ly.
"Well, gentlemen, the first thing was to report a gold find on this
river. Pardon me, Gordon, if I have to keep mentioning you in this; but
I think the soreness will wear off in time. The gold find was reported
to keep Houten quiet, since Gordon was essential in the scheme, and it
was best to have him remain as Houten's agent than have a change and get
old Houten out here to see for himself. By the way, it was Leyden's
greed that at last forced Houten to send you fellows here to search out
that gold source. Now, Leyden arranged to have carriers from the other
side come here for their opium, bringing gold in payment for it, and
Gordon received a share as his payment. He had to send some to Houten,
to keep the supply of trade goods coming in; but at last Leyden's greed
got so intense that he forced Gordon here even to pay in trade for the
small amount of gold he got, and so latterly Houten had not only
received no gold dust, but his trade goods have shown no profit."

Gordon's face had cleared as the talk went on, and when Vandersee
finished, he raised his eyes and met the gaze of all of them fearlessly,
confident in his own recovery from a hateful bondage.

"May I ask if there is anything more against Leyden than opium running?"
inquired Little quietly.

"No doubt you have heard there is," smiled Vandersee, but his smile was
sad. "My Government want that business cleaned up, of course. I think
Houten will be satisfied with your work, when it's finished, and I give
him my report too; but there is another side to the business which is
mine entirely, at least until it comes to a head, when you shall all
share in the harvest. You know, don't you, Gordon?"

The big Hollander appeared sorely agitated, and his utter alteration of
countenance sent a pang to Barry and Little. They ceased to wonder and
decided to accept Vandersee without question, when Gordon quietly
responded: "Yes, God knows I know! And when it's over, gentlemen, you'll
hate yourselves for ever doubting!"

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Vandersee folded away his map and then outlined the plan he had formed.
While he spoke, Gordon shifted uneasily to the other side of the room,
merely saying, though Little had not spoken:

"Don't look at me like that, Little. I'm clean now, if I wasn't when you
first met me; please let that be my excuse for the present for anything
I may have done to offend you or Houten, won't you?"

Little colored deeply and looked emb