ed his guest, who
helped himself freely and then said, "Your nephew spent a week in the
settlement where I live, preparing for a journey to the North. Though
his object was secret, I believe he went in search of something to make
varnish of, because he took a young American traveller for a colour
factory with him, besides another man."

"I know this," Challoner replied. "I heard about his American
companion; who was the other?"

"We will come to him presently. There is still something which I think
you do not know."

"Then I should be glad to be informed. But, first of all, could you
find Blake if it were necessary?"

"I'm doubtful; the thing would be difficult," Clarke answered in a
significant tone. "He hadn't returned when I left, and the country he
meant to cross is rugged and covered deep with snow all winter. Food
is hard to get and the temperature varies from forty to fifty degrees
below."

"I suppose it could be traversed by a properly equipped expedition?"

Though Challoner's face was calm, Clarke inferred some anxiety to find
his nephew, and answered cautiously: "It would be possible, but whether
a party sent up could strike the others' trail is a different matter."

"Very well," said Challoner; "we'll talk of it again. Go on with what
you wished to say."

He was suspicious, for his visitor's looks were not in his favour, and
the man gave him a keen glance.

"It concerns your nephew's earlier history."

"That is of most importance to himself and me. It can't interest you."

"It interests me very much," Clarke rejoined with an ironical smile.
"I must ask you to let me tell you what I know."

Challoner, who thought he had better learn it, consented, and Clarke
gave him what he admitted was a very accurate account of the action on
the Indian frontier.

"Now," he concluded, "the question, Who gave the order to retreat? is
of vital importance to you."

"In a sense, it has been answered."

"I think incorrectly."

"Then if you differ from the general opinion on the matter, you can let
me have your theory of what occurred."

It took Clarke some minutes to give it and Challoner's heart sank, for
the man carefully arranged his points and the damaging inference could
hardly be shirked. On the whole, his account agreed with Mrs.
Chudleigh's, although it was more cleverly worked out, but there was
nothing to be learned from Challoner's expression. He was now not
dealing with a woman who had