In a
regular fever swamp Monty was drinking poison like water - and you
were watching. That may have seemed all right to you. To me it
was very much like murder. It was my mistrust of you which made me
send men after you both through the bush, and, sure enough, they
found poor Monty abandoned, left to die while you had hastened off
to claim your booty. After that I had adventures enough of my own
for a bit and I lost sight of you until I came across you and your
gang road-making, and I am bound to admit that you saved my life.
That's neither here nor there. I asked about Monty and you told me
some plausible tale. I went to the place you spoke of - to find
him of course spirited away. We have met again in England, Scarlett
Trent, and I have asked once more for Monty. Once more I am met
with evasions. This morning I granted you a week - now I take back
my word. I am going to make public what I know to-morrow morning."
"Since this morning, then," Trent said, "your ill-will toward me
has increased."
"Quite true," Francis answered. "We are playing with the cards upon
the table, so I will be frank with you. What you told me about your
intentions towards Miss Wendermott makes me determined to strike at
once!"
"You yourself, I fancy," Trent said quietly, "admired her?"
"More than any woman I have ever met," Francis answered promptly,
"and I consider your attitude towards her grossly presumptuous.
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