"Coombs here was a little reluctant to impart information, and I was compelled to resort to primitive methods.

The result has been quite satisfactory." "Kin I go now ?" he asked uneasily.
"Yes, by way of the front door." I watched his great hulking figure until he disappeared along the path leading around the house.

I had no fear that he would ever face me openly; all I needed to guard against was treachery.

Then I turned and looked into the questioning eyes of the woman.
"What did you learn?
What did he say ?" "Only one thing of real importance," I answered in subdued tone, "and I dragged that out of him by threat.

He was not employed by Neale, and the fellow who was sent down here to assist us was disposed of in some way." "Killed, you mean ?" "I suspect as much, but Coombs claims he was kicked off the place, and returned North." For a moment she stood silent, breathing heavily, her eyes on my face.
In the pause I saw again the picture of the old Judge, and remembered.
"Why is he here then?
What authority has he ?" "Come outside into the garden, and I will tell you the whole story.
Somehow I feel here as though we were being watched every minute.
Never mind a hat; we will find shade somewhere.".