ess, "I am afraid I must make
an admission, I am hemmed in by almost overwhelming anxieties, and I
have come to no understanding yet with Alton respecting Carnaby. Now
if disaster overtook him in the ranges it would entail an investigation
of the Carnaby affairs, and the withdrawal of a good deal of money from
my companies, which would seriously hamper me. I have once or twice
had to slightly exceed my duties as trustee, and Alton would approve of
steps I have taken which a lawyer or accountant would consider
irregular. Of course, if you had any knowledge of business I could
make it more clear to you, but I can only tell you that I am anxious
about Alton's safety for my own sake as well as his."

Alice Deringham turned towards him with a trace of impatience. "We may
as well be honest, and I fancy Mr. Alton is used to risks," she said
quietly. "Whether he encounters more than usual just now or otherwise
is absolutely no concern of mine."

Deringham saw the change in her and wondered, but resolved to profit by
it.

"I want him kept here a little longer. It is important to me," he said,

The girl saw the hand of Hallam in this, and surmised that it would not
be to Alton's advantage if he postponed his journey, but she was
vindictively bitter against him then, and glanced at her father
inquiringly. It was evident that he was anxious and ill, and she was
sensible of a pity that had yet a trace of contempt in it for him.

"Still, I do not see how I could induce him to remain," she said.

"Well," said Deringham slowly, "there is a way. Forel will be here in
a minute--but if you would listen to me."

Deringham seemed to find a difficulty in commencing, and there was a
curious expression in his restless eyes, while once or twice he stopped
and proceeded somewhat inconsequently. He had made tools of a good
many men and befooled the public without any especial scruples, but
there was a shred of pride left him, and this was the first time he had
stooped to drag his daughter into his schemes. His story lacked
plausibility, and the girl was not deceived, but he was her father, and
it was his cause she was asked to further against the man who had
humiliated her and dispossessed him. She glanced away from him when he
had finished, but her voice was quietly even.

"I think I shall be sorry for it ever afterwards, but I will do what
you ask," she said.

Deringham, who was slightly bewildered by something in her attit