ute
invitation.

Jake's look remained fixed. He ignored the action, and the case snapped
shut in Saltash's hand with a sharp sound that seemed to denote a
momentary exasperation. But Saltash's face still retained the monkey-like
expression of calculated mischief habitual to it.

"Bunny with you?" he enquired casually, producing a match-box.

"No." Very quietly came Jake's answer. "I have come to see you--alone."

Saltash lighted his cigarette, and blew a careless cloud of smoke. "Are
you proposing to shoot me?" he asked, after a pause.

"No," said Jake grimly. "Shooting's too good for you--men like you."

Saltash laughed, and blew another cloud of smoke. "That may be why I have
survived so long," he remarked. "I don't see the horsewhip either. Jake,
my friend, you are not rising to the occasion with becoming enthusiasm.
Any good offering you a drink to stimulate your energies?"

"None whatever," said Jake, still very quietly. "I don't go--till I have
what I came for--that's all. Neither do you!"

"I--see!" said Saltash.

An odd little gleam that was almost furtive shone for a second in his
eyes and was gone. He turned and crossed the room to Toby.

"My dear," he said, "I think this business will be more quickly settled
if you leave us."

She looked at him piteously. He took her lightly by the arm, and led her
to a door leading to an adjoining room. "By the time you have smoked one
cigarette," he said, "I shall be with you again."

She turned with an impulsive attempt to cling to him. "You'll--keep me?"
she said, through trembling lips.

He made a royal gesture that frustrated her with perfect courtesy. "Are
you not my wife?" he said.

He opened the door for her, and she had no choice but to go through. She
went swiftly, without another glance, and Saltash closed the door behind
her.

CHAPTER II

THE VILLAIN SCORES

"Now, sir!" said Saltash, and turned. His tone was brief; the smile had
gone from his face. He came to Jake with a certain haughtiness, and stood
before him.

Jake squared his shoulders. "So--you've married her!" he said.

"I have." There was a note of challenge in the curt rejoinder. Saltash's
brows were drawn.

"I should like to see--proof of that," Jake said, after a moment.

"The devil you would!" Again the hot gleam shone in the odd eyes. Saltash
stood for a second in the attitude of a man on the verge of violence.
Then, contemptuously, he relaxed.

He lounged back ag