the throat within that grip but it's there. Ah, it's there! I could see
it. You see it. Presto! everybody will see it." He replaced the cloth.

"In a couple of years," he went on, "my work will be done. Let him show
nothing, know nothing, till, then."




CHAPTER XXIII


"If it's a fine day to-morrow," said Leighton that evening to Lewis,
"we'll spend it in the country. Ever been in the country around here?"

Lewis shook his head.

"I don't believe Cellette knows anything about the country. It would be
a great thing, Dad, if we could take her with us. She's shown me around
a lot. I'd--I'd like to."

Leighton suppressed a grimace.

"Why not?" he replied cheerfully.

The next day was fine and hot. Leighton decided to take a chance on
innovation, and revisit a quiet stretch on the Marne. It was rather a
journey to get there, but from the moment the three were settled in
their third-class carriage time took to wing. As he listened to Lewis's
and Cellette's chatter, the years rolled back for Leighton. He became