d to speak and failed. Every expression of his
true thought seemed inadequate and futile. Presently he stretched his
hand across the little space that divided him from his companion.

"Gaston," he said, "I thank you. It does make a difference. It
makes--all the difference in the world."

His thin, blue-veined hand fell upon Gaston's strong, brown one, which
lay spread upon the chairarm.

Gaston did not flinch under the touch. He did not seem to notice it.

"Drew," he continued after a long pause, "it will help me--to find her,
perhaps, if you tell me the little that you know. I am not going to let
her slip if I have to hunt every inch of the woods for her. You must see
that there is danger in every moment's delay.

"Can you tell me if any one has seen her and talked with her who might
influence her from an--outside point of view?"

Drew was sorely perplexed. He realized that Ruth's wild description of
her encounter with Joyce had left many unexplained points. Evidently
Joyce herself had, in some way, learned more of Gaston's past than Drew
had at first supposed. Then, to tell Gaston, even in his trouble, that a
guest of his, Drew's, had gone into the other's home and caused this
calamity, was too cold-blooded a thing to do, without due consideration.

He knew, better than his companion did, that if Joyce had carried out
her intention, there was no need of haste.

Gaston was looking keenly at him.

"You are keeping something from me, Drew," he said slowly, "and you have
a reason for doing so?"

"Yes, Gaston, I am; and I have."

The further he became involved, the more hopeless the position became to
Drew. Gaston was seeking to solve Joyce Lauzoon's problem and his own,
without the test of Ruth Dale. Not only Ruth's confession as to Joyce,
but Ruth herself must enter into Gaston's future plan of action.

"You know, Drew, who went to my house?"

"Yes; I know that Joyce had a visitor who might have influenced her to
take this step; but I have reason to believe that Joyce did not act upon
this other's initiative entirely. She had certain knowledge of her own
that--urged the course she has taken."

"That is impossible!" Gaston's eyes flashed. Recalling that last scene
with Joyce, he could not doubt her simple faithfulness--unless that
faith of hers had been turned into a channel which she fondly believed
was for his greater good. Nothing could change Joyce Lauzoon. Whatever
had been the cause, Gaston knew, she