I
don't know that I need hold myself responsible for Benson, but I found
he wasn't in when I rode past his place and it struck me that he might
get into trouble if he got on a jag."

He turned and nodded to Blake.

"So you have come up here! I may see you tomorrow, but if Benson's all
right I'm going home now."

He went into the hotel and soon afterward they heard him leave by
another door. An hour later, when Harding and Blake were in their
room, the keen young American brought his fist down on the bedpost with
vehemence.

"I tell you," he said, "there's something queer about that fellow
Clarke--something even Gardner don't know. I don't like that look
that's behind his eyes, not in 'em; and the less we see of him, I
reckon the better."

CHAPTER VII

THE OCCULT MAN

After breakfast the next morning, Blake and Harding sat on the veranda
talking to the farmer. When they mentioned their first objective
point, and asked if he could give them any directions for reaching it,
he looked thoughtful.

"I only know that it's remarkably rough country; thick pine bush on
rolling ground, with some bad muskegs and small lakes," he said. "You
would find things easier if you could hire an Indian or two, and a
canoe when you strike the river. The boys here seldom go up so far;
but Clarke could help you if he liked. He knows that country like a
book, and he knows the Indians."

"We're willing to pay him for any useful help," Harding said.

"Be careful," cautioned the farmer. "If you're on a prospecting trip,
keep your secret close. There's another bit of advice I might give."
He turned to Blake. "If you're a friend of Benson's, take him along
with you."

"I suppose I am, in a way, though it's a long time since I met him.
But why do you suggest our taking him?"

"I hate to see a man go to pieces as Benson's doing. Clarke's ruining
the fellow. He must have got two or three thousand dollars out of him,
one way or another, and isn't satisfied with that. Lent him money on
mortgage to start a foolish stock-raising speculation, and keeps him
well supplied with drink. The fellow's weak, but he has his good
points."

"But what's Clarke's object?"

"It isn't very clear. But a man who's seldom sober is easily robbed,
and Benson's place is worth something; Clarke sees it's properly
farmed. However, you must use your judgment about anything he tells
you; I've given you warning."

The farmer rose as he spok