m down--that is, I meant to, and
started out by the first train. I'm at the mine on the south road now."

"You haven't been home?"

"No," said Townshead grimly. "I came straight to you, and in the first
place you're coming with me everywhere to deny this story."

Alton sat very still for a space, and the lad seemed to quiver as he
watched him. "I can't--that is, not all of it."

Every trace of colour faded from Jack Townshead's face. "Good Lord!
Damn you, Alton--it can't be true."

Alton rose up slowly and stretched his hand out, while the veins
swelled out on his forehead. Then he dropped it again.

"You'll be sorry for this by and by, Jack," he said. "Don't you know
your sister better--you fool? Now sit down there, and I'll tell you
everything."

The lad was evidently spirited, but he was a trifle awed by what he saw
in Alton's eyes, and did as he was bidden. The hoarse voice he
listened to carried conviction with it, but his face was almost haggard
when the story was concluded. "Now," said Alton very slowly, "that's
all, and for your sister's sake you dare not disbelieve me."

Jack Townshead groaned. "Thank God," he said, with a tremor in his
voice. "But, Harry, what is to be done? I simply can't tell the old
man--and there's Nellie. You can't deny sufficient to be any good--and
the cursed thing will kill her. Now I'm trying not to blame you--but
there must be a way of getting out somehow--and it's for you to find
it."

Alton leaned upon the table a trifle more heavily, his eyes
half-closed, and one hand clenched.

"Yes," he said slowly. "There is a way--and I'm beginning to see it
now. Get your hat, Jack, and in the first place we'll go right along
and see Mr. Cartier."

The lad rose, and then, possibly because he was over-strung and needed
relief in some direction, laughed harshly. "I think you had better
wash your face before you go," he said.

Twenty minutes later they entered an office together and Alton signed
to a clerk. "Tell Mr. Cartier I'm wanting to see him right now," he
said. "You know who I am."

The man smiled, for he probably also grasped the purport of Alton's
visit. "Then you had better come back in a week," he said. "He went
across to Victoria yesterday."

"That," said Alton grimly, "was wise of him."

They went out, and the lad glanced at his companion. "It is of the
least importance. There is more to be done!"

"Yes," said Alton simply. "You have my sy