Her laughing, yet clearly embarrassed, attempt at explanation had not in the slightest deceived him, for beyond it remained her quick surprise at that earliest unexpected mention of the man's name, the suddenly blanched cheeks, the unconcealed fright revealed by the dark eyes.

The full truth was to be read there, and not in her later more deliberate attempt at leading his suspicions astray.

There was nothing pleasant about this thought, and Winston's sensitive face flushed, his glance wandering uneasily down the midnight street.

For the space of a block, or more, where numerous tents and low wooden buildings stood deserted of tenants, all remained dark and silent; but just beyond glowed brilliantly the many-hued lights of the wide-awake Poodle-Dog, and he could even hear the band playing noisily within the still more distant dance hall.

This combined sight and sound served to arouse him to action and a cool resolve.