For that he knew there could be but one explanation, and when he
walked round, so as to get behind this bush, he was not surprised
to see Deede Dawson crouching there, his eyes very intent and eager,
his unsmiling lips drawn back to show his white teeth in a
threatening grin or snarl.

Near by him was his little chess-board and men, and as Dunn came up
behind he looked round quickly and saw him.

For a moment his eyes were deadly and his hand dropped to his
hip-pocket, where Dunn had reason to believe he carried a formidable
little automatic pistol.

But almost at once his expression changed, and with a gesture he
invited Dunn to crouch down at his side. For a little they remained
like this, and then Deede Dawson moved cautiously away, signing to
Dunn to follow him.

When they were at a safe distance he turned to Dunn and said

"Is he serious, do you think, or is he playing with her? I'll make
him pay for it if he is."

"How should I know?" answered Dunn, quite certain it was no such
anxiety as this that had set Deede Dawson watching them so carefully.

Deede Dawson seemed to feel that the explanation he had offered was
a little crude, and he made no attempt to enlarge on it.

With a complete change of manner, with his old smile on his lips