Page:Burton Stevenson--The marathon mystery.djvu/156

134 in the darkness. At last, Godfrey took out his watch and glanced at it.

“I must be going,” he said, as he tore into little bits the menu card upon which he had made his computation. “My train leaves at nine.”

We put on our coats and went out together. On the steps we paused.

“There’s one thing, Lester,” he said; “we’re making progress, and he doesn’t suspect us. That’s our great advantage. Perhaps we may catch him off his guard. During the next week, keep your eyes open and find out how much Cecily knows. Another thing—keep a clear head—don’t let that siren”

“No danger,” I interrupted, and half unconsciously I touched a ring on my finger.

He smiled as he saw the gesture.

“Oh, yes; I’d forgotten about that. Where is she now?”

“In Florida—she and her mother. They’re coming north next month.”

“Well,” he said, “I’m glad you’ve got the ring—you’ll need it this next week. I wish the chance was mine—Cecily, I’m sure, knows a good many interesting things about Tremaine. Besides, I haven’t got your high moral scruples—I believe in fighting fire with fire. However, do your best. I’ll look you up as soon as I get back. Good-bye.”

I watched him until the crowd hid him; then I turned toward my rooms a little miserably. Without Godfrey to back me, I felt singularly weak and helpless. If Tremaine were really the finished scoundrel we supposed him, what chance had I against him?