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82 “No, absolutely nothing as yet; but it is only a question of time.”

Claire sat without eating a bite, while her fixed eyes slowly filled. “Poor fellow— poor fellow—poor fellow!” she suddenly cried out. “I cannot believe—” and as suddenly she curbed her tongue.

“Well, what?” said her companion.

“That—he—is dead!”

Daintree darkened.

“So you were thinking of Blaydes!” he said bitterly. “I might have known—I might have known!”

CHAPTER XI

COALS OF FIRE

this time there came no word from the master of the house, nor had the coach returned; but between nine and ten it did, and Mr. Harding was out and up the steps before it stopped.

In the hall he inquired for his daughter; she had gone upstairs; he rushed up instantly. Claire was waiting for him at her bedroom door. He thundered in and shut it behind him.

“They have got him!” cried Claire, with both hands to her heart.

“Got whom?” said her father, sharply. “Got whom, eh?”

Her face fell beneath the angry glitter in his eyes.

“The man—they want—for this frightful business,” said she lamely, and sank down upon a chair.