"The Rajah is our enemy," was the bitter answer. "You and Travers best
know why."
The two women exchanged one brief glance. Lois crossed the intervening
space and took her husband's arm.
"Archibald," she said, slowly and emphatically, "if this trouble has
anything to do with the mine, it would be well to let the Rajah know
that we also take our share. There must be no suspicion that--that we
have not acted honorably or have shirked our responsibilities."
He stared at her with dull, listless eyes.
"What do you mean, Lois? He knows I haven't a brass cent."
"But I have. And of course my money must go to refund those whom you
have unintentionally ruined."
That roused him. He flung her on one side, with a desperate, goaded
curse.
"Your money! How dare you! It's not your money. Half of it is mine. I
settled it on you."
"If it is yours, I will give it back to you. You will use it as I say.
If not, I shall use it for you."
Colonel Carmichael had reached the garden. He turned now, and there
was a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes.
"That's spoken like an honorable woman, Lois!" he said. "God bless you
for it. But it's too late. Nicholson has already gone to Nehal Singh.
If he fails, there won't be any time to explain. Come on, or we shall
have to fight our way through."
He hurried on through the garden, Beatrice at his side. Husband and
wife stood an instant alone, the body of poor Stafford between them.
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