“In that case, you had better watch him,” warned Nasmyth, looking deeply disturbed. “He may try to reach them first.”
The next moment Crestwick joined them.
“What’s to be done, Vernon?” he exclaimed. “Miss Gladwyne’s engagement’s formally announced—it can’t go on!”
“Why?” Lisle’s voice was stern. “What has it to do with you?”
“Well,” explained Crestwick, hesitating, “the man’s not to be trusted, he’s dangerous. He simply can’t be allowed to make this match!” He paused and spread out his hands. “I’m horribly troubled about it—I’d better tell you that I know—”
“You know nothing that need be mentioned,” Lisle interrupted him. “That’s positive; you have to remember it. As to the rest, you’ll leave the matter entirely in my hands.”
“Oh, well,” agreed Crestwick, “if you order it. That relieves me of my responsibility. I’m uncommonly glad to get rid of it.”
Lisle abruptly strode away, and Crestwick saw that Nasmyth was regarding him curiously.
“Lisle was quite right,” Nasmyth said. “He only forestalled me in instructions I meant to give you.”
“Then you understand what I was referring to?” exclaimed Crestwick.