sent you will have to be in here
where I'm compelled to look at you. The photographic injunction to
look pleasant oughtn't to apply only to the taking of pictures. For
the love of Heaven, sit down, Selwyn, and behave yourself!"

Selwyn hung up his hat and coat and took the seat opposite mine.
From him came radiation of endurance, and, objecting to being
endured, I spoke impatiently. I did not care to be traveling at four
o'clock in the morning any more than he did, but much in life has to
be done that isn't preferable. He had invited himself to take the
trip. His desire to share any criticism coming to me for my part in
it was sincere, but rather than shielding it might subject me to an
increased amount. For the first time such a possibility came to me,
and, looking up, I saw his eyes were gravely watching me.

"I thought I was behaving. I'm willing to play the part properly if
I know the part, but I don't know it. Your intimations have been
indefinite."

"There's been no time for any other sort. When Mrs. Swink learns
that Madeleine and Tom have run away she will begin to ask where, and
somebody will certainly suggest Claxon."

"Then why go to Claxon?"

"They're not going to Claxon. We are going there. Just this side is
a little station at which they can take a local for Shelby. They
will change at this station and go to Shelby while we keep on to
Claxon and get off there."

"But last night you insisted on their going to Claxon." Selwyn's
voice implied that a woman's methods of management were beyond a
man's understanding.

"Inquiries will be made as to who bought tickets for Claxon. Mrs.
Swink will have the whole police department running around for clues
and things. I told you not to buy tickets. Did you?"

"I did not. I'm taking orders and doing what I'm told, but, being
new at it, I don't work as smoothly as I might. Is there any special
reason why I shouldn't have bought tickets?"

"There is." I opened my pocket-book, and, taking out a note, handed
it to him. "I'll take breakfast with you but I'll have to pay my
railroad fare. I didn't want you to get tickets, because if two
couples bought them it would cause confusion and telegrams might be
sent to Shelby also. I didn't have time to think it all out last
night. I only knew Tom and Madeleine must seemingly go to Claxon and
yet not go. I wasn't sure what could be done, but after you decided
to come I thought we could play the par