it needed working out.

"But we must be practical," she resumed. "Can you help? You must see
that there is nobody else who can."

Foster made a sign of agreement, for it was plain that Featherstone
could not tell his friends about his trouble.

"I begin to think I might; but although I haven't quite made my plans
yet, I see some danger. Would you take a risk for your brother's sake?"

The girl's eyes sparkled, and he saw that she had Lawrence's reckless
courage. He had heard his partner laugh when they faced starvation on
the frozen trail.

"I would take any risk to save him or punish the blackmailer."

"Very well. I rather think your father will leave things to me, and I
have a half-formed plan. There ought to be some humor in the plot, if
I can work it out. Daly's plainly convinced that your brother's here,
and I don't see why he shouldn't be encouraged to stick to his opinion.
In fact, the longer he looks for Lawrence, the more amusing the thing
will get. Of course, he may turn spiteful when he finds he has been
tricked, but he, no doubt, means to do all the harm he can already.
However, you must give me until tomorrow."

Alice got up and when he rose said quietly, but with something in her
voice that thrilled him: "I think you like my mother and she knows I
meant to talk to you. Lawrence is very dear to her and if he were
dragged back into disgrace, now when we thought it was all forgotten
and he has made a new start in Canada, I am not sure she could bear the
shock. There is nobody else who could help us and we trust to you."

"Then I must try to deserve it," Foster answered with a bow. "But what
about your old servant, John? Have you much confidence in him?"

The girl's tense face relaxed. "In a sense, John is one of the family,
but if you want his help, you must use some tact and not expect Western
frankness. He is remarkably discreet."

Foster opened the door for her, and then went to the gun-room, where he
found John, who had driven him from the station when he arrived,
pouring out some Rangoon oil. Sitting down carelessly, he lighted a
cigarette.

"I understand you were rather fond of my partner, Lawrence
Featherstone," he remarked.

"If I may say so, sir, I was. A very likable young gentleman."

"I expect you know he got into trouble."

John looked pained at his bluntness. "I heard something about it, sir.
Perhaps Mr. Lawrence was a little wild. It sometimes happens in very