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T WAS a bad situation.

The chauffeur had been unable to start his engine, once he had stopped it, and reported picturesquely that forcing it through the desert sands at top speed had "just naturally plumb busted its heart." Alan's animosity could not but soften a little to the new Judith who had so evidently thrown in her lot with theirs, and whose well-timed aid that day had certainly saved him from a lingering death in the desert. He and Judith had actually talked together almost amicably for several minutes. And it was plain to see that the gentle Rose did not relish the sight of this rapprochement.

Now Mr. Barcus was shrewdly observing an interview between Alan and Rose. And—if the evidence of his senses did not mislead him—he was witnessing their first difference of opinion. It was not an argument acute enough to deserve the name of quarrel, but undoubtedly the two were at odds upon some question—Rose insistent, Alan reluctant. 226