Part 48 (2/2)

”Wasn't that a little rash?” he asked. ”Can you point out any reason why I shouldn't arrest you?”

”I fancy I can,” and Ingleby made a gesture of impatience. ”For one thing, if you attempted to lay hands on me or reached for your pistol I should fling you out into the snow. That, of course, isn't in good taste to say in another man's house; but it may save everybody unpleasantness, and, in any case, I'm one of the proletariat from whom too much is not expected.”

There was a harshness in his voice and a glow in his eyes which seemed to indicate that he was perfectly willing to make his promise good, while, though his att.i.tude was certainly not all that conventionality demanded, it was, at least, natural in the circ.u.mstances, and Grace was not displeased by it. Esmond, perhaps because he recognized the necessity for displaying his superior training, kept his temper, and Coulthurst watched them both, with a little grim smile.

”I haven't the least intention of indulging in an exhibition of that kind, which would be quite unnecessary,” said the police officer. ”There is a trooper within call who has a carbine.”

”I saw him, though, being a policeman on duty, he naturally did not see me. What would you gain by calling him?”

”I think he and I between us could take you to the outpost.”

”You might. I haven't a weapon of any kind with me, but what then? Two of my comrades know where I am, and you would have thirty or forty armed miners inquiring for me before morning. It is, of course, quite plain that you can't afford to force an outbreak of that kind.”

Esmond realized that this was true. Ingleby, it was evident, held the cards and was quite aware of it. He wisely said nothing, though his face grew hot, and there was a wicked look in his eyes. Then Ingleby turned to the major again.

”What I have to say is not in the least important, and will not keep you a minute, sir,” he said. ”Still, there are reasons why I would sooner Captain Esmond didn't hear it.”

”I believe he was going when you came in,” said Coulthurst reflectively.

The hint was plain enough, and Esmond moved towards the door, while Ingleby, who stood between him and his fur-coat, handed the coat to him.

Then as the officer went out he lifted a partly-filled flour-bag in from the veranda, and, when he had closed the door, laid it with the case on the table.

”Won't you sit down?” Grace said quietly.

Ingleby looked at Coulthurst. ”I scarcely think Major Coulthurst would object to anything you suggest, but I am in his hands.”

”Sit down--and be hanged to you!” said the major, whose face grew suddenly red. ”Do you suppose I enjoy the position you have forced me into?”

Ingleby did as he was bidden. ”I came across this case at the settlement, sir, and was told it was for you. From what the storekeeper said I fancied Miss Coulthurst would be pleased to have it, and that you wouldn't mind my bringing it up with me.”

”You were at the settlement?” and Coulthurst glanced at him almost incredibly. ”Perhaps you know Esmond sent down two or three troopers, and they couldn't face the snow?”

”Yes, sir. You will probably understand why I preferred not to mention it in Captain Esmond's presence.”

”The box is proof that you were there--but how the devil you managed it is more than I know. The troopers certainly couldn't.”

”They didn't go the right way,” said Ingleby drily.

”Then there is another one?” and Coulthurst flashed a sharp glance at him.

”As a very little reflection would show you that there must be, there is no use in running away from the question. Besides, I feel I'm safe in your hands, and, while circ.u.mstances continue as they are, Captain Esmond couldn't profit by any conclusions you might come to. Shall I open the case for you, sir?”

The major made a little sign, and Ingleby, crossing to the hearth, picked up the rock-drill, which served as poker, and contrived to prize up the lid with it.

It was a trifling action, but it was characteristic; and Grace noticed that he made use of the thing that was nearest without troubling anybody to find him a more suitable implement. Then he laid out the contents of the box upon the table, and the girl's face softened as she watched him.

The little comforts in themselves were worth a good deal to her just then, but the fact that he had thought of her was worth far more. The major, however, appeared a trifle disappointed, and she fancied she knew what he was looking for. Ingleby seemed to know it, too, for there was a suggestion of a smile in his eyes. Leaning one elbow on the table she looked at him with her rounded chin in the palm of one hand.

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