"Possibly I misconstrue your meaning," he said, with some bluntness, determined to reach the gist of the matter at once.

"Did Miss Gillis authorize you to thank me for these courtesies ?" Hampton smiled with provoking calmness, holding an unlighted cigar between his fingers.

"Why, really, as to that I do not remember.

I merely mentioned it as expressing the natural gratitude of us both." "You speak as if you possessed full authority to express her mind as well as your own." The other bowed gravely, his face impassive.

"My words would quite naturally bear some such construction." The officer hesitated, feeling more doubtful than ever regarding his own position.