down into the
hollow of the creek, where I have drawn a ring. I went afterwards and
carefully examined the ground. I think that is all, sir."

"It is enough," said Bernard, very dryly. "You imply that Lance knew
Jim might be cut off by the tide and refused to meddle? But you take
something for granted. Why do you imagine Jim's danger was plain to
Lance, if it was not then plain to you? You went away."

"I knew Carrie and Jake were farther out on the sands, and came back as
soon as possible. I fired my gun to warn Jim. Lance did nothing but
went off; he tried to hide from me."

Bernard made a sign of agreement and then inquired: "Why have you been
frank about it now, after saying nothing for some time?"

"I'd sooner not reply, sir. The thing mainly touches Lance and me."

"His horrible treachery touches us all," Mrs. Halliday declared. "If
it were known, we should be forced to leave the neighborhood. We could
not face a scandal like this."

"I imagine it will not be known," Bernard remarked with an ironical
smile, and turned to Mordaunt. "Have you anything to state?"

"I might urge that I risked getting badly hurt when I lifted the car
off Jim, and that I did not move his punt."

"You consented to its being moved," Dick broke in.

Bernard stopped him and Mordaunt resumed: "It is plain that you have
judged me. Dick brings no proof of his statements; but we will let
this go. There is obviously no use in my denying his tale. Suppose I
admit that it's correct?"

"Jim is the injured party. He must choose our line."

"There is only one line," Jim replied. "This thing cannot be talked
about. Lance knows we know I cannot punish him in any lawful way; but
if he stops at Dryholm, I'll use the backwoods plan. Well, I give him
a week to go."

Bernard nodded and looked at his watch. "A week is too long! If you
pack quickly, Lance, you can get the express to town. Anyhow, you will
leave Dryholm as soon as the car is ready. But I must be just, and
since you might have made your mark in a useful profession had I not
allowed you to think you would inherit part of my estate, I will tell
my lawyers to pay you a sum quarterly. If you come back to Cumberland,
the payments will stop."

Mordaunt made a sign of agreement, and glanced at Dick.

"You have won, but I doubt if you have much ground for satisfaction,"
he said and went out.

Dick was vaguely puzzled, but when the door shut the others were
con