Merriman took his cigar from his lips and sat up on the locker.

"Look here, old man," he said, "I'm sorry I was a bit ratty last
night. I don't know what came over me. I've been thinking of what
you said, and I agree that your view is the right one. I've decided
that if you'll have me, I'm in this thing until we're both satisfied
there's nothing going to hurt either Miss Coburn or our own country."

Hilliard sprang to his feet and held out his hand.

"Cheers!" he cried. "I'm jolly glad you feel that way. That's all
I want to do too. But I can't pretend my motives are altogether
disinterested. Just think of the kudos for us both if there should
be something."

"I shouldn't build too much on it."

"I'm not, but there is always the possibility."

Next morning the two friends got out the collapsible boat, locked
up the launch, and paddling gently up the river until the galvanized
gable of the Coburns' house came in sight through the trees, went
ashore on the opposite bank. The boat they took to pieces and hid
under a fallen trunk, then, screened by the trees, they continued
their way on foot.

It was still not much after seven, another exquisitely clear morning
giving promise of more heat. The wood was silent though there was
a faint stir of life all around them, the hum of invisible insects,