p and keep watch. I'm
convinced he's somewhere about; all these huts afford far better cover
than the open paddocks, bless you! He could easily have slipped among
them without either of you seeing him, and the chances are he has."

"If you think that," said Moya, "why didn't you suggest it?"

"I did--to Rigden. Wouldn't listen to me; so, of course, I can't expect
you to be so disloyal as to do so either."

But Moya had no more of that kind of fight in her. "So you intend to sit
up and watch?" was her sole rejoinder.

"I do."

"Then so do I!"

Theodore looked dubious, but only for an instant.

"You begin to think there may be something in my theory?"

"I think there--may be."

"Then I'll tell you more!" exclaimed Theodore with decision: "I believe
the fellow's over yonder in that store!"

His eyes were waiting for her face to change. But it changed very
little. Moya was beginning to wonder whether her terrible brother did
not already know all. One moment she thought he did, the next that he
did not; indifference was creeping over her with the long-drawn strain
of the situation. What did it matter if he did know? It would make no
difference between her and Pelham. That was at an end, in any case; all
that was at an end for ever.

Meanwhile she humoured Theodore just a little, particularly in the
matter of her sitting up. He begged her not to do so, and she feigned
consent. One of his objects in sitting up himself was to secure her
safety. He might be wrong in all his conjectures, and Rigden might be
right. Theodore was none the less virtuously determined not to give a
chance away.

"And if I am right I'll nab him the moment he shows his nose; and the
credit will belong to your humble brother. It isn't as if I hadn't
mentioned my general ideas to Rigden; otherwise it might be rather much
to take upon one's self; but as it is I have no scruples. If nothing
happens, I've simply been sleeping on the verandah, because it's cooler
there, and that long chair's as good as any bed. Do you mind doing
something for me, Moya?"

"What is it?"

"My room's at the back, as you know; do you mind keeping a look-out
while I go round and get into my pyjamas?"

"No, I don't mind."

"Particularly on the store, you know."

"Yes, I know."

"If anything happens come straight to me, but as quietly as possible."

"Very well."

"I mean if you see anybody."

"Yes."

"But I shan't be many minutes."

And he was gone.