mber. What would be in it?
The same sort of thing that was in--that other?"

"Yes," answered Deede Dawson. "Much the same."

"I shall want to see for myself," said Dunn. "I'm a trustful sort of
person, but I don't go driving about the country with packing-cases late
at night unless I've seen for myself what's inside."

CHAPTER XXII. PLOTS AND PLAYS

"Very wise of you," yawned Deede Dawson. "That's just what Ella
said--what's that?"

For instinctively Dunn had raised his hand, but he lowered it again at
once.

"Oh, cut the cackle," he said impatiently. "Tell me what you want me
to do, and make it plain, very plain, for I can tell you there's a good
deal about all this I don't understand, and I'm not inclined to trust
you far. For one thing, what are you after yourself? Where do you come
in? What are you going to get? And there's another thing I want to say.
If you are thinking of playing any tricks on me don't do it, unless you
are ready to take big risks. There's only one man alive who ever made
a fool of me, and his name is Rupert Dunsmore, and I don't think he's
today what insurance companies call a good risk. Not by any manner of
means." He paused to laugh harshly. "Let's get to business," he said.
"Look here, how do I know you mean all you say about Rupert Dunsmore?
What's he to you?"

"Nothing," answered Deede Dawson promptly. "Nothing. But there's some
one I'm acting for to whom he is a good deal."

"Who is that?" Dunn asked sharply.

"Do you think I'm going to tell you?" retorted the other, and laughed
in his cold, mirthless manner. "Perhaps you aren't the only one who owes
him a grudge."

"That's likely enough, but I want to know where I'm standing," said
Dunn. "Is this unknown person you say you are acting for anxious to
bring about Rupert Dunsmore's death?"

"I'm not answering any questions, so you needn't ask them," replied
Deede Dawson.

"But I will tell you that there's something big going on. Or I shouldn't
be in it, I don't use my brains on small things, you know. If it comes
off all right, I--" He paused, and for once a thrill of genuine
emotion sounded in his voice. "Thousands," he said abruptly. "Yes, and
more--more. But there's an obstacle--Rupert Dunsmore. It's your place
to remove him. That'll suit you, and it'll mean good pay, as much as you
like to ask for in reason. And Ella, if you want her. The girl won't
be any use to me when this is over, and you can have her if you like