"What must I prove that I haven't done?"

"You've refused to answer almost every question I've asked you," he reminded her.

"I've told you—" She checked herself, biting her lips. They had again struck the stumbling block. He knew that she dared not tell the truth about herself.

"We might as well go," he said.

Her glance swept wildly about the dark thickets, as though she were reckoning her chances of escape. But she could not help but realize the madness of attempted flight. Her lips parted in tremulous breathing, but she did not move.

"You're still a bit shaken by your fall," he said, shrewdly watching her. "But we'll travel as slowly as you like, and you can hang onto me."

Her figure stiffened, and she scornfully refused his offered arm. "If we must go, let's go," she said in a chilly voice.

She started forward with tottering steps to retrace the pathway along the brook. Dexter cast a last lingering glance towards the huddled dark bulk in the hollow where Susy had tumbled, and then in silence, he turned to follow.

For the present, at least, the girl was forced to resign herself to the bitterness of fate. She walked ahead with shoulders erect, trying to keep her steps from faltering, proudly ignoring the man who stalked behind her.

They crossed the brook, and thence followed the trail northward in the direction of the burning cabin. Presently Dexter caught a tiny point of light flickering in a nearby thicket. He turned aside with a word to his companion, and a moment later, they stumbled into the circle of a new-built campfire, where Colonel Devreaux sat cross-legged on a tarpaulin, contentedly sipping coffee.

"This is Alison Rayne," said the corporal.

"Humph!" grunted Devreaux. He set down his cup and fixed the girl with the stony, unwinking stare that usually frightened evildoers. But Alison Rayne met his eyes and did not flinch.

"Sit down, Alison," he invited at length. "Do you want some coffee?"

"No, thank you," she answered coldly. Nevertheless, she accepted a corner of the tarpaulin and sank to the ground with a tired sigh.

"What did you have to do with the killings in that cabin yonder?" he inquired 

 Prev. P 40/195 next