big story of a lifetime. I thought he'd better be warned."

When David said nothing, but sat holding tight to the arms of his
old chair, Gregory reached for his hat and got up.

"The thing for him to do," he said, "is to leave town for a while.
This Bassett is a hound-hog on a scent. They all are. He is
Bassett of the Times-Republican. And he took Jud--he took your
nephew's automobile license number."

Still David sat silent, and Gregory moved to the door.

"Get him away, to-night if you can."

"Thank you," David said. His voice was thick. "I appreciate your
coming."

He got up dizzily, as Gregory said, "Good-evening" and went out.
The room seemed very dark and unsteady, and not familiar. So this
was what had happened, after all the safe years! A man could work
and build and pray, but if his house was built on the sand--

As the outer door closed David fell to the floor with a crash.




XI

Bassett lounged outside the neat privet hedge which it was Harrison