Like a drink?" asked Deede Dawson.
Dunn shook his head, and it came to him that he did not attack Deede
Dawson and force the truth from him because he dared not, because he was
afraid, because he feared what the answer might be.
"There's a tool-shed at the bottom of the garden," Deede Dawson said to
him. "You can sleep there, tonight. You'll find some sacks you can make
a bed of."
Without a word in reply Dunn turned and stumbled away. He felt very
tired--physically exhausted--and the idea of a bed, even of sacks in an
outhouse, became all at once extraordinarily attractive.
He found the place without difficulty, and, making a pile of the sacks,
flung himself down on them and was asleep almost at once. But almost
as promptly he awoke again, for he had dreamed of Ella driving her car
through the night towards some strange peril from which in his dream he
was trying frantically and ineffectively to save her when he awoke.
So it was all through the night.
His utter and complete exhaustion compelled him to sleep, and every time
some fresh, fantastic dream in which Ella and the huge motor-car and the
dreadful burden she had with her always figured, awoke him with a fresh
start.
But towards morning he fell into a heavy sleep from which presently
he awoke to find it broad daylight and Deede Dawson standing on the
threshold of the shed with his perpetually smiling lips and his cold,
unsmiling eyes.
"Well, my man; had a good sleep?" he said.
"I was tired," Dunn answered.
"Yes, we had a busy night," agreed Deede Dawson. "I slept well, too.
I've been wondering what to do with you. Of course, I ought to hand
you over to the police, and it's rather a risk taking on a man of your
character, but I've decided to give you a chance. Probably you'll misuse
it. But I'll give you an opportunity as gardener and chauffeur here. You
can drive a car, you say?"
Dunn nodded.
"That's all right," said Deede Dawson.
"You shall have your board and lodging, and I'll get you some decent
clothes instead of those rags; and if you prove satisfactory and make
yourself useful you'll find I can pay well. There will be plenty of
chances for you to make a little money--if you know how to take them."
"When it's money," growled Dunn, "you give me the chance, and see."
"I think," added Deede Dawson, "I think it might improve your looks if
you shaved."
Dunn passed his hand over the tangle of hair that hid his features so
effectu
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