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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
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