Jem fell back and his lower jaw dropped as he looked Old Broadbrim in the face.
"I happen to know that Belle Demona hated an old man who years ago spurned her love in Monaco, and, as he was a rich old cove in the States, he was a fat pigeon to be plucked or killed."
"That's it!" and the hand of Jem came down upon the table with emphasis. "He was a rich old cove, sure enough. I heard Merle say that he went out to pay off an old debt."
"One of his own?"
"No; one of hers."
"I hope he paid it. These old rascals who spurn woman's love must sooner or later reap the reward of their acts."
"Yes. Belle would have gone herself but for a little attack of the bush fever," continued Jem. "That's the way Merle came to go."
"Did he go willingly?"
"Yes; he wanted to serve her."
"And did, no doubt. When he came back, of course he acquainted you with the result of his mission?"