Page:The Death-Doctor.djvu/175

Rh taking advantage of our heated argument, had played the eavesdropper. This was serious.

I went back to Anderson's room, and in a moment knew that it was he who had listened, and that now he knew too much for my safety.

You will remember that when I went away we had just lit cigars. I left him smoking, and when I came back he was still smoking, but only the first half-inch had been consumed; the cigar had not been touched while I was away; mine was nearly finished. The idea struck him about ten seconds later, and he threw the tell-tale roll of tobacco into the fire, saying that he felt queer, as an excuse.

Matters began to look serious; it was quite certain that this red-headed devil was a dangerous enemy, a man to be reckoned with; and I began to turn over schemes in my mind for his defeat.

"I can't chuck him, that's certain," I thought. "One breath of suspicion and twenty criminal offences might be raked up against me. It's only my position, my extravagant living, and prompt payment of all local debts which keeps me, like Cæar's wife, beyond suspicion. One inkling in the right quarter, and I'm bowled out."