His original interest in her had vanished; he had learned to distrust and doubt her sincerity and truth.

Beyond all question she was openly playing an important part in this tragedy under Hobart's direction, but for the life of him he could not figure out to what end.

Still the very mystery of it had its fascination.

While he felt no longer any special desire to serve her, to further risk his life in her cause, yet he experienced a fierce determination to learn what all this really meant; to uncover the object these conspirators had in view.

Although he imagined love no longer spurred him on, his real interest in the affair became even more intense, with an aroused desire to read the riddle.