Alison's eyes sparkled approvingly.
"But suppose he goes himself?"
"He won't until after supper. Nevis is not the man to deny himself unless it seems absolutely necessary, and he'll naturally assume that Slaney is spending the night with Forrester. But there's a certain probability of his setting out immediately after the meal."
"And what are you going to do about it?"
Thorne's expression became regretful.
"I'm very much afraid I can't do anything. You see, the—arrangement—with Corporal Slaney stands in the way."
"You never thought that Winthrop would come back here when you made it," Alison suggested.
"No," acknowledged Thorne; "the point is that the corporal didn't either."
Alison appeared to reflect, and he watched her with quiet amusement.
"I've changed my mind about Winthrop," she told him at length. "I want him to get away."