here."

Handsome laughed.

"I do it myself once in a while," he said. "Come with me."

And he led Nick to a place along a path through the swamp where he
succeeded in giving himself a good wash--for Nick had the satisfaction
of knowing that the stain he had used was of such a quality that it
would defy water. Alcohol alone would remove it.

They found Madge on the doorstep, awaiting them; but Handsome paused at
the edge of the clearing, and muttered:

"I leave you here, Dago. I'm not in this. You're to have this interview
alone."

"All right," replied the detective, and was about to move on, when
Handsome detained him by a gesture.

"Put in a good word for me, Dago, if you get the chance," he whispered.
"I have already said many a good one for you--and I made it as easy for
you as I could all around."

"All right," said Nick again.

"And one more word, Dago. I forgot to tell you----"

"What?"

"Cremation Mike has got it in----"

"Who?"

"Cremation Mike--he worked in a crematory once--has got it in for you.
He's the chap you chucked into the soup, you know. He sneaked away after
you left last night, so I'm told, and he swore black and blue that he
would have your life for that act. He will, too. He's sure bad medicine,
that fellow. He's a bad member, too. I just thought I'd give you the
pointer."

Handsome turned away then, and Nick went on alone to the piazza, where
Black Madge was awaiting him.

He stopped just before he put his foot upon the veranda, and waited for
her to make some sign; and she approached quite near to him, looking him
straight in the eyes.

"Good morning, Dago," she said, smiling.

"Good morning, madam," he replied gravely.

"You look quite like a gentleman this morning," she continued, laughing
lightly. "Or, no, rather like a mountain bandit of Italy."

"I could be either if I chose," he replied again, as gravely as he had
spoken before.

"I do not doubt it. I have been giving you considerable thought since I
talked with you here last night. Come inside. You haven't had your
breakfast, I suppose?"

"No, madam."

"Then you shall breakfast with me. I was about to eat mine when I
remembered you, and sent for you."

"Madam is most kind."

She led the way into the house, where a table was spread with good
things, well cooked, too, they appeared to be; and she pointed toward a
chair at the opposite side of the table.

"Sit there," she said. "I declare, we are quite dom