"You are afraid of that man, Barbara," said Alan presently, guessing her
thoughts.

"A little," she answered, "so far as I can be afraid of anything any
more. And you?"

"A little also. I think that he will give us trouble. He can be very
malevolent and resourceful."

"Resourceful, Alan; well, so can I. I'll back my wits against his any
day. He shan't separate us by anything short of murder, which he won't
go in for. Men like that don't like to break the law; they have too much
to lose. But no doubt he will make things uncomfortable for you, if he
can, for several reasons."

Again they walked on lost in reflections, when Barbara suddenly saw her
lover's face brighten.

"What is it, Alan?" she asked.

"Something that is rare enough with me, Barbara--an idea. You remember
speaking about that Asiki gold just now. Well, why shouldn't I go and
get it?"

She stared at him.

"It sounds a little speculative," she said; "something like one of my
uncle's companies."

"Not half so speculative as you think. I have no doubt it is there and