For a while he sat at her feet, with her hand on his shoulder, talking about the future, and she was sensible of a certain calm satisfaction which had in it more than a trace of resignation. She had not shirked her duty, she was safe from temptation, and she had after all a sincere, half-pitying tenderness for the man. Her liking for him would, she thought, grow stronger, and the passion which Lisle had once or twice half awakened in her was a thing to be subdued and dreaded. Though Gladwyne saw that she was but lightly moved, he was content, and some time had passed when they went slowly back together to the camp.
Miss Hume was the first to notice them and when Millicent smiled she went hastily forward and kissed her. Then Bella joined them and Batley offered his good wishes in fitting terms. When Lisle and Nasmyth came up, a word from Bella was sufficient for them. For a moment the girl was startled by what she read in the Canadian's face. It was, however, invisible to Millicent. Turning suddenly round without speaking he strode away, followed by Nasmyth. Stopping when he was hidden from the camp among the rocks Lisle turned savagely to his companion.
"I did!" replied Nasmyth. "The hound! It must be stopped!"
"Yes," asserted Lisle, more coolly, "that's a sure thing. Still, there are difficulties--she may not believe my story now. I almost think I'll wait until we reach the two caches; then with something to back my statements, I might force the truth from him."
"In that case, you had better watch him," warned Nasmyth, looking deeply disturbed. "He may try to reach them first."
"What's to be done, Vernon?" he exclaimed. "Miss Gladwyne's engagement's formally announced--it can't go on!"
"Why?" Lisle's voice was stern. "What has it to do with you?"
"Well," explained Crestwick, hesitating, "the man's not to be trusted, he's dangerous. He simply can't be allowed to make this match!" He paused and spread out his hands. "I'm horribly troubled about it--I'd better tell you that I know--"
"You know nothing that need be mentioned," Lisle interrupted him. "That's positive; you have to remember it. As to the rest, you'll leave the matter entirely in my hands."
"Oh, well," agreed Crestwick, "if you order it. That relieves me of my responsibility. I'm uncommonly glad to get rid of it."