lean a few details. The steamer had called
at one or two ports before they got the wires, and while the American
police might have shadowed him, you cannot arrest a Canadian across the
frontier until you get your papers through. By the time that was done
there was no trace of Hallam. Still, I'm a little puzzled, because he
seems to have cleared out at a moment's notice, and it's difficult to
see who could have warned him."

Forel fancied that Alton seemed relieved. "He has gone, anyway," he
said. "Still, if he had only time to catch the steamer the banks would
be closed, and he couldn't go very far without dollars. They generally
want two signatures to a cheque in a concern like his."

Forel looked Alton steadily in the face. "I happen to know that he
took a good big cheque with him, and it was negotiated in Tacoma," he
said. "It has transpired since that his partner was away that day, and
his cheque-book not available."

Alton's eyes closed a trifle, and though he made no other sign Forel
saw that the shot had reached its mark. "Then," he said slowly, "I
would rather you didn't mention it. Hallam is scarcely likely to
venture back again."

"No," said Forel. "There were, I fancy, things his partners didn't
know, but when he had gone they commenced inquiring, and it is
currently believed that what they discovered slightly astonished them.
Then there was an indignation meeting of the Tyee shareholders and talk
about prosecuting the accountant."

There was relief in Alton's face, which softened suddenly as he said,
"And how is Miss Deringham?"

Forel smiled. "I fancied you were about to ask that question first,"
he said. "The girl seemed to take it very hard, and at last I sent my
wife and her away up to the hotel in the Rockies. Hettie has persuaded
her to stay on here, and I expect them home very shortly."

"But she would be wanted at Carnaby?" said Alton.

"Well," said Forel, once more watching him, "I believe the lawyers
wrote for her, but she seems to have a horror of the place, and Hettie
dare scarcely mention it to her. I'll tell you nothing more until
you've had dinner."

Forel adhered to his resolution, and it was more than an hour later
when he returned to the subject as they sat, cigar in hand, on the
verandah, watching the lights of the vessels blink across the inlet.
"We are going to keep Miss Deringham as long as we can," he said. "She
has no kinsfolk she thinks much of in England,