“Yes, I will tell you why we go. My cousin Adrian has just asked me to marry him—”
“Indeed! But I am not surprised. The signs of the weather have been unmistakable for a little time. And of course he does not know of Dick Bracknell!”
“But he does! He has known all the time. He even stooped to use his knowledge so as to bring pressure upon me.”
“How shameful!”
“Yes! But that is of small moment. Don’t you see the significance of the fact that he had knowledge of my marriage? He was aware of it all the time, and as you know he made love to me. Even at North Star——”
“Yes! Yes! But you do not think that he fired the shot which——”
“I do not know what to think! I am going to find out. Of one thing I am sure, and that is that cousin Adrian is afraid of what Corporal Bracknell may discover. And Corporal Bracknell has disappeared. He may have learned much that I want to know, and something may have befallen him. He may even be dead, but if he is alive we must find him before Cousin Adrian does. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I think I do! You have grown afraid of what Mr. Rayner may do.”
“I do not trust him. I cannot after—” She broke off. “I am my own mistress now. There is no need that I should consult any one as to my comings and goings. We will go down to the steamship offices at once. We will not waste even a moment.”