. I
don't think she'll object from what I can see--not that it would matter
if she did. So there you are. Put Rupert Dunsmore out of the way and
it'll be the best day's work you've ever done, and you shall have Ella
into the bargain--if you claim her. Makeweight."

He began to laugh again and Dunn laughed, too, for while he was not sure
what it was that amused Deede Dawson, there were certain aspects of all
this that bore for him a very curious and ironic humour.

"All right," he said. "You bring me face to face with Rupert Dunsmore
and you won't have to grumble about the result, for I swear only one of
us will go away alive. But how are you going to do it?"

"I've my plan, and it's simple enough," answered Deede Dawson. "Though
I can tell you it took some working out. But the simplest problem is
always the best, whether in life or in chess." Again he indulged in
a low and guarded outburst of his thin, mirthless laughter before he
continued: "I suppose you know Rupert Dunsmore is one of those restless
people who are never content except when wandering about in some out of
the way place or another, as often as not no one having the least idea
of his whereabouts. Then he turns up unexpectedly, only to disappear
again when the whim takes him. Lately he has been away on one of these
trips, but I happen to know he is coming back almost at once--what's the
matter?"

"I was only wondering how you knew that," answered Dunn, who had given a
sudden start.

"Oh, I know, never mind how," Deede Dawson said. "I know that tomorrow
afternoon at four o'clock he will be waiting by the side of Brook Bourne
Spring in Ottom's Wood, near General Dunsmore's place. Which is as out
of the way and quiet and lonely a spot as you could wish for."

"And you have information that he will be there?" Dunn said
incredulously. "How can you possibly be sure of that?"

"Never mind how," answered Deede Dawson. "I am sure. That's enough. My
information is certain."

"Oh, it is, is it?" Dunn muttered. "You are a wonderful man, Mr.
Dawson. You know everything--or nearly everything. You are sure of
everything--or nearly everything--but suppose he changes his mind at the
last moment and doesn't come after all?"

"He won't," answered Deede Dawson. "You be there and you'll find him
there all right."

"Well, perhaps," said Dunn slowly. "But what I want to know is why you
are so sure? There's a good deal hangs on your being right, you know."

"I only