine."

"Yes, I know him," said Hill. "He is retiring, and another fellow is
taking his place."

"Retiring, is he? I thought he was the only person who could manage that
crowd." Jack spoke with surprise.

Hill took out his pipe and began to fill it. "He's got beyond it. Too
much running with the hare and hunting with the hounds. They need a
younger man with more decision and resource--someone who can handle them
without being afraid."

"Have they got such a man?" questioned Jac