That was the world-old call. Not free for herself, but free that another might claim her. He, sitting there, wanted her. She had not altered that by her heroism. Who would help her free herself, for herself? Who would cut her loose and make no claims? Would it be possible to help her and not put her under obligation? Could any one trust a higher Power and go one’s way unasking, refusing everything? Was there such a thing as freedom for a woman when two men were so welded into her life?
Northrup set his teeth hard together. In the stillness he had his fight! And just then a shuffling outside brought him back to reality.
Rivers came in, not noticing the unlocked door; he had been drinking. Northrup’s eyes, accustomed to the gloom, marked his unsteady gait; smiled as Larry, unconscious of his presence, sank into a chair––the one in which Jan-an had sat––reached out toward the lamp, struck a match, lighted the wick and then, appalled, fixed his eyes upon Northrup!
CHAPTER XIV
“Hello, Rivers! I’m something of a surprise, eh?”
“Hell!” The word escaped Rivers as might a cry that followed a stunning blow.
A guilty person, taken by surprise, always imagines the worst. Rivers knew what he believed the man before him knew, he also believed much that Maclin had insinuated, or stated as fact, and he was thoroughly frightened and at a disadvantage.