idea that would give him an excuse for leaving her to follow
Jeanne and Pierre. The facts that Gregson had left him so
strangely, that Eileen had come with her father, and that, instead
of clearing up the mystery in which they were so deeply involved,
the arrival of the London ship had even more hopelessly entangled
them, were forgotten for the moment in the desire to intercept
Jeanne and Pierre before they could leave Churchill. Miss Brokaw
herself unconsciously gave him the opportunity for which he was
seeking.

"You don't look very happy, Philip," she exclaimed, in a chiding
voice, meant only for his ears. "I thought--perhaps--my coming
would make you glad."

Philip caught eagerly at the half question in her voice.

"I feared you would notice it," he said, quickly. "I was afraid
you would think me indifferent because I did not go out to meet
you in the boat, and because I stood hidden at the end of the pier
when you landed. But I was looking for a man. I have been hunting
for him for a long time. And I saw his face just as we came
through the crowd. That is why I am--am rattled," he laughed.
"Will you excuse me if I go back? Can you find some excuse for the
others? I will return in a few minutes, and then you will not say
that I am unhappy."

Miss Brokaw drew her hand from his arm.

"Surely I will excuse you," she cried. "Hurry, or you may lose
him. I would like to go with you if it is going to be exciting."