He did not get as far as the door this time. He caught a vision of
Miriam Kirkstone in the shrubbery, bareheaded, her hair glowing
radiantly in the sun. It occurred to him suddenly that it was her hair
that roused the venom in him when he thought of her as the property of
Shan Tung. If it had been black or even brown, the thought might not
have emphasized itself so unpleasantly in his mind. But that vivid gold
cried out against the crime, even against the girl herself. She saw him
almost in the instant his eyes fell upon her, and came forward quickly
to meet him. There was an eagerness in her face that told him his
coming relieved her of a terrific suspense.

"I'm sorry I wasn't at the Shack when you came, Miss Kirkstone," he
said, taking for a moment the hand she offered him. "I fancy you were
up there to see me about Shan Tung."

He sent the shot bluntly, straight home. In the tone of his voice there
was no apology. He saw her grow cold, her eyes fixed on him staringly,
as though she not only heard his words but saw what was in his mind.

"Wasn't that it, Miss Kirkstone?"

She nodded affirmatively, but her lips did not move.

"Shan Tung," he repeated. "Miss Kirkstone, what is the trouble? Why
don't you confide in someone, in McDowell, in me, in--"

He was going to say "your brother," but the suddenness with which she
caught his arm cut the words short.

"Shan Tung has been to see him--McDowell?" she questioned excitedly.
"He has been there today? And he told him--" She stopped, breathing
quickly, her fingers tightening on his arm.

"I don't know what passed between them," said Keith. "But McDowell was
tremendously worked up about you. So am I. We might as well be frank,
Miss Kirkstone. There's something rotten in Denmark when two people
like you and Shan Tung mix up. And you are mixed; you can't deny it.
You have been to see Shan Tung late at night. He was in the house with
you the first night I saw you. More than that--HE IS IN YOUR HOUSE NOW!"

She shrank back as if he had struck at her. "No, no, no," she cried.
"He isn't there. I tell you, he isn't!"

"How am I to believe you?" demanded Keith. "You have not told the truth
to McDowell. You are fighting to cover up the truth. And we know it is
because of Shan Tung. WHY? I am here to fight for you, to help you. And
McDowell, too. That is why we must know. Miss Kirkstone, do you love
the Chinaman?"

He knew the words were an insult. He had guessed their e