Fletcher was smiling, dryly humorous. "I knew my own mind, anyway," he
said.

"And you've never had--any doubts?" questioned Dot.

"Not one," said Fletcher Hill.

She laid her hand on his arm with a shy gesture. "I hope you won't be
dreadfully disappointed in me," she said.

He bent towards her, and for a moment she felt as if his keen eyes
pierced her. "I don't think that is very likely," he said, and kissed her
with the words.

She did not shrink from his kiss, but she did not return it; nor did he
linger as if expecting any return.

He was on his feet the next moment, and she wondered with a little sense
of chill if he were really satisfied.

CHAPTER VII

THE CONQUEROR

They found Adela awaiting them in her corner, but chafing for a change.

"I want you to take us to the billiard-room," she said to Fletcher.
"There's a great match on. I've heard a lot of men talking about it.
And I adore watching billiards. I'm sure we shan't be in the way. I'll
promise not to talk, and Dot is as quiet as a mouse."

Fletcher considered the point. "I believe it's a fairly respectable
crowd," he said, looking at Dot. "But you're tired."

"Oh, no," she said at once. "I don't feel a bit sleepy. Let us go in by
all means if you think no one will mind! I like watching billiards, too."

"It's a man called Warden," said Adela. "That's the new manager of the
Fortescue Gold Mine, isn't it? They say he has the most marvelous luck.
He is playing the old manager--Harley, and giving him fifty points.
There's some pretty warm betting going on, I can tell you. Do let us go
and have a look at them! They've got the girl from the bar to mark for
them, so we shan't be the only women there."

She was evidently on fire for this new excitement, and Fletcher Hill,
seeing that Dot meant what she said, led the way without further
discussion. He paused outside the billiard-room door, which stood ajar;
for a tense silence reigned. But it was broken in a moment by the sharp
clash of the balls and a perfect howl of enthusiasm from the spectators.

"Oh, it's over!" exclaimed Adela. "What a pity! Never mind! Let's go in!
Perhaps they'll play again."

The barmaid came flying out to fetch drinks as they entered. The
atmosphere of the room was thick with smoke. A babel of voices filled it.
Men who had been sitting round the walls were grouped about the table. In
the midst of them stood the victor in his shirt-sleeves, conspicuous in
the c