we're safe in that direction," continued James Clareborough. "The
next question is, then, did anyone who knew them see them come to the
house? The odds are a million to one that no one did, for they would
take pretty good care that their faces were not seen as they stood
waiting. Besides, where does the inquiry begin? Down yonder. We were
away; they ask for a holiday of my wife; she gives them leave; and they
come away and do not return. Their relatives, if the poor devils have
any, may make inquiry, but it is doubtful. I daresay we shall find that
the scoundrels have been plundering us, and at the worst we could prove
this. There it is in a nut-shell. They have disappeared like hundreds
more, and the world will never be any wiser."

A chill of horror ran through Chester as he listened to all this, and he
was conscious that his companion hung more heavily upon his arm, as if
about to faint.

The pale, ghastly light was growing broader and clearer now, and as he
grasped the fact that he was being made the recipient of the
acknowledgment of a terrible deed, he felt strongly, knowing as he did
the character of one of the men present, how perilous his position was
growing. A few minutes more, he had strung himself up for a sharp
encounter with the relatives who had, as it were, surprised them in a
secret meeting. There would, he felt, be angry words, there might be
blows, but the Clareboroughs would not dare to proceed farther. Now
matters had assumed a dangerous shape, and his thoughts went towards the
fireplace as he felt that the necessity might arise for him to defend
himself and his companion--one against four.

His heart beat fast, but mingled with the feelings of alarm which would
assail the stoutest in such a position, he felt thrill after thrill of
delight. For Marion clung more tightly to him, as if trusting to his
protection, and he mentally swore that he would protect her, come what
might.

His thoughts came fast, but he had little time for musing; and as his
arm tightened round his companion he listened eagerly for the next
utterances of those who were grouped together some twenty feet away.

"Well," said James Clareborough, after a pause, "what have you all to
say to that?"

CHAPTER THIRTY.

LOVE IS MASTER.

There was another pause, as if each of the other three waited for his
companions to begin.

"James has spoken very well," said the owner of the hands which Chester
could see pl