Afterward he sought recreation and finally went to his room, where he tried to read.

Even that was impossible.
Some time later he heard her voice, then Veath's.
"I wonder if Hugh is in his room ?" she was asking.
"He probably thinks we've taken a boat and eloped Shall I rap and see ?" came in Veath's free voice.
"Please--and we'll tell him where we have been." "You will like thunder!" hissed Hugh to himself, glaring at the door as if he could demolish it.
Then came a vigorous pounding on the panel; but he made no move to respond.

Again the knocking and a smile, not of mirth, overspread his face.
"Knock! Confound you! You can't get in!" he growled softly but triumphantly.

Veath tried the knob, but the door was locked.
"He's not in, Miss Ridge.

I'll see if I can find him.