ou would. This
is a matter which requires to be handled delicately--and effectively."

"Then who is going to undertake it?"

Winifred laughed. "Oh," she said, "a woman, naturally. I'm going back
by and bye to have a word or two with Mrs. Hastings."

CHAPTER XXVI.

THE RESCUE.

Winifred's views were shortly proved correct, for Hastings, who drove
over to the Range a day or two after her visit, came back rather
disturbed in temper after what he described as a very unsatisfactory
interview with Hawtrey.

"I couldn't make the man hear reason," he informed his wife. "In fact,
he practically told me that the thing was no concern of mine. I
assured him that it concerned me directly as one of the executors of
Harry's will, and I'm afraid I afterwards indulged in a few
personalities. I expect that blamed mortgage broker has got a very
strong hold on him."

Mrs. Hastings looked reflective. "You have never told me anything
about the will."

"If I haven't, it wasn't for want of prompting," said Hastings drily.
"Still, the will was sealed, and handed me by Harry on the express
understanding that it was not to be opened until we had proof that he
was dead or the six months mentioned had expired. If he turned up it
would, of course, be handed back to him. He made me promise solemnly
that I would not offer the least hint as to its provisions to anybody."

Mrs. Hastings made a gesture of resignation. "In that case I suppose I
must be content, but he might have made an exception of--me. Anyway, I
think I see how we can put what appears to be a little necessary
pressure upon Gregory." Then she turned again to her husband rather
abruptly. "After all, is it worth while for me to trouble about the
thing?"

Hastings was taken off his guard. "Yes," he said decidedly, "if you
can put any pressure on Gregory I guess it would be very desirable to
do it as soon as possible."

"Then you think that Harry may turn up, after all?"

"I do," said Hastings gravely; "I don't know why. In any case it's
highly desirable--for several reasons--that Gregory shouldn't fling his
property away."

Mrs. Hastings smiled. "Well," she said, "I'll think over it. I'll
probably get Agatha to see what she can do in the first place."

She saw a trace of uncertainty in her husband's face, which was,
however, what she had expected.

"As you like," he said. "Something must be done, but on the whole I'd
rather you didn't trouble Aga