"I suspect as much, but Coombs claims he was kicked off the place, and
returned North."

For a moment she stood silent, breathing heavily, her eyes on my face.
In the pause I saw again the picture of the old Judge, and remembered.

"Why is he here then? What authority has he?"

"Come outside into the garden, and I will tell you the whole story.
Somehow I feel here as though we were being watched every minute.
Never mind a hat; we will find shade somewhere."




CHAPTER XVII

CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE

In front of the veranda, and to the right of the brick walk, the
latticework of a small summerhouse could be discerned through a maze of
shrubbery and weeds. No path led toward it, yet we made the difficult
passage, by pressing aside the foliage, and discovered a rustic seat
within, where we were completely screened from observation. I felt the
slight trembling of the woman's form from suppressed excitement, but
the adventure with Coombs had only served to stiffen my nerves. With
flushed cheeks, and eyes bright and questioning, she could scarcely
wait for me to begin.

"Now tell me; surely we are out of sight and hearing."