They dispersed shortly afterward, but Batley sought Lisle before retiring to rest.
“I regret that we have added to your anxiety,” he began. “Of course, transport is a serious difficulty—I’ve had some little experience of this kind of thing.”
“In the field?” Lisle asked bluntly. “I’ve had a suspicion of it. Then why didn’t you remember?” He saw Batley’s smile, for they were standing by the packers’ fire. “Oh,” he added, “you needn’t trouble to shield Gladwyne. I formed my opinion of him some time ago—he’s a mighty poor specimen.”
“I’m inclined to agree with you,” replied Batley dryly.
They set off early the next morning, and after his forced march, Gladwyne found the load given him sufficiently heavy. He was badly jaded, aching all over, and disturbed in mind, when they camped near the summit of the divide late in the afternoon without his having been able to secure a word with Millicent alone. He felt that he must gain her consent to a formal engagement before Lisle let fall any hint of his suspicions, which he did not believe had been done so far. Afterward, knowing Millicent, he thought she would staunchly refuse to listen to anything to his discredit, and he could, if it were needful, ascribe Lisle’s attack to jealousy. He must, however, also contrive to push on ahead of the party, on some excuse, and obliterate any remaining trace of the former expedition’s provision caches; then he would be safe.
Millicent had strolled away from the others and was standing among the rocks when he overtook her. The signs of fatigue and tension in his face softened her toward him. Still, it was only compassion; she felt no thrill, but rather an involuntary shrinking and a sense of alarm. She was to be called upon to fulfil a duty to which she had somehow pledged herself.
“Millicent,” he began, “things can’t go on as they have been doing—pleasant as it was. I have waited patiently, but you can’t expect too much. Now I have come a long way to claim my reward. I want the right to look after you, and to tell the others so.”
His abruptness and hoarseness were expressive, but she felt that there was something lacking and she answered with a flippancy she seldom indulged in.
“You thought it needful to bring your privy counselor with you?”
“No; he came without even asking my permission.”