"We've all been so anxious about you," she smiled. "We—we thought——"
"And shall I get twenty thousand pounds if I give you up to a policeman?" asked Dorothy. She felt she wanted to cry from sheer happiness.
"Reward's withdrawn. Haven't you seen the papers?" he said practically; "but they nearly did for Jim," he added inconsequently.
"Jim!" repeated Dorothy. "Who is Jim?"
"My brother," was the reply. "He took my place and I went north."
"Oooooooh!" Gradually light was dawning upon Dorothy. "Then it wasn't you who forgot where the stamps were kept and," she added wickedly, "seemed to disapprove of me so."
"Disapprove of you!" John Dene managed to precipitate such a wealth of meaning into the words that Dorothy felt herself blushing furiously. Even Mrs. West appeared a little embarrassed at his directness.
"Here, it's about time we had some food," he said, turning his wrist to see the time.
"We were just going home to dinner," said Mrs. West. "Won't you come with us?"
"I want you to come right along to my hotel. I've booked a table for you."