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174 the worthlessness of the man she loved as it was for her to hide the worthlessness of the man whom she did not love. It was as necessary for her to save Ducane as it was for Dick to destroy him, and for precisely the same reason. And she was going to win. But the knowledge of it burnt her like hot irons.

"Shall I tell you what it was I wanted you to do?" she asked.

"I'll do anything you tell me, you witch, so long as you don't try to drown yourself again. What is it, Jennifer?"

She leaned forward. There was only the worn-down butt of an old moon up in the sky, but its light was full on her face; that daring, mocking face which was not Jennifer's.

"You've promised," she said. "Now tell me. You came because Harry and Robison were coming."

His face changed. His natural suspicion awoke.

"What reason could there be for my coming after them?" he countered.

She shook her head, and the come-and-go smile on the crooked mouth excited him.

"Oh, you men," she said. "You can promise so gallantly; but when it comes to doing—why, where are you then?"

"If you would tell me why you want to know"

"Are you bargaining with me—Dick?"

"No. No. I'll tell you. I have come to watch them. You must make up to me for this, you know, for I have practically put all I have in your hands by saying so."

"Then why did you say it?"

"You appeared to want it as a proof of my affection. Have you forgotten that already?"

His voice kept the thin edge of a sneer for all its ardour. She shut her nails close into her palm. Just now she hated him as she would never hate her husband. For she had never loved Ducane.

"But you can't watch then unless you know where they are going," she said. "I am not bargaining with you, Dick. I'll tell you. They are taking the tug up to Lobstick Island very early in the morning—before anyone is awake."