SUSPICION "If the repairs on the ranchhouse were not finished by this time you would not be reading this," began a letter drawn from a tightly sealed envelope Betty had given Calumet after he and Dade had completed the painting.

Supper had been over for some time, but the dishes had not yet been cleared away, and when Betty had handed Calumet the letter he had shoved the tablecloth back to make room for his elbows while he read.

Bob had gone to bed; Malcolm and Dade were somewhere outside.
Calumet had started to go with them, but had remained when Betty had told him quietly that she wanted to talk to him on a matter of importance.

She sat opposite him now, unconcernedly balancing a knife on the edge of a coffee cup, while she waited for him to finish reading the letter.
"Therefore," continued the letter, "by this time your heart must have softened a little toward me.

I am certain of this, for I know that, in spite of your other weaknesses, that cupidity and greed have no place in your mental make-up.