Gold Coast."

"The Gold Coast! How odd! Anywhere near--?"

"The offer came from the Bekwando Company!"

"Is he going?"

"Yes."

She was full of eager interest. "How extraordinary! He might be able to
make some inquiries for me."

He nodded.

"What there is to be discovered about Mr. Scarlett Trent, he can find
out! But, Ernestine, I want you to understand this! I have nothing
against the man, and although I dislike him heartily, I think it is
madness to associate him in any way with your father's death."

"You do not know him. I do!"

"I have only told you my opinion," he answered, "it is of no
consequence. I will see with your eyes. He is your enemy and he shall be
my enemy. If there is anything shady in his past out there, depend upon
it Dick will hear of it."

She pushed the wavy hair back from her forehead--her eyes were bright,
and there was a deep flush of colour in her cheeks. But the man was not
to be deceived. He knew that these things were not for him. It was the
accomplice she welcomed and not the man.

"It is a splendid stroke of fortune," she said. "You will write to Fred
to-day, won't you? Don't prejudice him either way. Write as though your
interest were merely curiosity. It is the truth I want to get at, that
is all. If the man is innocent I wish him no harm--only I believe him
guilty."

"There was a knock at the door--both turned round. Ernestine's trim
little maidservant was announcing a visitor who followed close behind.

"Mr. Scarlett Trent."

CHAPTER XXI

Ernestine was a delightful hostess, she loved situations, and her social
tact was illimitable. In a few minutes Trent was seated in a comfortable
and solid chair with a little round table by his side, drinking tea and
eating buttered scones, and if not altogether at his ease very nearly
so. Opposite him was Davenant, dying to escape yet constrained to be
agreeable, and animated too with a keen, distasteful curiosity to
watch Ernestine's methods. And Ernestine herself chatted all the time,
diffused good fellowship and tea--she made an atmosphere which had a
nameless fascination for the man who had come to middle-age without
knowing what a home meant. Davenant studied him and became thoughtful.
He took note of the massive features, the iron jaw, the eyes as bright
as steel, and his thoughtfulness became anxiety. Ernestine too was
strong, but this man was a rock. What would happen if she carried out
her purpose, fooled, be